For those of us with the travel bug long term travel is something that often pops up. My definition of long term travel is anything longer than 7 days. I know some of you may think that 7 days is not a lot of time, but for me 7 days here, and 7 days there quickly adds up and before you know it you have spent more time away than at home. Let me emphasize that I travel a lot, and I find myself more and more trying to make the journey as comfortable as possible to prevent home sickness and save money. The list below is meant to give you Long Term Travel ideas on what to pack.
1. Lotion and Facial Products– Hotel toiletries start to suck real fast. Just because they’re free doesn’t make them good for you. I need “real” lotion, as the change of climate effects my skin which often causes drying. The greater the journey, the bigger the bottle I pack. Some people choose to buy their toiletries once they reach their destination, but keep in mind the exchange rate, proximity to local drug stores, and wasted time trying to track everything down takes away from the experience. Lastly, anything over 4 days I am bringing facial products ESPECIALLY if it’s an environment with a climate drastically different from my home one.
Tip: Ship a box to yourself addressed to your hotel, or vacation rental to save on luggage fees.
2. Dove Moisturizing Body Wash– Another thing that I prefer to bring vs. utilizing what is provided to me. The cool thing about Dove products is that they make travel sizes according to TSA size requirements that allow you to place them in your carry on. These travel sizes can be found at most drug stores, but I like to purchase them from Target as they have a large travel section that is perfect for all my long term travel needs.
3. Home Fragrance– This is not a popular item to pack, but I have experienced enough stale smelling rooms to know better when packing. Depending on how much room I have to spare, you will find me packing anything from a Glade Plugin, to Pine Trees for the Closet, and/ or a Candle like the one found in image #7. Fragrance gives your temporary lodgings the feeling of home away from home.
Tip: Leather Pine Trees are the best! I hang them in the bathroom or the closet. These are hard to find so your best bet is to track them down online.
4. Travel Containers 3oz– I fill these up with hair products, lotion, shower gel, perfume, etc.
5. Tea– This is essential during Winter Travel. I don’t always trust the hotel to provide good tea. Additionally, most hotels charge so I prefer to bring my own since hot water is always free 🙂
6. Disinfectant Wipes– This is the pack we used for out Bay Area road trip, but for flying long distance you can find a small TSA friendly pack. I particularly like to use them to clean toilet seats, faucets, and door knobs.
7. Earphones & Soundbar– All trips need a soundtrack. My speakers are almost as important as my passport – nether is getting left behind! My Velodyne earphones are mostly for plane rides or crowded beaches. My Definitive Soundbar is for my hotel room and private beaches.
8. Large Zip Loc Bags (not shown)– good for carrying wet swim suits, sand, sea shells, underwear
Bonus: Create a First Aid Kit. All you need is a zip loc bag filled with Q-tips, cotton balls, medicated ointment, band-aids, safety pins, bobby pins, and alcohol pads.
Bonus: Disposable Bedding and Wash Clothes. I did a whole write about this. These are the best invention since airplane. I did a separate post on them here.
