I have been on the go a lot lately. I just got back from England a few weeks ago, I took a day trip to Ohio last weekend, and soon I’ll be on my way to Massachusetts. If you checked out my last post, you’ll know I love to make lists. This includes packing lists. My friends can attest to how detailed and thorough these lists get. I thought it would be fun if I shared with you my travel must-haves.
Hand Sanitizer
Picture this. You’re desperate for a rest stop, and you finally pull over to find a sketchy looking gas station, but it’s okay because it has a bathroom. Hallelujah, right? Wrong. The person in line before you comes out gagging. You go in and it’s like you walked onto the set of Christina Aguilera’s “Dirrty” music video. It’s alright… you’ll just do the hover. It’s fine, right? Wrong! There’s no toilet paper and NO SOAP. Aren’t you now glad you brought your hand sanitizer?
Snacks
Travel can present stressful challenges. I know my body. If I get too hungry, I will be miserable. I think that’s probably true for most people. When there is a glitch in travel plans (you get lost and can’t find a rest stop for food and bathroom) people tend to get tense. Add being hungry on top of that and you’ve found yourself in a terrible travel situation. For that reason, I bring food that will make me happy, ex: Oreo’s.
Books
I have a true affinity for reading and bringing a book with me wherever I go. Just call me Rory Gilmore. I may not have the time to actually read these said books, but it’s nice to always have one on me in case there’s a particularly relaxing moment that just called for a good book. I’m currently reading Uprooted by Naomi Novik. I highly suggest it.
Blanket
Even if it’s ninety degrees out, my backpack has a blanket in it. I have a small contraband blanket from an airline that I won’t disclose that I usually bring because it’s smaller but very warm. For me, there’s nothing worse than being cold and uncomfortable. Having a blanket is homey and relaxing. It’s worth the weight it puts in your carry on.
Beanie
I got this idea from Jenna Mourey (YouTube’s Jenna Marbles). Beanies function as an eye mask without taking up any space in your carry on. I have a lightweight beanie I always wear on an airplane so I can get some good old fashioned shut eye. I think it’s the best thing to bring if you really want to get some sleep on your trip.
Pepto Bismol
Sorry, not sorry if this is TMI. I value this so much that I consider it a travel necessity. Every trip I’ve ever gone on, someone has needed this medicine. It’s a rescue medicine that I refuse to go anywhere without. I don’t even like going to work without it.
Positive Mindset
I understand that travel can be overwhelming sometimes, but if you’re going to bark at everyone because you’re not handling the stress well, I don’t vibe with you. Everything’s going to be alright. Travel is a blessing and should be treated as such. I’ve had moments where I was being raced through JFK in a wheelchair as to not miss my flight home after a surgery and I maintained my cool. It all usually works out. So you can go get down with your bad self alone if you want to bring everyone’s energy down. A positive mindset is a must have. You can leave the attitude at home; it exceeds the weight limit.
I hope you found this list helpful, fun, or otherwise entertaining. Let me know what your travel must-haves are in the comments.
Until next time,
Julia
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