My Travel Essentials - From Someone Who Travels for a Living!
For the last 2.5 years I have been traveling on a plane, car, train on a weekly basis. Mostly domestic travel but some international. I also sometimes go from city to city and weather conditions change drastically especially in the wintertime. I would say my lifestyle has caused me to really hack traveling, so I thought for those who are curious, I'd share some of my tips and tricks.
A few things about me before I get into this - I am not a light packer by any means and this isn't a blog post on how to travel on a budget. I would say this is mostly for people looking to elevate their travel experiences because it is a huge part of their lifestyle either personally or for work. Also I am not a financial advisor, so any credit card advice or knowledge is my opinion, please take those opinions with a grain of salt before applying them to your situation.
Firstly, commit to an airline. I cannot stress this one enough, it really helps you build miles quickly. Even better is if you can get that airline's credit card. My preferred airline of choice is United, it flies everywhere I need and I haven't really had issues ever. I have a business card for united so this also helps me build up miles. Here is the key -- I use all my work travel to build up miles to fund my personal travel. For example, when I went to Italy last month, I was able to upgrade my flights using the miles I had accumulated through work.
In the second realm also pick a hotel chain that you can build up rewards at. Through my credit cards, I have status at both Marriott and Hilton but if you don't pick a chain and stick with it to build up rewards. It really makes a difference.
Airports - Make sure to have TSA pre-check, clear, global entry and a priority pass.
TSA pre-check, clear - these help you get through security quicker, this along with having united premier status has saved me so many times when the airport is crowded including today when I was running late.
Global Entry - more for international flights but helps you get through customs quicker when you return.
Priority Pass - for access to lounges. I literally have spent so much money in airports on food, you just naturally get hungry. This gives you access to lounges across the world so you can get a comfy seat and grab a snack before your flight. I will say, this one I do use the least but its definitely helpful when I need it.
** most of these things I was able to get for free because of my Amex Platinum. This is a great card to have if you travel a ton and comes with a lot of perks!
Now I'll get into some travel items I swear by:
Away Suitcases - I know they're expensive and you may think they're overhyped but getting one changed my life. The carry on fits SO much and I have never had an issue cleaning it. Also it comes with a lifetime warranty which is perfect in case it breaks but mine is still in perfect condition after a year or so.
Longchamp Tote - What a classic right? But this bag is so great, it fits so much as a carry on, but also its so nice to fold up and take with me inside any other bag in case I need to use it as a work bag or beach bag or for extra storage when I come home.
LuluLemon Belt Bag - Another popular product but its definitely become an essential. Its so easy to throw on but also holds just the right amount of stuff. It has everything I need on easy access when I am traveling and its pretty safe against pick pockets.
The Viral Tiktok Backpack - okay so I bought this from Amazon before Italy and am so glad I bought it. It also fits SO much stuff and has so many different compartments. I am taking it to LA with me right now as well. Because it fits so much, it can get heavy but I personally am okay with that. It also can be checked in if you need it to be or is the perfect hand luggage size. It fits under your seat as well. The only thing I would say is that its a bit hard to easily access stuff in the main compartment once packed so I would factor that in as you're packing since its not like a traditional backpack closure. Also as cute as the beige is, I would recommend getting the black color because the beige does show dirt faster.
Padded Eye Mask - I never used eye masks before this one, I always felt like they let light in or made me feel claustrophobic. This mask is great, wearing it truly feels like someone turned out all the lights in a space that I am in. I can blink, I can open my eyes while its on and its super comfortable and adjustable. Light is something that can really bother me when I sleep so this was well worth the $20. I actually even use this at home now.
Turtl Travel Pillow - another TikTok purchase but so glad for this one. I actually never owned a traditional travel pillow because they just were not comfortable and I am not a huge sleeper on planes. I bought this for Italy because I knew if I didn't get upgraded, I would need to sleep. Luckily on my flight to Sicily I got an upgrade so I slept very well, but on the way back I did not. I used this pillow then and firstly it was SO comfortable. Also I actually got 3-4 hours of sleep with it on. My neck was not in pain after and it was a super comfortable experience overall. If you also are like me and struggle with sleeping on a plane, this is a purchase for you. Fair warning, for a travel pillow it is a little pricy but worth it I guess.
Packing Cubes - get these and packing will never be a struggle again. These help me pack SO much and they compress everything so well. I have had mine from amazon for about maybe 6 years or so and they have saved me every time. These and shoe bags are key. It also makes unpacking a breeze, I just dump all my packing cubes contents into the washer and done!
Other things I usually have are a variety of pouches: a makeup pouch, jewelry pouch, tech cords pouch, medicine pouch etc. It helps me find my stuff easily honestly. These aren't anything fancy, they're just a mixture of pouches I have collected over the years through being a bridesmaid or gifts.
Final tips:
Because I travel so much, my toiletries really do matter so I like traveling with a smaller full size shampoo and conditioner, toothpaste as well as body wash. I understand this is a luxury since I can check my bag for free, but if you can do this I would highly recommend. It makes any hotel bathroom feel like home and your hair doesn't get fried because of hotel shampoo.
Have key basics - my style is more elevated basics so this is easy for me but having key staples such as bodysuits, jeans, staple professional pants, a white button down really helps with packing and getting multiple outfits out of your small wardrobe. I was shocked that in Italy I wore everything I brought but they key was packing more basics.
Try to stick to your timezone as much as possible - I say this more for domestic travel and short term travel - I found that even when I go to LA or when I went to Italy, I still was pretty much on EST as much as I could be so that was really helpful when I came home. In LA I tend to work EST hours so this definitely helps normalize my schedule.
Hope this helps those of you who do travel as much or more than I do!