1. Sunscreen that you'll ACTUALLY wear
Don't let a sunburn ruin your vacation. No matter if you are planning on skiing in the Alps or sitting on the beach overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, you NEED to protect your beautiful skin from the UV rays. Let's bury that old wives' tale...and remember that a cloudy or cold day will NOT keep the sun damage away. Sunscreen. Sun. Fun. Repeat.
IMAGE Skincare Prevention+ Daily Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30+ ($40 on Amazon)
EltaMD UV Daily Tinted Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 ($29 on Amazon)
Supergoop! SPF 50 Defense Refresh Setting Mist Sunscreen
($12 for 1 oz, $28 for 3.4 oz on Amazon)
-- If you love your foundation or BB cream, add this lovely mist layer for a little extra SPF! I used this multiple times per day by carrying the travel size in my purse. It doesn't leave a greasy film, which is amazing. I even convinced my husband to spray it on his face when he refused to wear the above sunscreens and it worked great with his beard (no residue!).
2. Selfie-stick
I never thought I'd own one... but I'm so happy I do! It makes life as a traveller easier. Don't be embarrassed, just try it :) We prefer the wired, mini selfie-sticks because then you don't have to worry about "pairing" the phone and it fits right in a pocket or purse easily.
3. Wet Wipes
One or more of these types of wipes are essential on any trip... South Beach, Miami to Malaysia. Don't let hot/sticky weather, a little dirt, lack of toilet paper or any other "adventure" that you may encounter on your travels rain on your parade.
Neutrogena Cleansing Towelettes ($14 for 3 packs of 7 toilettes each)
Wet Ones Sensitive Skin Travel Packs ($14 for 5 packs with 20 wipes per pack on Amazon)
Stall Mates Flushable Wipes ($11 for 30 individually packed wipes on Amazon)
4. Classic Wired Headphones & Splitter
Even if you love your wireless headphones, don't make the mistake of forgetting to bring a simple pair of headphones. You'll be pleasantly surprised when you get to enjoy bus tours or airplane entertainment without the fuss. If you are traveling with friends or family, remember to pack a headphone splitter. The time will pass quicker on long travel days if you can share movies/tv and music together :)
Panasonic ErgoFit Earbud Headphones ($9 to $15 on Amazon)
UGreen Headphones Splitter ($7 on Amazon)
5. Ability to Mirror Your Phone
This is one of the BEST gifts that we received over the past few years. Why watch Netflix, Hulu or Amazon Prime on your phone or computer while traveling when you could watch it on the Airbnb or hotel's tv?!? We download shows and movies to our phone before we travel, so we don't have to depend on wifi or good signal. These wires allow you to easily enjoy video entertainment on a bigger screen anywhere.
Part 1: Small HDMI cable ($6 on Amazon)
Part 2: Apple Lightning to AV Adapter ($45 on Amazon)
6. Rain Gear
Don't underestimate the weather when you travel. Check out my list of rainy day essentials. Rain jacket, water-resistant shoes and umbrella are always a must.
7. Mini-Pharmacy
We have travelled enough to realize that SOMETHING always happens on each trip (e.g. seasonal allergies, headaches, common cold, stomach bug). I carry a small baggie of meds and supplies, so we don't waste your precious time at the pharmacy. Get the generic to save money $$. As a physician, I am very comfortable using these over-the-counter medications but these medications are NOT harmless. Please follow written directions and seek medical attention if more serious illness or injury on any trip.
Pain Reliever: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Ibuprofen (Advil)
Anti-Diarrheal: Loperamide (Imodium)
Motion Sickness Relief: Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine)
Nasal Congestion: Pseudophedrine (Sudofed) and Sodium Chloride nasal spray
Heartburn: Famotidine (Pepcid) or Ranitidine (Zantac)
Seasonal Allergy Meds: Loratidine (Claritin), Cetirizine (Zyrtec) or Fexofenadine (Allegra)
Sleep Aid/To overcome jet lag: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
Cuts/Scrapes: Band-aids, triple antibiotic ointment and vaseline
Dry Eyes: Lubricating Eye drops
Rash from Moisture/Heat ("diaper rash"): a barrier cream such as Triple Paste or Desitin
If you are traveling internationally, I encourage you to look the Center of Disease Control and Prevention's information on recommended vaccines and preventative medications. Your health is a central part to your happiness on your travels.
8. A Scarf
Scarves seem to be a key to any travel wardrobe. Beach cover-up. Shawl for exploring religious/spiritual/cultural sites. Sun protection on a hot day. Warmth on a chilly night.
Plaid Reversible Scarf ($15 on Amazon)
Lemon Silky Scarf ($15 on Amazon)
Lightweight Animal Print Scarf ($14 on Amazon)
These are just a few of my travel essentals. What are yours?
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