Traveling, though extremely rewarding, can also be extremely exhausting. So it definitely helps to have a good stash of essentials to make you as comfortable as possible on your journey. I frequently get asked my opinion on everything from backpacks to neck pillows, in case you’re wondering, I don’t love either. So I thought I’d share my travel must-haves with you! These are the things that I won’t leave home without.
A GOOD CARRY-ON
No one enjoys traveling with a lot of bulky, heavy luggage that’s difficult to maneuver. Plus, with most airlines now charging for checked luggage, it’s essential to have a good carry-on. Personally, I like Away’s collection of luggage. My Away Bigger Carry-On is the perfect accompaniment for a long weekend or even a week away. I love it so much, I’m about to give it a companion – the Away Everywhere bag.
What is so great about it? Where do I begin? It comes with a handy built in battery to charge your phone on the go. The battery is easily ejected and stowed away on request. If that isn’t enough to lure you in – they include travel adapters for every region of the world, a laundry bag and it comes in a variety of fun colors, with special editions coming out several times a year. If you’re anything like me and stuff as much as humanly possible in your suitcase, you’re in luck, it comes with a compression panel. So, stuff away!
A COMFY PAIR OF SHOES
Everyone wants to look nice when they travel but when you’re traveling to locations that require a lot of walking, comfort wins out over style. That’s why I love my Rothy’s flats so much – I don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort. I currently have 2 pair and have now traveled with them on three trips. I can say with confidence, they were the most comfortable shoes on each of those trips. They’ve gotten soaked in the rain in London, had their soles tested roaming the streets of Siena and survived beer soaked floors in Nashville. I’m happy to report, they have come out the other end not only unscathed but looking better than ever.
I really love the idea behind this company. All their shoes are made from recycled plastic water bottles, they are machine washable, and they come in the cutest colors and patterns. The shoes are made right here in the USA, so by buying them you’re supporting American business. Full disclosure, they are quite pricey but they offer a lovely referral plan where both parties get $20 off their purchase. If you’re interested in a referral, hit me up. $20 off is a great reason to get another pair!
COMPRESSION SOCKS***(see disclaimer below)
Compression socks are a must for me for any long haul flight. I warn you, they may not be comfortable but they’re not supposed to be. The point is to apply light pressure to your legs to keep circulation going. Let’s face it, having your legs swell from sitting in a high altitude cabin for hours on end is a bit of an inconvenience at the start of a vacation. Most companies that sell them have a straightforward guide to which size you should get for optimal pressure. The first time I put them on before heading to the airport, I immediately texted a friend who swears by them. The text went something like this –
Me: Compression socks are supposed to be snug?
Patient Friend: Yes, that’s how they keep your feet from swelling.
Me: I don’t want to cut off my circulation.
Patient Friend: They won’t, they should be pretty snug…not painful though.
To go back to my shoe logic above, I say if you’re not going to be comfortable, there’s no point in sacrificing style as well. Thankfully, there are many brands that sell compression socks in fun styles. Mine are from Happy Socks and have multi-color polka dots! Polka dots totally make the pressure worth it, that and the whole not getting a blood clot thing.
NOTEBOOK
I love a good notebook. It’s difficult for me to walk into any store that sells notebooks and not buy one, even when I don’t need it. I have my work notebooks, my home notebooks and, of course, my travel notebooks as any writer worth their salts should. With smartphones and tablets, it’s become easy to just jot down ideas or lists on the go which is great. I’m a little old fashioned though and the thought of a brand new notebook full of crisp sheets of paper just waiting to be written on is appealing.
My current travel notebook is a leatherbound beauty I bought in Italy. Oh, my poor mother – I dragged her into every store that had notebooks looking for the perfect one. I just love the stitching and the leather rope on mine! There are so many options out there, it’s easy for everyone to express their individual style. Sass and Belle have the cutest products. I’ve always liked this little number. It may be my next purchase.
NOISE-CANCELLING HEADPHONES
My very patient friend from the above conversation was the person who convinced me to invest in noise-cancelling headphones. She’d walk into work with her Bose cans on, put them on my head, turn the noise-cancelling feature on – the headphone envy ate away at me. After about a year of admiring her cans, I finally relented and bought my Bose QuietComfort 35.
What a dream they have been! I love them so much I wouldn’t even think about not taking them on a flight. Baby crying, noise-cancelling activated. Annoying seatmate – cancel that noise right out. Don’t want to talk to the flight attendants? Don’t have to if you can’t hear them. My only reservation is that they are cumbersome and a small part of me wishes I had gotten the Bose noise-cancelling earbud model just for the space saved…and I don’t even like earbuds. So, that’s something to consider before taking the leap.
RAIN JACKET
Unless I’m headed to a desert climate, I always have my trusty hooded rain jacket with me. It’s been a lifesaver on more than one occasion. There are so many quality options out there that will fit the bill. Personally, I love my Uniqlo Ultra Light Down.
Initially, I bought it for a late in the season baseball game in blue to match my Mets garb but turns out it is a great jacket to travel with. It’s waterproof, has a hood, is warm enough in moderate temperatures but not too warm and is perfect on a windy day. The ultra light down collection comes in a variety of styles and colors. The best part though – it comes with a little pouch to store the jacket in. If it’s raining when you leave London and warm and sunny when you reach Paris, no problem just roll it up into its pouch and stick it in your bag. This feature really comes in handy when packing an overcrowded suitcase, I speak from experience.
I already know I’ll add to this list as I continue my adventures. Anybody else have favorite travel items? Leave a comment and let me know what you can’t travel without!
***Compression socks aren’t necessarily for everyone – people with certain medical conditions are advised not to wear them, so I’d check with a medical professional if you are at all concerned.
Adventures of a New Yorker traveling the world.
Adventures of a New Yorker traveling the world.
