I would say I am a seasoned traveler. I’ve been traveling light with my bags packed my whole life, always ready to pick up and go somewhere new. Over the years I have perfected my list of top essential items that I HAVE to have to board a plane.
1. Carry-on luggage
Anyone that knows me knows I do NOT check a bag when I fly. Not even when were flew to Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji last year. I pack everything in a carry-on! I am not kidding when I say I travel light. My absolute favorite bag is the Delsey Chatelet hard case. I have had both the 21″ & 24″ for about 4 years now and they are still in amazing shape. They have double spinner wheels which makes it so easy to push or pull and the TSA-accepted combination lock and a tracking plate with a unique code in the event of your luggage getting lost. All you have to do is register your bag for free at Delsey.com/security. I will admit however I did check my bag to the Maldives because we flew business class and I wanted to bring several beach hats and bags! (the one exception) I guess it’s my Type A personality that refuses to allow anyone else control of my things! haha I also do not like to carry my tote bag (because it is sooo heavy) on the shoulder but instead push it on top of the suitcase! Now I never said I wasn’t an overpacker! It’s almost more a fun personal challenge to see how much clothing and shoes I can stuff in my two carry-on bags!
2. Luggage Tag
You may think since I NEVER check my bag a luggage tag is really not necessary BUT on occasion (depending what airline you are flying) they may insist on checking your bag for various reasons. (this has happened quite a few times flying internationaly) Sometimes the plane overhead compartments are too small for traditional carry on luggage, sometimes they are already full once you board, and sometimes on international flights their size requirements or weight requirements are not standard to the US requirements and you are forced to check your bag. With my new found love of embroidering I have started making patches to go on lots of things including my luggage tag!
3. Travel Pillow
It’s not a security blanket it’s a security pillow. I am obsessed with my travel pillow. I have had it for about 5 years now and I just recently had my mom make me a new cover! {side note: I embroidered my new monogram on the front!} This specific pillow is no longer available but I have made it my new goal to find something very similar and make custom covers. It has two straps on the back that allow you to tie it up in a roll which works perfectly to tie off your rolling carry-on suitcase or your tote!
4. Slip on shoes
For a flight I ALWAYS wear closed toed shoes, particularly a slip on style. I think it’s a no brainer to wear good, durable shoes while traveling. I mean what if you have to run because you might miss your flight! I’m one of those that likes taking off my shoes once I am seated (I promise my feet don’t stink) and a quick slip on for a bathroom run or getting ready to deboard makes things so much easier!
Side note: my new initials when Adam and I finally get to get married will be LV. So that’s a real problem. When I saw these Louis Vuitton slip on sneakers I had to have them! My other favorite pair to wear are Vince
5. Barefoot Dreams poncho
This is by far my favorite purchase of all time. This Barefoot Dreams poncho has seen the good, the bad, and the ugly. I bought it from Nordstrom about 3 years ago on a whim and I’ll tell you this thing has been with me on every flight since. If you do not own anything barefoot dreams immediately click here! It is the softest and easiest piece in my closet and so perfect for traveling! I love it so much I bought my mom and future mother in law one for Christmas last year!
6. Noise cancelling headphones
Honestly I cannot believe I went so many years without noise cancelling headphones! Adam and I bought ourselves the Bose QuietComfort 35 II last year and it‘s a game changer. We are able to pair them to each other so we can watch the same show on the same device wirelessly. They also come with a cord so when you are flying on an airliner that has built in TVs you can just plug in to the headphone jack. But honestly, even if you do not have anything you want to watch or listen to, turning them on cuts out all the background plane noise and can really help keep you relaxed.
7. Mask
Of course this is a new addition to my list of essentials. (thanks a lot COVID-19) It has been tough to find high quality masks that are breathable, comfortable and do not cause your chin to breakout. This trip to the Maldives was going our first long haul flight masked up and I had to find one that checked all the boxes. SLIP saved the day and honestly it will be the only mask I wear when flying from here on out. It is so incredibly comfortable made of pure silk and has adjustable straps. It’s not “cheap” when it comes to a mask but I’m telling you it is worth it for long term wear!
