From shopping for clothes and accessories to debating on how much of it can actually fit in your suitcase, the anticipation building up to a trip is just as exciting as the trip itself for us ladies. Whether you’re heading overseas or taking a weekend road trip, packing the right items can make your getaway that much smoother. Check out my list of travel essentials that keep me fab yet functional while traveling the world.
Infinity Scarf – When traveling with a limited wardrobe, creating multiple outfits can get tricky. A great infinity scarf can add extra options to your suffering wardrobe. Wrap it around your neck, throw it over your shoulder, flip, twist and turn it into something fabulous. You can even wrap one around your head to make a chic turban for that extra flair. They’re also great for unpredictable weather conditions. Sixty degrees in San Francisco is a lot colder than 60 degrees in Miami. Having an infinity scarf for an extra layer of defense against the cold makes a world of difference.
Mace Brand Pepper Spray – As women, we always have to keep our eyes open, especially when traveling solo. Having pepper spray in hand while walking alone at night is a great way to protect yourself in unfamiliar places. Mace Brand Pepper Spray comes in hot pink and can be attached to your keychain. If flying, check it in with your luggage and make sure that it is no more than four ounces and has a safety lock on it. Before traveling abroad, check up on the rules for the country that you’re visiting to make sure that it’s legal. Believe me, you don’t want to become public enemy number one in a foreign country for carrying a pink can of pepper spray.
Forever 21 Grapefruit Cleansing Tissues – Flight delays happen. A late flight may have you rushing straight to that business meeting with no time left to head to the hotel. Don’t be a Stinky Stacy; use these cleansing tissues to freshen up and feel like a new woman. Thick and full of moisture, they leave your skin feeling soft and fragrant. If grapefruit isn’t your thing, they also come in scents like lavender and cucumber melon.
A Travel Journal – The best part about traveling isn’t the food (well, maybe a little), but the memories that you create. There’s something very therapeutic about writing, so I never leave home without my travel journal. I write about the cities that I visit and the smells, sights and people that I come across. I love to go back and read my journals every now and then to remember moments that may have been forgotten.
Koolertron DSLR Messenger Bag – As a photographer, I never want to leave the hotel without my camera. As a woman, I never want to leave the hotel without my purse. For the fashionable photographer, the Koolertron DSLR Messenger Bag is the best of both worlds. The insides are cushioned and have removable dividers for your camera gear, but the outside looks like a chic little messenger bag. There’s space to slide in some cash, lipstick and ID so that you will have everything you need! Look sleek and sexy while shooting; don’t be that tacky tourist wearing the 10 pound backpack.
Mod Cloth Map Necklace – The world is yours while wearing this unique statement necklace. There’s no better way to show the world how much you love the world, then to wear the world. (Say that five times).
Shoe Insoles – Those comfy flats that you wear at home aren’t so comfy after walking 20 blocks in a different city. I always keep a couple of pairs of insoles on standby to add a little more bounce to my step when needed. Brands like Dr. Scholl’s even sell fashion insoles with cute designs on them if you want to get fancy. Buy them ahead of time and slide them into your suitcase. When your dogs start barking, your fab little insoles will be there to save the day.
A Fabulous Pair of Sunglasses – I never go on a trip without at least two pairs of sunglasses. If one pair gets lost, I always have a backup. Shades do more than block the sun on beach vacations; they also block light on flights so you can fall asleep faster and they are the perfect way to cover your jet-lagged eyes after a 10-hour flight. Most importantly, they hide your eyes the morning after a night of out-of-town partying. Why do you think celebs always have them on? Happy travels!
Natrice Bullard is the creator, photographer and writer for The Cultured Lens, a website that curates travel and cultural experiences through vibrant photography, articles and inside tips from locals around the world. When she’s not traveling and shooting, you can find her in Atlanta, Georgia nibbling on french fries while enjoying a perfectly mixed cocktail.
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I love these ideas… I’ll definitely keep them in mind for my next trip in march!
xo, chekara | shadesofchekara.com