As I was packing for my next trip, I started thinking about some items that have come in handy the most while traveling. The things that have made these adventures just a little simpler and cleaner and make going through security checkpoints a breeze. I think the most important part of making your trips and vacations a little more relaxing is being as organized a traveler as possible… my dad always taught us to “CONSOLIDATE!”. Be resourceful, learn to purchase useful and smart products that will help you get out of the door a little quicker and won’t stress you out. The simpler the better.
These are some of my favorite solutions for easy and comfortable traveling.
Nalgene Leakproof Bottles ($.79-$3.99) and Jars ($1.49-$1.99)
These bottles and jars can be found at The Container Store, come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and are absolutely leak proof. Before I found these precious BPA free containers, I used to hate, hate, hate when I’d get arrive at my final destination only to find a liquid had exploded in my cosmetic bag or luggage. Not only was it a waste of product but it made an absolute mess.
When it comes to these Nalgene bottles and jars, I made sure to buy them in sizes under 3 ounces which takes away some of the hassle when flying. I just squeeze my hair products, lotions, face creams, and other liquid beauty products into the containers, put them in a ziplock bag, and I’m good to go through security. And for the price, you can’t help but stock up on them!
Baggallini Curling Iron and Flat Iron Cover $14.99 at the Container Store
One of my other favorite travel necessities is my flat iron bag. Ladies (or gentlemen who like their hair to be fancy, too?), how many times have you forgotten to pack your flat iron or curling iron because you were waiting for it to cool down before you put it in your luggage? Never? Oh, well it used to happen to me quite a bit until I bought this bag which allows you to pack your styling tools while they’re still hot. No more waiting and forgetting… or in my case, forgetting and “having” to buy a new one on vacation. The things we do to look lovely, huh? :/
Sample sized perfume
While the 3 ounce rules at the airport are in place to keep us all safe, they have been known to cause quite a headache when you realize you just can’t bring certain things with you on vacation. I’ve found, instead of huffing and complaining, just try to find alternative solutions to make your vacation run as smooth as possible with the same “comforts” from your everyday life. I love the perfume that I wear at home but it’s way over 3 ounces and it’s in a glass bottle, so I really wouldn’t want to risk it breaking in transit. It smells delightful but I wouldn’t want to soil my vacay clothes with it 
My solution? Sample sized perfume. My current sample is Lola by Marc Jacobs. These are great because not only can you test drive a new scent that you’ve been curious about, but they pass the 3 ounce rule at the airport, they’re easy to toss in your purse or luggage, and you can still smell sweet and lovely on vacation. And if you use it sparingly it lasts quite some time!
So the next time you’re browsing around a department store and get handed a perfume sample, instead of being all “Ugggggh, this beauty saleslady is sooo annoying for giving me FREE perfume, what could possibly be wrong with her“… put a smile on your face, say “thank you”, and take it
Fresh Wave, All Natural Neutralizing Spray 2.oz, $2.99 at the Container Store
I’m going to sound like a crazy. And it won’t be the first (or last) time. The stale air in some hotels kind of makes me feel gross. I live for fresh air and the smell of spaces that feel like the windows have been opened for hours and the light breeze has trickled in. And let’s be honest, some hotels can smell like the windows have been closed since 1927… zero ventilati[Con. So I purchased this spray a while ago at The Container Store (of course) and it really does neutralize the air and just give it a cleaner smell. Best part, it's all natural, non toxic, biodegradable, and the smaller size is under 3 ounces which means the lovely people of TSA can't take it from you 
(image: www.containerstore.com)
Question for you: What are some of your favorite tips and solutions for hassle free travel? Any products you just can't live without when hitting the road?
[Chels]
Hassle Free Travel? I’m a fan even though I don’t really do it much…and don’t go places that often. I tend to only bring a backback and a duffle bag with me, just so I don’t have to check any luggage. My grandma taught me how to pack and roll clothes WAY back in the day so I don’t even worry about that, and can bring a decent amount of clothes with me. Going through security? All my jewelry (and I mean everything, even the stuff I wear everyday) is in a baggie, my clothes are comfy and don’t have any metal on them (i even wear a bra/tanktop instead of a bra) and my shoes are super easy to slip off (whether they are uggs or flip flops or whatever). Anything to make that process less…BLAH. And faster. Pack a cute outfit in one of your carry ons and just change before you get off the plan if someone special (or really anyone) is picking you up at the airport ;]
I kinda freak out about flying, but these few things calm me down oddly enough. Hahah.
I always steal the tiny shampoo and conditioner bottles from hotels. When they’re done, I put my face wash and eye makeup remover in them, and voila! Under 3 oz and I don’t have to go without them while away.
Love those travel tips! And that flat iron bag is the best idea. I use a garment steamer and sometimes I have to bring it with me hot (in the car, not on the plane) and it always bugs me. This bag is so awesome!
I have a list of things to pack and I make xerox copies of them. Then, when I go to pack for a trip, I just cross things off. It makes things so much easier!
Haha, yeah I do that with my hair straightener/curling iron/both depending on what look I’m going for and how scatterbrained I am on that day. I agree with the sample perfumes, they’re lifesaving…other than that, I need to have wet wipes, individual packets of tissues, and my shoes are always slip on…I’m also one of the few who dresses for style when flying, only because I take a fair bit of pride in my appearance, I always like to look neat, especially because I usually bump into people I know or the people I’m traveling with know (Sydney has over 4 million people but it just feels so small), and I got sick of meeting people and wishing I didn’t look so terrible. I still make it comfortable, though, nothing outrageous, usually just a pair of jeans and a half-decent top. That makes my pre-trip schedule a lot easier, being prepared for meeting people. Including cute guys
Since having Gracie I have realized that I have to be prepared with a lot of ‘extra’ stuff at all time so i use a bag organizer that fits right in my bag…I can keep all the things I don’t use on a regular basis but will need ‘just in case’ i.e. diaper explosion or freak ear infection… That way I’m not sorting through my bag everytime I need my keys or a diaper but I also have everything right there with me. Loved your Travel suggestions, and love your blog:)
love the ideas!! i NEED to get that flat iron cover…that always happens to me! it’s so annoying to have to wait until it cools down. and the neutralizing spray is such a great idea too! (also a good idea: not trying to board the plane with nail clippers) :p
Love the neutralizing spray idea and the bottles. Usually I just check a bag to make the whole process easier/simpler, but I might use these tips next time and save myself the cash.
I definitely had sunscreen explode on me once. Ugh.
I tend to travel quite a bit and prefer to carry on my luggage instead of paying to check it and wonder if it is going to end up at my destination at all? or in one piece? If I am travelling to a hotel I usually pack a small candle that is in a travel tin to burn in case the hotel has a “funk” to it. The dollar store “Dollar Tree” usually has small travel bottles (3 or 4 for $1…great deal!) that I fill with my products and then can throw away prior to returning home so that I have room for things I purchased and have no worries about them leaking. This is a cheap alternative to the Nalgene bottles. Thanks for the other advice…anything to make the travel experience less stressful is helpful!