10 Things I Never Travel Without

What little things do you always pack when you travel? My long-time personal checklist includes a gripping book and simple alarm clock, and I’d love to hear yours. Here goes…

1. Alarm clock. I like turning my phone off at night, so for an alarm, I just bring along my regular clock from my bedside table. It’s super simple and foolproof to use, even when you’re jet lagged.

2. Sunscreen (duh). Confession: Back in college, I used to go to the tanning salon, gahhhhhh. Now I’m older and wiser and a stickler for sunscreen. This stick lives in my bag all summer to reapply on the go, especially to the boys’ faces. And as I’ve mentioned before, I also LOVE the scent of Vacation and wear it on my arms and legs every day.

3. Self-tanning lotion. So, when I’m in the mood for a warm sun-kissed glow, I just turn to self-tanner. Over the years, I’ve tried dozens of different ones, and the stand-out winner is St. Tropez. It’s easy to apply without streaks and gives a very natural look. I put it on the night before a trip and feel ready to go.

4. Stamps. Okay, I’m a nerd, but! I like sending postcards on vacation, and it can be weirdly hard to track down stamps in a new-to-you place. So, I bring stamps to stick onto postcards for my dad, mom, and bff niece.

5. Deck of cards. Always and forever up for playing Gin Rummy on the beach, at the pub, whenever/wherever. My one cousin famously hates it, but everyone else has fun!

6. Quick-dry nail polish. My beauty friends all swear by Dazzle Dry, and here’s why: you have to swipe on multiple coats, but it dries quickly (like, 10 minutes) and lasts forever without chipping. I love painting my nails a fun color and then completely forgetting about them during the trip.

7. Hairspray. This tiny spray is the MVP of my suitcase. I use it for flyaways, humidity, frizz, a braid or bun after swimming, etc. A CoJ reader also recently commented that if you spray Elnett on the collars of your shirts, it helps prevent makeup and sunscreen stains. Who knew??

8. Great book. What books have you enjoyed on vacation? I’m currently in the middle of A Private Man, a debut novel by a poet, and her beautiful sentences keep making me gasp and clutch my heart.

9. Chocolate. You know when you get back to the rental house or hotel, and you wish you had something sweet at the end of the night? I always pack some Tony Chocolonely (winner of our taste test) or Reese’s for that exact moment.

10. Sunglasses. My doctor sister always begs me to wear sunglasses whenever I’m outside — the sun can really damage your eyes! I have transition lenses, so my regular glasses darken in the sun, but Alison was recently wearing these from a new-to-me California brand, and they were so cute. Now I’m tempted to get the cherry red. :)

What little things do you pack for trips? I’d love to hear. Please share below…

P.S. The trick for enjoying family travel, and what’s your #1 travel tip?

(Photos from past family vacations.)