My Travel-Friendly Finds

In my packing preparation, I've learned that just because something is advertised as "travel friendly" doesn't make it so. There are many stores that specialize in travel products or have a travel product section. However, in my experience, most of these products are overpriced, cheaply made, and let's face it, ugly. Who wants a khaki fanny pack that screams tourist?

So what makes something travel friendly? When you're trying to travel the world with only carry-ons it's all about versitility and the ability to squash it down to a packing-friendly size. You may laugh, but packaging can mean the difference between bringing that extra pair of shoes or not. 

Here are just a few of my "traveling treasures": Love my Em's Studio necklace

• Em's Studio Jewelry: Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize! When you're only packing a few outfits, accessories can prevent things from getting boring. I added a few fun necklaces and earrings with the help of my friend, and jewelry designer, Shelly. Her designs are versitile, fun and a little bit rock and roll. Shelly, thank you for helping me select a few special pieces for my journey.
• Modify Watches: These watches are fun, flexible and whimiscal. You can customize your look by swapping out bands and faces. One watch, several options! Not only do their designs add an instant boost of hip, but you don't have to advertise you have an iPhone when checking the time.
• Posh Compact Makeup Brushes: While I suspect my makeup routine will mainly consist of sunscreen and chapstick, there may be a few occasions where I feel like glamming it up. This super compact kit zips up easily and the brushes feel much more luxurious than the $12 price tag would suggest. (Available at Bed, Bath & Beyond, who by the way, has an amazing selection of travel size toiletries.)
• Ziplock bags: The perfect solution to organizing your travel supplies in a way that makes it easy to see what's been packed (and what hasn't). I've used them to organize electronics, toiletries, first aid supplies, you name it. Better yet, I've found that re-packaging many items into a Ziplock bag has saved considerable space, especially for any products stored in cardboard boxes. Don't waste your money on fancy makeup bags or toiletry organizers, Ziplock bags are the way to go!
• Member's Only Jacket: Yes people, the 80s are officially back. I didn't want to pack a bulky coat, but after further research, it doesn't look like I have a choice. My retro-style Member's Only jacket may not be the most attractive, but it is deceptively warm, light as a feather and waterproof. Best yet, it can be scrunched into a ridiculously small size, not something you can say of most jackets. Not bad for under $40 at Nordstrom's Rack.

• Eddie Bauer Diaper Bag: While I secretly dreamed of traveling with only one bag, it became obvious I was going to need a day bag to store my camera and other necesssities when walking about town. However, I couldn't bring myself to pay $120+ for a camera bag and a laptop bag seemed to scream, "steal me." So I was overjoyed when I found this versatile (diaper) bag at Target for around $35. There's plenty of space for a camera, pockets for lens, a separate section for a laptop and guide books, side pockets for water bottles, plus plenty of other nooks and crannies. The strap is study and it has some nice theft-resistant features as well. (As if the thought of stealing talcum powder and baby wipes wasn't enough to keep theives away.) Who knew I would fall head-over-heels in love with a diaper bag?  

What travel products or accessories do you treasure? Please share what's worked, and not worked, for you. 

All A Dollar

"Seventeen countries. Six weeks. One pair of award-winning underwear!" boasted the claim on a pair of matronly-looking 'travel underwear'. Really? And while we're at it, ewwwwwh.  

Last Saturday, I spent a frustrating hour at a "bargain basement" sporting store trying to stock up on basics for my trip. Little did I know that I should be shelling out $15 (on sale!) for 100% polyester underwear that I never have to change. After all, aren't most women's underwear "lightweight," "synthetic material," and "compact?" And honestly, I think you have bigger worries if you don't have space in your bag to pack more than one pair of panties. Seriously people. 

Which made me think, how much of the niche, travel supply products are really necessities and how much, with a little creativity, can be found elsewhere? Does one really need to pay $9.99 for a mesh travel bag to separate our clean from dirty laundry? 

So instead, I made a trek to my favorite dollar store at 17th and Mission. Yes, the one without a name, just a big "One Dollar" sign announcing its intentions and a perpetually smashed out side window. Nothing fancy, but at the end of the day I got the following for under $10:  

- 2 travel mesh bags (Devil's advocate: the quality is probably not as good as sporting supply stores, but then I'm only traveling for a few months.)

- Plastic container with separate compartments - I think this will be great to separate small items, cords, maybe even makeup. 

- Coffee Filters - Heard that along with a Steripen, these are great for filtering particles out of water.

- Earplugs - Helpful at hostels and other noisy hotels (or when you don't want to hear your seat mate snore).

- Laundry pins and rope. In fun neon colors too!

- Drain stoppers in multiple sizes. Good for plugging sinks to do laundry.

- Travel bottle set. Selling up to $10 elsewhere!

And with the money I saved, I bought me these....a few motivational stickers for my trip.