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Travel Essentials

August 13, 2013 by Julie 80 Comments

Late last night, I started to unpack after a week of travel to California and Colorado. I absolutely love traveling and exploring new places and sharing my adventures with you guys!

I have a few things that I bring with me nearly every trip I take no matter where I go and I thought a roundup post about my travel essentials might be fun!

Packing

Here are a few of my favorite travel essentials:

  • Water bottle: I always bring a water bottle with me and make sure to drink a ton of water before a flight. I polish off an entire bottle before I make my way thorough security since you cannot bring liquids over four ounces through, but I make sure to refill it before boarding the plane.
  • Inflatable neck pillow: I see tons of people travel with neck pillows and I absolutely love my Eagle Creek neck pillow because it’s not only comfortable, but inflatable. It folds up for compact travel and I love that I can inflate it to varying levels of puffiness for customized support. Plus, it only takes two breaths to inflate it completely, so it’s easy peasy!

Inflatable Neck Pillows

  • Eye mask: I am obsessed with my eye mask! I struggle to sleep on planes (cars are a completely different story!), but my eye mask blocks out all light and makes it a little easier to take an in-flight nap.

Eye Mask

  • Chapstick and lotion: My lips and hands seem to get so dry when I travel, so I try to keep chapstick and a travel-size lotion easily accessible. (I love EOS lip balm!)

Crabtree and Evelyn Lotion

  • Book: Long flights offer hours of uninterrupted reading time and I always bring a book with me to keep me occupied.

Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

  • Snacks: Snacks are a necessity! My favorites include portable peanut butter packets, bars (Luna bars are a personal favorite), granola, nuts and dried fruit.

Peanut Butter & Co. Packets

  • Notepad and pen: For some reason I always think of ideas for blog posts or things to do when I am flying. I try to pack a pen a notepad with me so I can jot down things as they come to me so I won’t forget them later.
  • Hand sanitizer: When it comes to travel, germs are everywhere, so I always pack a travel-size hand sanitizer with me to fight the good fight against germs.

Antibacterial Gel

  • Sweatshirt: I get so cold on planes, so a comfy sweatshirt is a must for me!
  • Lightweight scarf: Along with a sweatshirt, I almost always bring an extra-long lightweight scarf with me to keep warm on chilly flights. It can serve as a makeshift blanket if I am extra cold.

Travel to Hawaii

Question of the Afternoon

  • What are some of your travel essentials?

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Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: travel, travel essentials, travel tips

About Julie

My name is Julie and I am a full-time blogger, new mama, fitness enthusiast (certified personal trainer and group exercise instructor) and food fanatic (mostly healthy... but also not-so-healthy) living in North Carolina with my husband, dog and baby boy. Thank you for visiting Peanut Butter Fingers! I hope you enjoy little glimpses into my life and have fun trying the sweaty workouts I frequently share and making some of my favorite recipes along the way!

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Comments

  1. Erika @ fortheloveofpeanutbutter says

    August 13, 2013 at 5:10 pm

    I lovelovelove eos lip balm! I can’t go anywhere without my chapstick…..that’s my first and foremost necessity. I also always bring my Rubik’s cube with me because I’m a dork and it passes time 🙂

    Reply
  2. Becky @ Olives n Wine says

    August 13, 2013 at 5:18 pm

    I have yet to try EOS lip balm but everyone is raving about it so I think I need to change this! I always need to have my laptop with my while flying. I can never sleep on flights so it (along with wifi!) keeps me occupied 🙂

    Reply
  3. RunEatRepeat says

    August 13, 2013 at 5:18 pm

    A plastic bag for my sweaty clothes! This way you don’t get the rest of your stuff gross.
    Or, as gross…

    Reply
    • Julie @ Peanut Butter Fingers says

      August 13, 2013 at 5:22 pm

      love that idea. you are so wise, monica. 🙂

      Reply
      • RunEatRepeat says

        August 13, 2013 at 5:26 pm

        Very wise and VERY sweaty.

        Reply
  4. Cally says

    August 13, 2013 at 5:20 pm

    definitely my iPod. most essential thing to me at the gym, in the car, on a plane or walking around the city running errands. love music!

    Reply
  5. Tara@PNWRunner says

    August 13, 2013 at 5:27 pm

    I like your eye mask. Does that sound weird? I just havent seen one like that before. I’d love it because it doesn’t hit my eye lashes, that would bother me. Plus it would make sleeping on a plane much easier!!
    My essential items are my facial cleanser, a book/kindle and iphone with headphones!

    Reply
    • Laura T. says

      August 14, 2013 at 12:12 am

      I really like the eye mask, too! Where did you get it?

      Reply
  6. Annette@FitnessPerks says

    August 13, 2013 at 5:30 pm

    I def agree with hand sanitizer and lip balm!!

    And I love my face mask too!

    Reply
  7. Jackie Macharsky says

    August 13, 2013 at 5:30 pm

    Great list. I pack all the same stuff! I also always pack a deck of cards. Card games are always fun on vacation!

    Reply
  8. meredith says

    August 13, 2013 at 5:34 pm

    I always carry peanut butter with me too – you just never know when you will need it!

    Reply
  9. Sarah @ Sweet Miles says

    August 13, 2013 at 5:39 pm

    love love eos lip balm! I’ve got it in my purse right now! I always make sure I pack my cell phone charge in my purse instead of in my suitcase, that way if I ever got stranded or stuck at an airport I could always have my phone charged. (just a weird thing I always try to remember to do!) I also always try to remember to pack my headphones for the flight 🙂

    Reply
  10. Ashley says

    August 13, 2013 at 5:39 pm

    Where is that super cute bag from in your pictures? The black/white/mint over the shoulder bag? I love it!!

    Reply
  11. Ashley @ BrocBlog says

    August 13, 2013 at 5:42 pm

    I just started reading Henrietta Lacks! What do you think?

    Reply
    • Julie @ Peanut Butter Fingers says

      August 13, 2013 at 5:46 pm

      I liked it a lot!! Hope you do, too!

      Reply
  12. Shel@PeachyPalate says

    August 13, 2013 at 5:43 pm

    Totally with on the scarf and warm jumper…comfy pants are a must too. Nothing worse than sitting in pair of jeans uncomfortable while travelling!

    Reply
  13. Mari @ Living With Purpose says

    August 13, 2013 at 5:45 pm

    I always make sure to bring music, a journal, my Bible, and a ton of the essentials you already listed. I like bringing along either crossword puzzles and Sudoku too.

    Reply
  14. Maria@TheBrooklynFig says

    August 13, 2013 at 5:52 pm

    Great post idea! Mine would definitely include some reading material and a sweatshirt. Also on my list is a cute hat, a watch (because when traveling abroad I don’t use my cell phone) and an umbrella since you never know when it’s going to rain!

    Reply
  15. Rebecca says

    August 13, 2013 at 5:57 pm

    I agree 100% on the good snacks and hand sanitizer. Love that yellow suitcase too– so bright and fun!
    I’m not much of a magazine reader at home, but I’ll often buy a magazine at the airport to read on the plane.

    Reply
  16. Britney @ Peaches and Pedicures says

    August 13, 2013 at 5:59 pm

    My travel essentials are a water bottle, sweatshirt, travel blanket, book or kindle and gum! I also always buy a magazine; it’s been a tradition ever since I was young and would get Highlights Magazine!

    Reply
  17. Kelly @ Kelly Runs for Food says

    August 13, 2013 at 6:12 pm

    My iPhone has become my do-it-all item when I travel- GPS, books (harder to read books on a phone, but it’s worth it not to weigh my bag down), movies, music, etc. I also make sure to bring headphones with me!

    Reply
  18. Sara @ LovingOnTheRun says

    August 13, 2013 at 6:13 pm

    You always looks so stylish even when traveling! I think I normally end up traveling in a hoodie! lol Great post – I don’t travel much but I take a lot of the exact same things with me when I do!

    Reply
  19. Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says

    August 13, 2013 at 6:16 pm

    Chapstick, lotion, snacks, and a sweater/sweatshirt are musts for me! I love the scarf idea!

    Reply
  20. tiffany says

    August 13, 2013 at 6:31 pm

    ha i thought your eye mask was a bra at first!

    Reply
  21. Jessica says

    August 13, 2013 at 6:47 pm

    I always need water, toothpaste and toothbrush, reading material, earphones, and an extra pair of socks.

    Speaking of reading are you going to start your book club again? I’ve really enjoyed it and was wondering if it was on a summer hiatus.

    Reply
  22. Elisabeth says

    August 13, 2013 at 6:53 pm

    I have that same brand of sleep mask & I love it! I work third shift & use it everyday to sleep during the day. Best one I’ve found.

    Reply
  23. Taylor @ Single-tracked Mind says

    August 13, 2013 at 7:46 pm

    I like to bring my glasses because my contacts dry out on places, and I like to bring packs of instant oatmeal. I ask for hot water, add in the instant oatmeal + banana + nuts, and I have a tasty snack!

    Reply
  24. Elizabeth says

    August 13, 2013 at 7:46 pm

    Great post J!

    Reply
  25. Chrissy says

    August 13, 2013 at 8:07 pm

    Fuzzy socks are definitely a priority–I get cold too! 🙂 Oh, and magazines too!

    Reply
  26. Holly @ EatGreatBEGreat says

    August 13, 2013 at 8:18 pm

    Definitely hand sanitizer (I’m a bit of a germaphobe!), granola bars, a wrap or scarf (I’m always cold), chap stick and my Kindle.

    Reply
  27. Karen from www.fabinyour40s.com says

    August 13, 2013 at 8:20 pm

    One time I brought 2 bags of opened nuts; pistachios (eaten) so just the shells and cashews. They were holding the plane for my friend and I and I was rushing because everyone was seated and waiting for us. Well, I tripped over my too large bag for a carry on and sprayed cashews and pistachio shells all over everyone within reach of me. I mean in their hair, their opened books, laps… you name it. I was so embarresed and the guy next to me was not happy. The cart crunched over the shells every time the stewardess came by. So, I DON”T bring nuts anymore. 🙂

    Reply
  28. joelle (on a pink typewriter) says

    August 13, 2013 at 8:21 pm

    Snacks are my number one necessity when traveling – even for just an hour flight! Also def a sweater or scarf… I hate to be cold.

    Reply
  29. Molly @ There Goes Molly Rose says

    August 13, 2013 at 8:27 pm

    1. Digging the pillow…. 2. That’s quite an eye mask! I might point and laugh if I saw that (but then secretly wish I had it so I could sleep hard) 3. Funny you mention the travel peanut butter….I brought one (Justin’s almond butter so dang yum) on my recent flight to NOLA and I don’t know if it had something to do with the pressure or what but when I opened it up it bursted out and got all over me….looked like poo. The 2 ladies on either side of me were probably thinking grrrreat I’m next to her for the whole flight… lol

    Reply
  30. Court Star @ StarSystemz says

    August 13, 2013 at 8:45 pm

    I ALWAYS download an audible.com book actually a few just so I have some easy listening to do! I also bring lotion, face lotion and a toothbrush since a LONG flight means I need to freshen up! Thanks for sharing your essentials 🙂 Love + Shine CourtStar

    Reply
  31. Kelsey Yoki says

    August 13, 2013 at 9:01 pm

    I travel with all the same essentials – no joke! I do make sure to always have headphones for music and ibuprofen as well. Sometimes I just start to feel a little “blah” when traveling. Hoping my next flight will be taking me to Utah or Florida!

    Reply
  32. Tara | Treble in the Kitchen says

    August 13, 2013 at 9:01 pm

    I am with you on the eye mask and the scarf. I find it VERY difficult to sleep on planes as well, and I am always cold. Scarves make great blankets!!

    Reply
  33. Charlie says

    August 13, 2013 at 9:26 pm

    I love that inflatable pillow! The eye mask is definitely a must! Yours looks extra comfy, where did you find it? I really need to try that EOS lip balm, everyone says it is great 🙂

    Reply
  34. Alison @ Daily Moves and Grooves says

    August 13, 2013 at 9:34 pm

    I definitely need lotion and chapstick because planes just suck the hydration out of my body! Layers, snacks, and hand sanitizer are also a must. When my family takes road trips, we always bring neck pillows and blankets for nappin’! Snacks–always.

    Reply
  35. Julia says

    August 13, 2013 at 9:41 pm

    I love this post idea! I’ve been traveling a lot recently and it reminded me of items I keep forgetting to bring with! I ALWAYS make sure I have water and snacks that could become a meal if need be, I’ve been delayed on the runway many times and know ill get very hangry if I dont

    Reply
  36. Melissa says

    August 13, 2013 at 9:57 pm

    Definitely hand sanitizer, flat iron, slippers and blankets, are staples for me when traveling!

    Reply
  37. Heather Murphy says

    August 13, 2013 at 9:58 pm

    Great post- new essentials I will have to add to the list! The inflatable pillow is great. I don’t go anywhere without my phone charger!

    Reply
  38. Christine says

    August 13, 2013 at 10:28 pm

    I always bring a travel pack of Wet Ones when I’m going on a plane. The first thing I do when I get to my seat is wipe down the arm rests, tray table, and anything else I may be touching. Some people look at me like I’m nuts but planes can be really gross.

    Reply
  39. Logan @ Mountains and Miles says

    August 13, 2013 at 10:33 pm

    I always pack a change of clothes (or two if I’m going on a long international trip) just in case my bags get lost…I learned that the hard way a FEW too many times.

    I also always bring my headphones. Even if I’m not actually listening to music, they help block out the noise on the plane and help me sleep.

    Reply
  40. Farah says

    August 13, 2013 at 10:46 pm

    Love this post!

    I definitely think headphones (comfortable ones), snacks and something to read are definitely the essentials.

    Reply
  41. Amy @ The Little Honey Bee says

    August 13, 2013 at 10:51 pm

    So with ya on books! I love my Kindle. Doesn’t TSA take away the mini-PB packs?!

    Reply
  42. Judy says

    August 13, 2013 at 11:00 pm

    Ahh, this is a great list! I know that whenever I travel and think I have everything I need, I don’t. Especially when it comes to just waiting to get to your destination, I just am horrible. These are great travel items to bring on the plane, train or whatever transportation you’re taking.

    Reply
  43. Sarah Smith @ Life {R+S} says

    August 13, 2013 at 11:24 pm

    LOVE Eos products too!! I’m traveling this weekend to NC, so thanks for helping me pack! I’ll definitely have to remember to wear a scarf since I always get cold on planes too!!

    Reply
  44. Brie @ Eat Books says

    August 13, 2013 at 11:47 pm

    I’d love to know how you pack for the rest of your trip? I am the WORST packer ever and always over pack and then end up wearing only half the clothes I bring. Do you pack in outfits or do you have a “system”? Would love to know! I’m so impressed that you always seem to travel with only carry-ons! Teach me your ways!! 🙂

    Reply
  45. Holly @ Pink-Runner.com says

    August 13, 2013 at 11:55 pm

    I had an allergic reaction to EOS so they are not my favorite anymore 🙁 I never saw travel PB&co packs!!!!! They would be awesome since I usually just carry around the entire White Chocolate Wonderful jar with a spoon!

    Reply
  46. Nicole says

    August 14, 2013 at 12:27 am

    I literally never leave home without a pack of tissue. You never know when you encounter a bathroom without toilet paper or a runny nose.

    Reply
  47. Julia @ Basket of Juls says

    August 14, 2013 at 12:30 am

    Thanks for the tips! That inflatable neck pillow is so nifty! Noise can easily distract me on planes, so I like to pack ear plugs. I also bring an iPod. I love looking outside an airplane window and listening to music while daydreaming as the plane passes the clouds!

    Reply
  48. casie says

    August 14, 2013 at 2:23 am

    Ear plugs. After a couple of flights with fussy toddlers I won’t fly without them. I also bring lotion and lip balm.

    Reply
  49. Dina says

    August 14, 2013 at 3:24 am

    Neck pillow is definitely the one thing I have to have. Nothing worse than having your head flop around when you falling asleep.

    Reply
  50. Jan @ Sprouts n Squats says

    August 14, 2013 at 5:09 am

    A magazine or something to read before I can switch on my Kindle. Also layers of clothing in case it gets too cold or hot on the plane!

    Reply
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Hi! I’m Julie and I am a mom to three energetic boys and a personal trainer and blogger living in Charlotte, North Carolina. Welcome to my blog! Peanut Butter Fingers follows my life and my interests in food, fitness, family, travel and (mostly) healthy living.
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