Check out my Top 10 Travel Essentials for 2021 & beyond.
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I’m proud to partner with AAA Central Penn for this roundup of travel must-haves.
Are you ready to hit the road this summer? I sure am! No matter where — or how — you’re traveling this summer, this list of Travel Essentials will help you along the way.
Whether you’re taking a road trip or leaving on a jet plane, preparation is the name of the game. These are some of my favorite travel must-haves that I’ll be packing/using when we travel this summer.
Sara’s Top 10 Travel Essentials
1 | Phone + Laptop Chargers
Sure, you want to unplug but not entirely. Keep your phone ready for photos, airport check-in, and more with this. And if you’re fly enough to work from the road, this one will charge your phone and your laptop back at the house while you take a dip.
2 | Safe ID Boarding Pouch
Speaking of airplanes, this Travelon RFID Blocking Deluxe Boarding Pouch can store your boarding pass, passport, and ID with ease. It features an RFID blocking organizer, protecting you from digital thieves, and a hidden rear zippered pocket to stash your cash. Find this at your local AAA Central Penn Store.
3 | An Amped-Up Carry-on
This Ricardo Indio Carry-On in Dark Navy does double-duty. It features a USB port for tech charging – whoa – and includes a snap-out TSA-friendly toiletries pouch to make check-in a breeze. Bonus points for being constructed from durable and stylish polycarbonate. Find this at your local AAA Central Penn Store.
4 | Packing Cubes
Not entirely sure you can squeeze everything you need into that carry-on? Let me introduce you to the magic of packing cubes. One year I did go a bit overboard (“Everything into a pouch!”), and I spent all vacation picking the wrong pouch.
5 | Travel-friendly, easy outfits
I have two Prana jumpsuits, a casual dress, and a pair of joggers all in the same fabric from Little Black Dress, and they are perfect for every adventure. They pack well (hi, no wrinkles), wash easily, and can be dressed up or down however you like. They are the basis for my travel capsule wardrobe for sure.
6 | Hydration Essentials
There are a bajillion (official count) of water bottles on the market. There’s a lot to consider in what you want — Do you need one that keeps drinks cold? Do you prefer a straw top or a wide-mouth? Do you need it to fit in a cupholder? What are your feelings on handwashing? Should it be collapsible? That said, here are some of my favorites:
- S’ip by Swell – these come in fun colors and patterns, hold 15 oz., and keep things cool for 24 hours. This is my go-to car sipper, and you can toss it in a bag without it leaking.
- CamelBak Chute Mag Vaccum Water Bottle – I like to call this my 40 oz to hydration, and this is a terrific price from REI (I bought 4 of them as gifts when they were as low as $15). In addition to keeping water cool you also could, say, mix a batch cocktail in here and then pour into cups at the pool or beach.
Because travel can dehydrate you, bring along some electrolyte packets to toss in your water bottle.
7 | Go-To Skincare
Travel is notorious for drying out your skin. Add to that romps in the sun, humidity-less airplanes, and zap! Your face will be feeling it. When I’m traveling, there are just a few “musts” that come along for the ride. I always have with me a rosewater mist and balm. Both do multi-duty for hair, face, and beyond. This rosewater + glycerin spray is amazing; I use it on my face as a hydrater, to set makeup, to refresh my face, and to style my hair. I’ve even spritzed it on my body as a moisturizer in a pinch. I also like these cleansing wipes when I can’t get to a sink. For balms, the queen is Rosebud Salve. I like it in a tube to avoid a melting situation.
8 | First-Aid
I like to keep a mini First-Aid Kit in my carry-on, and store a more robust version in the car. I also highly recommend probiotics, CBD, and don’t forget your allergy meds!
9 | The Perfect Pack to stuff it all in
Fit your essentials into the Lewis N. Clark ONboard Underseat Sling! This pack offers maximum organization, a padded laptop pocket, an RFID blocking pocket — and it fits under most major airline seats. Another option is the Oliver Thomas Kitchen Sink Tote (available at Little Black Dress in Camp Hill). It, too, has a padded laptop pocket and RFID blocking pocket. It’s also completely machine-washable (with a secret “wet” pocket on the bottom – stash your wet suit or poncho without getting everything else soaked). It even has a water bottle pocket and crossbody or shoulder strap options.
10 | Your AAA Card!
Of course, your AAA Central Penn membership is loaded with perks — and its Roadside Assistance Program will get you back on track, whether you’ve run out of gas, need a spare — or a tow.
Not yet a member? AAA Central Penn memberships are probably cheaper than you think. Basic memberships start at $59 a year or just $5.99 a month.
Bonus: Save 20% + get a free associate membership for a household member* with code: SARA21
*Restrictions apply; new memberships only
Wherever you travel this summer, these essentials will keep you ready for anything. What’s on your travel essentials list?
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