Traveling Light - The Details

This post is dedicated to all the Details of Packing - not the bags, not the clothes, not the shoes - but all those other things you need when you are traveling.  You will see that I am a big fan of mesh zipper bags.  They are light weight, secure, and keep your tote or luggage organized and make it easy to find what you need.  

First - in one of the two pockets under the flap on the messenger bag - this one contains my Ray-Ban sunglasses and a tube of Burts Bees Sun-Protecting Lip Balm with SPF 8.  The second picture is the contents of the second pocket - for this trip, a small Spanish-English dictionary, a pen, and a small notebook, used as a trip journal, record of purchases, and a notes of interest.   It would also show my phone except that I needed it to take the picture!

            

Inside the messenger bag, a few tissues, a mini mesh bag (contents below), a small Body Glide, a Clinique Chubby Stick, a compass (yeah, I have one on my phone, but what happens when you don't have service...ie in the mountains). a packet of Wet Ones, a fold up tote bag, a baggie with an extra pair of panties (if you have ever spent the night in an airport, you will understand the importance of this), my Canon Rebel, my passport case with passport, drivers license, currency and credit cards, and a nail file.

The mini mesh bags contains a nail clippers, extra camera battery and extra memory card.  I also use it to hold any foreign coins during the trip.

 

This blue mesh bag is in my messenger bag on the plane, and goes into the seat pocket in front of me during the flight, but during the rest of the trip, the contents are in my suitcase with my other toiletries.  These are my flight essentials - a small bottle of Excedrin PM, my prescription, eyeglasses, toothbrush and toothpaste, a Shout Wipe packet, a packet of ear plugs and an eye mask, and my contact case.

In my tote, I keep my toiletries in a black plastic lined mesh bag - easy to see but can contain any possible spills.  The liquids are all in the required 3 oz or less bottle in a 1 quart Ziploc bag.  

Another mesh bag in my tote contains my phone/iPad charger on an AppleCore cord wrap, plug adapters depending on country, and my battery charger for my camera.

iPad!

I have had this clear zipper pocket for years and use it all the time for travel.  In it you will find a detailed itinerary, copies of hotel confirmations, a high lighter and some Post-It flags.  As the trip progresses, the hotel confirmations are disposed of and receipts and paper souvenirs (book mark, coaster, maybe a postcard or two) are added.  

The final mesh bag (I told you I was a big fan!) goes in the suitcase.  It contains a small sewing kit, a baggie with a tube of travel detergent and a rubber clothesline, a spoon, small section of duct tape, bandaids, a couple more Shout Wipes, a Tide To Go pen, some moleskin and a carabineer.

Next Post - Traveling Light, The Clothes

Traveling Light - The Bags

Changing gears for a few posts - 

We recently returned from a ten-day vacation to Chile.  And, finally, after several extended international and domestic trips over the years, I feel like I have finally mastered the art of packing light.  Maybe my tips will help some of you, too!

       

Indy airport - not the best pic, as it looks like I was in mid-sentence, but this gives you the complete picture of everything.  More detailed descriptions are below.

Tumi Tegra-Lite Continental Carry-On.  I received this for my birthday just the week before we left.  Nothing like breaking it in right away!  And I have to say, it survived the initiation.  I did some shopping over the last couple of months, looking at various styles and brands.  My research led me to try a hard-side bag this time around as it is extremely light weight.  After looking at several brands,  I decided on the Tumi, not because it was a Tumi, but because it was light weight, well-made, and very sturdy.  The material used on the bag is the same material used in NFL equipment.  It's got to be tough!

                                 

Longchamp Black Messenger Bag - I bought this in Paris a couple of years ago and it has gone on every trip with me since.  Under the front flap are two pockets and a big zippered center section.  Along the back side is a full length pocket, perfect for keeping your boarding pass, itinerary, and city map. (You can see that better in the picture below)  I wear this cross body in the airport, and pull my suitcase with the tote on top - if the airline staff get picky on the bag limit, then the messenger bag slips into the tote for boarding.

 And the final piece - a Longchamp tote, the large Le Pliage.  I've had this for years, use it all the time, and if it gets a little dirty, just toss it in the washing machine.  It's so light weight and sturdy.  Beside it you see a Bobble Water Bottle.  Tried this for the first time on this trip.  I get tired of paying for bottled water with every meal, so in an effort to drink more during the day, I filled this up from the hotel sink every morning.

Next Post - Packing Details

Sorry Gentlemen, This One's for the Girls!

Another Target favorite!  Really, is there any reason to buy your sports bras anywhere else?  The price can't be beat and there is an assortment of styles and colors.  Some friends prefer the C9 by Champion Seamless Cami or the cotton blend Racer Back Cotton, also from C9 by Champion, but my favorite is the C9 by Champion Compression Sports Bra and the New Reversible Compression style.  I've found this bra offers good durability and support, even after repeated washings.  The bright colors are fun and spunky and spice up my work-out clothes, and my work-outs!

Another Target Favorite

Today's Target favorite is the Mossimo Ultra Soft Sweater in the scoop neck or v-neck style.  Just like it says, it's ultra soft.  Plus it comes in a bunch of colors and is only $17.99.  They are a great way to add a fresh trendy color to your wardrobe without a big investment, or just extend your collection of basic neutral pieces. You can also find the ultra-soft in other styles including a turtle neck and cardigan, but the scoop and v-neck are my favorites.

Target Basic #2

Target Basic #2 - the Mossimo Microrib Tank.  This is no surprise to many of you, it's a great tank at a great price ($9!).  It has a perfect scoop neckline, not too high, not too low, and just the right amount of stretch in this cotton blend (58 % Cotton, 39 % Modal, 3 % Spandex).  You can find it in basic black, white and gray, and seasonal colors such as Painted Desert and the Moroccan Blue shown above.  Nice for layering under tops, but substantial enough to wear on its own.

Target Basic #1

This is the first in a series of my favorite Target basics - the Mossimo Women's Cocoon Cardigan, in twelve beautiful colors, for just $22.99.  This is going to be my go-to for down time, you know when you come home and change clothes, but it's just too early for your pj's, so you slip on your favorite black yoga pants, a tank, and this cute, comfy cardigan.  I've got the the heather gray, and the Cherry Peony and Sierra Gold (Boiler Up!) are on order!

Perfect Pen, even if the Penmanship is Not so Perfect

I have to admit, I was a little hesitant to embrace these pens at first... I had my concerns about the ink bleeding thru paper and the point not staying fine and sharp, but I've been using a Sharpie Retractable Fine-Point Pen for the last few months and have found all those fears were not warranted.  The ink does not bleed thru the paper.  The fine point tip stays crisp and precise.  The barrel has a cushioned grip for comfort and best of all...it's retractable!  Just click and go.