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Ten Best Destinations for Your Next Girls Trip

I’m constantly designing the best girls' trip (in the history of girls' trips) - in my mind. The first thing I think about is how many girls will be on the trip. A posse of two works as well as going with the whole gang, but knowing the group size helps with destination decisions.

And then I ask myself the big question: what's the best destination?

Well, there isn't one best destination, there's only the best one for you and your girls. So, I asked ten of my favorite travel bloggers to share their best girls' trip destinations with us so we can pick one. Or all ten. (🙋‍♀️ I'm doing all ten - wait til you read them.)

No time to read now? Pin this for later.

ten-best-destinations-for-girls-trip

 

Wait - Before You Pick the Best Destination for Your Trip

You gotta know your girls and plan accordingly. Start asking yourself what you all love to do together: hiking? Beach? Shopping? Zip-lining? Sightseeing? Ski Poles? Even if there's more than one answer it will help you start to whittle down the options.

Next qualifying question: How long is everyone's get-out-of-jail-free card? Does it need to be a girls' weekend trip? Can it turn into a girls' vacation? You have to work within everyone's schedules.

Ok, this is getting exciting! You and your BFFs are now ready to pick the destination for your weekend/vacation girls' trip to… 

Where are you going?

SAMOA!

Beach-in-Samoa-for-girls-trip

Photo by Christy Dunn

From Christy Dunn @ https://www.planestrainsandmonorails.com/

For the ultimate once-in-a-lifetime girls’ getaway, head to the beautiful island nation of Samoa.  This tropical paradise in the South Pacific offers the perfect combination of breathtaking views, delicious food, warm weather, and a welcoming environment.  Whether you and your friends are looking to relax on the beach or tackle an adventure, Samoa has you covered. The people here will make you feel right at home.  And, it has lower prices and fewer crowds than some of its more famous neighbors. 

Taumeasina Island Resort is the place to stay if you want relaxation, luxury, and convenience.  It has spectacular views in every direction and is only a five-minute cab ride to the heart of the capital city of Apia.  Another great option for lodging close to the action is the Sheraton Aggie Grey in downtown Apia. If you would prefer an all-inclusive resort, I recommend the Sheraton Samoa Beach Resort near the airport.  

Your trip to Samoa is not complete without a meal at Paddles.  This small restaurant offers scrumptious Italian food in a laid-back island environment.  Your stomach and your girlfriends will be thanking you for this one!  

During your trip, take a little time to shop in the various markets in Apia.  You will find tons of Samoan handicrafts. For a little adventure, rent a car and drive to To Sua Ocean Trench.  This amazing swimming hole is about 100 feet below ground and is connected to the ocean by underwater tunnels.         

Christy is a wife, mom, and attorney who’d rather be traveling than in a courtroom! She learned a lot about traveling the last fifteen+ years with her husband. She believes traveling is the best way to teach children about the world and her son started traveling at two years old. Her favorite destinations are Disney World, sporting events, and the South Pacific. Follow her on Pinterest.

 

CANCUN!

Cancun-beach-for-girls-trip

Photo by Christine Zelina

From Christina Zelina @ https://treasuredfamilytravels.com/

Sun, sand, and food!  That was what my BFF and I were looking for when we planned a long girlfriend weekend getaway. Cancun fit the bill on all accounts.

Countless all-inclusive resorts abound tempting you with unlimited food, drink, and activities. There is no need to go outside the resort area unless you want to.  In fact, we did more onsite group activities than I have ever done with my family.

Salsa dancing lessons, Spanish cooking demonstrations, mixology classes, and an introductory scuba lesson kept us busy when weren’t eating, sleeping or sunning.

Venture out one night to Coco Bongo – a party club located within Cancun’s Hotel Zone. Seriously, you need to see this place! Flying acrobats, loud music and so much going on you don’t know where to look.

Consider booking a package deal that includes airfare and airport transfers. Many cities have charter airlines with non-stop flights which I highly recommend. Where else can you get so much for your money and not have to worry about anything once you get there?

 If you’re looking for a tropical and inexpensive girlfriend getaway, do your research on Cancun. The white sand and beautiful blue water will literally melt away any stress you came with. And, you may even learn a new recipe to take home!

Christine, the founder of the family travel blog Treasured Family Travels, writes about her families world travels using miles and points. She’s a huge Disney fanatic and devotes a  section of her website to all things Disney. Follow her on Pinterest.

 

TUSCAN COAST, ITALY!

The-Tuscan-Coast-for-girls-trip

Photo by Katy Thomas

From Katy Thomas @ https://katyinumbria.com/

A weekend catching up with girlfriends on the Tuscan coast while getting a tan and sipping local white wine? Pretty close to perfect.

Starting from Perugia, in a small car, take the slower, windier roads to Talamone. Pit stops included: San Casciano Dei Bagni, a wealthy spa town, great for a quick panino and a stroll. Pitigliano, perfect for an afternoon gelato. Get ready to take lots of photos and stock up on their famous local white wine for pre-dinner drinks. And finally Le Terme di Saturnia, free hot springs with healing mineral waters that have created gentle waterfalls and pools, my favorite so far. 

Activities: snorkeling off the rocks of Talamone, driving to the nature reserve for walks and naps on the long sandy spit, and late-night shopping sprees in Orbetello. Looking for a bit more adventure? Take a ferry to one of the islands, like Elba. 

Food: keep it Italian! Breakfasts of pastries and cappuccinos. Light lunches with local prosciutto and melon or tomatoes and mozzarella. Dinner? My favorite restaurant in the area is Agriturismo Buratta for their wild boar ragu, red wine, and pickled onions. Perfect after a day exploring the coast of Tuscany’s Maremma. And be sure to try what this region is known for, Tortelli. Large square pasta stuffed with spinach and ricotta.

The salty Mediterranean sea and the warm Italian sun help with the relaxing, the wine is for chatting. Because what summer is complete without a road trip with your friends to the beach?

Katy is from the West Coast of Canada. She studied violin making in England, lived in Toronto, Canada for a time, and now lives in Perugia, Italy since 2014. She runs a business making and restoring violins with her Italian husband, and spends her spare time exploring every inch of Central Italy and sharing it all on her blog. Follow her on Pinterest. 

 

CHICAGO!

Pano-ariel-of-Chicago-on-girls-trip

Photo by Catherine Brady

From Catherine Brady @  https://travelingwiththelittles.com/

For a girlfriend weekend getaway to Chicago, there are endless possibilities of things to do! I’m not a martini drinking, clubbing, spa type of gal, so this itinerary is somewhat laidback.  BUT, if you are into clubs, bars, and spas, Chicago has no shortage. 

The first order of business is your hotel.  I’d stay at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, on Wacker Drive, located right on the Chicago River.  It’s affordable, has excellent views, and is smack in the middle of all the action. The Hyatt boasts three restaurants on-site if you’d like to eat at the hotel.   They also have the BIG Bar and a café/snack shop that’s open 24/7.  

Friday night grab pizza at Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria.  Everyone has an opinion about which Chicago pizza is the best and most authentic, and Lou Malnati’s takes the cake! After pizza, grab a drink at the Signature Lounge on the 95th floor of the John Hancock Building. It’s free to get up there (except for the $13 mojito you’ll pay for) and has some of the best views of the city.  The best view is from the ladies room, so be sure to check that out!

Saturday grab breakfast at the hotel or on the go and get after the day.  First, take the architectural tour down the Chicago River. I’m not into architecture, per se, but this is probably the best tour in Chicago.  Grab lunch at Eataly Chicago, and then go shopping down Michigan Avenue on the Magnificent Mile. For dinner, I’d recommend the Dearborn.  

If you have time to kill in the evenings, you can catch a play at one of Chicago’s many theaters, or take a sunset cruise on Lake Michigan.  Alternatively, you can catch a free concert in Millennium Park or at the beer garden at the end of Navy Pier. 

Sunday morning hit up the Nutella Café for some confections and a bit of indulgence.

Catherine is an attorney - turned Travel Writer. She started travelingwiththelittles.com as a resource for parents who love the idea of traveling post-children but are apprehensive about traveling as a family.  Her goal is to make family travel more manageable and to take the anxiety out of traveling with children!  Follow her on Pinterest.

 

MADISON, WISCONSIN!

Girls-trip-to-Madison-Capital-Square-Wisconsin

Photo by Sue Reddel

From Sue Reddel @ https://foodtravelist.com 

Madison, Wisconsin is a unique capital city on an isthmus surrounded by two beautiful lakes. Enjoy water views, beautiful sunsets and amenities like a serene spa and wellness center at the boutique Edgewater Hotel. 

April through October visit the Dane County Farmers Market, the largest producers-only market in the country, where vendors fill Capitol Square on Saturday mornings. Then go inside the historic capitol building and explore its breathtaking historic interior.

Stroll the beautiful Olbrich Botanical Gardens free every day or choose from many biking and hiking trails. In summer you can go kayaking, SUP or canoeing. Winter offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice fishing.

Ready to eat? Try farm-fresh fine dining at L’Etoile or a creamy frozen custard at Michael’s. Downtown food carts offer great ethnic eats and local gems serve unique authentic food like Indian, Korean, Laotian, Ethiopian and more. Breakfast and brunch get serious attention at spots like Short Stack Eatery and Marigold Kitchen. Don’t miss Wisconsin’s famed supper clubs like Toby’s or the Tornado Room for an Old Fashioned cocktail or a hearty meal. Lombardino’s has excellent wood-fired pizza and a hefty wine list.

Try ciders and get some tasty noshes at the Cider Farm Taproom at Brennan’s Cellars for fun. Like beer? Madison’s thriving craft brewery scene offers many options like lively Vintage Brewing.

One thing’s for certain - if you come to Madison once you will return because you won’t be able to do, see and eat it all in just one-weekend visit.

Sue has a great post with even more information and tips about Marvelous Madison here on her blog. Follow her on Pinterest.

 

NEW ORLEANS!

french-quarter-architecture-in-NOLA-for-girls-trip

Photo by Kara @Destination Live Life

From Kara @ https://destinationlivelife.com/

If you’re looking for a girlfriend weekend getaway that can include both history AND debauchery, then look no further than New Orleans, Louisiana! A well-known destination for all things culinary, spooky, and raucous, you’re sure to have one heck of a time.

When the sun is up, spend your days exploring the rich architecture in the French Quarter. You can admire the buildings you pass and do some shopping in the many boutiques! I also can’t recommend an afternoon/early evening cooking class enough. It’s a great introduction to New Orleans creole where you can prepare (and then inhale) famous NOLA dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, or pecan pralines. 

When the sun goes down, the city really comes alive (OR dead). Taking one of the city’s many spooky haunted tours will give you chills for days. And discovering all the famous Bourbon Street has to offer may give you a hangover for days. Head over to karaoke at Catz and hit the high notes with your ladies to Beyonce’s “Single Ladies.” 

Luckily, I also have just the ticket to help cure that hangover! Head on over to Tableau in the French Quarter for a little jazz brunch. The food is amazing, they have bottomless mimosas (a little hair of the dog never hurt), and a cute little jazz trio who will serenade you with the likes of Bruno Mars and Metallica on their brass instruments.

Kara is a current full-time world traveler and the writer, editor, and publisher behind the travel blog Destination: Live Life. She loves live music, travel (duh!), animals, and a great cocktail. Keep up with her adventures on the blog, or photographically on her Instagram.

 

CANMORE, CANADA!

Hiking-in-canada-for-girls-trip

From Natasha Alden @ https://theworldpursuit.com/

The small mountain town of Canmore is the perfect place to have a girls weekend outside. Canmore is just outside of Banff National Park and is easily one of the most beautiful places in the world. 

It's Nestled in the Canadian Rockies meaning there are tons of things to do for the gals to enjoy.  My girlfriends and I wanted to do some hiking, and there are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of hiking trails around. Trails range from easy walks in the woods to hard scrambles up a mountain. Once you're on top of the mountains you are rewarded with amazing views and the feeling of being on top of the world. Some great hikes in Canmore are East End of Rundle, Grassi Lakes, and Tent Ridge.

If you don't want to sweat it out in the mountains Canmore has a great downtown area. There are tons of bars and restaurants, and yoga studios in case you girls want to stretch it out. The downtown area is surrounded by mountains on every side so you're always getting a view no matter which way you look. 

If you happen to be visiting Canmore in the winter you will be in heaven. There are four ski resorts within an hour of Canmore and plenty of backcountry access if you want a more extreme adventure. Canmore is well worth spending a weekend away with your girlfriends. You may never leave (I moved here after visiting!).

Natasha writes her travel blog with Cameron Seagle, where they share their experiences, photography, and informative travel guides. They love off the beaten path destinations and hope to inspire other independent travelers and provide the resources to do so. You can read more about things to do in Canmore on the blog, and follow her on Instagram. 

 

NASHVILLE!

east-nashville-street-art-on-girls-trip

Photo by Ashley Hubbard

From Ashley Hubbard @ https://wild-hearted.com/

Nashville is the perfect weekend getaway for girlfriends no matter what you're interested in doing while here. We've randomly and fiercely become known as being a hot spot for bachelorette parties due to our lively downtown scene, but the fun doesn't stop there. 

Nashville has plenty of boutique and one-of-a-kind shopping, enough delicious brunch spots to fill an entire year's worth of brunch, beautiful outdoor activities to burn off the brunch calories, and amazing local coffee shops to catch up with your girlfriends. Check out a show at the historic Ryman Auditorium, find something completely unique at the Nashville Flea Market, find your inner hipster walking through the East Nashville neighborhood, go for drinks and bowling at Pinewood Social, try to find all 200+ murals in the city, take a hike at Radnor Lake or Percy Warner Park, or head a little bit South to Franklin and visit Arrington Vineyards. Take a picnic and soak up the fresh country air while enjoying wine and live music.

Hotels can get pricey in Nashville but there is still some affordable unique accommodation in Nashville that is perfect for a weekend with your girlfriends in Nashville. 

Ashley is a freelance writer, photographer, vegan travel blogger, animal, environmental and social justice warrior, scuba diver, and adventure junkie from and living in Nashville, Tennessee. You can follow her on Instagram. 

 

CURACAO!

Girls-trip-to-Curacao

Photo by Acquania Escarne @ Purpose of Money

From Acquania Escarne @ https://thepurposeofmoney.com/

One of my favorite girl's trips was to Curacao. A country full of vibrant colors and colonial architecture - a piece of the Netherlands without the cold. Perfect for relaxing, good food, and enjoying Caribbean culture year-round (the islands’ location shields it from most storms and hurricanes.)

We stayed in the center of Willemstad at Renaissance Curacao Resort & Casino, near shops, restaurants, and a movie theatre. Perfect because one night we saw Girls Trip on our girls trip! The hotels' amazing infinity pool overlooks the beach but didn’t have the most direct beach access. 

One day, we drove our rental car to Karakter, a beach, lounge, and restaurant with amazing Caribbean food and cocktails. We also checked out the Hato Caves, Kura Hulanda Museum, and local markets. The highlight was driving to the furthest part of the island, and hitting every major beach on the way back. We explored the big beach resorts and small tucked-away places. It was fun and filled with great music along the way.

I highly recommend you venture to Curacao if you are seeking Caribbean vibes, warm weather, and good food. It can be affordable or pricey depending on your level of lux - our trip fell in the medium price range. Good to know: Official currency is the Netherlands Antillean guilder, but the US dollar is readily accepted. And locals speak both English and Dutch and Papiamento--a local dialect. 

Acquania is a financial coach, freelance blogger, and public speaker who helps people find financial freedom and build generational wealth. She plans and saves for her travels with family and friends. Follow her on Instagram.  

 

ACADIA NATIONAL PARK/BAR HARBOR, MAINE!

Acadia-national-park-girls-trip-destination

Photo by Kasia Lee

From Kaisa Lee @ https://www.glamgranolatravel.com/

Once a year, my best gal pals from college and I get together. We always have a great time, but this year we went to Acadia National Park and had an amazing time. 

When I say Acadia National Park, I technically mean the charming Maine seaside town of Bar Harbor. We stayed at the High Seas Motel, which was equidistant from the National Park and restaurants and shops in downtown Bar Harbor. 

It was also extremely reasonably priced, which was great as we’re all ballin’ on a budget. You could also camp in the park, but be warned—Maine’s weather can be fickle even on the nicest of summer days. We discovered this the hard way, stuck in the middle of a downpour exploring tide pools a mile away from our vehicle! 

As for activities in the National Park, I strongly recommend driving the road, stopping for picnics and overlooks, and picking a couple of hikes. The Beehive was our absolute favorite. Without giving too much away, it’s short but steep, and there are metal bars to help you climb a mountain. The views of Acadia’s surrounding forests and ocean are, of course, as breathtaking as the (mildly terrifying) hike up. Believe me, this hike makes for some badass selfies. 

Acadia even has a beach, if you're brave enough for a post-hike dip in the Atlantic!

You can also experience nature at sea with Bar Harbor Whale Watch! They offer different themed boat trips depending on the time of year. 

Follow that up with a little tasting sesh at the local winery (hello, sweet Maine blueberry wine) and a bowl of chowder at the Thirsty Whale Tavern. We couldn’t spend a weekend in New England without getting some chowder! 

Between the winery, quirky local shops, and stunning hikes, Bar Harbor and Acadia make for a pretty perfect girl’s trip.

Kaisa is a Colorado-based budget outdoor adventure blogger, who loves National Parks and craft beer. Follow her on Instagram.

 

There you have it!

Pick one or pick them all! Line up your trips for the next few years because no one thing puts more fuel back in your tank than spending time with your Girls. Love them, please!! But...in case you need it, here's an article that might be required reading for the group before your trip.

Safe Travels,

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PS. Ok, Ok, maybe you should read this one too, depending on your destination of choice! And this one - perfect for Group travel planning and organizing!

The Best Travel Hack for Your Smartphone (Hey, Siri)

best-travel-hacks-for-smartphone

One day, I decided to search for a mobile app to help me edit photos. When I opened the Apple store on my iPhone, the first thing that popped up - before I even started my search -  was a Travel App suggestion! In fact, it was an entire curated selection of Travel Apps.

I say curated because I'm pretty sure there was a little AI (Artificial Intelligence) going on in Algorithmland for those Travel Apps to be the first thing I would see.

And the thing is, once I saw them I had to check them out. And once I did - I had to put these Apps out here for the world to see. I never did search for the photo editing App I wanted to use.

But the coolest thing I learned - the most important thing I want to share with you - I've saved for the end. You'll want to keep reading for that - it's the coolest.

Four More Great Travel Apps

First - FYI - I've downloaded these Apps and already tested two. I'll let you know which ones down below. The other two I've downloaded but have NOT tested yet. I'll explain in a minute.

Even though there's a ton of content on this blog about the best apps to use while traveling, planning travel, and organizing travel - I've got to throw these four more out for you: 

App In The Air - Similar to Tripit, this App goes into your email account and looks for emails with flight information. It then compiles it and lets you sort between your flights and other people's flights. For example, I had a few emails with flight information for relatives visiting in the next couple of months. Those flights were added to my queue, and I easily sorted them to "People." You have three sorting options: My, Delete, People. (I deleted all the old flight information it found.)

I don't think this App will take the place of Tripit for me. Tripit has so much more to offer under the hood on the Pro version ($49/annual subscription.) Here's what you'll find on the Pro version.

tripit-pro-options

Hitlist - Bucket list - meet Reality! I downloaded this one immediately. Hitlist is an app that lets you capture all of the wonderful places in the whole wide world that you dream of visiting. AKA - your bucket list. Ok - so what? If you're like me, you've got lists and lists of those cities, and countries plastered all over your Language Arts PeeChee folder in cursive, block letters…(Never heard of a PeeChee folder? Can't help you.)

But here's the kicker with this App. You make a list, pick your home airport, and Hitlist starts to monitor airfares to the places on your list. According to the App, it will tell you when there are good or great fares for your wishlist destinations. You'll be one step closer to making those dreams a reality and my advice, if you see a great fare, is - pull the trigger. Take the trip and check your bag! (I know...blah blah blah. It's for your own good, People!)

Tile - I have one of these! Well, to be clear, I'm married to a car key loser and he has one. But since I'm the traveling bag checker, I'm going to download this App (have not done this yet), take his physical Tile (they cost $23 for one pack and $49 for a four-pack) and put it in my suitcase. Then, if my bag doesn't come riding off the carousel when I arrive at my destination, I can use the Tile App to ping and help locate it.

However - there are distance limitations, so check out their website here. What caught my eye was the Community Find feature on the App. It's why I'll be trying this out on my upcoming trip to New York. You can enhance your ability to locate lost luggage even if you're not close to 'the item,' with the Community Find feature.

When you activate Community Find, any Tile user close enough to your item (suitcase) will automatically transmit the info, and you'll see the location on a map on the App. In other words, a network of other people using the Tile App will automatically connect you. Maybe you'll even find your luggage before the airline can alert you!

ParkWhiz - If you're taking a road trip into a major city in the US and plan on parking your vehicle, get this App. It helps you find and pre-pay for parking before you even get to the city. I can tell you from experience - if San Francisco is one of your destinations, or maybe even Seattle, this is an app that you'll need. Or you could end up circling and circling.

It's free - your time is not. 

It’s a Siri(ous) Trick

The real trick  I learned when I opened the App Store on my phone - is only available for iPhones. I don't know if there's a similar function for Android phones, so if you have that type of Smartphone, you can stop reading now. Or keep reading and then go find out if it's out there for Androids. Email me if you find it!

I know. Everyone’s not a Siri user or lover but keep an open mind. Maybe, just maybe, you didn’t have a good enough reason to use Siri before now. 

If you have iOS 12 or later versions, you have something called Siri Shortcuts on your phone. Here's the link to the how-to information on Apples' support site. I wish they did a better job of pushing this information out to users proactively. Or maybe I wish I did a better job of receiving their notifications? Do they exist? Hello?

Be that as it may (favorite old school phrase), you can set up shortcut commands to use these apps, and others, via Siri. I followed all the instructions and now have a command in Siri that goes like this: 

"Hey, Siri."

"Yes?" (Says the male, Australian accented voice set up on my iPhone)

"Give me flight status."

smartphone-shortcut-command

And Voila' - he reads me the information on my flight and when it's scheduled to leave. I have a shortcut command to tell me hotel information, baggage carousel (I absolutely HATE standing around trying to figure out the correct baggage carousel), connecting flight, and gate information. All the features that come with the Tripit Pro version.

How'd I do all this? The Apple support site gives you the steps, but here they are (save time):

  1. Open up Settings
  2. Go to Siri & Search
  3. Go to All Shortcuts
  4. Choose an App and select the + sign
  5. Press the red dot at the bottom of the screen and record a short phrase (short - or you'll forget!)
  6. Hit Done and it's added to the My Shortcuts list

Don't worry - if you do forget what you recorded, go into the My Shortcut lists and see what phrase to use with Siri.

Hack With an App

Finally, whether you use the iOS or Android operating system on your smartphone, head over to the App Store. Now search for 'Travel Apps' and scroll through what comes up. Many of the Apps have been mentioned on this blog here and here. But it's a constantly changing landscape. Apps are created and Apps are retired/abandoned. So keep watching the App store - you might find the one cool App that will transform your travel into the Easy Travel experience we (I) crave.

Ok - game on. I'm using my Siri shortcuts on my next trip. I love step saving hacks, and not fumbling through multiple screens, pressing and swiping (while walking through a crowded airport?) sounds like a slice of heaven to me. 

I added one for Weather reports too. Umbrella out or in the Tote? 

Safe Travels,

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The Best Travel Carry-On Essentials for Long Flights

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

Have you noticed? There are lots of “things” available these days that - supposedly - make a long airplane flight easier. The list of new travel carry-on essentials goes on and on. Literally. 

But are they all really essential?

That turns out to be an evergreen question because new, essential "things" keep being invented. Some look super cool and so necessary! But are they?

travel-carry-on-essentials

 

I conduct my own essential gear test every time I travel. No, it’s not the most frugal thing to do - but I buy one cool, amazing new invention for every trip. To try it out and see if it solves 'my problem’  - as advertised. I’ve been doing this for a couple of years now.

Spoiler alert: some don't live up to the hype and most work just okay. But I 'm not dragging an overly heavy bag around an airport, airplane or destination. If I’m not going to use something, or even NEED it, it's not going in my travel tote.

That’s prime real estate. And it's reserved for the absolute best things I've tested and now use before or during my flight, or while I'm at my destination. Here's how I pick what goes into my bag.

What to Pack

I work backward to select the lucky items riding inside the plane with me. I pack what I'll need when I arrive. If my checked bag is still ‘en route’ when I arrive - there are some personal things that need to travel with me. This includes

  1. Medications
  2. Clean undies
  3. Basic toiletries (face wash, moisturizer, toothbrush+paste, mascara, blush, lipgloss, brush)
  4. Appropriate power converter
  5. Portable charger for all devices
  6. Contact lens supplies

But a clean shirt is a want-to-have, so it goes on the waitlist.

Next up is my laptop (if it’s a work trip) and a camera. Although, depending on the purpose of the trip, my phone might be all the camera I bring.

Once that’s settled, I turn my attention to what I need in the air. It's a concise list:

  1.  Neck pillow
  2. Eyemask
  3. Blanket
  4. Noise-canceling headphones
  5. Earplugs
  6. Reusable water bottle
  7. Allergy-safe snacks (“she’s one of those people!”)
  8. And something to read (sometimes a book but usually a device)

These are the basic non-negotiables and there are so many options for every item on the list. Which ones go in my limited cargo space? Read on to see what I use and how to buy them.

Travel Essentials List

It wasn’t easy to narrow down my all-star list of items to bring on long flights. I kissed a lot of frogs along the way. And I'm still keeping my eyes open for things to bring because, on top of the one new thing I try every trip, I keep a revolving list of things I plan on purchasing in the future, based on:

  • Doing continual research
  • Needing something mid-flight - one time too many
  • Making do with a substitute of some kind for far too long 

But let's get on with it!

boarding-plane-with-carry-on

Photo by Anugrah Lohiya from Pexels

First up is my pillow and blanket. The Cocoon Cool Max travel blanket is warm, portable, and lightweight but the real reason I was sold is the small, squishy packing bag it comes inside. Some of the blankets I’ve tried were ok but failed on the fold/wad test. Too big.

To go with my Cocoon blanket I chose the Trtl travel pillow. I’ve gone back and forth on this decision. I was tempted to buy one when they first came out (“ohhh, so shiny….”) but I’d purchased a perfectly good (squishy) travel pillow that squished into its own bag like my blanket. 

Then the incident happened.

It was a flight from Berlin to Copenhagen and the string on my travel pillow bag got dragged onto the wet tarmac as I boarded my flight. Never saw it happen. But when I lifted my tote into the overhead bin - it dragged.

The wet string. Across the FACE of the man sitting on the aisle. Fortunately, I don't understand German swear words...

I threw it away when I got home and pulled the Trtl trigger. It's a unique design with a light fleece covering. Reviews are great, especially the one where the reviewer wanted to hate it. And the one that pointed out that the excess fabric can be used to hide your open mouth. Sold. 

My blanket and soon-to-be pillow are almost all I need for falling asleep on a long flight. And all I’ve used until now. But I’m about to buy myself a sleep mask. I don’t use them - ever - but something has to change. My level of in-flight sleep has fallen to zero. 

On the last two long flights, people had lights on next to me or went in and out of the mid-plane bathroom near my seat. Light on, light off, light on...Again with the research to find a way to use a sleep mask for the first time and avoid claustrophobic panic. Here’s what I found and what I’m buying: Nodpod weighted sleep pillow for your eyes. Same principle as the weighted blankets and I’m a big fan.

More Travel Necessities

The other piece of my light sleeping issue is noise, but I fail at earplugs. Something about it - no can do! What I can do is block external airplane sound with a pair of cozy, comfy earphones. Time for an upgrade on this item as well and this time I’m going with a pair of Sony Bluetooth headphones. These are the exact ones I’m buying. Might sleep like a baby.

noise-canceling-headphones

Photo by Anugrah Lohiya from Pexels

I alternate between binge-watching movies and entire Netflix seasons and reading on my Kindle (they’re so compact and lightweight now!) Up to this point, I’ve used my earbuds, but I’m done with ear pain from overwearing those when traveling for 6-12 hours on a plane.  

While I’m reading and bingeing, I’m snacking. I mentioned that I’m ‘one of those people.’ Food allergies to almost everything but lettuce. Not really but it feels like that at times. And airplane and airport food are slightly - shall we say problematic? So I bring my own. 

Those snacks keep me from becoming hangry but I’m tired of the plastic baggie trap. (too much plastic!) When I found the Stasher Reusable Silicone food bag I thought I’d give it try. Can’t sing its praises high enough. When I got home, I closed my eyes and threw it in the dishwasher. It was fine! Now going on my fourth trip using them! 

After the success of the silicone bag, I wanted to try an alternative to a hard-sided water bottle. Once I pass through security and fill up my water bottle, it’s fine, but until then I want to stay with the packable squishy theme. I found the Nomad Collapsible water bottle. I bought it to travel - but use it on the daily now. 

Empty, the bottle rolls up and the attached strap hooks onto a small latch on the front of the bottle. The latch is a bit shallow and the first time I tried to roll up the bottle, it was new and stiff and came unfastened. I planned on tossing it when I returned from my trip until I realized it no longer unhooked itself! 

I think after using the bottle it became more pliable and the strap/hook works fine. At least that’s been my experience.

Stay Charged the Right Way

When traveling internationally, part of your carry-on travel essentials must include a portable charger and an adaptor/converter. AND, if you’re like me and packing a blow dryer (yaaaassss), you need to get an adapter that will accommodate that portable wind tunnel machine (blowdryer). This is something I did not know while traveling in Italy back in 2014. 

In Sorrento, we stayed in a Relais (upscale B+B) that was once the home of a wealthy shipping magnate. I brought the right converter/adapter for my electronics but every time I used my blowdryer - poof! Electricity out. Hubby had to trudge downstairs and ask the owner to flip the breaker more than once. No one involved was the least bit happy. 

Finally, he came back to our room carrying a crappy little blowdryer that wouldn’t blow the circuit. My bad hair days in Sorrento are photographically preserved. (no power - no “Do”) Now I travel with the Travel Smart by Conair, a worldwide converter + adapter. No matter what country I’m in I look like my old self!

Ok, let’s talk about charging your smartphone before you head out sightseeing for the day. You have maps saved offline to lead the way and your photojournalist instincts are on high alert. And then it happens right after you stop for lunch. Ten percent battery alert on your phone. Panic!!

Seems silly but I let this happen to me time and time again. I’ve had portable chargers over the years - several in fact. But they die or get lost or don’t do much more than a little boost to get me to the next closest wall plug. No can do on the travel trail. 

Plus I use my phone a lot while flying - with podcasts to catch up on and Netflix bingeing. It’s the road to dead battery life. Until finally.  Finally. I got this Anker portable charger. That’s my answer for you if you’re taking an international trip or a domestic road trip. 

I did so much research before picking this one and chose it for its ability to charge my laptop as well as my smartphone. According to the Anker website, this little baby can get you more than seven phone charges before it needs to be recharged itself. Give it a good 24 hour charge the first time, though.

Carry Your Airplane Essentials

Finally, on top of those 14 items - I can’t leave you without sharing my favorite bag for bringing them all on the plane. Two words: purse and tote. 

If I’m on a trip without my laptop (non-work), my purse stores inside my tote while getting from point A to point B. Less pack-mule, more ease of travel that way. 

If that’s not possible - which happens - I sling my purse cross-body and hang it to the front. Definitely not on my hip. I’m hyper-aware of those around me for my purse security. I don’t want anyone slashing a strap, slashing the bottom/side, or slyly opening it unbeknownst to me. 

I’m also hip to the electronic reader today's thieves employ. They can steal my data as they stroll by me. I need the latest RFID material to prevent this from happening. It’s a lot to ask of a cross-body bag that has to be Swiss-Army knife useful and semi-chic. Here’s what I found after much searching. The Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Messenger Bag in black. 

The material used makes slashing difficult. Zippers on the exterior have little locking mechanisms and it’s got RFID material everywhere. 

I’ve seen its little RFID protection in action on the streets of Berlin. A couple approached me near Brandenburg Tor asking for directions. I answered while the woman stood in front of me and the man moved next to her - then up behind me - close. I stiffened, then remembered my little Travelon was working this situation for me!

I laughed and laughed all the way home.

And finally my tote. I use Briggs & Riley Kinzie Street Cabin Bag. It has RFID pockets, an interior pocket for my Kindle, and another for my laptop. There’s plenty of space for my travel items and a long strap to hang from my shoulder or go cross-body. In my seat, it easily fits below but can be maneuvered up to access my stuff.

I’m happy with it! I’ve gone through so many iterations of totes, including a couple of backpacks. I don’t know what it is about me or about backpacks but when I see one I’m so drawn to it. I want to do that - carry that. Yet when I actually have a backpack - nope. Hate it. It's just a personal preference.

So there you have it - all the things I absolutely need in my travel kit when I’m in for a long haul flight to a fabulous place. It’s easy to go overboard and fall for the next new thing. Been there, done that, lather-rinse-repeat. But when I add to this list, I’m just bringing something that’s either pure dead weight or I’ll use it when I don’t need to.

Does that make sense? Have you lugged your own dead weight? Heavy luggage isn’t always about your main bag. Before you overpack your carry-on tote, stop a minute. Think about your shoulder,  back, and wallet. You don’t need any more than THIS list! And if you need a lesson in packing to get your head on straight, check out this article and this one too!

Safe Travels,

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