SOLO Traveling

As a full time working mama of 3 boys (well 4 if I count hubby, it counts right haha!), I sometimes find business trips relaxing and resourceful ( ya! believe me )… the reason being that I have to just think about me for those few hours, ( even if I have the head loaded with numbers, deals, presentations and busy schedule ).

I won’t talk about the preparation that it involves before I leave  the house (making sure that the kids have clothes prepared in piles (it helps daddy with color matching), kids lunches are almost all done, reminders and love notes on the kitchen table etc…

Those little LOVE NOTES just makes me feel more connected to home because I know they will tell me about it when I call home that night.

I thought I would share some of my tips of solo traveling that can be use for sure ( because I do ) for when I travel with my hubby or with all my little tribe.

LIGHT WEIGHT CARRY-ON.

I have a rolling carry-on sized luggage that I use as much for my road trips or when I need to travel by plane. When I am solo traveling, I like the fact that I can attach a light weight bag or week end bag on with a strap. It helps since my hands can be almost free when you need to run to catch your next flight or check in at the hotel.

I’m using the Away Carry-On model for the following reasons:

• it has two compartments, one designed for clothes, the other for shoes, toiletries, and other hard objects, and the outside shell is impenetrable and bends under pressure, never breaks.
• The Carry-On’s built-in battery can charge any USB device so you’ll always be able to check your maps, email, or Slack.
• A nylon laundry bag separates clean clothes from dirty—even wet bathing suits.
• Two zippers slot into a combination lock, so no one’s getting into your stuff but you (it’s TSA approved).
• Wheels rotate 360° for a perfect roll every time. and believe me, the kids have tried it several times, and they keep rolling!!!

WEEK END BAG.

I think, ( well I know ) it’s a girl’s problem, that I always overpack so having a week end back extra is always handy for little extras like my makeup pouch, magazines, bottle of water, extra pair of shoes or just to toss in some souvenirs for hubby and the kiddos.

And you know what I use for extra bag ( or week end bag ), some of my diaper bags. Because, I have to agree that they are pretty cool diaper bags now that don’t look at all like diaper bags, and also I need to admit that I like the double duty of those, and also because they are usually made with durable and wipeable material‎, which makes them perfect for traveling.

My favorites to travel with are:

• Kate Spade
• Fawn Design
• Tory Burch

SCARF

I ALWAYS bring and wear a scarf, ( well they are usually part of my daily ootd’s ) but as well when I am traveling. If it’s winter, I might opt for a thicker version and if it’s to go to our beach vacations or spring/summer season, I will opt for a lighter version, but always keeping in mind that I want to bring the widest/largest one since it can double as a wrap/blanket if things get chilly (and they usually do), or even use it as a pillow.

TOILETRIES

I always put my travel sized bottles ( shampoo/conditioner/anything potentially leaky) in ziplock bags. I just had to many bad experiences in the past of bottles leaking in my luggage and just ruining clothes that I just don’t want it to happen again. Even if I don’t need to take the plane, I prefer travel size bottles to regular size. It’s just better when travel and just making sure they are not over 3.4 ounces (100 ml), or you will get busted.

In the carry on if you need to check a bigger bag. bring a T-shirt, and a pair of socks. Other good items to bring in your carry-on: makeup wipes  and/or blotting wipes, dry shampoo, a toothbrush, some basic makeup (lip gloss, concealer, and mascara are my go-tos), and a travel-sized tube of toothpaste.

SHOES

I usually pack (comfortable) heels, flats, running shoes, and a pair of flipflop ( for showers or spa) and I usually wear ankle boots or flats on the plane, that are still sophisticated paired with leggings, a tee and a blazer for comfy traveling.

TRAVELING OOTD

I honestly prefer to travel in leggings, (fancy classy ones) paired with a tee or cute ( but comfy) top and a blazer or cardigan. If you are driving or in a longer flight, believe me that you will appreciate those comfy clothes unless you have to go straight to a meeting or the office. One thing for sure is that I never travel in a dress or skirt suit. It’s just don’t want to be constricted. It always depends as well what you are doing as soon as you leave the plane or car.

EARPHONES/HEADPHONES

I always bring my earphones with me, even if I need to make a short travel. It can be just useful to take a call, from listening to music to watching the news on your smart phone, and we need to admit that it also cuts the noise around because you never know how noisy it can be in the plane.

I use the Sudio earphones and they are really my favorites for the following reasons:

• They boasts up to 8 hours of unlimited play-time and standby for up to 10 days, which is just great when you travel.
• The quality sound and noise isolation is amazing.
• They are light, comes with a little case and they are so stylish.

You can use my code chicmom15 to get a 15% discount code on your purchase.

WATER

When traveling, make sure to bring or get a bottle of water, especially by plane, it’s because the humidity is much lower than what you typically encounter on a daily basis, and can lead to dehydration which can cause fatigue and bad headaches, which obviously, we don’t wish for.

SNACKS

I always bring with me some snacks. Because I prefer to eat smaller meals but more frequently, I usually end up being hungry after 3 hours or so. They’re healthier and cheaper than anything you’ll get at the airport. I prefer fruit, bars or energy bites, or even some cut veggies with hummus but don’t forget that if you change country, you CAN’T bring fruits and vegetables when going thru the border.

BOOKS/MAGAZINES

It’s always when I travel, for work or personal, that I always read the most. I guess there is a switch in my head that puts me in a relax mode or what, that I feel like reading. Maybe it’s just because I have more time for me. So I always make sure that I have 1 book to read and I usually get tempted to buy 1 or 2 magazines at the airport or drug store before leaving.

Face wipes, gloss, kleenex, mints

Most important, try to enjoy your time when you are away and knowing that you are prepared will give you the necessary ease of mind to enjoy your trip.

I would love to hear your personal tips and what are your fav finds that you love to bring when traveling.

 

Hope it helped!

 

Stephanie xx.