Carry On Packing

It’s important to start a trip out on a positive note. There’s nothing worse than being beside yourself with excitement over a trip and then having a series of unfortunate events put you in a horrible mood. Whether you’re hoping on a 60 minute flight or jetting across the globe, ensuring that your carry on has everything you need is important to set the tone for your vacation

What should you pack? Read on for some of my tips & suggestions.

When I travel I’ll have a purse and a carry on bag. That’s all. Truthfully, I haven’t checked a bag since I came back from 6 months abroad when I was in college.

{Some of my favorites – Sophistry eye cream & oil cleanser, Kora Organics & The Balm}

Toiletry Kit:

• Moisturizing & cleansing should be your top priorities when you’re choosing beauty products for a trip. Organic coconut and argan oil are two of my staples – I don’t think I could travel without all the Josie Maran organic argan oil goodies in my bag.
• You can also find multiple kind of wipes in my toiletry kit. Why? Liquids are limited and can spill, so a cleansing cloth is a great alternative. I love the Josie Maran Argan Oil Bare Naked Wipes for my face, and since I’m an utter klutz I also carry Shout Wipe & Go Portable Stain Treaters and sanitizing wipes. What can I say? I get dirty! 🙂
• I also always have a Pinch Provisions Minimergency Kit which contains all the little things you may need – Safety pins, deodorant wipes, hair spray… As well as a mini sewing set and a small first aid kit.

Want more tips? Check out Things I Love: Travel Edition!

Food:

• Snacks – Nuts, dried fruit {make sure you pick a variety with NO added sugar}, trailmix, Vega protein shakes, energy bites & Larabars.
• Supplements – When I travel I’ll carry a daily supplement pack including a multivitamin, calcium, flax seed oil capsule, and Vitamin B.
• Water – I recently got this Platypus Soft Water Bottle and I’m in love. It’s so perfect for traveling!

Entertainment:

• Electronics – Laptop, iPad, phone & my cords all get packed neatly in my purse. This is where little pouches & zipper bags come in handy, personally I’m a Longchamp girl.
• Books & magazines – I love reading fitness magazines on the plane, not only are they thinner than fashion mags, but they’ll often contain tips & relevant information for traveling which can help keep you on track. I’ll also pack my iPad with Nook app and at least one book.
• Notepads – I’m a writer through-and-through. I always have my planner and 1-2 notepads in my purse at all times. Taking notes, journaling, planning my trip, scheduling…

{Kate Spade Carlisle Street Passport Holder}

I’ve been traveling solo since I was 21 and moved to Rome to study art history. Over the years I’ve created some simple rituals and routines that help me get through my flights in relative comfort.

Here’s my tried & true international travel routine:

Attire – Comfort & layers are key. I’ll usually wear stretchy, comfortable black pants, a tunic, blazer, and carry a pashmina {the perfect alternative to the itchy, icky plane blankets}. I’ll also wear slip on shoes and have a thick, cozy pair of socks in my purse to change into once the wheels are up.

Read more about my Travel Style here.

Beauty – Once we’re in the air I’ll head to the restroom, wash & clean my face, and apply this divine Eve Lom rescue mask. I am not exaggerating when I say that this is life altering, your skin will thank you. I’ll also brush my teeth & slather coconut oil on my skin.

Food & Drink – Water, water, water. I can’t emphasize the benefits of guzzling water enough. It will save your skin, encourage sleep, and even help you fight jetlag! Skip the caffeinated drinks, alcohol, and sugary beverages. Not only will they dehydrate you, they can also mess with your sleeping patterns.

I’ll pack a healthy, nutrient-rich snack for the plane – Celery & carrot sticks are a great source of hydration and a homemade nut, seed & dried fruit trailmix will give you some protein to fill you up.

Extra long flight? Protein bites are a great energizing snack.

Sleep – I’m not a good sleeper under the best of conditions but I try to book overnight international travel to give myself a chance to snooze on the plane to fight jetlag. Here are my top sleep-encouraging tips:

• Smoothies & juice for the day before flying to clean out my system
• Peppermint tea on the plane {I’ll throw a peppermint & ginger teabag in my snack bag for the plane}
• Ear plugs & face mask
• Natural Calm
• Using my pashmina as a blanket & my rolled blazer as extra padding

Check out more of my Top Travel Tips here.

What’s in YOUR carry on?