The Perfect Trip Kit

Ever forget to pack something when you go on vacation regardless of how many times you double check? I always do. And while forgetting things that I intended to pack I also learn of new things I need to buy and pack for my next trip. In an attempt to save some of you from the trial and error stage that I went through check out the list of must haves for traveling. These are rules I live by because otherwise some part of my trip is uncomfortable.

For the airport and plane ride to your destination:

You need a comfortable pair of flats to make going through security comfortable and fast. You don't want to be messing with your shoes/laces/zippers too much. Make sure you layer, layer, layer...if you're like me and usually traveling to a warmer climate (I live in Boston there really isn't anywhere else to go but South lol) you will want to do this since it may be 20 degrees when you get on the plane and 85 degrees when you touchdown. For some God awful reason planes blast the A/C for the entire flight and since no one wants to use the skeevy blankets your stewardess might offer you make sure your top layer is a thick sweater/jacket and bring a nice scarf- it makes for a cute accessory and makeshift blanket.

During long flights I either read, watch a movie on my laptop or listen to some music on my iPod. I can't stress that good noise canceling headphones (Bose Quiet Comfort 3 Acoustic headphones got good reviews)  make all the difference-it blocks out the babies crying, and the sound of  the airplane. If you don't want to carry bulky books on board then it's time that you purchase a Kindle that can wirelessly uploads books. I pack my own snacks on flights now because pretzels and 3 ounces of soda aren't going to cut it. Lastly, if you sit in coach like I do then you know how uncomfortable the seats are, travel pillows are a blessing to have and fit nicely in a reasonably sized carry-on.

In general regardless of destination:

You should have an obnoxiously colored and light weight suitcase so that it is easy to spot in baggage claim and not difficult to maneuver. Tumi and Samsonite sell pretty good ones and if you have any luck you may be able to find them reasonably priced at Marshall's. Bring plenty of hand sanitizer and wipes: I use Wet Ones Antibacterial Travel Pack wipes, they fit easily into any purse or fanny pack and they're safe to use on your face. I don't know if its the germaphobe in me but I will not stay in any hotel without my hypoallergenic pillow covers that also protect against bed bugs and dust mites: you never know who has slept on those pillows before you or what kind of fluids are lurking in or on them so it cant hurt to use them.

Lastly, I don't know about you guys but while I'm on vacation I like to kick back drink, listen to music, especially if I'm on and tropical island. When you're on the beach and in the ocean you have to protect your feet from getting cut or bitten, don't brave the elements without a pair of swim shoes-they are cheap at about $15 and you can purchase them on amazon.com.On the beach note, there is nothing better than taking your tunes to the beach and you can't do that without portable iPod speakers. The iHome model iH29 are the best because they are easy to carry and come in their own protective case.