Table of Contents
- Overview
- Packing Staging Room
- Packing With Packing Cubes
- International Travel Tips
- Portable International Chargers
- Carry-on Items, How To Pack and What to Bring
- Personal Carry-on Bag
- Water Bottles
- Arbonne Energy Drinks, Protein Shakes and Bars, , Probiotics, Greens, Gut Health
- Arbonne Skincare Men/Women
Overview
When it comes to travel, being prepared is key. Whether you are a seasoned globetrotter or a casual vacationer, having the right gear can make all the difference. In this article, we will take a look at the must-have items that I never leave home without. From practical essentials to innovative gadgets, these are the items that have been tried, tested, and proven to enhance the travel experience. Essential travel gear that I can’t leave home without consists of having a reliable travel bag: be it a backpack or (for me) LONGCHAMP bag are crucial choices. With its durable construction and ample storage space, it ensures that you can bring all your travel essentials with ease. And don’t forget the versatile travel pillow, which provides unmatched comfort during long journeys, allowing you to arrive at your destination refreshed and ready for adventure. Another indispensable item is the portable charger. (Linked below) With its rapid charging capabilities, it ensures that your devices never run out of battery when you need them the most. Plus, its compact design makes it convenient to carry around. So, whether you’re exploring ancient ruins or lounging on tropical beaches, these essential travel gear items will ensure that you have an stress-free and enjoyable journey. Do yourself a favor and never leave home without them. Don’t forget your earbuds or noise canceling headphones. A must for air or train travel.
Traveling, do you find it fun? Is packing fun or stressful? Well, I get super stressed packing, it’s the worst part of traveling for me. I actually have.a staging room for my next trip and I start preparing weeks beforehand. Oh it’s a thing and it’s a real stressor for me. Why? Well, I like to have options, so basically I want to take my entire closet with me. (Truth). I also just never know what I’m going to feel like wearing and shoes, oh the shoes!
I’ve learned how to manage my packing anxiety and stress and will share what has helped me conquer this part of my travel. Additionally, as you know I live a fitness lifestyle, so there is much consideration of shoes, workout clothes and the wellness part of what to eat and snack on. How to stay hydrated and keep up with my nutrition. Below are my essential travel gear tips.
I’m going to break this down in a few sections because it’s definitely organized which is key.
Packing Staging Room
Yes, I have a packing staging room and I highly recommend it. If you have an area in your home where you can start to stage outfits, shoes, suitcase and travel only items use it. If not, try to create one, it’s temporary, but it is very helpful.
I start with laying out outfits that I want to bring or certain.shoes, handbags, hats, etc. that I know I want to take on that specific trip. For example, when I went to Miami, I started with my swimsuits, swim coverups, flip flops, beach bag, hat, etc. When I went to Nashville, I started with my booties, fringe and western feel type clothes. Do you get where I’m going with this?
When you have a staging area, you can start putting your outfits together. A friend of mine recently told me you should pack your outfits according to your shoes. That’s actually great advice. If you’re traveling somewhere where you plan on doing a lot of walking, you’ll want to plan your outfits around the outfits you plan on walking in. For me, that would be leggings and sneakers, then layered tops and maybe a jacket. Make a list of items to gather in your staging room, place your camera, chargers, things you normally don’t use daily in that area.
I will also place my suitcase in the staging area to make sure everything I want to bring will most definitely fit in the carry-on, or if I know I’m checking a bag, I might just place all my shoes in the carry-on. (More tips later in this blog)
Packing with Must Have Packing Cubes
The actual packing is crucial. There are plenty of videos out there that will show you how to roll your clothes, pack strategically or just about anything under the sun related to the perfect way. Really, this can to be to each their own, but I’m sharing what works for me and what I absolutely cannot live without.
Packing cubes are a game-changer when it comes to organizing your luggage. They allow you to compartmentalize your belongings, making it easier to find what you need quickly. And they also help to maximize your luggage space.
The Cal Pak packing cubes are my personal favorite. They come in a set of 6, each with a different size, and are made with durable, lightweight material. They also have mesh windows, which make it easy to see what’s inside each cube. (See comparable brand link in photo above)
Using packing cubes not only makes packing and unpacking a breeze, but it also keeps your clothes wrinkle-free. And because they’re so compact, you can easily fit more clothing into your luggage without having to worry about exceeding weight limits.
Yes, packing cubes are life savers. My daughter actually introduced me to these and they changed my travel life. They’re sold in sets and can be organized however you like. I’ll share how I’ve used them below because this is definitely one of the travel items I never leave home without.
I have a pack of 8 and have used them in multiple ways listed below:
- Undergarments and pajamas
- swimsuits and cover-ups
- Jean outfits
- Workout outfits/leggings/coffee run
- Dressy outfits for dinner, special trips
- Accessories, Berets, scarves, fringe handbags, etc.
- Electronics, international adapters, chargers
- Empty bag for dirty laundry
- Make-up essentials
- Tops/Sweaters/Denim jackets
You will be completely surprised how much more you can fit in your suitcase when they’re perfectly organized in the packing cubes. I highly recommend you give them a try and like me, I’m sure they will become your essential travel gear: travel items you never leave home without as well!
International Travel Tips
Portable International Chargers
When traveling to different countries, it’s essential to have a universal adapter. This ensures that you can plug your devices into any outlet, no matter where you are in the world. The universal adapter linked below is my go-to choice.
This adapter is compact and lightweight, making it easy to pack in your luggage. It also has multiple charging ports, so you can charge multiple devices at once. And with its built-in surge protector, you can rest assured that your devices are protected from power surges.
The universal adapter linked below is also designed with safety in mind. It has a built-in fuse, which protects your devices from overloading or short-circuiting. And with its easy-to-use design, you can quickly and easily switch between different plug types.
Be sure you definitely assign a “things to do” list for international travel. Here is a list of what I made sure was checked off before I went to Paris.
- Passport was up to date.
- Checked with my bank to make sure my debit and credit cards did not charge international conversion fees.
- Checked with my cell phone company and arranged a data plan to automatically enable once I landed abroad.
- Purchased $350 USD worth of Euros in advance. To use for toilet tips, taxi, metro, train, etc.
- Downloaded Google Translate App and tested it out in advance.
- Purchased Outlet Power converters.
- Purchased portable travel charger.
- Booked tourist outings in advance. I booked our photo shoot, dinner cruise on on Viator and Get Your Guide. (Links on the blog). Highly recommend.
- I purchased attire conducive to the country. I.e. berets for photos. Photo shoot outfits.
- Special bonus tip, I talked to people who travelled to Paris and asked them for tips.
- Do your homework, YouTube, Instagram and bloggers are great resources.
Carry-On Items-How To Pack and What To Bring
Here are my tips on carry-on bag and items. Our luggage got lost in Paris, some of us for two days, the other four days. Based on that experience, this is what I learned and recommend. The personal carryon travel item I never leave home without is my LONGCHAMP expandable tote.
What to Pack in the Carry-On Suitcase
- Pack shoes-they go through customs without a hitch.
- Pack 1-2 outfits, leggings, tops, clean undergarments, jacket, toothbrush, hairbrush, mascara, lipstick and pjs.
Personal Carry-On Bag
I’m a huge fan of Longchamps. Yes, they’re made in Paris, (which makes me love them more), but as far as durability, practicality, they are made for travel.
I own the expandable Le Pilage Expandable Tote. I cannot tell you how much I love this tote and never leave home with out it when I travel. First, it’s expandable, Generously, so. Therefore, it gives you flexibility, both on the day of travel, but while you’re traveling, What do I mean?
When packing for my trips I always add extras in this bag, From shoes, to my most expensive items are always with me. I never check them. Therefore, I could have extra purses, belts, shoes, sunglasses, etc. in that carry-on and it’s always with me.
I also pack snacks, (more in a bit) and my Yeti. My portable phone charger is also in this bag, along with my passport, wallet, etc.
Afterwards, during my trip I’ll switch the size back to the smaller version and use it while shopping. Again, it’s expandable and comes in very handy. I’d like to mention to that the fabric makes it very conducive for traveling because it’s very forgiving. It doesn’t show dirt, is absorbent from spills/liquid and is comfortable on your shoulder on slides easily over the carry-on luggage handle.
Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is crucial during travel, but access to clean drinking water can be a challenge in some parts of the world. That’s why a water bottle is an essential must-have for any traveler. The Yeti water bottle is my top choice and comes in a variety of sizes and BPA free if you prefer recycled plastic over insulated stainless steel.
This water bottle is designed with screw top chug lid and easy carry handle. It keeps water cold for hours and its sleek design fits nicely in my LONGCHAMP bag without the worry about spills!
The Yeti water bottle also has a sleek design, making it the perfect accessory for any traveler. And with its convenient carrying handle, you can take it with you wherever you go. Essential travel gear- travel item I never leave home without for sure! I drink lots of water and hydration during travel is really important.
Arbonne
Yes, that’s right, Essential travel gear and travel Items I NEVER leave home without are my Arbonne products. I use these products every single day and do not leave home without them. They are tried and true in my life. From protein shakes, energy drinks, protein snack and skincare, they are essential. I’ve tried many products in my lifetime and have spend $1Ks of dollars on skincare, only to find Arbonne as a steady, consistent product line delivering the best results. (More about Arbonne in another blog)
As for this blog, what do I take with me? What is in my carryon personal bag and my checked in suitcase? Let’s start with the carryon personal bag. The one that’s stowed under the seat in front.
I always have a variety of fizz sticks to mix with water. They’re energy drinks and also provide flavor and a bit of caffeine. Additionally, I have the protein snack and lemon drops just in case I get hungry. I will always have 1-2 protein shake individual packets for extra substance when traveling. Let’s face it airport food isn’t always the best, (although they’ve gotten better). I like having my own food, but you’re very limited as to what you can take through the TSA. I’ve learned fruit, crackers and my Arbonne passes, every single time. I also pack my Greens Elixir which mixes with water and provides my daily greens, skin and gut health care. Tastes like a citrus beverage and mixes well with water in my Yeti.
Planning is really key and keeping consistent with your daily life as best you can really does help with sleep, energy, digestion and hydration. It’s essential that you think about the items you use on a regular basis and make sure you’ve packeted them. Travel items I never leave home without have saved me many times during my trips. From delayed flights, lost luggage, being hungry and needing energy during various times during a trip, all of these items have helped me along the way.
What we feed our bodies really does matter. It helps us from a cellular level and is really necessary. We can travel to different time zones, need something to eat, or drink and having tried and true items on hand really helps with adjusting to the time zones and cultures. It’s the combination of what your body is used to and adding new foods to that routine while traveling has allowed me to travel stress free. I’ve never had any digestive, sleep or any type of issues.
Skincare
Yes, this is a given right? All of us bring our beloved travel size skincare products with us as travel items I never leave home without right? I just want to let you know what I’ve learned after spending thousands of dollars on medical grade skin care products over the past years (and skincare products in general over my lifetime).
The one thing I want to share with you here is that of all the products I’ve used in my lifetime, Arbonne skincare line is something you should really try. I’m not just saying that to say it, I’m recommending from my personal experience. There are sooo many choices in the market, and if you’re like me you probably thought a recommendation from an esthetician in a doctor’s office would give you the absolute best advice. Well, she did until I found Arbonne. This is true story. (More in another blog).
Travel items I never leave home without are my Arbonne skincare line products. All products are vegan, cruelty free, non-gmo, B certified. Those are the technical reasons (and there are plenty more), for me the one and only reason I recommend them is the results I’ve seen in my own skin. These products are for men and women and trust me, there isn’t a reason to try anything else again.
Let us not forget the wonderful men in our lives! Yes I have not forgotten you and although I cannot speak personally about the men’s line, I feel confident it is equally superior to other products on the market. Based on Arbonne’s high standards and ingredients. Please let me know, I’d love to hear from you guys!
I hope that travel items I never leave home without provides you some ideas for your lifestyle and makes your traveling a better experience.
*Disclaimer- I earn a slight commission on all products listed and linked, However, that does not effect the cost to consumers.
Take a photo with your travel pick favorite from this blog and tag me on social media!
Leave a Reply