The Elusive Jetsetting Girl Must-Haves
All my travel ride or dies
I travel a lot, and through trial and error, I've figured out that while clothing, shoes, and makeup picks will change from trip to trip, I have a core staple of must-haves that I always travel with in my backpack and carry-on. I’m generally a hand-luggage-only gal, if I can help it, since when I book intra-Europe flights, I tend to book carry-on only and keep costs low.
PS - posting this from SFO as we speak! I’m about to head off to Europe for “work from anywhere July” which really means doing things in the day and then working Pacific hours at night but since I’m basically a vampire this is fine with me.
The Main Ticket Items
Dr. Bronner’s Castille Soap Bar
At first, I used to bring the travel-sized liquid version, but found it took up space in my quart-sized ziplock, and that, frankly, the bar format worked just as well for everything I used it for. It can be my shower soap, face wash, spot treatment, or laundry soap, and in bar format, I can chuck it in my bag without worrying about the 50ml liquids rule. PS- I usually get either the Citrus or “baby”/non-scented bar.
Aquaphor Stick
I don’t know about y’all, but my nose gets Sahara-level dry on flights, as does my face. Aquaphor Stick comes in handy here because its solid format escapes the liquid rule, and it’s more convenient for application. At the start of my flights, I usually rub it on my face and on/a little in my nostrils and repeat as needed. This on-the-nose tip can help reduce the chances of contracting any in-flight virus, supposedly, but it’s also plainly comforting.
Mini First Aid Kit
I’ve had a reputation for making foolish shoe decisions while traveling, and while I make better choices now, I still occasionally get a blister. I’m also chronically ill, so it’s always a good idea to have some sort of mini first aid kit, just in case that comes with Band-Aids and small pouches of ointment, aspirin, antacid, etc.
Tissues
It never hurts for if a) you have a spill, b) need to wipe your nose or c) no toilet paper in the bathroom (looking at you Japan)
Moist Towelettes/Wipes
Another pretty common-sense thing to have on the go if you can’t access a sink or need to give your face a quick refresh.
Hand Sanitizer/Touchland
Catch me spraying the airplane tray table, public transport handrails, etc. I personally like Touchland because it’s a spray, the scents smell good, and it’s very portable.
Pads
Sanitary pads for long-hauls to keep it fresh downtown. ‘Nuff said.
Hair Ties
Pretty self-explanatory, although I do have a terrible tendency to lose one every time I travel. They’re like lost pins in my travel map at this point. I get hot traveling when I’m in airports, trains, and buses, so I’m always tying my hair up for some relief. Also, London gets incredibly muggy, and I couldn’t live without these if I visit in the summer, which I will be doing in two weeks.
Accoutraments
On top of these mainstays, you might also find the following in my bag:
Travel Pepto chewables
notebook and pen
Tushy travel bidet bottle
collapsible water bottle
Caffeinated greens (I like BetterGreens)
Deodorant
If you’d like, share your must-haves when you travel in the comments for some “what’s in my bag” fun :)