TRAVEL ITEMS

✈️ Travel Like You’ve Done This Before: My Essentials After Years of Airports, Cruises & All Inclusive and Hostels

I’ve short circuited a hotel room outlet in Bangkok, had sleepless nights in numerous hostels on my Camino de Santiago walk and learned the hard way that Caribbean sun doesn't care if you "don't usually burn". I have overpacked and underpacked. With time (and too many boarding passes in my apple wallet), I’ve learned exactly which items turn travel from “Where is my charger?” into “I’ve got this.”

Consider this your streamlined carry-on survival list — curated by someone who has learned through mild chaos and tropical humidity. Please see "our travel" portion of this website for further item recommendations that may pertain to a particular location.

🎒 2. Carry-On Backpack (Hands-Free, Sanity-Saving)

A structured backpack that slips over your luggage handle = chef’s kiss.

What I keep in mine:

• passport + boarding pass

• sanitizing wipes

• hydrating face cream

• lip balm

• snacks (always)

No digging, no scrambling, no “sorry everyone” at security.

💤 3. Memory Foam Neck Pillow

There are travel pillows… and then there are travel pillows that prevent chiropractic consultations.

Choose one that:

• wraps fully around the neck

• supports the chin

• compresses down small

You land rested, not shaped like a question mark.

💧 4. Hydrating Face Cream

Airport air = desert.

Cabin air = Sahara but colder.

A rich but lightweight cream will:

• save your skin from tightness

• fight off fine-line dehydration

• help you look human upon landing

Bonus: apply mid-flight and thank me later.

🧳 1. The Right Carry-On Luggage

A good carry-on isn’t a luxury — it’s a stress management tool.

Look for:

• 4 spinner wheels

• hard shell

• expandable zipper

• interior compression straps

You glide through the airport instead of dragging your belongings like emotional baggage.

👁️ 5. Hydrating Eye Drops

No glam secret here — just practical magic.

A couple drops:

• take away redness

• soothe dry cabin eyes

• avoid that “I’ve been awake since 2004” look

Perfect before passport control photos (which never forgive).

🦠 6. Sanitizing Hand Wipes

I wipe down:

• armrests

• tray

• hands after handling luggage

You don’t need to be dramatic — just preventative.

💋 7. Lip Balm (Don’t Skip This One)

Between sun, saltwater, airplane dryness, and resort AC, your lips will protest.

Keep one:

• in your backpack

• by your pool chair

• in your evening bag

Hydrated lips = fewer travel photos ruined by “I’m smiling but my lips hurt.”

🌍 What I Know Now

Travel doesn’t get easier. You just get smarter. These items aren’t about looking polished — they’re about feeling comfortable, hydrated, and unbothered from takeoff to sunset beach cocktails.

Pack light, care for your body in motion, and glide through your trip like you’ve done this many times (because you have).

🤲 8. Hand Cream (The Underrated Lifesaver)

Between sanitizer, saltwater, chlorine, and long flights, your hands will feel ancient without this.

Choose one that’s:

• non-greasy

• fast absorbing

• lightly scented or unscented

It’s the tiny comfort that changes your mood instantly — especially after sanitizing your hands for the 47th time.

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