Between blogging here, attending conferences, writing for HuffPost Travel and TravelingMom.com, I obviously find myself traveling quite a bit. Yet, no matter the destination I pack the same essential items.
Between using Maps' location services and sharing live updates on SnapChat and Instagram Stories, even a fully charged cell phone is practically dead by midday if not sooner. So, when I travel even my phone gets a new look. Instead of having an external battery bank and worrying about carrying around extra cords in your purse or backpack, I just swap out my regular phone case for a Mophie Juice Pack Battery Case in the uber chic Rose Gold, but they have colors too. I've had other battery cases in the past that were overly bulky and hard to open, but the new iPhone 7 Mophie one is lightweight, sleeker and easy to put on and off.
Chargers, chargers and more chargers. Traveling can be rough on cords and cables, especially iPhone cables, which is why I stopped using the standard charger that comes with a device for a more durable one that won't fray, break or stop working while traveling. Kanex Apple Certified Premium Lightning to USB Cable in Rose Gold is my favorite. This premium metal material cable is built to last. It's durable yet flexible and will never fray and never tangle. It also looks really sleek and can help your cable easily stand out from others
A good book, or 100! I always make sure my Kindle Paperwhite is charged and loaded with e-books the night before I leave. While I love taking a book, I hate finishing it mid-trip and having it take up weight and space in my bag. With a Kindle at least it's lightweight, can hold up to several books, including travel guides and with the built-in light, so I can read on the plane without turning on that bright overhead spotlight.
Fabletics Savina tights. I get so many compliments on their peek-a-boo, not your typical yoga pants. They keep me warm on the plane, yet not too hot either. Better yet, you can get two leggings for just $24 here!
My favorite shoes for travel are Sanuk Sandals, which are made from yoga mats. They look nice, feel great and are affordable too. I own 3 pairs! My feet have never blistered or hurt from these and I've walked miles in them. And don't just take my word for it, on my last press trip two other travel bloggers were wearing them too! Plus, they are lightweight and easy to pack unlike bulky sneakers.
Knomo Beauchamp Backpack is great for travel and everyday toting of gadgets. Sleek and durable, this fashionable backpack is splash-resistant and inside, has a padded laptop sleeve, keeping your computer safe and separate from your other possessions. In front, there is an easy-access pocket with two zippers; the right has an anti-RFID lining for storing credit cards and protecting you from digital theft. Another cool feature is that each bag comes with an ID number that you can register your bag and if it’s lost, the founder can return it easier. The inner lining is also red!! LOVE!
AWAY Carry-on Luggage with Built-in Power Charger - The perfect carry-on, sized up. Unbreakable, water-resistant lining and guaranteed for life. This thoughtfully designed spinner with a built-in TSA-approved combo lock and a power charger to charge your phone up to 5x (GENIUS!). Plus, includes a roll out laundry bag, mesh pockets, and 360 wheels. Best of all, it's made to fit the sizers of major US airlines, this is perfect for any traveler.
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Best Travel Gadgets and Accessories
Between using Maps' location services and sharing live updates on SnapChat and Instagram Stories, even a fully charged cell phone is practically dead by midday if not sooner. So, when I travel even my phone gets a new look. Instead of having an external battery bank and worrying about carrying around extra cords in your purse or backpack, I just swap out my regular phone case for a Mophie Juice Pack Battery Case in the uber chic Rose Gold, but they have colors too. I've had other battery cases in the past that were overly bulky and hard to open, but the new iPhone 7 Mophie one is lightweight, sleeker and easy to put on and off.
Chargers, chargers and more chargers. Traveling can be rough on cords and cables, especially iPhone cables, which is why I stopped using the standard charger that comes with a device for a more durable one that won't fray, break or stop working while traveling. Kanex Apple Certified Premium Lightning to USB Cable in Rose Gold is my favorite. This premium metal material cable is built to last. It's durable yet flexible and will never fray and never tangle. It also looks really sleek and can help your cable easily stand out from others
A good book, or 100! I always make sure my Kindle Paperwhite is charged and loaded with e-books the night before I leave. While I love taking a book, I hate finishing it mid-trip and having it take up weight and space in my bag. With a Kindle at least it's lightweight, can hold up to several books, including travel guides and with the built-in light, so I can read on the plane without turning on that bright overhead spotlight.
Best Clothing and Gear for Travel
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| Fabletics tights & Sanuk sandals |
Fabletics Savina tights. I get so many compliments on their peek-a-boo, not your typical yoga pants. They keep me warm on the plane, yet not too hot either. Better yet, you can get two leggings for just $24 here!
My favorite shoes for travel are Sanuk Sandals, which are made from yoga mats. They look nice, feel great and are affordable too. I own 3 pairs! My feet have never blistered or hurt from these and I've walked miles in them. And don't just take my word for it, on my last press trip two other travel bloggers were wearing them too! Plus, they are lightweight and easy to pack unlike bulky sneakers.
Knomo Beauchamp Backpack is great for travel and everyday toting of gadgets. Sleek and durable, this fashionable backpack is splash-resistant and inside, has a padded laptop sleeve, keeping your computer safe and separate from your other possessions. In front, there is an easy-access pocket with two zippers; the right has an anti-RFID lining for storing credit cards and protecting you from digital theft. Another cool feature is that each bag comes with an ID number that you can register your bag and if it’s lost, the founder can return it easier. The inner lining is also red!! LOVE!
AWAY Carry-on Luggage with Built-in Power Charger - The perfect carry-on, sized up. Unbreakable, water-resistant lining and guaranteed for life. This thoughtfully designed spinner with a built-in TSA-approved combo lock and a power charger to charge your phone up to 5x (GENIUS!). Plus, includes a roll out laundry bag, mesh pockets, and 360 wheels. Best of all, it's made to fit the sizers of major US airlines, this is perfect for any traveler.
What to Pack For a Better Sleep When Traveling
It's not easy falling asleep when you're not in your own bed or are jet lagged, so I always pack these yummy tasting Melatonin Gummies to help me fall asleep naturally. These don't cause that groggy feeling in the morning like sleeping pills do, so I can explore and not sleep the morning away.
For the same reason, I also pack a Bucky Eye-Mask, which is great for catching Zzz on the plane too. Don't just use the cheap ones that they sometimes give you when traveling, because they are often too tight and scratchy. THe best are these ones that look like a bra, but give you room to still blink comfortably.
