Travel gear: Smart items to pack in your personal item

July 17, 2019 By

Whether it is a family trip, vacation, trekking trip, or a business trip, everyone faces the problem of packing the right stuff into our handbag, tote, backpack or other personal item. Packing for a trip needs planning that is a lot demanding than planning for the trip itself. For this reason, I have come up with a strategy about smart things that need to be in our handbag or a carry-on bag before anything else for much safer and happier travel.

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Traveling smartly: smart items to pack in your personal item

This is an era of smart products, and from our laptops to mobile phones, everything is smart. These items have made our lives easier and much more comfortable. Smart, multi-tasking things are the best to keep in your handbag as they take small space, and can help us do multiple tasks with them. In the past, everyone had to carry heavy laptops in our backpacks. And setting them up to do even a simple task of booking an online ticket was near impossible at any holiday destination.

However, smart products such as mobile phone and tablets have made our lives easier and simpler. Being smarter, and evolving with smart products have brought a lot of positive changes to our lives. On my last trip to Thailand, I was able to find a handsome discount on my flight ticket. All I did was to click on flights-to-bangkok.co.uk, and all the discount deals, cheap flight ticket, accommodation, and traveling transfers were in front of me. Smart traveling always pays off.

Why a handbag?

A handbag or tote is everyone’s best friend on a traveling trip as it seems so compact, yet it offers a great deal of space. It keeps reminding everyone that they need to pack little and light, however when people exceed that limit, it still has enough room for extra essentials.

Smart items to pack in your handbag

It doesn’t matter that you are an experienced traveler, or going on your first trip, you always need to plan your packing. You need to make a check of everything that you may need where you are going. You also need to make a checklist of all the important documents that you may need to keep. Following is a list of smart things that every traveler needs to pack in their handbag. These items will make their traveling much easier and comfortable. So read on and do carry these items on your next trip.

Medicines and prescription drugs

Most people make the mistake of packing their medicines and prescription drugs in their luggage. This doesn’t seem a big mistake a person can make; however, if you come across any need in an emergency, you will have nothing to do instead of waiting out all journey. People who rely heavily on their prescribed drugs and meds, it is imperative for them to carry their stuff in a handbag instead of luggage as they may need them during their time in the air. Airlines also misplace or even lose the luggage sometimes, so it is wise to keep all the important medicines in your handbag or carry-on bag.

Collapsible water bottle

Most airlines don’t allow water bottles in your hand-carry or personal item bags. But keeping a collapsible water bottle may pass the security checks. We don’t recommend you to take what isn’t allowed on the plane. However, air compression can get you thirsty more often, and you cannot call a host that often. So it is wise to keep one collapsible water bottle in your carry-on.

All kinds of documents

Keep all your documents in your handbag. Airlines can misplace your luggage and we don’t want you to go through all that inconvenience of reissuing those documents or finding your bag.

Tablets, Laptops, and mobile phones

When you are traveling, it is important to keep all your electronic items such as a laptop, tablet and mobile phones in your handbag. These items are prone to stealing, and luggage is vulnerable as it isn’t with us all the time. Airport authorities also handle our luggage with no care at all and just toss our stuff here and there. Our valuable electronic items can easily break in the transit, which can become a great source of inconvenience.

Charging devices

When we are on an airplane, or at an airport, we tend to kill our time but we have limited options. In this scenario, our laptops or mobile phones are the best sources of entertainment we have. However, their battery can easily run out, which leaves us asking other people for their chargers. To skip the embarrassment, it is imperative to keep all your chargers in the handbag.

Universal plug/adapter

When traveling abroad, we come across charging plugs that have the weirdest opening sockets. This leaves us no choice but to wait until the end of our long journey and recharge our phones and laptops at our hotel. To avoid this inconvenience, always carry a universal plug or adapter with you, so that you can use it anywhere you want to charge your phone.

One extra pair of undergarments and socks

Keeping one extra pair of undergarments and socks in your handbag is surely a smart move. Sometimes you travel to places that are hot and you can avail a chance to take a dip in a fountain or a pool. However, you don’t because you have no extra pair of undies and socks. For this reason, keep one extra pair all the time in your handbag. When traveling in a plane, you can also need a pair of socks to keep your feet warm, as air temperature can drop with air compression.

Mouth freshener

Mouth freshener is a smart item to carry in a handbag. Sometimes traveling takes a very long time to reach your destination, and you don’t get a chance to brush your teeth after eating something or taking a nap. Nobody wants a bad odor to come out of his or her mouth. For this reason, it is wise to keep a mouth freshener sweet or gum.

Five foundational Aventura Clothing pieces for spring trips

April 13, 2018 By

Spring travel brings all types of weather, making packing a challenge. If you want to pack carry-on-only this spring but need to bring along outerwear, boots, and other ‘just in case’ items, it’s crucial to plan your main wardrobe carefully. What you need to do: identify core clothing pieces that provide you with a packing foundation: a few pairs of neutral pants, layering tanks and tees, and lightweight spring jackets that pull it all together. Add a few tops and scarves and you’re set!

 

Foundational Aventura Clothing pieces for spring:

Regular readers know I’m an Aventura Clothing ambassador, but I accept this gig year after year because no joke: I think Aventura Clothing is the best women’s casual clothing brand out there. Why? Most pieces are organic cotton or bamboo that don’t wrinkle and feel great, Aventura offers Fair Trade items, and its eco-conscious ethos is something I can get behind. Aventura’s clothes are flattering and stylish, but most importantly to this traveler, they’re practical and comfortable. Here’s what to make sure you have ready for your spring carry-on:

Channing Jogger: My new favorite pants! These cute jogger-style pants come in four neutral colors and adds a casual vibe to any outfit without looking like you’re in sweatpants. Because oh no. You’re in fitted, flattering organic cotton. For a price of $82, I think I might get a second pair in another color (remember, Pit Stops for Kids readers get a steep Aventura discount…see details at the bottom of this post).

Arden V2 Capri: A classic capri pant is key. I love the Arden (long a staple at Aventura) and this new version has an even more flattering fit. I love that the legs can roll up to an 18″ pedal-pusher length or be rolled down to a 24″ length. Perfect for transitioning seasons. It’s organic cotton and comes in a bunch of fun colors for $79.

Zelda Tank: I recommend this tank every season for every packing need for a reason, people! It’s the perfect layering piece! This stretchy tank fits under any top, and can be worn alone when the day heats up. Plus, it’s on sale for under $13. Get several!

Gilda Legging: With its chevron print, the Gilda legging is stylish and goes with everything. I always toss several pairs of leggings or tights in my bag: they take up hardly any room and can create multiple outfits. Pair this one with a hoodie or sweater or with a dress or skirt.

Tara Jacket: This fitted jacket gives you a crisp, tailored look while keeping you warm when that spring day decides to take a detour back to winter. It’s not too lightweight (there’s some heft to this jacket), and the military-style, full-button front is very stylish. Best of all, you get lots of pockets and the whole thing is organic cotton for $99. I love the oil green color, but since I already own two jackets in a similar shade, I went with white. I’m a bit concerned about this now…how will I keep white clean? At least it’s machine washable.

Supplement your five pieces with past seasonal staples:

aventura-clothing

Or, check out these additional new offerings:

 

  • Tops such as the Sheridan or Ridley LS: I personally think every woman needs some plaid in her life. The Ridley fits so nicely, it can go from horseback to back deck to dinner. The Sheridan is even more feminine with decorative buttons on the back and a more tailored look.
  • Organic cotton dresses such as the Yardley: I’m in love with this faux wrap, tulip-hem dress. It has an Oriental flair to it, and can be dressed up or down easily. It’s definitely coming on spring trips!
  • A hoodie or pullover like the Amaris Hoodie: this super simple hoodie gets the job done. You look cute while staying warm when the weather turns, and the neutral pattern on this black-and-gray hoodie goes with just about everything.

Want to try Aventura Clothing at a discount? Use coupon code Whitley20 at checkout for 20% off any Aventura order (even sale items). Limited to one time use per customer. Must create or have a current logged in account with Aventura (free to set up).

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Travel Gear We Use: best carry on luggage for kids

January 20, 2017 By

Welcome back to our Travel Gear We Use series. Today, we’re recommending best carry-on size luggage for kids. When packing for a family trip, we are big fans of using carry-on luggage (here’s an article on flying carry-on only). Why? Flying carry-on only saves money, helps kids become more responsible for their belongings, and keeps ‘baggage’ at a minimum…literally. Our favorite carry-on luggage for kids include models that are high-quality, adaptable, and of manageable weight for kids.

flying carry-on

Eagle Creek Load Warrior:

The Load Warrior is a fully functioning wheeled rollie with the added bonus of super rugged construction. Our teen loves the Flip Switch because he can roll it through airports, then hold it by the oversized grip on the side when hefting into overhead bins. It comes in two sizes–22″ and 28″–and both feature quality ripstop nylon with two-way, lockable zippers and several organizational pockets.

Crumpler Spring Peeper:

The Spring Peeper (as well as the Crumpler Red Dry No 9 shown in photo) is one of the most sturdy, well-constructed rollie bags we’ve seen. It can, as they say, take a licking and keep on ticking. So by all means, hand it off to a kid who will roll it over curbs, hit it against pillars, and roll it over your foot. Inside, the Spring Peeper features multiple organizational panels and pockets, so kids can (hopefully) remember where they put things. The lightweight handle fully retracts, and side panels are perfectly sized for kids’ socks and underclothes The main compartment is roomy enough to store souvenirs on the way home. Best of all, the Spring Peeper is only $210.

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L.L. Bean Adventure Duffle:

L.L. Bean classic adventure duffles have served us well for years (and none have needed to be replaced. We opted for the medium size when the kids were very small, and still use them for quick trips and adventure vacations to this day. Kids can pick their own color (and can have their name embroidered), and the padded shoulder strap makes minor commutes no problem for older kids (if you want kids to wheel their own, opt for the large size with wheels and handle). Best of all, the medium is under $50 and the large is under $100 at L.L. Bean.

Timbuk2 Co-Pilot:

Our teens love this rollie, which features skateboard wheels for a smooth, ultra cool glide over airport floors. I love the fact that it has multiple compartments inside: you can separate clean clothes from dirty, or shoes from clothing via two large mesh sections. Open half the bag without disturbing the other half! There are also two smaller compartments, which we use as built-in packing cubes. There’s even an outside pocket perfect for a TSA-friendly toiletry bag. Grab the Timbuk2 Copilot Luggage Roller for as low as $144.

More Travel Gear We Use:
Best Overnight Backpacks for Kids and Teens

Photo credit: Amy Whitley, via Go Green Travel Green

Efficient vacation packing: How to create multiple outfits with three base pieces

September 16, 2016 By

I pack carry-on only 99% of the time, and I never bring an entirely new outfit for each day of my trip. Instead, I pack three basic clothing staples that can be reused with featured pieces to create multiple looks. If you want to achieve efficient vacation packing and have room for all those souvenirs you want to bring home, here’s how.

For this article, I’m using Aventura Clothing as my main example; I am an ambassador for this travel and outdoor adventure clothing brand, and am offering a steep discount to readers at the end of this post!

efficient-vacation-packing

First, a few rules for efficient vacation packing:

  • Pack with a color scheme in mind: I’m fashion-impaired, so I make this easy on myself…before each trip, I decide whether I’m going to focus on black/gray/white tones or earth/beige/brown tones. Then, I pack clothes within that color scheme. This way, I only need to bring base pieces in the single color tone, and I can get away with only one or two pairs of shoes, too.
  • In colder weather, think dresses: When you have to pack for chilly climates, your clothing will be bulkier. Time to eliminate entire pieces! Go with wintery dresses or tunics instead of pants and shirts and cut down on the number of clothing items you have to pack.
  • Wear bulkier items on the plane: It will be cold with the air conditioning blasting at you anyway! You’ll need to bring a light layer or hoodie on just about any trip; wear it on the plane or stash it in your backpack or tote. Ditto for your bulkier shoes, but be sure to wear a pair that breathes and allows blood circulation.

Base pieces you’ll need for every trip:

Now that you know a few rules to keep in mind, it’s time to gather your three base clothing items you’ll need every time you travel. Base pieces include:

base-items

  • 1-3 basic but high quality camisoles or tank tops: We love Aventura Clothing’s Aster scrappy cami, as well as ExOfficio’s version.
  • 1 pair of high quality leggings: Try the Aventura Bienne legging, or your favorite Lululemon/Athleta/PrAna offering. You get the idea. In summer, substitute thicker leggings for a pair of tights.
  • 1 basic tee or long-sleeved shirt: Grab your favorite organic cotton tee in a neutral shade of your color scheme. In colder weather, I’ve been loving the Aventura Zoe top, which is form-fitting but has just enough detail for a ‘finished’ look, but you may already have something in your closet. Tunics work well too (think yoga tops).

Time to supplement with seasonal pieces:

With your base pieces in place, you can now pack fewer outfits, because many clothing items can pull double duty. Your cami can go under sweaters and blouses, eliminating the need for multiple t-shirts, and your leggings can be worn with dresses, skirts, and tunics, cutting down on the need to pack bulkier items like pants. You can also eliminate most of your socks if wearing tights often. Here are are few examples from Aventura’s new fall line (the colors look boring now, but work wonders out of your suitcase!):

aventura-clothing

  • The Karter Hoodie: This oversized hoodie can be both a layering piece and an outfit, eliminating the need for a second light layer. Because it’s tunic-length, you can pair it with your leggings and cami and be done! Put your tee underneath instead of the cami if you think the day will warm up.
  • Rita Dress: The Rita is wrinkle-resistant and has some spandex added in for give during travel days. I love, love, love bringing wintery dresses on trips, because not only do I eliminate the need for extra shirts, but I can also forgo pants and socks. I pair the Rita with leggings or tights and I’m done! For the Rita and other wintery dresses to pull double duty, simply pair with a favorite scarf and leather boots for a night-time look.
  • Brooklyn Tunic:  Tunics are great for travel. They’re forgiving, they go with many things, and they only need leggings and a cami! I love this particular tunic for the raw-edge seams and cowl neckline…it looks urban and sleek. If you want variety when using the Brooklyn on a second day, pair with straight-leg pants instead and get a whole new look.

One last tip: Always, always pack accessories that won’t take up room, like scarves and beanie-type hats. A fresh scarf can change up any outfit, at any time! 

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