If you spent time with me, you’d probably learn quickly that I’m a bit of a mom. I like to be prepared. On the go toothbrushes, a blanket & pillow plus a lint roller all constantly live in my car. You just never know. But over my years of traveling, I’ve learned there are some extras that just make life better. These are the things I may not always use but always wish I have when I don’t pack them. They are the little pieces of comfort that let me have a bit of home no matter where I go. Let’s talk about the 5 travel essentials I can’t leave home without.
SHEET MASKS
As much as I’d love to pretend I stick to my routine when I travel, I really don’t. My skincare and basic vitamins all stay the same. But there’s always the change in diet and sleep that gets me. Over the last few months, I’ve started throwing sheet masks into my travel essentials pile. I tend to opt for the Pacifica hydrating ones*. They are super affordable and not too hard to find. When I’ve had a long night out or just want a bit of pampering come Sunday morning, I pop on one for 20 minutes. If you have access to a fridge, you can even put it in the night before for the added de-puffing effect. Sheet masks make for the perfect travel companion that doesn’t take up a lot of room.
WIRELESS HEADPHONES
Buying wireless headphones last fall was one of the best decisions I’ve made for myself and my travel life. And with all the flying I did this summer, they’ve easily secured a spot on the travel essentials list. They make working on the go super easy. Plus I can always give myself a little me time because they help me zone out. I invested in the Bose Quietcomfort Headphones* and I’m obsessed. They cut down plane noise significantly which is amazing. I use them when I work from home or coffee shops. But they are great for creating moments of quiet in a crazy schedule.
MY KINDLE
I’ll admit it took me ages to get a Kindle*. I think I finally had to admit to myself that my iPad was beyond saving and it was time. I try to remember to download movies before a trip. But I either forget, get bored or watch everything too quickly. My kindle lets me pack books I’m reading for the blog or just for fun. So it means I always have an option no matter where I go. Instead of having to pack a few books, I can travel with hundreds without the extra weight. I definitely say that makes it a travel essential.
A SET OF COMFY CLOTHES
My last two travel essentials are items I pack but may not always use. But I’ve found myself on more than one occasion wish I did. I always try to pack a set of comfy clothes. This means a loose sweatshirt, sweatpants, a tank top and a comfy sports bra go in my luggage. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been half frozen at night and incredibly grateful for this combo. Sometimes they end up being my sleep clothes if I find I want a bit of extra comfort. Other times I use them just to lounge in for a night in. Nevertheless, I know when I don’t pack them, I’ll end up needing them. And there’s nothing fun about not being able to sleep because you’re frozen and forgot your comfy clothes.
MY RUNNING SHOES
Me and running have a strange relationship. We don’t always get along. Some day I want to be a runner more than others. However, if I’m in a mood where I need to let out steam, I find running is my go to choice. There are also times when friends will want to try a new workout class or go walking. And unlike sheet masks, running shoes* aren’t a cheap item on the travel essentials list to buy every trip. You never know when you’re going to want to go for a long walk or when you may just need a solid pair of shoes. So I try to throw these in my bag no matter where I’m going. More times than not I don’t use them. But they don’t take up a ton of space and save me from spending $100 when I do want them.
What’s on your travel essentials list? Do you have an item you never travel without? I’d love to know. Leave me a comment below and let me know. Happy travels friends!
