TRAVEL ESSENTIALS!!!

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

Summer is here and tis’ the season to create memories when you are vacationing! One of the most important and challenging part about any travel is packing…

Since I was 13, which was many moons ago, I always make a travel packing list way before its time to start packing. Initially, my list consisted of almost everything from around the house J As decades passed by, this list started getting smaller and more manageable. Now I feel like I have finally got the hang of packing & so happy to share my tips & tricks to help ease the pain of this process.

There’s a couple Rule of Thumb that works for me:

1. First things first- decide if you’re checking a bag or not (Tip – avoid checking bags):

I prefer not to, but it doesn’t always work out that way, especially if you’re going longer than 7 nights. For all my vacations less than 5 to 7  nights I have only a carry-on luggage.

2. And second- Pack items that serves multiple purposes:

I am always thinking of multipurpose use for most items when traveling. For example, I avoid carrying a purse…Instead,  I carry a large tote bag with all my flight essentials and a small pouch for ID, cash, cards, & passport, inside the tote bag. During the vacation, the tote bag serves as a beach/pool tote at the destination resort .

Wondering what’s in my Tote Bag?

1. Coin pouch
2. Crossbody Purse
3. Jewlery & Accessories
   • Sunglasses– Try to carry at least a couple pairs- (always better to have a backup in case you break or lose one)
   • Comfortable Socks & a scarf- My feet sometimes get cold in the flight . So I always carry a pair of extra socks and a scarf in my travel tote
4. Gadgets
   • iPad, iPhone, headphones, chargers, portable Power Bank & ‘waterproof/ shock proof’ camera
5. Personal Care/Make Up
6. Magazines
7. Snacks
   • I carry some healthy snacks on the flight and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Carry-On Bag Essentials:

Invest in quality luggage with 4 rotating wheels to carry your personal belongings.

1. Beauty/Makeup Clutch Bag

• Unless I’m travelling to attend a wedding ceremony, I try to go with minimal makeup. This multipurpose DOLLUPBeauty.com clutch doubles up as a vanity, holds makeup and works great as an evening clutch,
• Anti-blemish Device– My favorite is from ‘me-clear’ which is proven to clear the skin in just 24 hours!
• Multi-purpose Travel tube– I love this Travel ready tube from Consciouscoconut.com for the following daily uses: Face wash, Makeup Remover, Face/Body Moisturizer, Hair Conditioner, Sunscreen, After sun care, Itch relief & Shaving cream.

2. Clothing/Outfits
   • Remember to plan clothing by day- (Basic Tee’s, Shorts, PJ’s, Jeans, undergarments, socks and Dresses) and think multi-day use- (like seaters/jackets).

3. Beachwear

• Tote Bag, Sunscreen, Swimsuit, Beach Towel and I like to carry a comfortable Kaftan dress as a cover-up. How fun when your beachwear can double up as a Kaftan evening dress. This Azul Black Kaften dress (from Isalora.com) is so comfy…

4. Footwear: Comfortable pair Sneakers and add a couple extras based on the trip
5. Personal Care/First Aid Kit: Feminine Hygiene, Band-aid, Tylenol, ClaritinD
6. Accessories: Belts, Hat, Gloves

And if you plan to have a Checked Bag, then pack 1 to 2 day worth of emergency outfits in your carry-on bag, This extra outfit will come in handy in case the checked bag does get lost/delayed …

Final Few Suggestions:

• Make a packing list!
• The outfit you wear to the airport, try to re-wear at some point on your trip or on the plan ride back home.
• Also think of multipurpose items like the Isalora.com beach Kaftan, DollupBeauty.com  case/clutch, ConsciouCcoconut.com tube, etc
• Carry a folder with hard copies of your boarding pass, hotel confirmations, rental car info, activities planned, etc. on the trip in case technology fails
• Pack some plastic grocery bags for dirty laundry

I hope these valuable travel tips will make your trip more memorable. I would love to hear from you…Please comment & follow along with me on my blog: FashionBeautyDecor.com
I created this blog for the Plano Profile Magazine to feature all my Travel Favorites. If you’re in the DFW Texas area, and come across this article in the magazine, be sure to leave a comment below on your thoughts and suggestions on Topics you would like to see in the upcoming months..