It’s ironic that traveling gets me feeling a cocktail of emotions because of all it entails. For once, the first thing I associate it with is fear, of the plane, and anxiety with the fact that I’m going on one. Secondly, I love having to pack! Getting my things organized on the bed, figuring out what I’m taking and the combinations I can make. Thirdly, the anxiety only gets bigger because of the thought that I’m going to see my family, my dogs, my friends, go to the places I miss so much and eat Portuguese food. Lastly, it it gets me thinking about all the things I’m going to be doing and that, only increases excitement.
I rounded up a few of my travel essentials, especially for summer, that ultimately have to be in my bag. I always start with the big items, like pants, shoes, sweatshirts, shirts, t-shirts, skirts, tops. They normally fill the bottom of my travel bag. Then I start thinking about the smaller things, the accessories, like belts, scarfs, necklaces. Make up is, normally, the last thing to go in, given that on the day I apply a bit before leaving for the airport. I also take slight accessories like my face cleansing brush and my hair straightener.
My airport tote has to carry some of the essentials that I’m definitely going to be needing. I always have a big tote where I can fit my laptop, my wallet with the passport, my phone, a bottle of water, a knit sweater for the plain, hand cream and lip balm to moisturize throughout the flight, my iPod and my glasses – normally you should not take your contact lenses on a longer flight so I always take my glasses in case I want to take a nap. If I have enough room, I’ll also take a book and my agenda to keep check of the daily tasks.
What’s in your airport bag and luggage?