5 Things to Bring While Traveling + 5 Most Beautiful Places I've Been

May 1

Let’s start with the obvious. The heartbreaking truth that is on the forefront of my mind more than I’d like to admit: I miss traveling. My passport is very lonely and if I’m really quiet, I’m almost certain I can hear its cries.

Another heartbreaking truth that I’ve had to face is that I haven’t written on here since August. August. I took an amazing 26th birthday trip with my gal pals to the Grand Canyon and Sedona last summer and then I took a break. And lemme tell ya, taking a break from traveling is *whiny voice* haaaaaard. But working full time and making other financial changes meant being a full-fledged adult (gag) for a little while so my August trip was a bit of a farewell for the rest of 2019. Did I almost lose my mind? Did I spend countless hours on flight sites and AirBnB searching for hypothetical trips? Consider leaving it all to go live in Italy, you ask? Mhm! Yep! Yes!

But, I digress.

Much like what a lot of people felt like at the beginning of 2020, I felt excited and mooore than ready to get back in the saddle of booking, researching, and more booking. And whatdoyaknow BOOM… we’ve got 5 trips planned before spring. And now, deep sigh, the new plan is to make game-time decisions on all of them (first one in June, the rest spread out until Christmas). If you haven’t caught on from anything I’ve put out here before, traveling is my battery-recharger, my sense of both peace & adventure, and one of the greatest teachers I’ve ever known. In short: I gots to do it.

So, the kinds of things like what I’ll share below suffices at least for me, for now because I do have hope that we’ll get through this and life will spring anew and we’ll be able to dust off our passports again.

Along the way I’ve come to find a handful of things that I always bring with me while traveling and don’t leave home without. Here are some links to similar things to what I’ve gotten so check ‘em out, yo.

5 Things to Bring While Traveling

Hanging Toiletry Bag • This thing has been my saving grace. Lots of pockets and extra room but also doesn’t take up a lot of space when packing. Also the inside is easy to clean if anything busts.

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Tartan + Twine Hanging Valet

Print Copy of Passport • Keep this in separate place than your original + email a copy to your parents / family in case anything happens so they have an extra copy too! Also- wouldn’t hurt to have your location shared with family while you’re gone.

Eye Mask • The one I have is an Anti-Stress Sinus one and you can microwave it so the warmth is relaxing and soothing on your head / eyes. It’s really great for long flights or if you have headaches and sensitivity to light.

Anti Stress Sinus Pillow

Snacks • This may be an obvious one, but I make sure I have some sort of protein bar or healthy snack with me for every trip- helps with energy & headaches and comes in handy if you’re unable to stop between meals. A personal fave of mine: Nature Valley: Oats & Dark Chocolate :)

Lock for your Luggage • Comes with most luggage anyway, but is definitely worth buying separately if necessary. It’s made me feel at ease when I leave hotel rooms or AirBnB’s for longer days.