My 5 Travel Essentials

After myĀ current rotation ends, I’m pretty much going to be moving to another part of the country every 2 weeks from the end of August til…uh…November or December. (Much of my life is unfortunately still up in the air at this point.)

Needless to say, I’m getting pretty wonderful about this whole pack-up-your-life-and-go thing.

I’d venture to guess that most of you are not dealing with this, so I’m amending my 5 travel essentials to the things that I’d drag along with me on a weekend getaway, because I made two of em’ this month!

One such weekend was a 4-state adventure consisting of magical waterfalls and hiking/fooding adventures through NJ/DE/MD…and the other was to visit my friend in Baltimore, and to go to one of my dearest med school friend’s weddings! <3 (Aka the first friend-wedding I’ve been able to attend since med school. This may or may not have been a factor in scheduling a rotation in PA this month.)

5travelessentials

(For the record, I’m kinda assuming that essentials like clean underwear, clothes, phone, wallet, keys, and all that goodness are already factored in, because they’re kinda a given.)

Overnight Bag

I suppose this is kinda cheating, but since I essentially live out of my car [sometimes], I have one of these packed in my trunk with all my overnighting essentials (e.g. toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, face wash, comb, chapstick, extra pair of disposable contacts, contacts case, contacts solution, sunscreen, BB cream).

Pareo

My use of theseĀ stems back to pre-Hawai’i club days (although my collection definitely exponentially increased after joining Na Keiki ‘O Hawai’i). PareosĀ are wonderfully versatile, and hardly take up any space! You can dress it up or down. In the past, I can and have used it as a…

  • Skirt (fold in half and tie it around)
  • Top (wrap it around yourself + tie it around, or you can loop it around your neck for a halter style)
  • Dress (same deal as the “top,” but don’t fold it in half!)
  • Towel (self-explanatory)
  • Pillow (wrap it around other clothing)
  • Blanket (it’s a thin one, but it’s better than nothing, especially when you’re sleeping under some chairs at an airport during a snowstorm + have not much else with you)
  • Scarf (loop it around your neck however you usually tie a scarf)
waystowearpareo

Tops, dresses, “skirts,” cross-dressing purposes…they’re super versatile! :P

Tablet

I was originally going to say that comfortable shoes (that I can work out in) would be a must, but…I’d likely be wearing em’ already, so they wouldn’t be going in my bag! So instead–a tablet is awesome to take along since it’s so portable!

I have a bunch of books on it, and can also use it to check email, read blogs, watch Netflix, and if I’m feeling super ambitious, I could technically even write blog posts with it, but…I usually prefer using my laptop for that. Typing > Touchscreen.

Water Bottle

My favorite water bottle of all time is still my Hydroflask (affiliate link!). It’s super durable, and crazy-insulated, so cold drinks stay cold for ~24 hours, and hot drinks stay hot for, at the very least, 12 hours. (I’ve left it in my car overnight during a snowy WV winter and when I uncapped it the next morning, it was still steaming hot. D-damn.)

If space is an issue, however, I’d highly recommend Ohyo water bottles! :D They shrink down really well, and are also super environmentally friendly!Ā (Here’s my review of them!)

ohyobottle500

They’re squishable!

Snacks

I get cranky when I’m hungry, so I tend to always have food on me in some way, shape or form. They are also somewhat vital to keeping me awake whilst on the road, so win-win!

travelsnacks

  • What are your top 5 travel essentials?
  • Check out Amber‘sĀ post on herĀ top 5 travel essentials too! :] (This was originally a part of the August Beauty & The Pitch linkup!)

Follow Fairyburger on social media!Ā | facebook |Ā instagram | pinterest | twitter | bloglovinā€™

Permanent link to this article: https://www.fairyburger.com/my-5-travel-essentials/

49 comments

Skip to comment form

  1. I can’t take a trip without my Kindle or a good book. Even with my smart phone, it’s my favorite way to kill time when I have to wait somewhere, and I can’t fall asleep if I don’t read at least a few pages before bed.
    Abby recently posted…easy roasted ranch carrotsMy Profile

    1. I’m definitely with you there! I know it’s kinda bad that I’m almost incapable of completely unplugging, but with the nature of my future profession, I like to think it’s at least somewhat understandable!

  2. I too have to travel with snacks!! It makes it so much more convenient when my hanger strikes mid-flight and I feel like I could eat my arm. Luna Bars are always amazing- can’t get enough of them! Thanks for sharing!
    Elizabeth recently posted…Comment on Breakfast for Dinner by Elizabeth ShawMy Profile

    1. hahaha, agreed! I get really cranky when I’m hungry, so I always have food with me so I don’t take out said crankiness on undeserving individuals!

  3. Snacks are definitely a must when travelling – especially with kids!!
    T Austin recently posted…The Buddha Board: Unleash Your Childhood ArtistMy Profile

    1. hehehe, I definitely have to agree with you there!

  4. pareo is something i had never considered or even knew about..thanks for sharing :) you need to schedule a rotation in Dallas, and you are welcome to stay with me :)
    dixya | food, pleasure, and health recently posted…Virtual Coffee DateMy Profile

    1. Aww, thank you so much! <3! I'm still working on the latter end of my schedule right now (my school keeps axing off my rotations! ;_; ), so I'll see whether or not I can! That'd be so awesome!

  5. I agree with your essentials and mine include my water bottle and a snack because it’s cheaper to pack your own snacks than stopping at stores or restaurants (plus healthier). I also keep clothes in my car like extra shirts for after the gym and after runs.
    Amy Lauren recently posted…Bulu Box ReviewMy Profile

    1. I’m definitely with you there! My car has several extra outfits (gym clothes, professional clothes, and scrubs, haha) because I’m technically homeless at the moment and kindasorta live out of my car when I’m not staying in student housing! :P Pre-packed snacks save so much money!

  6. I can’t travel without my iPod. I download as many iBooks as I can so I won’t be bored while moving for HOURS!!!

    1. I’m definitely with ya there! I love having something to read to pass the time! :]

  7. My tablet is my go to travel companion. Movies, email, books, magazines…
    Cynthia @craftoflaughter recently posted…Home Project: DIY Watercolor Pillow CoversMy Profile

    1. It’s definitely super useful to have one around! <3

  8. My husband I have been on a roll with our weekend getaway’s! I so need a check list for top essentials! I always have my water bottle and snacks! I did not know what a Pareo was but I do now! Great essential list!
    Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin recently posted…Adsorbion Review + #GiveawayMy Profile

    1. That’s awesome! :D Water and snacks are essential to any getaway, and I love how versatile pareos are! :]!

  9. Ooh, I am about to do a post on this as well after all my post-bar travels! While hiking in the Lakes and trotting round London, the reusable water bottle was an absolute must. I would get it refilled whenever we stopped into a shop or pub, although I did get some odd looks when I was not obviously hiking (otherwise, it’s not as much of a thing yet in the UK for people to tote water around. When I asked for water at breakfast instead of or in addition to tea/coffee I also got weird looks, and at restaurants with dinner I needed to keep asking for my water glass to be refilled, it isn’t brought to you automatically and it isn’t refilled either!)
    Alyssa @ Renaissancerunnergirl recently posted…Eating Gluten Free in EnglandMy Profile

    1. I’ve heard that it’s cheaper to get alcohol in Europe than it is to get water! (I would definitely not fare well there, and would likely get funny looks everywhere too for toting a water bottle around everywhere!) I guess it’s just not really a thing over there!

  10. I never go anywhere without a water bottle and snacks!! SO important to keep hydrated and avoid hanger. LOL :)
    LIz recently posted…FitSnack August ReviewMy Profile

    1. hahaha, agreed! I keep food with me at all times so I don’t lash out at un-deserving individuals!!

    • Ricardo on August 26, 2015 at 12:03 pm
    • Reply

    1) phone charger/battery pack. I mean, yeah my phone has a massive battery, but even stamina mode can’t survive more than 2 days. Especially if I’m taking pictures.
    2) sanitary products. The standard teeth things, deodorant, and shower stuff.
    3) spare clothes. Usually an entire set of standard clothes like shirt, pants/shorts, underwear, and socks.
    4) protein bars. I’m usually pretty hungry, so this helps keep the pains down.
    5) a towel. Didn’t you read hitchhiker’s guide to the galaxy? Never forget your towel.

    1. Phone chargers are wonderful! I have a portable charger that I like to drag around with me too. :O

      I really haven’t ever read it! :x

        • Ricardo on August 28, 2015 at 9:10 am
        • Reply

        http://hitchhikers.wikia.com/wiki/Towel

        =D

        1. That’s what my pareo is for!

  11. Ohhhhhh top five only?!! I must have my camera, that’s number one! And good reading material. :)

    1. haha, it’s hard to narrow it down!!

    • DJ on August 26, 2015 at 12:39 pm
    • Reply

    I love the Ohyo water bottles! They are so great to have when you travel. I love that they are collapsible.

    1. Agreed! :D They’re such an awesome choice when space is an issue! :]

  12. Great stuff! I always keep a snack in my bag too and always carry a water bottle.
    Julie @ Running in a Skirt recently posted…Bahamas- Elbow Cay, Hope TownMy Profile

    1. Snacks and hydration = where it’s at! :D!

  13. Yet another reason we’d get along brilliantly. Tablets, food, drinks…I need to check out that bottle btw because I need something that keeps my coffee steaming hot. I dislike having to warm it up. I also need to take your tips on packing clothes- I pack way more than I should and never end up wearing half of what I pack!
    Montana @ Pretty Lil Mudder recently posted…Weekly Training Log 8/16-8/22My Profile

    1. Ah, you’d love the hydroflask then! :D I used it to keep my tea in the winter when I was holed up in a basement at school studying for the entire day–it definitely helped a lot, and it was nice not having to warm it up (I dislike having to do that too!).

      I used to have that issue too! I don’t think it’s ever a bad idea to pack more clean underwear than you think you need, but for the rest, it’s actually pretty surprising how much you can thin it down when space is an issue! :P

  14. I’ve been following along with your instagram and it looks like your enjoying your new town. I wish I could pack up and move like that! I have too much in my life right now preventing me from doing that. I guess I can just live vicariously through you lol
    Channing recently posted…Favorite Fall Inspired LooksMy Profile

    1. Thanks, Channing! :D I’m definitely enjoying it here! It gets kinda exhausting after a while moving around all the time, but I figure now’s as good a time as any to do so (and I need to figure out what state to “settle” in for at least the next 3 years! :P )!

  15. I can never go anywhere without water and typically snacks. Also something to keep me occupied – books, magazines, my Mac…. oh, and my running shoes :)
    Cassie @ Almost Getting it Together recently posted…How to Recover From a Half or Full MarathonMy Profile

    1. hehehe, good list! :D Water, snacks, and something to keep me entertained definitely keep me content when I’m traveling! :D

  16. uhm – yOU ARE A GENIUS with that pareo idea! i always have snacks and a water bottle, but have not heard of either of those types! how COOL!
    Amber recently posted…Simple Salmon BurgersMy Profile

    1. I got my first one when I went to Hawai’i for the first time, and after I joined the Hawai’i club at my undergrad, my collection pretty much exploded–I think I have one in probably every color, and definitely wouldn’t mind owning more, hehehe. :D

      Those water bottles are awesome! <3 I love em' both!

  17. SNACKS are definitely a must!
    And…a pillow and scarf – I can sleep anywhere in an airport and on a plane – those help me stay warm and cosy!

    1. Agreed! I can fall asleep pretty much anywhere in a disturbingly short period of time, but…at least it means I can catch up whenever!? :P

  18. The pillow is a must, I got a nice one last year that I can’t live without on planes. I’m also obsessed with my cooling eye mask, I wear it to bed every single night now and it always makes me sleepy on the plane! I am crazy about QUEST bars so I always pack a few Peanut Butter ones!

    1. Ooo, that sounds like it’d be awesome! I’ve never really used an eye mask before, but may have to look into that! I got some QUEST bars on sale about a month ago, but sadly, they didn’t have the peanut butter flavor there–it sounds like it’d be delicious though! :]

  19. Great list! Any traveling I do always involves an airplane (I live on an island) so my iPad is a must. It’s loaded with bad reality tv shows :)
    Ree recently posted…braving the storm + hurricane recipeMy Profile

    1. hahaha, that’s a good way to pass the time! :P I have a bunch of movies loaded on mine! :]

  20. With you on the snacks and the water (I carry my Nalgene bottle everywhere), but especially the tablet! I actually bought my tablet because I was going to be traveling a lot and needed something to keep me entertained. Best money I’ve ever spent. It’s lightweight and can be taken anywhere, and as you mentioned, it’s great for entertainment (books, movies, etc), but also to stay connected.
    Gloria recently posted…Bulu Box: Review + Promo CodeMy Profile

    1. It’s definitely an amazing investment! <3 I love that it lets me keep on being productive, especially when I'm just sitting around waiting on a delayed/cancelled flight!

  21. Once I forgot my laptop cord, so I always make a note to remember to pack my cords and chargers! I’m in the market for a new travel water bottle – I’ll check those out.
    Coco recently posted…Five Things I Did This SummerMy Profile

    1. Ahhh! That’s the worst! :[ I’ve definitely done that before too, so now I always triple-check to make sure I brought my chargers with me!

  22. Oooh, my 5 essentials would be water bottle, snacks, headphones, chopstick/lipstick & small mirror!
    Thanks for sharing!
    Roberta – adventurous miles recently posted…What I Learned In 2019.My Profile

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

CommentLuv badge