In this three part travel series, we have looked at some ways to identify budget airfares, and we’ve looked at a cadre of economical accommodation choices.
In the last of this series, I want to share some things that I just can’t and will not travel without. These items provide great comfort to me while traveling, and when I’m packing I get a kick out of including them in my suitcase and knowing that I am going to feel secure with them while I’m on the road. So here goes!
A GREAT PAIR OF WALKING SHOES!
You will never catch me without my Riekers. This shoe is heaven against concrete. They are stylish, come in a variety of colors, and they seem to match any outfit (minus ones that need heels). I purchased my first pair in 2015 when I visited 11 cities in France. Two months afterwards, they remained glued to my feet while trekking through Sydney, Australia.
They aren’t cheap, but I have learned that if I’m going to put out good money on anything, it might as well be on a solid pair of shoes — Riekers it is!
A SET OF PACKING CUBES
This is another travel goodie that I can’t be without. Coming in a multitude of colors (I have the lime green set), this nugget makes packing not only convenient, but fun also! I have a a set of three — one cube accommodates my underwear, socks, pantyhose and pajamas; another cube accommodates all of my tops and blouses; and one that I can use for all of my bottoms.
I’m even able to squeeze in a toletries bag. Life is easy on the road with these babies! Once I get to my hotel or Airbnb, I just place the three cubes in the drawers and pull out what I need daily. My cubes are manufactured by ebags.
TRAVEL BLANKET
Talk about comfort — my Flight 001 Travel Blanket is perfect for when I get a bit chilly on the airplane or on a tour coach. It feels wonderful — its lightweightness is perfect, and it comes in its own pouch for easy transport.
IPOD AND SONY HEADPHONES
I have loaded my iPod with a variety of jazz, classical and r&b — anything from Nina Simone and Ella Fitzgerald to Alicia Keys!
Additionally, when I use my Sony headphones to listen to the wonderful array of music, I experience a quality of sound like no other. They make especially long flights (like my flight to Sydney, Australia in 2015) most enjoyable.
TRAVELON CROSS-BODY BAGS WITH RFID-BLOCKING CARD AND PASSPORT SLOTS
Now THIS is the piece de resistance! I am able to carry a bottle of water, my wallet, tissue, writing pen and throat lozenges. There is a slot for my passport, and there is even room for my Samsung smartphone.
LUGGAGE SCALE
My Digital Luggage Scale comes in handy and keeps me from paying over the top luggage fees. My scale is a life saver, and both American Weigh and Samsonite have nice ones!
CANON EOS REBEL T5 DSLR CAMERA
During my many years of traveling, I have used a point and shoot camera or my Smartphone’s camera. I have been pleased with how my pics have turned out, and others have commented on what nice pics I take. This past fall, I enrolled in a photography course that taught me just how much more I could do with a professional camera, so I invested in Canon EOS Rebel T5 digital camera!
Although I have been taking photos galore, my trip to Australia in 2017 will be my first trip where I will use my DSLR. I can’t wait to share the outcomes with you!
SAMSONITE STRYDE HARDSIDE GLIDER LONG JOURNEY (WISHLIST ITEM)
I don’t own one yet, but I promise you — I’m going to get this one! It’s roomy and perfect for housing packing cubes while still leaving enough room to pack other items. It spins nicely and will glide alongside you as you walk.
It also comes in a medium and carry on size.
Needless to say, I am inseparable from my iPad, which also allows me to read a book that I’ve downloaded through my Kindle App.
These are just small samplings of what makes me happy on the road. What travel comforts can’t you live without? I’d love to hear from you.
THIS...I...DO...FOR...ME! 