I travel quite a bit (probably an understatement!) and each time I refine my packing. After years of doing this you would think I would have this down to a science! Yes, I have a bag of small sized cosmetics and hair products, so I’m ready to go at a moments notice. But there are a few things that I have found really useful on a longer trip, and thought I would share!
Rolling Underseat bag: I’ve lugged backpacks for years, and decided to make my life easy and buy a bag that could carry as much as my backpack, but that would roll once I checked my luggage and fit under my seat so I can easily access all my goodies for the flight. I ordered no less than eight, and tested them all side by side. The TravelPro Maxlite 5 Rolling Underseat Carry-On was my favorite – plenty of room for the things you will need on your flight, a padded sleeve for my iPad and kindle, and a pull out hanging plastic compartment for contact solutions, lotions, hair spray, or anything you need for that long flight.
Packing cubes: When you change rooms every other night, nothing makes that job easier than having your clothes packed in cubes. I like the Ultralight Packing Cubes from EBags – you simply move them from your bag to your closet, then back!
Scarves: They keep you warm, change the look of an outfit, and don’t take up much room. I take 3 or 4 to extend my wardrobe.
Plug adapter: The Ceptics plug adapter fits most outlets in Europe. Buy a few, as you need them to charge your phone, kindle and ipad. If you need a curling iron, it’s better to just purchase one with dual voltage than to carry a converter everywhere. I have the Conair Travel Smart ceramic curling iron, which automatically converts the voltage, and never had a problem.
Wallet and change purse: When traveling to several countries, it’s great to keep your money separated. I found the Borgasets wallet one online, and it has plenty of room for several currencies, while being slim and RFID blocking for a great price. For all the change you accumulate, it’s nice to have a separate change purse.
Moleskin: It never fails that your new super-comfortable shoes give you blisters on the first day! Buy some moleskin and cut it into pieces that cover your heels ahead of the trip.
Throw-Away clothes: This isn’t for everyone, but I hate to carry around dirty clothes. From experience I know that I will never wear that shirt I wore on the flight, and storing dirty undies just takes up valuable real estate in my luggage. So wear something you don’t really love on the flight, and toss it when you arrive, and order the cheapest 6 pack of undies, and throw and go. Leaves room to bring back some souvenirs!
Noise cancelling earphones: I’ve traveled plenty without them, but am now spoiled because I can actually hear the movies!
Etcetera, etcetera: Ear plugs, nail file, padded wine bag (or some bubblewrap), travel umbrella, cozy sweater and socks for the plane, zofran (prescription for nausea), and your favorite choices for constipation and diarrhea (best to be prepared!).
Travel On! Shelley@mytripcoach.com
