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Friday, July 30, 2010

Field Trip Friday: Top Five Travel Essentials

I am not a meticulous packer. In fact, I would say that I am more accurately described as a frantic, last minute packer. Whether I am going away for a weekend or two weeks, I pack approximately 30 minutes before I leave. When pressed, I will generally snark back that I'm either a) doing laundry b) using some of the stuff or c) have plenty of time. All of which is mostly true, but I reallly should have gotten my merde together earlier. My rationale is that with very few exceptions, I can buy everything I might forget at my destination. So if I forget a few things, it's hardly cause for anxiety.

As it happens, I am in the last days leading up to a trip that I have been looking forward to for MONTHS. Blogher 2010 in New York City! Obviously, you can find anything and everything you could ever possibly want in the Big Apple (do people still call it that?), but I would prefer to be reasonably prepared for whatever comes my way. The following are those things that I absolutely, positively won't leave the house without.

1. Skoosh Neck Pillow. My husband tells me I can fall asleep at the drop of a hat, but the fact is if I'm not comfortable, it can't happen. This thing is squishy and smooshy and super duper comfortable. You can use it around your neck or bunched up underneath your head. Versatile and comfy, can't miss.

2. Toiletries Carry-all. I keep mine stocked and at the ready at all times. I have an unhealthy love for travel size toiletries. I'm like a kid in a candy store when I walk down the travel size aisle at Target. I just want to take one of everything. With this, I can just throw it in my bag and I know that I have razors, toothbrush/paste, deodorant, etc.

3. Travel Drink. I can't walk out the door without a drink. When I'm being good, it's a big bottle of water. When I'm less good, it's a bottle of Dr. Pepper. Either way, it's like my mouth instantly dries out the minutes my butt hits the car seat, so I never make it far without a cold drink in the console.

4. Black Cardigan. Regardless of what time of year, I run cold, and inevitably hotel rooms, theaters, restaurants, etc all seem to be so chilly, so it's nice to have a versatile cardigan to throw on in a pinch.

5. Baggies. This is kind of a weird one, but I've too many times had to throw beloved lip glosses or body sprays away when going through security at the airport. So now I make it a habit to always have at least a couple of bags with me. Plus, I find they come in handy in other ways.

What about you? What are your travel must haves? Link up directly to your post or answer in the comments!

3 comments:

  1. I remember I was going to Toronto for work and I forgot to grab my neck pillow as I ran out the door. I bought one at the airport (paid through the nose for it too) and it was the most FANTASTIC pillow I have ever bought! I love this thing. It will DEFINITELY be coming with me on all future trips.

    As for packing, when it was just me I was pretty last minute about it. Now that I will have to worry about my kids too I suspect some crazy lists will be necessary :)

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  2. I keep my toiletries packed at all times, too. If I ever have to go somewhere last minute, it'd take me less than 10 minutes to pack: mainly just throwing in clothes, makeup, and books. Since most of my traveling is by plane, though, I have to pack an empty water bottle instead of Diet Dr Pepper. =(

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  3. Thanks for these tips! I'll be sure to pick up a travel neck pillow for my trip to Philly!

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