Pack it Up!

My Favorite Travel Products ::
You’ve got this in the bag

:: Carry on suitcase

My favorite carry on suitcase is the Delsey hard case spinner which has four wheels which makes for easy steering + relieving the weight off your arm, includes an outside pocket which is perfect for a computer, tablet, paperwork, etc. + can expand up to 2″ larger. All zippers lock together so that they don’t risk getting broken off when traveling. It is the perfect carry on for a one- or two-week trip. OK two weeks takes some real expertise but I know you can do it!

Seriously :: One of My Favorite Travel Products!

:: Packing Cubes

With the eBags ultimate packing cubes or eBags 6pc packing cubes I can stay completely organized. When I get to my destination I just unzip my packing cubes + lay them in a drawer. No unpacking necessary. These packing cubes have been a game changer in my travels. Another one of My Favorite Travel Products!

My Favorite Travel Products ::
Splish splash

:: Waterproof bags

When going to the tropics or a beach there are a few things that I always make sure to bring. To keep my belongings dry while on the water I always bring my Weeds waterproof dry bag + GRP waterproof phone pouches which come in a 2-pack so I use one for my phone + the other for my passport, etc.

:: Water shoes

I also always bring my Bare Run water shoes because the ocean isn’t always sandy. I can walk around on the sand + in the ocean in comfort + without risking cutting my foot on a rock or something. I love my water shoes!

:: Snorkel mask

I love snorkeling but I never did get used to the traditional mask + snorkel so I was always discouraged to go. I would constantly get water in my mask + in my snorkel + it would just freak me out. But with my Seaview 180 full-face snorkel mask I have enjoyed snorkeling more than ever! I’m so glad I tried it :: I can breathe normally through my nose + mouth. And if I go down below the snorkel has a valve that closes up so I don’t swallow any water. Game changer for me for sure. Yet another one of My Favorite Travel Products!

My Favorite Travel Products ::
Back on your feet

:: Crocs

One thing I wear on my feet almost on the daily in the tropics or at the beach is one of my favorite travel products :: Crocs Capri V flip flops. They serve me well as sandals as well as walking shoes, that’s how comfortable they are. I’ve been wearing mine for four years + they haven’t worn out a bit. I may have to get a pair in another color because they certainly don’t need replacing.

“Connecting” the dots

:: Travel adaptor

For international connections I recommend the Limechoes adaptor. This incredible adaptor works well in all countries + even includes a couple of USB ports for your electronic devices.

:: Power strip

And in order to stay connected it’s always a smart idea to bring a power strip + my favorite is the travel-sized Belkin with a surge protector. One adaptor + my power strip + I can charge all of my devices in one fell swoop [if you’re not familiar with that phrase it comes from Shakespeare meaning “all at once” But you probably figured that out…]

My Favorite Travel Products ::
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

:: Travel flat iron

Over the years my hair has become so unruly :: it’s probably the grey coming in 🙁 . So because of that I’ll never leave home without my Lunata travel-sized flat iron. I use it to tame my mane + can also be used to touch up some wrinkles in my clothes. It’s so small + takes up hardly any room in my bag so I make my flat iron a priority.

:: Hair oil

And when I’m out + about in the water I also need my Living proof no frizz nourishing oil. If I’m not in in my room or don’t have time to use my flat iron I can feel confident this oil will tame my frizzies while I’m out. I spray some into my palm, rub my hands together + run them through my hair. Ahhhhhh… I don’t have to be Monica! [If you don’t know what I’m talking about watch “The One in Barbados.” Make sure to watch to at least the 4:00 minute mark :: you’ll thank me! HA!]

:: Your beautiful face

A product I’ve been using for several years is great to take on your travels :: Boots 7 Serum + Day + Night Creams [voted #1 by Good Housekeeping] that come in a great set so all you have to do is put them in plastic travel-sized containers if you want to take them in your carry on + so they fit in your 3-1-1 TSA approved bag + you’re ready to get gorgeous + go!

:: Dental care

The Quip battery-operated toothbrush is fairly new + makes it so when I travel I don’t have to plug in my bulky electric toothbrush like I do at home. Quip is compact, the perfect size for traveling + it comes with its own cover. It has a timer so you know how long to brush. When you subscribe they will send you a new battery pack + brush head for $5 every 3 months [free shipping]. And they’ll send you the first set FREE! And it’s so cute, don’t you think! I love it!

And I know it seems like it would be easy enough to just buy toothpaste at my destination but I am one of those people who will only use my favorite brand [a full tube won’t fit in my 3-1-1 bag]. So the Toothpaste2Go travel-size toothpaste refiller allows me to prepare it before I travel + I don’t have to bring a full tube of my favorite paste.

On the Plane

My Favorite Travel Products ::
Mama’s got a brand new bag

:: Carry on bag

Oh Em Gee! My Favorite Travel Product ever :: Carry on bag is the Rajin by Laga. It fits perfectly under the seat in front of me. And it is so beautiful I get compliments on it everywhere I go. There are lots of different colors to choose from. Read the story about the company that makes these. I think you may just be compelled to buy one + support this amazing cause.

:: Accessories bag

Another product by Laga is the Tari bag which works great to hold all your charging cords. I am sure there are any number of things that can be stored in this beautiful bag + sometimes I travel with several. It also comes in a mini. Oooh + a little cross body bag perfect for traveling… oh gosh, there are so many styles to choose from it may be difficult to choose. Sorry!

My Favorite Travel Products ::
You wear it well

:: Pants

To ensure a comfortable flight these lightweight cargo pants will do the trick. Made by SCOTTeVEST these pants have several pockets + are so lightweight + comfortable :: this is an incredible find.

:: Tops

I layer my tops starting with a comfortable camisole, t-shirt + lightweight cardigan. I also love the Janska Annie’s Wrap [I’m so sad they went out of business :: there are just a few left] that serves as an easy to put on + take off cover/blanket which also has two convenient pockets. I can see myself in my seat, feeling so warm + cozy. Just thinking about it makes me motivated to go!

:: Outerwear

And again by the same maker as the cargo pants my travel vest by SCOTTeVEST is seriously one of my favorite travel products in the category :: garments. If you prefer having sleeves the travel jacket by SCOTTeVEST is another great option. Either way these garments include 16 + 23 pockets, respectively, + will hold everything you could possibly need at a moment’s notice as you’re traveling.

:: Foot/leg wear

On a long flight it is imperative to wear compression socks. It can’t be explained how much more comfortable your flight will be. Dr. Scholl’s wool sneakers are amazingly comfortable + make you feel as though you are walking on air :: in the AIR. HA! They really are perfect for traveling. Another suggestion that will add to your comfort :: bring a foldable pair of ballet slippers that you can slip into during those long flights. Hey, it’s a way better option than walking into the bathroom in your bare feet or in socks! Eeeew! Trust me!

My Favorite Travel Products ::
You may as well just sleep on it

:: A few comfort aids

Here are some of my favorite travel products that will ensure a comfortable rest or sleep :: footrest by Starkio [being able to put your feet up will make a huge difference in your flying experience], Daydreamer inflatable travel pillow, Hearos Xtreme ear plugs + ergonomic sleep mask. Those all go without explanation. Getting some sleep isn’t always possible on a plane but these products will give you the best chance of catching those much-needed zzzz.

My Favorite Travel Products ::
Refresh yourself

:: Freshen your breath

Especially after a long flight it’s always nice to freshen up a bit. I love Colgate Wisps for my teeth. They are so convenient. I also bring some fresh mints to freshen my breath + Bert’s Bees honey throat lozenges to help with dry throat.

:: Wonders for your face and hair

For my eyes I use Refresh eyedrops + for my face it’s Dr. Jart deep hydration dermask + Mychelle tinted moisturizer. Those are great to freshen up + make you feel human again right before you land. And for my hair I bring my very favorite foldable wet hair brush with mirror. It’s not only good for easy brushing wet hair but it detangles better than any other brush I’ve ever used. At home I use the full-sized version.

:: Don’t neglect your body

I was recommended to amazing cream by my SIL who ranted + raved about it one day. And I completely agree with her. Medix retinol cream for my arms, hands, legs + feet are the best especially after that dry airplane air. I squeeze some into some travel-sized containers (again) to be sure it will fit in my 3-1-1 bag. As a matter of fact I use them for other makeup products as well.

My Favorite Travel Products ::
A healthy mind in a healthy body

:: Hydration and Nutrition

Not all airlines serve food + snacks + certainly not free of charge anymore + if they do it’s not always nutritious. So I’m always prepared with some dried fruit + nuts / trail mix + maybe some granola bars. And if you pack the Nomader collapsible water bottle can be filled after passing TSA + keep you hydrated at all times during your travels.

:: Keep germs at bay

Not just one of my favorite travel products but one of the most important things I bring on every trip is a box of EmergenC to stave off any germs flying all around me. And speaking of germs why not include an All-Day sanitizer pen as well? Better safe than sorry!

My Favorite Travel Products ::
We live in a digital world

:: Electronics

When I’m awake I am always compelled to do some work on my Macbook Air or watch a pre-downloaded movie from Amazon Prime. The Active noise cancelling headphones are pretty affordable as headphones go. My iPhone X is always with me for anything from calendar reminders to alarms to flight information [+ to always being able to tell the correct time!] so I make sure to always have on hand my Jackery portable charger + at least one of my iPhone charger cables.

:: If I don’t have a video of it, did it really happen??

To record all of my activities on land + in the sea I never leave home without my GoPro Hero5 Black. I know there is a new one out but I still love mine. And Oh My Goodness what great underwater snorkeling shots I’ve gotten on my GoPro! I can actually leave it on for hours as I’m traveling + it will record everything I’m doing. I love it! Be sure to get the battery charger + extra batteries. You do not want to run out of juice at the most spectacular place in the world you’ve ever been to! One of my favorite travel products of all time.

My Favorite Travel Products ::
Don’t forget!

There are some other things you might think about bringing… [just kidding :: you NEED to bring this stuff] ::

**Passport

**Credit cards + Cash

**Copies of Important Documents

**Medications

Travel Insurance

Another one of my favorite travel products is travel insurance can surely give you peace of mind. World Nomads Travel Insurance is completely affordable + it covers not only your flights + baggage but also medical emergencies + trip cancellation. Consider getting it! You’ll thank me later.

Read More ::

How to Pack a Carryon for a Cruise in 10 Easy Steps

Best Travel Tips After 30 Years of Traveling

The post My Favorite Travel Products :: Top 50 appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.

Having gone on at least two dozen cruises I’ve learned a few tips that will make your traveling so much more enjoyable. A little planning ahead will help you confidently venture out into this big beautiful world! How to pack a carryon for a cruise will make your life so much easier!

I’ve included links for some of the suggested products because they are what I use + they are all tried + true. Hopefully those links are helpful to you when choosing the best for yourself.

Before I start, I have to warn you that you may roll your eyes a couple of times in the beginning. I know what you’ll be thinking: this girl is Type-A. Ok, you’ve got me there. But if you look beyond that you will see that there is a method to my madness + it will keep you from going mad as well! Hey, you may even learn a few things about yourself in the process…

1 :: Start with a spreadsheet (or a list)

OK, I saw you roll your eyes already! It does sound a little daunting doesn’t it? I mean, who makes a spreadsheet to go on vacation? Well, I’ve found this to be the most efficient way to assure myself that I’m not forgetting anything + that I will pack only what I absolutely need and in a carryon at that. Say what you will, it works for me + I know it will work for you if you just give it a chance.

I’m actually gonna make it super easy on you by including my spreadsheet here for you. Feel free to print it out. This way you can follow along without too much pain.

OK, if a spreadsheet isn’t going to work for you just make yourself a LIST. Get out a piece of paper + start writing.

List your days on the sides + the times of day at the top like I’ve done, breaking out each portion of the day (Morning, Afternoon, Evening). Now fill out all the boxes with your cruise itinerary.

You will see this list is designed for a woman. Yes it is, because it’s MY list. HA! For a man this list is very easily converted.

2 :: Catalog what you will need

Decide on items of clothing + footwear you will need for each portion of the day. Count them up + list them on the right side as I have done. And do follow my suggestions because you won’t need more than that especially if you plan to pack only in a carryon because it can be done if you just follow my lead.

Make your list + grab your items. Double check to make sure you have everything. But when you’re finished… Don’t Add to it. Trust me, this is a huge step in getting you organized + taking only what you need. It will help keep you from overpacking. And remember, you’ll be schlepping your suitcase behind you. Save your back!

3 :: Mix and match your clothing

Lay everything out on your bed + start planning your outfits. Plan to wear shorts, skirts + shoes at least 2 times each. Refer to my Spreadsheet. Choose a neutral color palate so that all items coordinate with each other. Patterned items don’t mix + match well so try to choose solid-colored shorts + skirts so that they will all work with the patterned tops you may want to bring. Keep your colors neutral + that will help everything to match.

Another thing to think about is wrinkles. Try to pack as many wrinkle-free items as you can in that carryon. Staterooms do not allow for irons so your only recourse will be to steam your clothes in the shower. You’re going on this cruise to have a great time, not to worry about wrinkles!

Tip: If you do have a few wrinkles that simply don’t go away by hanging up your clothes, use your flat iron to do some touch ups! Works great!

4 :: Take into account formal dinner nights

If you can work in separates rather than dresses they will serve you really well. You can always accessorize to glam up your outfit. If you really need a dress go ahead + bring one but make it black. Accessories can change your look so you can wear it more than once.

And it can get chilly onboard so don’t forget a light sweater or at the very wear sleeves.

I have a standing date with my besties every other year for a Girls’ Cruise + we always have so much fun! So that’s us! Check on my post on the most beautiful ship we are taking :: RCCL’s Symphony of the Seas.

5 :: Wear your heaviest clothing while traveling

I just couldn’t help using this picture. We all know The One Where No One’s Ready, right? LOL! Well, I just read somewhere that a man was arrested for wearing all of his clothing on a plane to avoid paying to check his bag. LOL! Ok, that’s not what I’m saying here.

If you wear your jacket, sweater + walking shoes while traveling you won’t have to pack them! Makes sense, right? The airlines let you carry on your outerwear + don’t count it as hand luggage so you can always carry it over your arm if you prefer not to wear it.

When I travel I love wearing my SCOTTeVEST specially designed with lots of inside pockets. This one is so lightweight that I don’t even realize I have it on + all the pockets come in really handy for anything you might need at a moment’s notice. It may even eliminate the need for a purse altogether. They also make a SCOTTeVEST jacket with the same type of interior pockets design. One of my most favorite travel hacks of all time.

When going through TSA just take off your jacket + lay it on the conveyor belt. You won’t have to even think about what’s in your pockets + setting off that embarrassing alarm.

6 :: Leave your jeans at home

Jeans are too heavy to wear in the sun and there’s no room to pack them in a carryon anyway. Think about taking lightweight items made of linen or cotton (blended with microfiber, polyester or lycra that prevent wrinkles). They will take up less room in your luggage + will work much better for you in the tropics.

7 :: Pair your beauty products down to a minimum

You’re only gonna be gone for a week, girl! One of the biggest problems for us women is not to bring too many beauty products. Take only what you need! I have a couple of rules for myself in order to pack light and use only a carryon, especially when it comes to going to the tropics:

1. Bring a good leave-in hair product that covers all your bases :: natural is key here. It will make your travel experience so much simpler. And you won’t have to bring any other products. Think of wearing your hair in a pony tail or bun sometimes. And wear a hat. You’re in the tropics, girl!
2. Put whatever you absolutely need into small (this is my fave set) travel-size containers [contact lens cases work well for foundation, etc.] because all liquids must fit into no more than a 1-qt size ziplock. Click here for TSA’s 3-1-1 rule on liquids.

Because I travel so much, I keep one set of toiletries + beauty products in my my toiletry bag ready at a moment’s notice. All I have to do is grab it + put it into my carryon + I’m ready to go. When I get home from a trip I refill everything + have it ready for the next trip.

8 :: Everything should fit

I recommend getting a four-wheel, hard case carryon. Having a hard case really helps keep all of your belongings safe + secure PLUS it is much easier to pack.

The Delsey Hard Case Carryon with 4 wheels + outside compartment is the one I have + I absolutely love it. After having tried many styles + brands of carryons over the last 30 years, this is it. It has 4 wheels so it is very easy to maneuver through the airport. It also has an exterior zippered compartment that gives me access to my computer + other important stuff without having to open my entire bag. Click here to see all the features.

Now that you know what carryon I use, I have three very important tricks to make sure everything you need for this trip will fit every time:

First Trick: Roll your clothes! By rolling your clothes you will find packing so much easier. Separate your delicates, tops + bottoms into piles. Then get to rolling. Pack a carryon.

Second Trick: Invest in some packing cubes! Have I not shared them with you yet? OMG using my eBags Ultralight Travel Packing Cubes are game changers. They keep you organized + cut your packing/unpacking time in half. They come in a variety of colors + sizes. There are lots of different brands to choose from but my very fave is the eBags packing cubes.

The eBags set includes two small, two large + one slim cube. I find that this set is perfect for me. Stack them on top of each other to perfectly fit the dimensions inside your carryon.

Place your delicates in the slim cube, tops + shoes (HACK: put shower caps) in the large cube, bottoms + sandals (HACK: put in shower caps) in the other large. Use the two small to fit your non-liquid toiletries. This is what I do but feel free to arrange them however works best for you. I cannot even tell you how packing cubes have changed my life on the road. Seriously, check them out + tell me if they aren’t the absolute best travel hack ever!

Third Trick: There are 3 easy steps to this third trick.
1. First, before you start packing, unzip the expansion zipper + expand your bag to its largest capacity.
2. Secondly, fill it up + zip it up.
3. And for the last step, squeeze down on your bag while zipping up the expansion.
Voila! It works like a charm every time!

Remember I said packing cubes would cut your unpacking time in half? When you go to unpack just unzip your cubes + lay them inside your cabin drawers. No need to take anything out! Your clothes stay right inside your packing cubes + exactly where you put them. And when you’re ready to pack up you know exactly where everything goes back!

9 :: Bring a large hand-carry bag aboard your flight

I would suggest you bring a tote big enough to hold:
1. a change of clothes + underwear [you never know]
2. electronics/books [to keep you entertained while you wait]
3. your purse [I suggest a very small cross body purse for only your money, ID, tickets, phone + passport. This happens to be my very favorite cross body by Laga]
4. your 3-1-1 rule ziplock bag for TSA [click here for more deetz]
5. anything else you might need on your flight [portable charger, earbuds, snacks, a pair of socks]
If you don’t have room for #4 in your tote, I suggest you put it in the exterior compartment of that great carryon in case TSA wants to see it.

This is my very favorite hand-carry bag by Laga. The proceeds go to providing employment + education for tsunami survivors in Indonesia. What a great cause, right? It fits right under the seat in front of me on my flight + I get compliments on it everywhere I go! I take it with me on every trip! And you can pack a lot in this carryon bag.

And if you have room, put your swimsuit + coverup + sandals in there. That way, while you’re waiting for them to deliver your bag to your stateroom, you’ll have everything you need to go down to the pool + start enjoying the sun!

Speaking of sandals, I found a pair of flip flops that are so comfortable I can walk in all them day. They form fit my feet + I feel like I’m walking on a cloud. Seriously. So, unless I’ll be in cold weather where it is imperative I wear closed-toed shoes, I bring these flip flops with me everywhere I travel. Great footwear find!

10 :: Leave the kitchen sink at home

Think about what the ship provides: hairdryer, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, towels :: you don’t need to bring these items. All they will do is take away valuable real estate in your carryon. Don’t second-guess what else you’ll need because you’ve already worked that out. If it’s not on your spreadsheet you can live without it for a week!

I hope this list will help you travel lighter + more efficiently. By adopting these easy rules your cruise will be so much less of a headache I promise you. I’ve stayed true to each + every step above + cruising has been so much more about the fun and way easier because I can pack really light using only a carryon bag. Easy Peasy!

Now go out there + have a fantastic cruise! You deserve it!

The post How to Pack a Carryon for a Cruise appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.