On one of my recent trips across the country, I got to thinking about different kinds of air travelers.

There’s the organized lot that packs in advance, checks and double-check their bags the night prior and only feels at ease when they’re seated at the gate an hour before boarding.

Then, there’s those of us who roll out of bed, practically sleepwalk through security and get to the gate right as the flight is boarding.

Any guesses as to which category I fall into?

Oh yes. The latter, usually… Asshole alert!

Now, I’m getting much better about my preparedness when it comes to traveling, but I think that’s because I’ve been doing so much of it this year (recent trips include: Australia, Vegas, Paris and six weeks in Europe).

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When I’m traveling, there are a few specific “needs” that I plan for.

I need to be entertained (or productive),  I need to be comfortable – and on return-flights like the one from Vegas last week, I ABSOLUTELY NEED to be close to a bathroom… And/or to be medicated. Wink.

With the holidays upon us, I know you’ve got a trip or two around the corner. So with that, I thought I’d share an updated version of my perfect packing list — as well as a (printable) check-list to help you travel like a boss this season:

 

Pin that for later, read this now.

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First things first: The bag. Your closest companion and in-flight BFF.

Lately, I’ve been using my favorite reversible tote bag from Nordstrom.  It’s big — not baggy — holds up well and fits everything I like to carry. (Of course, I love my Lo & Sons travel tote, too.)

Here’s what’s in my bag when I travel:

Essentials:

• Phone, keys, wallet.
• More specifically, the Michael Kors jetset wallet: To organize receipts, cash and cards.
• Cute and colorful passport holder.

*Click to shop:

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Electronics:

Because, well, duh.

• Tablet or iPad.
• Macbook (with a protective Speck laptop case).
• Mophie charger and/or iPhone juice pack.
• For long flights, a Brookstone portable charger.
• Beats by Dre headphones (Frends headphones are cute, too).
• If I’m bringing ’em, my cameras: Fujifilm instax camera or Canon T3i DSLR.
• For international travel, a chic-and-functional adapter.

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Related: Nine Must-Have Gadgets I NEVER Travel Without

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Comfort:

• A cozy, reversible scarf or snood.
• My signature airplane pants — or these cashmere sweatpants (YAAAS).
• Sunglasses: Whether they’re aviators or classics, sunnies are essential.
• I travel wearing my bulkiest shoes, so I pack a pair of foldable flats, too.
• For long flights: extra socks, an eye mask, memory foam travel pillow and travel blanket.

*Click to shop:

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Beauty & make-up musts:

Because sunglasses only hide so much — and you never know who you’ll meet…

• Tory Burch cosmetics pouchette
• Chapstick and/or Kiehls lip balm
• Origins GinZing refreshing eye cream
• Evian facial spray
• Toothbrush and mini toothpaste
• First Aid Beauty gentle cleansing wipes
• Philosophy Hope in a Jar face lotion — my favorite!
• Deodorant and roller-ball perfume. I use “Grace” by Philosophy.
• Make-up musts: Tinted moisturizer, NARS face, cheek & eye palette and mascara.
• Oil blotting papers, which are ideal for on-the-go touch-ups.
• Oscar Blandi texture and volume spray for a much-needed post-flight pick-me-up.
• NARS matte lip pencils — I am always wearing “Never Say Never.”

*Click to shop:

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Related: 10 Beauty Products You Need in Your Carry-On

Health: 

I’m not a huge germaphobe, but airports (and people) are fucking disgusting. As a result, I need hand sanitizer and tissues to go — always.

• Aspirin
• Vitamins
• Hand sanitizer
• Emergen-C packets
• Tissues (I’ve been using Puffs Purse Packs and SoftPacks — love ’em both).
• Tampons, Pepto, band-aids and Visine are also good to have.

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Sustenance:

Does anyone really like airplane food? No? Me neither. Which explains why I’m the type of person who reserves the majority of her carry on for snacks on snacks on SNACKS.

• Water bottle: I carry one with me and fill it once I’m through security.
• Fruit and produce if I’m traveling domestically. You can’t bring those across the border, though. (I’ve learned the hard way.)
• Nourish Snacks: I’ve blogged about these portion-control snack packs before, and with good reason. Each is 200 calories (or less) and made with all-natural, non-GMO ingredients. You can shop ’em a la cart  or sign up for a monthly delivery.

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Miscellaneous:

Here are some nice-to-haves:

• Umbrella
• Laundry bag
• Flight 001 travel bag set
• Travel-size bottles and jars
• Fill & fly carry-on size containers

*Click to shop:

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Of course, we all have different needs and travel styles. Your list probably varies based on your destination, length of travel and the like. Regardless, though I hope you found this helpful.

What’s one essential item that’s got a guaranteed spot on your packing list?

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This travel season, let’s keep in touch! Find me on…
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