Oh dear. Well here we go then. A “be careful what you wish for” moment.
I’ve been asked to write a post as a “travel blogger” on the essential things I take with me when I travel. Now I am feeling like a fraud. Because I have no idea what to say or what to recommend. I am the most haphazard packer in the world. Generally take 85 pairs of pants and one shoe. Haven’t co-ordinated anything or dressed according to the weather. Guaranteed that I will be wearing jeans in boiling hot weather because I’ve forgotten anything lighter and I can’t possibly wear the skirt I’ve bought because I’ve forgotten to have a leg transplant before I arrived and/or waxed/buffed/plucked/sprayed/exfoliated/coloured in/bandaged…..
So WHAT am I going to say??
THINGS YOU DEFINITELY DON’T NEED TO TAKE WITH YOU ON HOLIDAY
1. Children
2. Too many books.
3. Too many magazines.
4. Too many sweets/chocolates
5. Too much duty free booze
6. A huge suitcase – I am astonished by how much you can fit into the approved hand luggage bags these days – unless you are doing long haul there is no need to put a bag into the hold.
7. Eight hour cream by Elizabeth Arden – all travellers swear by this and it’s awful stuff. Stinks and makes you go yellow and nobody will talk to you on the flight if you do what they tell you and rub it all over your face and go immediately to sleep – trust me I know – I did it and I looked like a burns victim on the way to the nearest specialist unit.
THINGS YOU SHOULD DEFINITELY TAKE WITH YOU ON HOLIDAY
1. Passport.
2. Waterproof mascara (Mac or Lancome VG)
3. Favourite moisturiser in a small pot. I like Kiehls stuff and you can get little samples to take with you if you’re only going for a few days.
4. Buy solid foundation and powder so that you don’t have to worry about liquids and get your shampoos/suncream etc when you’re at the airport or at your destination.
5. Take facial cleansing wipes – much easier (Simple ones are good) then again, no drama when going through customs.
6. Umm. Cashmere jumper (or squishy one anyway) or neck rest for plane. Very good when want to go to sleep.
7. Ipod.
8. Speakers
9. Ear plugs (not necessarily related to number 8 but possibly)
10. Lip balm on plane as very dehydrating as I’ve already mentioned (I like Vaseline but others say it’s not at all good for your lips – otherwise that stuff called “Nipple Cream” which looks like colostrum is good (although don’t use it at same time as 8 hour cream) if you want to talk to anyone on the flight.
I used to travel a lot when I lived in Hong Kong and then Australia. Many long haul flights. That was back in the days when you could still smoke on the plane. Good grief. Can you imagine that now. The entire back of the plane all standing around drinking and smoking like they were at a party. Unsurprisingly I recall being sick on planes quite a lot in my youth. Drink some alcohol if you want but not too much – will help you sleep but VERY dehydrating so drink water too.
My best top tip is that if you arrive somewhere miles away for a holiday and the time difference is massive and you suffer from jet lag then the way to avoid it – because we all suffer from jet lag if we try hard enough is just get on with it. Pretend you’re a doctor or a nurse or somebody who works through the night and do not under any circumstances, once you’ve landed make any comments about what time it is back home. Change your watch to the new time and just pretend you’re a little bit tired and get into the swing of it.
Mind over matter.
Works every time.
I will try and think of some proper beauty thingys soon. I haven’t really done very well.
Sorry.
But ps, if you’re still with me here and am feeling sorry for me perhaps you could vote for me in the travel section of the BIB awards – it’s nearly the last chance…
THANK YOU x
DD's Diary
April 24, 2012Ahem, I’ve travelled with you and you looked FAB at all times. No sign of 84 shoes, just a series of perfectly co-ordinated outfits. Agree with you about Elizabeth Arden 8 hr cream, why on earth does everyone rave about this? Really stinks and does nothing for me at all. I’ve already voted for you, don’t forget to vote for me! Ax
Family Affairs
April 24, 2012I HAVE already voted for you Lx
Expat Mum
April 24, 2012The thing about travelling with kids (which is why i’s on your NOT list) is that by the time you’ve packed for them, you’ve about enough room for a clean pair of knickers and a nightie! Pah!
Family Affairs
April 24, 2012Exactly – and you can’t really use earplugs either! Lx
Brother no. 1
April 24, 2012I disagree with the comment re not taking too many books. Take a leap and get yourself a Kindle for God’s sake. As many books as you want in your hand luggage. Don’t leave home without it.
Family Affairs
April 25, 2012I know….thinking about the Kindle still but just love showing off around the pool and you can’t with a kindle! Not only that can’t see what other people are reading which is of vital importance as well…..Which pretty much says it all about me doesn’t it….Lx
Muddling Along
April 25, 2012With you on the only travelling with handluggage – definitely the best way to go (did a month travelling around the world with one carry on as our honeymoon… was fun!)
Also a big cashmere wrap – keeps you warm on planes and in hotel rooms where you can’t sort out the a/c and a million other uses
Family Affairs
April 25, 2012and you can wear large cashmere wrap/poncho on the beach if you haven’t done your waxing Lx