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My Must Have Travel Essentials

 

Happy Friday! My recent traveling trips made me realize the things I really need to pack in my carry on luggage. My trip from Raleigh, North Carolina to New York spanned 10 days and I only packed my absolute essentials. It was really hard for me not to overpack, but I stuck with my favorites and it worked out very well. Here are my top 14 items in no particular order.

  • You need to have a wrap or oversized scarf for the plane and to help battle super cold conference rooms. My go to has been Naked Cashmere wrap or my Louis Vuitton Scarf

  • Over the ear headphones - My pick are the Apple AirPods Max. These fit nicely over my Earplanes, which I will get to next. The headphones block out most crying babies and annoying conversations that may be happening around you and engine noise. I bet you're all wondering why I didn't get the pink version. That's because it looks more orange, and not a true pink. 😅 If they had purple I would have been all over it!
  • Earplanes - This is more personal to my experience on airplanes. My eustachian tube in my left ear is not fully developed and cabin pressure from flying causes extreme pain. When I am asked to describe it, it's as if a knife is stabbing my ear drum over and over and sometimes when it's really bad my head feels like it's about to explode. I discovered Earplanes a few years ago and they are life changing when it comes to flying. I also found out they come in children's sizes! Whenever there are crying babies on the plane, I feel for them. I used to always cry whenever I flew in an airplane.  Earplanes also reduce noise and before I got the headphones, I wasn't able to listen to any music because of the plugs, but these headphones fit over the plugs perfectly!


  • For those who don't have any pressure issues, the Apple AirPods Pro - is amazing as well and more wallet friendly than the headphones. My husband uses these all the time. They smaller and much more portable than the headphones and sound great. 

  • Anker Portable Charger - We all rely so much on our phones these days, that I always make sure I have an extra charger with me. This is so crucial especially when I'm traveling. You just have to make sure it's charged!

  • Caraa Studio Bag Medium - I have been meaning to review this backpack I purchased well over a year ago. I've been using it whenever I have to go to the office. It has a dedicated pocket for a 13 inch laptop, fits my gym clothes, S'well water bottle, and more. This backpack also comes with a crossbody strap (but I feel this is too heavy to carry crossbody if it's fully packed). It also has handles if you need to grab and go quickly. It's a fantastic everyday backpack and so well made. It is a bit on the expensive side, but well worth it.



  • Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag - Need I say more? Even after three years, this is still my most used bag. It's great for the airport and exploring wherever you are. They come in multiple sizes now and I am positive there is one for everyone. 

  • S'well bottle - I don't know about you but having to pay $6 for a bottle of water at the airport just annoys me. I will bring my empty S'well bottle and once I pass security, I fill the bottle up at the water fountain. My favorite size is the 17 oz bottle.

  • Aviator Nation Hoodie - Most of you already know, Aviator Nation hoodies are my favorite hoodies of all time. They are super soft and comfortable and I will always pack two with me. I wear them on the plane and pretty much everywhere.

  • Lululemon Softstreme Pant - I have decided these are my favorite travel pants. I recommend sizing up for maximum comfort. They're super soft and cozy.
  • Allbirds Tree Dasher Relay - These are hands down my favorite everyday walking shoes. They're slip on, which makes it really easy when going through airport security if you don't have TSA pre-check (highly recommend getting this if you travel often).

*I've partnered up with Allbirds! Click on my link for a free pair of Trino socks with your purchase of shoes or apparel. Offer will automatically be applied at checkout if socks are added to your cart.*


  • Sleep Mask - Whenever I visit my family in New York, I stay with my mom and I know the sun will start leaking into the guest bedroom as early as 5:30 am. I am not a morning person so I have to have a sleep mask on. The one I have is from Lululemon.




  • Dermologica Sunscreen - This is my favorite sunscreen. It's lightweight and non-greasy. Goes on really smooth and I apply it over my daily moisturizer. A definite must-have if you're going to be outside exploring. Now that I'm older I will be wearing sunscreen everyday. I'm going to incorporate it into my daily morning routine.

Whew, that's my list! Let me know if there's anything I missed or if there's something on your list that I need to include. What are your travel essentials? Let me know in the comments. That's it for me! I wish you all an amazing weekend!













Comments

  1. Leslie , are those the full length soft streme pants? What size are you wearing? Are those air pod pros noise canceling?Thanks for the list, Cindy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Cindy! I am wearing the cropped length in the Softstreme pants and I size up to a 6.

      Yes, the air pod pros are noise cancelling as well.

      Delete
    2. Oh wow, I never considered sizing up in those crops. I should try that for a totally different look. They look really cute on you

      Delete
    3. Actually, why does your softstreme picture say they’re the pants and there’s a slit at the hem? Is that an older style. My crops don’t have slits.

      Delete
    4. I got these last year. I keep hoping Lulu will release them again. Here's my original review. I would totally buy more colors in these.

      https://www.petiteimpact.com/2022/09/fit-review-friday-lululemon-brushed.html

      Delete
    5. I see, thank you for the link. How do they compare with the newer softstreme crops without the split hem? Is the fit the same?

      Delete
    6. I sized up in both, the pant leg is wider on the Softstreme crops without the split hem. That's the main difference.

      Delete
  2. I love your picks! Softstreme, music and some earplugs and a comfy hoodie. I haven't been keeping up with LLL lately and just come to your blog to read.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Caraa bags are on my list of bags to have! They're pretty and practical.

      Delete
    2. Hi Janessa! Glad you liked this list. I really haven't bought much from Lulu either. This is the slowest it's been for my purchases. I do love my Caraa bag though, I've been using it for over a year now!

      Delete
  3. Hi Leslie ! Where did you get the blue and neon stripe Aviator Nation hoodie pictured ? I can’t find that specific color way on the website and I want one !

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi there! I just got it a few weeks ago, it's this one. The fit is more relaxed than the regular 5 Stripe.

      https://www.aviatornation.com/collections/unisex-hoodies/products/5-stripe-relaxed-zip-hoodie-sky-neon-rainbow

      Delete
    2. Hi! Thank you ! I would love a review of the relaxed fit ! Are the arms longer than the regular 5 stripe ?

      Delete
    3. Yes, a review is coming up! I didn't notice it to be longer, but they are a lot looser. I'll have it up soon!

      Delete

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