The Items I Always Pack
After reading this article over on Cup of Jo (the comments are GOLD) , it got me thinking about what my absolute must haves are when I travel. I’ve narrowed it down to these few. Obviously I’m excluding necessary items we pack like toiletries, chargers, headphones, etc. These are the things I always bring with me that make the trip easier, more enjoyable, and are also functional.
Tibi Stella Crispy Nylon Pants - I purchased these almost 3 years ago and can honestly say their CPW (cost per wear) is pennies now. If I’m not wearing them on the plane, they are in my bag. I NEVER go anywhere without them. They are the perfect all around pant. You can dress them with a fancy top and shoes or dress them down with sneakers and a sweatshirt. They’re lightweight and airy making them perfect in warm climates (super cute with a tank and sandals) but also roomy enough for layering with tights or leggings underneath in cooler climates. When I’m wearing these, I feel pulled together and chic.
Silver Ballet Flats - I was surprised at how versatile these are. I bought them on a whim because I wanted something comfortable but fun, that could be dressed up or down. They’ve now become my “other” shoe when traveling. I prefer to only carry-on when traveling and shoes can add extra bulk and weight. While I will always wear a shoe that’s great for walking (usually a sneaker or boot) on the plane, I like to have an option for those nicer dinners or when I just want to feel dressier. These fit that perfectly. They look great with jeans, but can also work well with skirts, dresses, and of course my Stella nylon pants.
Lacrosse Ball + Resistance Band - If you’ve had any type of injury or suffer from low back pain, you learn very quickly that airplanes, sitting, and lots of walking are not your friend. I use the lacrosse ball to loosen tight muscles in my hips, glutes, calves, and shoulders. A few minutes a day releases any stiffness and tension and helps me stay injury free. The resistance band helps with stretching and any rehab exercises I need to do as well as a workout if a gym isn’t available.
Kindle - I still think the Kindle is one of the best purchases I made all those years ago. I used to carry so many books with me when I’d go on vacation, then swap with my girlfriends when I ran out of what I brought. Think of all that extra weight and space they added!!! Now I make sure my kindle is fully loaded with at least three books and charged 100% (i’ve yet to need to charge it on a vacation!). I read at the airport, on the plane, before bed, and if I’m on a relaxing beach vacation I read even more. If I’m out and about by myself for a few hours, I love having the option of reading in a coffee shop/cafe, or in a park.
Baseball or Knit Hat - I like having a hat to extend my hair washing days, protect against weather, or simply change up my style. Depending on the time of year, it’s either a plain baseball hat in a neutral color or a knit beanie. I’m a big fan of this beanie and have several colors. For baseball hats, I love this one.
Protein Bars - I like having a few protein bars on hand for a snack or quick breakfast. I love the Barebells brand and the caramel choco is my favorite. These have saved me so many times when traveling. They are lifesavers on flight delays while sitting on the tarmac, great when snacks aren’t offered (for free) on the flight, as a quick breakfast in the am, or snack during the day when out exploring.
Packing cubes - while these might fall in the category of necessity and a no brainer, I’ve realized not everyone uses them and I find I don’t like traveling without them. I have three that I travel with, an xsmall, small, and medium compression. I find the packing cubes help me stay organzied and free up space in my bag. I use the x-small for underwear, socks, tank tops/workout leggings. The small is great for tops and lightweight bottoms. The medium works well for jeans, sweaters, and bulkier items and compresses them to save space.
What are the things you can’t travel without? Please let me know below.