Travelling…? Don’t leave home without these essentials.

You know… I am always happiest when I know I have an upcoming flight on my agenda.

Yes, airports are sometimes a challenge.

Yes, some of those seats are less than comfortable.

Yes, figuring out the logistics of a new city is often daunting.

But I love the adventure of it all.

Having said that, I have to admit that if it’s a 4 or less day trip, I do try to do a carry on to avoid that whole ‘did my luggage make it’ scenario ( not to mention: get me to my hotel/meeting fast!).   And let’s face it: any travel: whether an hour flight or to the other side of the world is very, very stressful.

Well…with business attire, casual clothes and the requisite running gear taking up a bunch of space, there are 6 essential things I cannot live without on my travels.   They need to be compact and give me restorative moments.

1 – Sage peppermint halo roll-on stick

Whether a long flight or a long day of meetings ….soo soothing on so many levels.

I must say I love this Canadian company. Their hip store vibe and their commitment to wellness is a fabulous recipe for customer loyalty love.

This tiny little roller (good for the ‘Liquids’ bag at the airport security check) has saved me in more places than I can remember from long days at tradeshows, trans Pacific flights, or quite simply (and most frequently) days spent far too long in front of a computer screen.

Also, I find that if I use it after a stressful day when going to bed, it actually helps me relax and have a better sleep.

2 – Deep Hydration sheet face mask by 100% Pure  

After a long day flight, day of meetings or whatever, be kind to your face! Especially on those long flights (yes- I do TRY to drink a lot of water….but that airplane bathroom …ummmm), your skin can be rather dry and your face feeling a bit puffy at the end of that flight.  This sheet mask makes your face feel oh-so-yummy.

Yes… there is a bit of weird, rather creepy horror movie vibe about wearing sheet masks but the benefits are astonishing.

I must admit I am a fan of the easy packability ( not a word I know ) and the convenieence of sheet masks. I even  bring them on my beach vacations as well when I feel that though I may have re-applied the sunscreen a bazillion times, things aren’t feeling too peachy and so hydrating sheet masks are that ‘ahhhhhh’ moment at the end of the day.

The descriptor on their website shares all the toxin-free goodness:

“ Cucumber, hyaluronic acid, and plant ceramides work together to lock in long lasting hydration while making skin ultra supple, soft, and plump. Beta glucan is extremely soothing and moisturizing and known to support both wound healing and is anti-aging. Rosehip, Ylang Ylang, and Chamomile are skin calming, anti-inflammatory botanicals. Sustainable bamboo cloth is naturally antibacterial. This natural facial mask is free of artificial fragrances, chemical preservatives, harsh detergents and unhealthy, toxic ingredients.”

Gee…. I don’t know if I want to put it on my face or EAT it!

3 – S’well beverage vessel 

Those of you who know me know I have this thing with buying bottled water.  I hate it. Yes, love keeping hydrated, but unless the plastic bottles are guaranteed to be recycled (hmmm….how do you know 100%), I will only ever buy in time of desperation.

And so my mildly obsessive,  crazy love for travelling with drink vessels.

Because I travel a fair bit, I am still shocked at the bifurcation of how national and international airports provide drinking fountains. There are those who not only have drinking fountains, but also have a bottle ‘refill’ option ( ps: I love you!) Then there are those who do not even have drinking fountains.

So I never, ever travel without one of my S’well bottles. Keeping cold beverages cold for 24 hours and hot beverages hot for 12, what’s not to love? I love the fact that there are a variety of sizes available to suit your travelling needs.

Ohhhh…. And can we just talk about the prettiness….?

Serious love.

I can’t lie… I have a few of these beauties and their respective sizes help for whatever occasions you need too transport liquids (but that’s for another post!)

Clearly not inexpensive, and with a lot of double walled insulated drink vessels on the market there are options for you to choose from. I must say that I have never been disappointed with my S’well (s).

4 – My BlueQ zippered bag

Ok…. So though I do always try to travel with only a carry on to make the whole ‘airport exit strategy’ expeditious upon arrival at any airport….one never knows what fabulous finds you will discover in your destination that simply “must” come home with you.

These bags are not only sturdy and will be an easy carry on (when you’ve checked your original carry-on on the return flight), but they are ideal as they:

*  Fold flat and compact for the flight down

*  Sturdy zipper to keep all contents secure

*  Keep true to my eco/sustainable ideals given that they are made of 95% post consumer recycled materials

*  The designs!!!  (swoon)

No words…..

Just lotsa love!

5 –  Saint   eye shadow palette

Ok… is your carry-on bag a wee bit space challenged? No wonder with business attire, casual attire and running gear that you end up with this teeeeeeeny tiny spot for your cosmetics.

Saint comes to the rescue! (See my post about toxin free fabulous cosmetics for more information about this brand you simply must try). This lil sliver of multi colour goodness takes care of all your eye shadow needs. They have a lovely selection to choose from, but my favourites always gravitate to the neutral hues.   Classic and natural- love it!

6 – Beats solo wireless headphones

It doesn’t matter where you find me, but if I need to zone out the clash of noise around me, my  Beats noise cancellation headphones are an oasis in the bustle of a crazy day.

If I am working and need to focus with quiet tunes in the background – perfect!

If I am at a gym and am listening to a podcast with zero distraction – focus!

If I am crushingly tired but wired after a 12 hour day of being ‘on’ and need to listen to chill tunes – mmmm!

My rose gold Solo3’s have kept my sanity on more than just one occasion.

So there you have it: my absolute must haves for any trip.

I hope this helps…and bon voyage!

xo – Sandra