What's in my carry-on?
Travel is less trouble with these MVPs.
I had planned to share a “how to” essay on Friday, September 8, but I’m still waiting for a source to get back to me. In the meantime, I went on yet another trip, which reminded me that I wanted to share a list of MVP travel essentials with you. So, today I bring you this very special — and totally unplanned — edition of 10 Things.
This summer, my husband and I spent weekends away in Boston, Asheville and Austin. And we spent 11 days with our kids in Japan. What did all of these places have in common? They were hot. Like crazy hot.
So a lot of my packing MVPs are things that helped me cope with the heat and humidity. But I’ve also included some evergreen items you’ll want to toss in your bag even in frigid temps. And if you’re looking for more help with planning and packing for a trip, check out “How to pack” from earlier this year.
Longchamp Le Pilage Filet bag. I mentioned this bag when I first bought it, but after a summer of use, it still makes me smile. It’s also a lightweight workhorse. I love that it’s chic without being precious, and the fact that it can hold so much. (But know that you’ll need a small pouch to hold the tiny stuff that could slip through the mesh.)
Longchamp.com
Native Union belt cable universal charging cord. This one cord charges everything I need (except my Apple Watch) while I’m traveling and it’s extra long so it’s great for airplanes and hotel rooms with strangely placed electrical outlets.
Amazon.com Kindle Paperwhite. If you’ve been reading Skin for a while, you know I prefer to read printed books when I’m at home, but the Kindle can’t be beat for reading while traveling. The illuminated display means I can read whenever, wherever (which really came in handy when I found myself wide awake at 3 am every day in Tokyo). The Kindle also allows me to bring as many books as I want without having to worry about suitcase space or weight. Another bonus: the newest model is waterproof.
The Sun San Swimmer from Salt Water Sandals. I included these in a “10 Things” earlier this summer, but I wanted to report back after wearing them nearly every day in Japan. These sandals have a softer, more supportive sole than Salt Water’s original sandals do and they were incredible — even more comfortable than Birkenstocks. They run true to size. We logged as many as 30,000 steps a day and I had zero problems.
saltwater-sandals.com
I Dew Care Dry Shampoo Powder. This is a great alternative to aerosol dry shampoo. I carried it in my Longchamp bag so I could quickly touch up my bangs when they got sweaty or when I didn’t have time for a shower before we went out to dinner.
Knix’s Thigh Savers. I live in dresses when it’s hot, but in extreme heat, that can lead to chafing. Thigh Savers are the answer. I wore the shorties, which have a four-inch inseam, all summer long. But I wish I’d bought the longer ones, which have a six-inch inseam. For what it’s worth, these are like a form-fitting slip; they are not shapewear.
Owala FreeSip. Hands down, this is my favorite water bottle. It never leaks! It also has a hidden straw so you don’t look like a toddler drinking from a juice box when you use it. When I travel with the FreeSip, I do a better job of staying hydrated.
Goody Hair Spin Pin. I wore my hair up a lot this summer — especially while being a tourist. With these ingenious little pins I can put my hair into a simple twist in less than a minute.
I used one spin pin to create this updo. Conair miniPRO Tourmaline Ceramic Travel Hair Dryer. On the days I didn’t just resign and put my hair up, I was glad to have this hair dryer with me. Don’t let the fact that it looks like it was built for an American Girl Doll fool you: This dryer is way more powerful than anything you’ll find in a hotel.
OLLY Probiotic Tropical Mango Gummies. Travel can really mess with your GI system. I chew two of these every day to prevent that.
