What are your travel must-haves? I’m in the final stage of packing for a trip, which of course brings up all the usual questions about what to bring. Like most of us, I have my favorite must-have travel items. I’m committed to traveling light and organized. To help with that, I never leave home without using those mesh packing bags. We asked friends what they must have with them on their travels.
For those whose travel involves flight, the must-haves are all about comfort and mini splurges. (My friend Jeanne, a flight attendant, said, “You’d be surprised how many people tap the plane as they get on.”)
“Starbucks, aspirin, and my iPad are all a must. Plus slip-on shoes for the pesky TSA.” —Jonathan
“I only read Janet Evanovich mysteries on planes. They are the right mix of entertainment/mystery and aren’t too deep to come out of when you have to pay attention to announcements or let people out, etc.” —Sue
“My airplane pants. They’re fitted gray sweatpants with zippers for pockets. They make sure my valuables don’t fall out!” —Jake
Road trippers need car snacks–licorice and malted milk balls being top picks–and different travel gear.
“A lapful of maps.” —Richard
“A super-light down sleeping bag at all times for impromptu star gazing and screen mesh to tape over open windows when sleeping in the car”—Alex (the extreme wanderer and athlete)
“Delicious coffee and good music. Pandora’s Phantogram station. Comfortable yoga pants and an oversized sweatshirt. And a pillow!” —Emily
Whether traveling on a pack-a-bag journey or a one-tank road trip, upon arrival we all need our must-have items.
“My own pillow case for a bit of home and to cover any sketchy looking pillows.” —Jill
“I keep Post-It notes and hair clips in my travel bag to darken the room: Post-It notes to cover all the little lights in the hotel room (tv, clock, etc.) and hair clips to clip curtains together.” —Sam
“My mini drawing pad and a water color pen that has water and a brush tip.” —Heidi
“A corkscrew and lighted reading glasses.” —Lisa L.
“A ceramic mug for my essential morning coffee needs.” —Lisa S.
“l always carry a small notebook and a pen with a built-in light. I like to jot down impressions/information.” —Beth
What do you bring? What are your must-haves?
Erin
It’s not always what I bring, but what I put it all in… My eBag. It’s a true Mary Poppins bag. It is a carry-on that can fit sooooo much stuff. I’ve used it since college and many friends have borrowed it, or bought their own, and everyone loves them! Must have for traveling “light” because it may be heavy, but it’s only one bag!
Mary
Erin, I am curious about your “Mary Poppins” bag. What traveler doesn’t like the details on a bag that can fit lots & lots of stuff?! If you know the brand & can share, I’d be most grateful! If not, believe me, I do have my fair share of bags! Thanks.
Mary
Before any trip (car or plane), I always spend quite a bit of time (OK, a lot of time!) deciding what knitting project(s) to bring and what books to have downloaded on my kindle. The knitting project must be relatively small (socks or scarf/cowl) and not too complicated. After the trip is over, I always think of my travels when I see the finished knitting and think about the book.