In the last two years, I’ve found myself traveling quite a bit for both work and pleasure. Just in this last year, I’ve traveled over 10,000 miles and I’m on track to reach MVP with Alaska Airlines by the end of the year (whoop whoop!). I’ve traveled to my colorful hometown in Florida, and even found a great amount of instagramable places in Chicago while on a quick work trip. One thing that my wanderlust has taught me is how to pack for any trip, regardless of location or length of travel. I’ve also learned the top travel essentials that I can’t leave home without, and of course, they are all colorful and cute to match my pigmented aesthetic.
Before you pack your bags for your next adventure here are go-to items to make traveling a breeze!
Travel Essentials that Every Colorful Woman Needs
Sanitizing Wipes
As often as I travel, I rarely get sick. I like to think that I have a good immune system, but I also take steps to protect myself from germs. It may sound weird, but I’m not too proud to bust out my sanitizing wipes when I get on a plane or train. I always wipe down my seatbelt, tray table, armrests, and any other surface that I plan to come in contact with while I travel. I really like the Kleenex Germ Removal Wipes because they come individually wrapped in colorful packaging, making it easy to keep a few in your carry on bag or purse.
Comfy Pants
One thing I’ve learned over the last year is that airplane seats get smaller and smaller, and any bit of comfort you can get makes a difference. No matter how you’re traveling, it’s never fun feeling like you’re restricted by your clothes but if you’re a fashionista like me you also don’t want to sacrifice style. I recently was gifted a pair of Sarah Liller Savannah Pants and they have been a game changer in my travel style. They are made of soft jersey fabric and have an elastic waistband (a.k.a altitude bloating friendly) for maximum comfort. I love the tie on the waist (that can be tied to the front or the back), that gives a nice effortlessly chic touch. I style mine with a cute t-shirt and jacket, but you can also opt for a crop top or light sweater if you wanted to.
Shoes with Wiggle Room
One of the reasons I got TSA precheck because I don’t like to take my shoes off at the airport, but on the plane, that’s a different story. I like to be able to move my feet freely so I always wear comfortable shoes. My go-to shoes are my Classic Slip-On Vans because they are easy to take on and off, before and after takeoff.
Reusable Water Bottle
I try to be eco-conscious and one easy way to do that while traveling is by carrying a reusable bottle. Those to-go cups and plastic water bottles can add up quickly, and bringing an empty reusable bottle along can help you reduce your carbon footprint. I like my Stanley Go Bottle with Ceramivac because it works for both coffee and water, and keeps my beverages hot/cold.
Packing Cubes
I have no idea how I traveled without packing cubes, but I’m so glad that I finally saw the light. Packing cubes have allowed me to organize my luggage more effectively while giving me extra room. I’m all about cute and colorful travel gear, so I got the Calpak x Oh Joy! Set of 5 Packing cubes that perfectly coordinate with my sunset Calpak Luggage.
Travel Styling Tools
The more I travel, the lighter I’ve started to travel. However, I’m not willing to sacrificing any of my essentials– like my hair styling tools. I can’t deal with those hotel blow dryers that barely heat up. And a flat iron… I’ve never even seen one at a hotel, no matter how snazzy it is.
Enter: The Chi Pineapple Crush Travel Kit (exclusively at Ulta Beauty).
This has been the perfect addition to my travel beauty routine. It comes in the cutest pineapple case that fits the flat iron and blow dryer, with extra room for all of your beauty goodies. The travel size blow dryer and flat iron are just as powerful as their full-size counterparts. Although they are pint-sized, they still have features likes variable heat settings on the flat iron and a nozzle for the blow dryer.
Moisturizing Hand Cream
Between the drying effects of air travel, my already dry skin, and the mass quantities of hand sanitizer that I use on flights, my hands are always super dry. I always stash an unscented (to prevent further irritation) cream in my bag to make sure I keep my hands stay hydrated all the way to my final destination. My favorite one is nothing fancy, it’s the Eucerin Intensive Repair cream.
Bathing Suit
I have a co-worker that travels often and one of his travel essentials is always carrying a bathing suit. I never understood why until I was the only person on a work trip without a bathing suit, meaning I had to sit out on a hot tub night with my coworkers. It only took me one mishap to learn my lesson. Now I always travel with a bathing suit, regardless if I’m going somewhere sunny or not.
Hat Clip
I once saw a girl at the airport with 10 hats stacked on her head. I laughed, but not at her, with her. Turns out I’ve been that girl too. I love hats, but it can be a hassle to travel with them. Even a hat box can be tricky because technically it’s an extra bag. I didn’t think there was a good solution to this problem until I discovered a nifty little thing called The Drop by TOPTOTE. It’s a hat clip with a super strong magnet that allows you to hook your hats (yes, it can hold more than one hat!) to your bag, luggage, or backpack. It’s a total game changer for the hat-obsessed like me.
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