I am continuing my travels this week but wanted to share with you some new items I packed in my suitcase before I left for Europe (I was actually packing as I wrote this). So lets just jump right in!
Travel pillows: I have used many variations over the years but the most recent is a plush lavender-scented pillow. I liked it well enough on the plane for my last adventure, but it was a little bulky in my carry-on. I kept seeing ads for the TRTL Travel Pillow, so I decided to buy one and give it a try this time around. Their motto is “Sleep when you travel, be awake when you arrive.” I will let you know if that is true. I’m also going to bring a small travel size bottle of lavender essential oil though – I just love that scent while traveling as it is so relaxing!
Hair ties: Ladies you know that it is sometimes just easier to pull your hair back when traveling. I have tried all sorts of hair ties and they work just fine but eventually lose the elasticity and your hair falls. Lately, I have seen ads for Pony-O. The makers of these products claim that these “revolutionary” goods “keep hair in place and curly hair feels so comfortable”. I ordered some Pony O’s and also ordered the Bun Barz (which is supposed to create a flawless hair bun easily). I tested this one already and think my hair is too short and curly but I’m definitely looking forward to using the Pony-O’s on my trip. Fingers crossed they keep my curly hair back and away from my face on this trip!
Hand bag/purse: I usually take a medium-sized basic black bag with straps (big enough to hold my water bottle and other essentials to get me through the day). Again, with the ads, but I saw one for the Travelon Anti-theft Bag and ordered one. There are several zippered pockets (some lockable) and the main compartment is roomy with slots to keep things organized. It also has an LED light inside! It is “anti-theft” because the shoulder-strap is cut proof. Yikes, I wouldn’t want to test that feature! I like the outside pocket designed for a water bottle most of all. I’d like to see someone try to steal my stuff now -- I feel practically bullet proof!
Day Trip Bag: In addition to carrying a purse, I also like to carry a canvas bag to leave in the car so that I have a place to put things collected at various stops made throughout the day. It is a burden to keep all maps, brochures, and small purchases with you all day, so my canvas bag has come in handy over and over again. Well this time around, I’m switching it up a bit. My dear friend recently gave me a Henri Bendel Packable Backpack for my birthday which I’m going to take instead. This has two compartments (one large and one small) so I can keep items separate. I might even be able to easily pack my camera in the large area! By the way, did you notice my initials monogramed on the back? It looks very fancy too. I haven’t used a backpack in years, so I am actually excited to test it out. When I get back I’ll let you guys know which one I like better: the tried and true canvas bag or my new backpack.
Inflatable Back Pillow: I have never used one in the past but was told by my doctor that the back pain that affects most of us during long plane rides is triggered by lack of lumbar support. So, with that, I purchased a Travel Pal Self-Inflating Backrest. It is lightweight and rolls into the included tote when deflated so it easily fits in a carry-on. When you take it out, the pillow inflates automatically – no need to blow anything up, which is pretty cool in and of itself! I am willing to test this out – anything to spare the back on long plane rides!
Space Saver Packing Bags: I have used the plastic bags, which you roll up to deflated air, but the zippers always seemed to open, and air got in anyway, which defeated the purpose. I found this version on Amazon which comes with a very small pump and the zippers appear to be more heavy duty. I will test it out on all items that won’t wrinkle easily along with my jackets and vests. This trip, we will be experiencing very mixed weather, so we need to pack accordingly and anything to create extra space is a winner!
Let’s face it, traveling is such a pleasure anyway but isn’t it wonderful to find products that make it even more enjoyable? I am anxious to try all of these out and let you know which ones get the thumbs up for next time! Do you have some favorite travel items that you have used over and over? Let me know in the comments below what I should try for next time and I’ll report back on how these items have worked for me this time around. Happy travels!
Great ideas with many new products for the most efficient packing. Always good to try and find help for the more difficult needs for a trip. Security is always important with comfort necessary to be able to enjoy your sightseeing. Thank you for researching the most usable and practical items!