Holiday Travel Essentials You'll Need This Year

Traveling home or abroad for the holidays? Take these little game-changers along for a bon voyage!

There are a few things that go in my bag whether it's a short trip or long. However, during the holiday season, many of us will be boarding planes, trains and taking more lengthy excursions. I always like to be as comfortable and as safe as possible so here are my picks for the specific challenges of holiday travel:

• A Travel Pillow - Some people pack their own pillow for longer overnight stays or even for use on the plane if it is an extended flight. Whatever the case, one of the best pillows I've found has memory foam and pure silk cases. Sleep 'n Glow is similar to my Tempur-Pedic pillow but offers more support and spinal alignment due to the deep contours. The fitted silk pillowcases make this pillow an overnight beauty treatment for skin and hair.  Something we all could use to combat that jet lag once we make our destination!

Sleep 'n Glow Pillow and Silk Pillowcase

• Comfortable, breathable undies - Sitting for long periods of time in transit can really wreak havoc on your bottom. Even more so, you'll want panties that travel well and dry quickly after washing. These Hipsters by JUMPER Premium Threads are highly ventilated, wicking and made of 60% ProModal and 35% peppermint leaf fiber. Both are natural plant fibers with the peppermint being very anti-microbial. These offer four-way stretch and an incredible fit. Each pair comes with its own travel pouch to pop in your carry on luggage!
  
  

  

  Peppermint Tech Hipsters
  
  

• Foldable Natural Fiber Toothbrush - My Sonicare toothbrush came with a travel case but I really don't want to risk losing or breaking it on the road. A better option is this folding toothbrush by Doctor Plotka. The bristles are natural, gentle and anti-microbial all at the same time. So much lighter than an electric toothbrush too. 

Developed by a dentist, Doctor Plotka's Travel Toothbrush

• Lavender Hand Cream - This organic lavender hand cream is the perfect size, (1 fl oz) to fit inside your cabin bag or purse. Lavender is naturally calming and has the added benefit of being antimicrobial as well as boosting the immune system. This one by Garner's Garden is very rich, made with sunflower and shea butter as well as pure essential oils. 

  

  Garner's Garden assorted essential oil hand creams
  
  

• Body Wash & Body Lotion - You can always take along a cosmetic counter or travel-sized sample of your favorite product but this set by Eau Des Minimes of Lagorce France takes it to another level. This botanical recipe dates back to 1862 and is based on Eaux de cologne that was prepared in the convents at that time. Both are well within the TSA's 4-ounce liquid limitations but are enough for a week-long trip or more. A little goes a long way! 

Clockwise: Hipster's Women's Bikini Briefs by Jumper Threads, Doctor Plotka's Travel Toothbrush, Garner's Garden Lavender Essential Oil Handcream, Le Couvent des Minimes Botanical Shower Gel, and Body Cream, Molton Brown Travel Accessories Kit with a sewing kit, shower cap, and shoe polisher.

On the Go? How to Pack a 24 Hour Bag

Pack 'n Go! Some must-have travel essentials to put in your 24 hour Bag.

If I've learned anything from backpacking and camping, it is always to be prepared! When I travel, I incorporate many things that I use for survival in the back country to staying healthy and comfortable in an urban setting.  Just like backpacking, you need to pack a back that is light and has items which offer multiple uses.

Packing Your Toiletries
Invest in a clear bag such as this wet bathing suit by Captiva. It completely seals shut so if any other your products spill or explode, your clothes won't get stained. A clear bag like this also allows you to immediately spot the items you need and get to them.

My Toiletries Check List:

Embryolisse Lait Cream Moussant soap free face, body wash and shampoo/conditioner. Four products in one actually. Naturally rich in sweet almond oil and shea butter, it will quickly re-moisturize your skin and hair while gently cleansing it.

Mission Ultra-Hydrating Lip Protector SPF 20 Gel
Can be worn over or under your favorite lip color. Adds moisture and sun protection on the go.

Embryolisse Artist Secret BB Cream SPF 20
This complexion illuminating veil is for all skin types and can be worn with or without makeup. It is moisturizing thanks to the hyaluronic acid and protects against UV rays. Like having primer, foundation and sunblock all in one.

Smart Travel by Adventure Medical Kits. I add my own Visine A & meds.

Visine A
Dry cabin air during your flight can cause your eyes to be uncomfortable. Landing in an area where allergens are waiting can really be a problem too. This soothes my eyes, is safe with my contacts and gets the red out.

Secret Deodorant-Clinical Strength
This is the BEST deodorant for traveling as it offers serious 24+ protection from wetness and odor. TIP: Got an early am flight? Shower the night before and apply your deodorant before you go to bed. The next morning you will wake up fresh and ready to go.

Handcream with Hand Sanitizer
Bath and Body Works has a store full of these little gems. They moisturize and protect from bacteria and germs encountered in public areas.

Physician's Formula MatchMaker pH Powered Lip Gloss
This little beauty develops into the perfect shade for YOU in 90 seconds. Added bonus is the case has a mirror on the side and a makeup LIGHT! Perfect for applications in the dark.


Hydration & Nutrition on the Fly
Perhaps even more than food is the need to take along ways to stay hydrated. That's why I pick juicy, nutrient rich snacks over dry crackers and cookies.

 
Healthy Goodies to Go

CamelBak All Clear Microbiological UV Water Purifier
Water is SO important when traveling. Often times you may need to rely on a public water fountain or hotel sink. Yuck! Who knows who (or what) has been there before you? The CamelBak All Clear uses the same UV sterilization technology utilized for years in the food industry. Fill, zap and drink...as much as you want.

Fresh Veggies and Fruits
You can do this. Cool Gear makes a large array of chill-able containers that will keep your raw fruits and vegetables fresh and COLD for hours. A good way to get nutrition and water at the same time.

Bai Antioxidant Infusions
Each bottle gives you two servings of delicious fruit & antioxidant infused water. Only 5 calories per serving, it will give your spirits and immune system a much needed boost.

Rainbow Light Gummy Power Sours
These high-powered multis to-go contain extra vitamin C in a puckering array of sour fruit flavors. One 10g packet is all you need for the day and you don't need water to get them down. Lighter and easier than carrying bottles and pill holders.

Packing Your Clothes
This is a 24 hour bag that can go from the office to your flight. The best way to pack clothing is the roll method as you can get more items in a small space. Here are a few extras! 

Comforts of home should accompany your 24 hour Bag

Shoes and Clothing

Minnetonka Moccasins
These are my favorite suede leather moccasins! They can be worn as chic flats when you have to walk a lot. After hours, they make great bedroom slippers for your hotel room.

Victoria Secret PINK Sleep Shirt
These are great and pack very well for an overnight trip. They are so soft and when paired with some cozy sweats, make great lounge-wear.

Silk & Cotton Travel Sheets
I use these when we go camping at the cabin. Lightweight, compact and SO soft, you put them between you and the hotel sheets. The ultimate in comfort.

Silk and Cotton Travel Sheets were amazing on my goose down mattress.

The Wrap
What I do is keep a 24 hour Bag stocked and ready to go. That way if I have to be somewhere on a moment's notice, there's no scrambling to pack only to leave essentials like these behind. I also keep a little medical kit in my bag for things like bandages and aspirin. Also when you travel, be sure to take a large handkerchief or a shawl. It will have tons of uses and can offer extra warmth and comfort when traveling.

Travel Wrap by ExOfficio. Leather Luggage Bag by Mullholland 

 

On the Go? Summer Travel Essentials

A trip to the beach or even abroad. Here are some carry on essentials for easy summer travel. Pewter Sand Dollar Woven Handbag by NewportStyle.net, the Newport Mansions Stores.

July is National Parks and Recreation Month - A DAY AT THE BEACH: I really enjoy packing up and taking off for a impromptu trip to the beach, park or anywhere fun during the hot summer. Since July is National Parks and Recreation Month, visiting local spots first is always a good idea. One thing I've learned is to keep a bag packed with a few essentials for each destination.  My beach tote contains Mission Sun Defeated Continuous Spray Sunblock SPF 50 & their Moisturizing Lip Treatment, (SPF 20) as well as Jergens Natural Glow-Protect for a little color + sun block. My sunhat is made of woven raffia and is by Helen Kaminski . It is a tough hat, made in Australia and does an amazing job of blocking the sun.

Transitional Outfit: Horny Toad Dizzie Dress & Earthies Shoes. Knit topper by Cotton On goes from the AC'd office to an early evening picnic date in the park.

Taking a Trip?
If you are doing more than just a day trip, consider keeping a Carry-On bag of your favorite comfort items. These will vary depending on if you are traveling by car, train or plane but they all should be kept close at hand. Here's a few things that I take along that take up less space and do double duty.

All of these items fit easily inside my GLC Guilden Carry All with room for clothes & a pair of shoes.

Packing for a trip should include essentials like these, especially if you are going on a long distance tour. I keep a little bottle of Visine-A for allergy flare ups that can occur when you change climates. Also to stay extra fresh when you might not be able to get to your hotel, take along some baby wipes or Fresh Bath moist towelettes. You can refresh your whole body in the rest room. Speaking of keeping fresh, Secret Clinical Strength is amazing. It will keep you dry and fresh smelling for more than 24 hours even in hot, sticky climates. A clear zippered pouch like this allows you to quickly find what you need while protecting your luggage from product spills.

Embryolisse Hydra Masque and Eye & Lip Contour Cream do double duty.

On the Plane
If you fly, you'll know how important it is to pack your handbag with everything you'll need so as not to have to access your on board luggage in the bin above your head. Here's a situation where you might want to go bigger with your handbag as it can also carry extra clothing and other needed items.

I've found this system to work very well and having essentials like hand cream can work wonders in combating dry cabin air.  

In the Hotel
Likewise Embryolisse Hydro-Masque is a wonderful treat for dried out skin. Pop it on in your hotel room for 15 minutes and you'll be ready for dinner looking plumped and refreshed. I also like their Eye & Lip Contour Cream as it comes in a pump bottle and is both an eye and lip cream. Double duty out of one pump saves space and time switching between products!

Smart Travel First Aid kit has medicines and supplies especially helpful for traveling.

First Aid for Travelers
I keep a Smart Travel from Adventure Medical Kits with me as it is small enough to fit my carry all yet holds A LOT of supplies. Everything from aspirin and anti-nausea medicine to bandages, ointments and other first aid products. I keep a little tube of Topricin Pain Cream in my kit because it can be used for a lot of things like insect bites, bruises and aches. The kit itself is complete though and sectioned into areas depending on the emergency. It also has a little graphic card with pictures to convey your needs in a different language if you are traveling abroad. Everything is well thought out and can help put your traveling mind at ease!


Smart Travel c/o Adventure Medical Kits

Storm Logic Vest by ExOfficio

ExOfficio's Storm Logic Vest in Rosemary, Chica Cool Hoodie and Chaleur Boucle Flap Beanie in Thistle.  Sunglasses: Ray-Ban Wayfarers.

Wow, it is finally getting cold out here on the east coast!  Like most NYC/Metro chicks, I like to walk and bicycle everywhere. I love the cold weather so staying inside during the winter months is not an option, (another reason why I have snowshoes)!

The problem is when you're walking, hiking or biking but bundled up so tight that you can't move.  That doesn't work for me and I'm sure you've had the same experience.  That's why I was so excited to see my fave Storm Logic Primaloft Insulated Jacket remade into a cool vest!  Just like its big sister, the Storm Logic Vest packs down into it's own little travel pillow which makes it perfect to take on the train or plane.  Paired with this sweet Chaleur Boucle Flap Beanie I'm wearing, you're ready for skiing or a snowball fight, (maybe both).

The Chaleur Boucle Flap Beanie I'm Wearing

Chaleur Boucle Flap Beanie Details

• Boucle wool blend
• Cable details
• Ribbed along brim
• Ear flaps with braided tassel ties
• Lined with contrast-color Chenille
• Wrinkle resistant
• Thermal
• Sizes: One size

• Imported

Storm Logic Vest
You should invest in a vest!  One like the Storm Logic is very versatile and the soft lined collar and chin flap makes it so comfortable even when fully zipped up. Like most ExOfficio pieces, this vest is tricked out with zippered hand warmer pockets and an internal travel pocket system that gives you a place to stow your money, passport, boarding pass or train tickets.  This vest itself is not bulky and the arm holes are large enough to give you full freedom of motion. It really blocks the wind too. Dress it up, dress it down, this is probably the most versatile transitional piece of outerwear you'll ever own.

Storm Logic Vest Details

• Built-in stuff sack allows jacket to roll into adjustable travel pillow
• Microfleece-lined collar
• Lined chin flap to prevent zipper from rubbing
• Vertical front zippered security pocket
• Microfleece-lined security zip hand pockets
• Bungee cinch on bottom hem
• Internal travel pocket system
• Flattering stitch shaping
• Durable 20 Denier ripstop nylon shell
• Primaloft Sport insulation is warm even when wet
• Treated with Durable Water repellent (DWR) for water and stain resistance
• Quick drying
• High warmth to weight
• Windproof
• Convertible

My snowshoes, Smartwool socks and  Carve Designs Wynter Scarf

Holiday Travel Tips

Packing for a trip this holiday season?  Don't forget these hot new travel essentials!

I just LOVE the holiday season!  Visiting with friends and family are what this time of year is all about.  If you are fortunate enough to be invited over for a meal and/or extended stay, here are a few things you can pack to help make your visit extra comfy.  If you enjoy taking your holiday vacation away from home or a tropical cruise, these ideas will work there too.  (Tip: Many of these items also make great gifts for the "jet-setter" on your list!  Could that be YOU?)

Flying or vacationing in a tropical location for the holidays?  Remember to bring your sunscreen!

Aside from packing those specific occasional clothes for the beach, a holiday party or family dinner, (think "photo opportunities"), consider other things you should include to help you be extra relaxed while on your trip.

Here is a short-list of items to bring along to help prevent stress, illness and basically to avoid having a bad time:

First-Aid Travel Kit 
I like the Smart Travel by Adventure Medical Kits pictured here.  It has all of the medications you could possibly need plus a full array of motion sickness meds, wound care, bandages, tweezers, a mini blister kit plus emergency clothing repair and more.  Insightfully put together, and VERY well organized, it contains most everything to deal with aliments and issues common to travelers.  Comes with a concise traveler's first-aid booklet and a Visual Communication Tool describing a number of emergency and health related conditions in various languages. The kit can be personalized to include other medications you're on and takes up about as much space as a romance novel but will be much more useful.

Portable Tap Water Purifier
Sometimes you may find yourself traveling to different countries or simply a different state within the U.S.  If you are staying at a hotel, room service may leave a few bottles of sparking water in the fridge but when that runs out, you'll need to purchase more. I know from experience that hotel tap water is absolutely horrible and it isn't improved by making tea or coffee either!  Why hassle with all that?  I pack a Purificup Water Filter for Tap Water. There’s no need for boiling water after it is filtered and each filter provides up to 24 gallons (330 cups) of pure water anywhere you are, including your hotel room, airport and train station's public water fountains.

Travel Buddies: Purificup, Smart Travel Medical Kit, Aurora Magnesium Fire Starter & British Army Knife. (The last two items SHOULD NOT be brought to an airport due to security restrictions.)

Air Sanitizer or Disinfectant Spray
I like this Ozium Glycol-ized Air Sanitizer for its portable 0.8 oz size. It is specifically made for use in public buildings and hotels among other germy places.  It effectively removes airborne bacteria, smoke and dispels odors.  Really hotels and motels, (even many luxury ones) are some of the most heavily trafficked places on earth.  I spray my room with this stuff and hope for the best!

Multiple Vitamins  
Even if you don't usually take a multiple vitamin, consider bringing them along when you travel.  Your body will be super-stressed by changes in climate, running to make your connection and sometimes unfamiliar cuisine while being exposed to all sorts of pathogens you're not accustomed to.  Try to get quick release capsules like these Organic Multiples by Rainbow Light. They are easier to digest than hard tablets and stomach upset is the last thing you need while traveling. Since bringing them along, I no longer bring back a cold when I return from vacation.

Foot Warmers
You can bring that favorite pair of wool socks, bunny slippers or something even more high tech and soothing like these Hot Booties! These puffy slippers are filled with linseed and lavender.  Pop them in the microwave for under 90 secs and enjoy a warm, soothing spa quality tootsie treat. Perfect after a day of walking through the airport or train station.  It has been found that keeping your feet warm DOES help fight the onset of colds or at least secumming to them.  See?  Mom was right.

Travel Sheets 
When we went on our cabin vacation this year, I brought along these very luxurious Silk + Cotton Sheets by Sea to Summit.  Also called Travel Liners, you can place them between yourself and the hotel sheets for extra comfort. Talk about soft!  Mist them with a bit lavender oil for the ultimate relaxing sleep experience, no matter where you land. This set has a built in pillow case cover and the whole thing packs into a tiny travel case the size of a digital camera.

Travel Blazer & Scarf
I like this elegant women's Go There Travel Blazer by ExOfficio. ExOfficio is indisputably the "travel expert" when it comes to clothing and gear for foraying abroad or anywhere else the wind takes you.  The Go-There Blazer, kind of reminds me of a "boyfriend blazer" but is stylishly crafted from a drirelease® french terry, a functional combination of fashion and comfort. This travel friendly blazer wicks moisture, stays fresh, and dries quickly. Security zip pockets keep small essentials safe. A slight stretch in the fabric keeps the tailored silhouette comfortable, so you can pack it, take it out, wear it and look great.  If you want to wear it in transit, it is not too thick or bulky to interfere with your seat comfort. 
A Chic, Plushy Scarf in an animal print can double as a seat cover, rain or wind hood for your hair or just when you need a little extra warmth around the neck when disembarking.

Now boarding!  ExOfficio's Go There Travel Blazer paired with a silk blouse.  Easy style!

Travel mavens often recommend wearing a blazer when boarding aircraft. Why? Well, if the flight is overbooked, (as most times they are), people wearing more business like attire are less likely to get "bumped". It may sound outlandish, but this is what all airlines do. Dress smart and you might even get upgraded to first-class!  "Why Look Like a Slob When Traveling?"

Warm Travel Skirt & Leggings
Along the same line of thought as the umbiquitious travel blazer, why travel in jeans when you can be warm AND stylish in a skirt and tights?  One of the warmest, softest and toughest pieces I own is a Merino Wool Smartwool Sanitas Skirt. It has an elastic waistband so need to wear a belt that will only need be removed before passing through the airport security scanners. Pair it with a their Mirrored Footless Tights and you're set.  I even wear this skirt & leggings combo on my bicycle and am warm and comfy. If you are vacationing in a country that uses bicycles or Vespas, you'll be totally ready,  The ultimate travel package! 

Holiday shopping in Smartwool's Sanitas Merino Wool Travel Skirt

A Folding Bicycle
Don't laugh!  I've packed my little alloy Greenzone Folding Bike on a train and road it on the NYC Bike Path downtown to Chelsea Piers.  If you are traveling by car or RV it fits easily in a trunk.  Comes with its own carry bag too so you can take on board a ship and keep it with you in your cabin.  Now THIS is the way to tour the island once your cruise ship docks!

Greenzone Folding Bike goes anywhere, even on your  holiday cruise!

The Wrap
All of these tips can help you while enroute and once you arrive at your travel destination. A pair of velvet flats looks extra chic with opaque tights and are comfortable to walk in. Everything here will fit in a small suitcase or your carry-on luggage for the overhead bin above your airplane or train seat. By packing strategically, I've never had to check my luggage or had it lost. Everything I need stays with me during the flight for easy access. Dress like you mean business. Travel agents, attendants, security all respond favorably to someone who is well put together and you might even land yourself a seat upgrade.

Remember to pack wrinkle proof shirts like this 3/4 sleeve top and forget the in-room iron!