It is wise to travel by that age old adage, pack light. But at times another saying is more apropos: be prepared. Here is a short list of items I tend to keep on my person, in some version, at most times. I am also tentatively recommending some brands when there are ones that I prefer.
toothbrush (for me, hard bristles!) + I always like to have Arm & Hammer’s Advanced Whitening baking soda toothpaste with me.
chapstick: Ali’i Kula lavender lip balm
lotion: 1/2 cocoa 1/2 shea butter for the body and/or “crack creme” for the hands
boots: Dr. Martens classic black: although they do take time to break in (be forewarned: it’s not comfortable!), these are comfortable, flattering (they elevate height and may improve stature), durable, and best of all weather proof!! They are not the warmest but that brings us to
undies: cotton, no synthetic fabric, and a flattering slim but (butt-)full coverage for me, thanks.
ribbed tank tops: no spaghetti straps, different colors (never white)
over-sized sweaters (they will shrink with washing!): Cashmere is really nice. Fleece is also good. 1 cardigan can come in handy.
jeans (2 pair, one to cut off into shorts when it gets hot)
sneakers: I admit it, I wear Chucks consistently. They work and look good on me!
backpack: Jansport because they last many moons and have many pockets
four wheeled rolling suitcase: not as essential as the backpack! but if you’re lugging a little more then the four wheel hard backed roller is clutch. Spend a little more on one with an expanding zipper, because the cheap ones always have zipper problems, pretty much right away. That’s the trade off for the tough, durable exterior… still, open baggage is not an option.
Not as necessary especially when on the road but good to have around “at home” and I do when/wherever possible:
candles: I like the large ones in a jar. My favorite scents are earthy, floral, clean, and subtle.
a good quality comfortable and flattering pair of jeans
original Italian espresso maker
tea assortment: including (and this I usually carry in my purse when I travel as well) black tea (English Breakfast if possible), above all, plus my decaffeinated choice, Egyptian licorice, chamomile, and chai spices-
Chai - yogorgona
This authentic Ayurvedic recipe for chai - a spicy sweet hot drink that's as good for you as it is delicious - comes…yogorgona.jimdo.com
Stuff I like to procure on location (but then tend to bring around with me):
soap / body wash: confession: I like smelling scents. Needing a new body wash gives me a great excuse to slip into some spa or store and start sniffing away.
shampoo: I only buy shampoo without any SLS or other harsh sulfates because my hair is fragile and natural. Surprisingly there’s usually at least one good “exotic” local version of this anywhere I travel. Otherwise safe bets are EO, Burt’s Bees,
Notebooks: *I ALWAYS have a notebook on me* wherever I go or am, be it on the couch watching TV, at the grocery store, the doctors office, on an airplane, or the ferry, driving, at a friends house, the beach, you name it, I have a notebook EVERYWHERE. So it’s fun to collect them from various worldly places. Fun fact: I pretty much never buy moleskine. Almost on principle. Because, why? When there are so many other unique options…? I mean hello creativity, right?!
Fun fact: I pretty much never buy moleskine.
Stuff to borrow or whatever… The things somehow have never become exactly an obvious priority for me yet I do require them in life. Maybe, probably you do, too:
towel: IF I had a home of my own I would buy the fluffiest, softest towels
air mattress/ futon / pull out couch
tent: for when you go camping or for festival season
pillow: fluffy or firm and filled is nice, but the least i ask is for a clean pillowcase. When that’s not possible I use my scarf as a substitute.
car or truck or van :) wheee!
