My Travel Essentials

    This is not my typical blog post, but since I travel pretty often, I decided to make a list of things I always bring with me to try and help out any newer travelers. Obviously this isn't everything, but these are the things I make sure I pack every time. The majority of this stuff are things I put in my carry-on, but there are a few I put in my suitcase.

1. Small Purse - I always pack a smaller purse in my suitcase that I use when I am actually at the location I am travelling to. Ideally these should should be shoulder strap, and have zippers or be harder for pickpockets to get to. The less conspicuous, the better. Please do not bring your Prada purses on vacation with you, because that just makes you all the more easier to be targeted. I make sure mine is large enough to carry an umbrella, which brings me to my next item.....

2. Umbrella - Unless you're travelling to the desert (and sometimes even then!) always pack an umbrella. The weather forecast is never 100% reliable, and it's good to be prepared for any situation.

3. Passport/ID - This is for obvious reasons. But I would advise to leave these in your hotel room, because if your stuff ends up getting stolen, having your ID stolen as well will make getting home so much more difficult.

4. Small Hairbrush - A smaller brush will take less space and make your load that much easier to carry. A tangle teaser might work as well. I have never used one, but I hear they work wonders.

5. Lotion - A small travel sized lotion is all that you need, if you're staying for an extremely long time, then buying one there is probably going to be easier. I always travel with just one purse and one carry-on suitcase, so packing anything larger than a travel size is impossible for me anyway. It's also nice to have this on the plane, since the air can be very dry.

6. Makeup Removing Wipes - Even if you don't wear make-up, these really help to freshen the face on a flight or in the middle of a super hot day. The ones I use are these exfoliating wipes from Olay which smell simply amazing. I also carry small eye makeup remover pads from E.L.F. , in case my eye makeup just does not want to come off.

7. Phone - Of course I'm going to bring my phone! I need it in case of emergencies, to pass the time on the 9 hour flight, and to take pictures of all my travels! Pictures help bring back the memories guys.

8. Book - Whether it be a long car ride or a flight, I always make sure I have a good book. If those are too bulky for you(or don't take enough time), then bring multiple in the form of an iPad or Kindle! I usually bring both anyway because my iPad also has music and movies on it.

9. Lip Balm - Try and bring a neutral or clear colored one that's long lasting. I find that during longer flights I tend to apply multiple times because my lips get so dry.

10. Headphones and Charger - Not just for the plane. When me and my friend wandered around New York last summer, the charger was our lifesaver. If we didn't have them, our phones would have died and we would've gotten lost even more times than we did. You'll be surprised where you can find random outlets.

11. Journal and Pen - I promise you, even if you think you'll remember everything, you won't. Writing these memories down will not only benefit you, but also your future children, grandchildren, etc.

12. Makeup - It's not for everyone, but for those of you that do use it, try and find more compact palettes that have multiple uses in them. For Christmas, my friend gave me a travel palette from Urban Decay, and it includes mascara, eyeliner, a nude lip gloss, a blush/bronzer combo, and 6 neutral eye shadows. Perfect for on-the-go if you ask me!

13. Swimsuit - Even if you're going skiing in the Alps, always bring a swimsuit. The hotel you're staying at could have a super nice Jacuzzi! And I don't know about you, but to me that sounds like the best possible way to end the day.

14. Sunglasses - As with the umbrella, it's always to be prepared for rain or shine!

15. Deodorant - I would assume that this would be obvious.

Optional - I do not use moisturizer (even though I probably should), but if you have extremely dry skin, then you will want to take this on the plane with you. Even if you're not prone to have dry skin,  moisturizer will feel super nice on the dry plane!

So that's everything! Obviously these are just the things I take, feel free to change the list around a bit according to your needs and desires!

Safe Travels!

Madeline