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Packing restrictions are the bane of my life, from the limit on millilitres, the ever-changing size of the carry-on bag, though my innate ability to overpack, even for an overnight stay, doesn’t help matters.
Whether I am heading off for a staycation, a European city break, beach getaway, or multi-city trip, there are a few essentials I feel lost without.
My go-to’s span across beauty essentials, sleep aids to vitamins and other health-related necessities to keep my skin and body hydrated on a short or long-haul flight, as well as during my time away.
I’m notorious for having a terrible night’s sleep for the first few days of any trip away from home, but I have come to lean on certain products to ease me into a deep slumber no matter the time zone.
It goes without saying my passport, phone, cards and currency are also essential, but I’m talking about other props that make travelling at any time of year, and to any destination, comfortable and stress-free.
So, while I pack for my upcoming trip to Sri Lanka, with a brief stop in Dubai, I thought I would share my hand luggage heroes.
Metro Weekender
Firstly, I need a durable carry-on bag to house my essentials.For this trip I will be packing some lightweight and cooler clothing, including flip flops, to change into at the other end. So, I need a bag that is spacious without being cumbersome – I need to avoid the headache of having to pay extra to move my luggage into the hold. I love a bag with compartments, and Monos’ Metro Weekender ticks that box.This design features a zip-up base compartment to house shoes, or clothes separately from my other belongings.This pouch also leaves space in the main compartment for me to access other valuables quickly at the airport.There is also a designated 16” slip to fit my laptop, which is crucial in case I need to work on the go. Plus the main compartment boasts multiple other pockets to store smaller valuables. Made from water-resistant nylon twill, this bag is durable, stylish and functional for every kind of trip.
Rains 14120 Unisex Micro Box Bag
Taking two bags may seem excessive, but actually I tend to wear a “handbag” alongside my carry-on to keep my valuables in throughout my vacation, including when I need to show my passport at airport security. The square shape is ideal to fit my passport, phone, card and currency in, as well as headphones and other bits and bobs.The adjustable strap makes it easy to style across the body, waist, over the shoulder, or even as a clutch bag when I get to my destination. Not only will I wear this at the airport, but during my trip too, especially on excursions, or hikes, as I can roam hands-free.
Kitsch Stainless Steel Gua Sha Tool
I have long been an advocate of lymphatic drainage for the body and face, but you don’t need a professional to master it.After any flight, the change in diet, poor sleep, or just whatever phase my hormones are in at the time, my face and body has a tendency to look puffy. But my stainless steel gua sha is my saving grace. It is cooling, compact and works wonders to move the excess water in my face, and stimulate the blood flow again, which leaves me looking a little more revitalised.My top tip is to store the gua sha in an ice bucket, or fridge, for an ultra soothing sensation.
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5 Multi-Purpose Repairing Balm
Moisturiser is essential when travelling. I typically don’t complete a skincare regime on a flight because experts have warned it is massaging germs into your pores.So, before any flight I will lather the La Roche Posay Cicaplast BF on my skin like a face mask, and even apply every night during my travels for a dewy complexion. Yes, it can look opaque at first, but massage it in thoroughly and it will blend in seamlessly.The result is super hydrated skin and an enviable glow in the morning. My skin gets particularly dry when I am flying because of the air-con, which is exacerbated by the sun, sea and chlorine too.I am also prone to sporadic breakouts when I travel, in which case I will dab this on those blemishes and they vanish overnight.
Heliocare 360° Oil-Free Gel Sunscreen Protector Original SPF 50
No matter where you are jetting off to sun protection is vital to wear, even on the plane as the sun’s UV rays are even more potent.I have tried and tested a whole host of sun protection, but Heliocare’s 360° Oil-Free Gel Sunscreen Protector is my holy grail.It is lightweight on the skin, doesn’t leave a white cast, or make my skin sting either. While I apply this daily to my face and carry with me throughout any trip, I also pack the larger kids version (because I am prone to prickly heat as I have sensitive skin) in my checked-in bag to protect the rest of my body from sun damage.
Loop Quiet 2 Ear Plugs
I own almost every version of Loop’s Ear Plugs and I recommend them to everyone I know.The Quiet version are super soft and gentle in the ear, even to sleep on. They effectively block out any noise, and help me sleep soundly throughout my travels. I occasionally suffer with my ears after a flight, as they may not have popped on the descent, or just feel sore, but when I wear the Quiet Ear Plugs they alleviate that discomfort.
Beconase Allergy & Hayfever Relief Nasal Spray
If I have planned and paid for a holiday, the last thing I want is to catch a cold that ruins that, or suffer from hayfever symptoms.I was once advised by a doctor to clear my blocked sinus with Beconase Nasal Spray, which worked a dream to clear congestion and headaches.Now, I refuse to travel without it.Prior to boarding a flight I will squirt the recommended dosage, and will leave the flight without a single sniffle. Plus, when I’m away in tropical climates I don’t suffer an itchy or runny nose when hayfever kicks in.
Universal Adapter
A universal adapter is key for every trip in my books.Not only does it save the confusion over the type of adapter you need for the country you are visiting, but it saves packing several adapters I inevitably leave behind when it’s time to fly home. Slide a toggle to suit the country you are visiting and plug into the mains to charge your devices, it couldn’t be simpler.This design is genius because it has a space for a fitted plug, as well as USB cords too.Plus it is compatible with USB A and USB C ports, and is suitable for EU, UK, USA as well as use in Australia.
4head Stick
We have gathered I will do all I can to avoid any illnesses when I’m traveling. But sometimes the altitude, draughty aircon, or the super early start to catch a flight can plague me with a headache, so I will always pack this nifty 4head Stick to alleviate that foggy, heavy head. Planes, buses and trains can also get stuffy, so at times when I feel I need some breathing space, I will sweep the menthol balm across the bridge of my nose, as well as my temples, and I can breathe easily.
LMNT Recharge Electrolytes
Electrolytes are having a moment, as they help to replenish vital nutrients when on the go. I swear by electrolytes to give me an added boost of energy when I’m feeling a little lacklustre, particularly after a long day of travelling, poor night’s sleep or boozy night.But they are also essential if the food abroad unsettles your stomach – if you know what I mean.LMNT’s Electrolytes come in various flavours, are easy to pack to take on the go, and fuss-free. The sachets contain the recommended amount so there is no need to measure out the electrolytes and get in a mess. Simply sprinkle one sachet into a bottle of water and slurp away.
3pk Cosy Velvet Ankle High Socks
We all know planes can get cold, no matter if you are travelling in the summer or winter, or to warmer climates. I also can’t sit on any flight longer than two hours wearing shoes, it’s uncomfortable.With that in mind, it’s unsurprising I always pack a pair of fluffy socks in my bag so I can be comfortable, stay warm, and snuggle up by the window seat until I land in paradise.
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