Travel Gear I (Actually) Love
Last week I told you that there’s a lot of gear marketed to travelers that you just don’t need, and will be happier replacing with items you already use and love. However, there’s an exception to every rule! I would be remiss if I didn’t share with you a few specific things I’ve found that really make trips run more smoothly. And even better, I use some of them when I’m not traveling!
This jacket has gone with me everywhere, from the Arctic to Estonia.
1) A high quality packable Gore-Tex rain jacket
I don’t care where you’re going in the world, there’s always a chance it will rain, and you’ll be totally miserable if you’re unprepared. I love the Patagonia Torrentshell jacket because it packs down to almost nothing and looks pretty cute - and Patagonia stands behind their products to the extent that they will repair or replace any issues due to normal wear and tear at no cost. And a jacket like this isn't just great for active trips - I’ll throw it on for rainy days running around San Francisco, too!
I carry this Cuyana pouch with me every single day.
2) A stash of Kleenex pocket packs and hand wipe packets
I don’t care where you’re going in the world, you cannot count on the availability of TP and handwashing facilities. This is as true close to home as it is across the globe!
I love pink and I'm 100% ok with that.
3) Appropriate luggage for the destination and length of trip
Luggage is frustrating to store, but if you love to travel, you just have to do it. I keep what I believe to be the essentials: a hard sided carry on and checked bag, a day pack, and bags for skis and ski boots. While you’ll see from my previous post that I use regular purses when I travel, I do also have a couple of soft sided carry ons that I don’t strictly need but adore and use regularly because they’re so cute - I didn’t say I was perfect!
4) Travel wash bag and individually packaged laundry detergent
I’ve talked about this product before and I am here to tell you that it has Changed My Packing Game like nothing else. I can pack so much lighter knowing that I can have unlimited clean, non-crunchy undies and knits to keep every outfit feeling fresh from the inside out.
Don't leave home without it!
5) Power converter
Hotels are increasingly supplying a variety of outlets, but it’s always good to have one converter on hand. I like the multi-port interchangeable power converter from Tumi because it packs all the plugs in the smallest footprint I’ve seen.
Just the necessities, please!
4) Travel size toiletries, makeup, and brushes
Carrying on makes a trip so much smoother - no lost luggage, no baggage check lines, no lugging giant suitcases through airports and train stations. In order to do so, I’ve sourced mini versions of all my favorite products, from moisturizer and eye cream to blush/bronzer/highlighter and makeup brushes. Yes, I do have to spend some time and energy keeping stock on hand and storing these products, but that’s a trade off I personally am willing to make.
What are the travel products that you truly can’t live without?
LMW
