What’s in My Travel Bag?

When my girls were toddlers my travel bag weighed a ton.  I carried supplies for three people…I was their Sherpa! When they got a little older I discovered my new best friend…a kid backpack! Suddenly they were carrying their own stuff and I had my travel bag all to myself.  What do I keep in this magical bag? Here’s a peek…

Before I review a hotel or attraction, I research and print out information on it.  On the plane and in my hotel room, I write my review while the experience is fresh in my mind.  I like to have everything I need on hand should I decide to get some work done.  So I pack: IPad, charger, notebook, pens, highlighters, pencils, agenda binder, travel journal, passport, wallet, and travel books

Nothing stomps the fun out of a trip quicker than someone getting sick.  In my mind, I run a list of, “What if’s?” as I pack.  I strongly believe if I forget something at home, I will inevitably need it on my trip.  For example, in St. Lucia I forgot Advil and my husband got a 24-hour bug.  I also forgot dental floss I needed it every night! I went crazy! I need to remember to pack: Advil, Children’s Advil, thermometer, antibacterial hand wipes, and a small first aid kit

My kiddos are not the only ones that get bored on planes.  I need something to pass the time and I think the plane ride should be a fun part of the trip.  On our way home from our last trip my television wasn’t working on JetBlue.  It was a 5-hour flight and I would have been so bored if I didn’t have stuff to entertain me.  I always bring: magazines, Tums, a good book, games on my IPhone, new music, gum, candy, and snacks

If you’ve seen the way suitcases are thrown around the airport, you know why I carry all my electronics with me onto the plane.  Yes, it gets heavy, but it’s worth it knowing everything is safe.  My latest favorite item is my portable camera case.  I can move it from my travel bag to my purse.  For electronics I bring: IPhone, camera, lenses, chargers, mouse pad, mouse, waterproof camera, travel tripod, headphones, and splitter.

I don’t know what happens up in a plane, but at the end of a long flight I can be a disaster!  Seriously, you would think I just ran am marathon.   I’ve learned that a few essentials will make you look refreshed as you step off the flight.  I always bring: hand lotion, face moisturizer, chapstick, lip gloss, makeup, travel toothpaste and travel toothbrush (for overnight flights), a brush, baby wipes (to clean off the fold-down tray) jewelry holder, and sunglasses.    

What do you always pack in your travel bag?