Bringing home on the road: The products that travel with me
No matter where my travels take me, there’s something comforting about having a few familiar products in my gear bag. From packing cubes that keep my socks in place to instant coffee that saves my mornings, these essentials help me feel at home wherever I am. Here’s a look at a few travel essentials that keep me comfortable.
Packing Cubes: Picture this - You have an early morning start, you had a little too much wine last night, and you need to roll out of bed and dash out the door to meet your tour guide. You reach into your suddenly bottomless suitcase and… Where. Are. Your. Socks? Packing cubes keep all my clothing items exactly where I can find them. While there are many variations, I prefer ones that compress down, like these, making space for more souvenirs.
Decent Instant Coffee: If there is one thing you can count on, it’s that the coffee maker in your room will make some of the worst coffee you’ve had in your life. It was a game changer for me when my daughter, who works at an artisanal coffee roastery, gave me a pack of Verve instant coffee. Just add hot water and *boom* decent coffee to jumpstart my day!
Matcha: Green tea is full of antioxidants and other health benefits. I've started replacing my afternoon espresso with matcha, whisking it into a frothy treat with this battery-powered mixer.
Chomps Turkey Jerky: Being a non-red meat-eater is seriously inconvenient when traveling. In certain areas, the basic-menu-item-that-is-not-meat will be a textured soy patty or some other mysterious fake meat. Getting enough protein can be tricky, but these quick, portable snacks fill the gap perfectly. Speaking of gaps, you can tuck them into even the most tightly packed suitcase.
Hydroflask with a Straw: There is nothing like ice-cold water during a long flight to add a burst of instant refreshment. I prefer straw-topped caps, as they make it less likely that I will spill. Most airports have fill stations, so you can feel good about less plastic in our oceans. Stay hydrated, and stay eco-friendly.
Korres Eye Roller: Are your eyes puffy, tired, and heavy? This icy cold Wide Awake Eye Gel plumps up the under-eye area. The caffeine constricts blood vessels, reducing puffiness and softening those stubborn under-eye bags or the crease marks from your sleep mask.
Frooze Balls: Travel snacks are tricky. I tend to crave comfort food on long flights. These bite-sized snacks are made from whole ingredients and are delicious and nutritious. There are no chemicals, gums, or fillers. I especially like the PB&J ones, which taste like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. They are a tasty and satisfying snack!
Electrolytes: Water is not always enough. After long hours in the air and perhaps a few days on sweaty sightseeing tours, your body needs minerals and vitamins, too. A high-quality electrolyte drink can be a game-changer. I especially like these in the morning. They are a blast of hydration with some caffeine to take the edge off jet lag.
Earplugs: I was delighted by a lovely Airbnb with a window overlooking the main piazza of the Greek town. My delight turned to despair as the Greek wedding downstairs culminated in a procession through the town square to blasting disco music that went into the wee hours of the morning. Likewise for my hotel room two blocks from the start of a Spartan race, with loudspeakers blasting music to get the Spartans ready to rock—-at 7:30 in the morning. No matter how nice your abode is, you cannot plan or control the environment's noise. Thanks to these earplugs, the problem is solved! They fit securely and comfortably and mute the revelry so that I can count sheep in peace.
No matter how lightly you like to pack, squeeze a little room in your bag for a few things to soften the edges. You will be more open and ready to absorb your experiences with a few comfort items to make you feel at home on your travels.