Let’s do this again, this time we’re staying local.
TECHNOLOGY
I’m not on vacation for this trip, so I’m going to need my laptop. Most of my files are stored in the cloud so the 512GB of SSD space is sufficient.
Since it’s only a domestic trip, I don’t need to bring my passport. (Next October, though, Real-ID goes into effect, which means that a driver’s license will no longer be a valid form of identification when flying.) This passport holder, made from heavy-duty canvas, will nevertheless come with me. I’ll use it to hold my cards.
Pick one up based on your charging needs. I hardly use USB-A plugs anymore, so my wall charger has two USB-Cs.
FASHION
Clockwise from top left:
H&M trench-style jacket
I’ve had this jacket for an impressive 14 years (bought in 2008), and contrary to everyone’s expectations that H&M clothes disintegrate after first wear, I’ve only had to replace one button throughout the entire time it’s been with me. If we’re talking about cost per wear, the jacket comes out to maybe five cents per wear. What more could I ask for?
Shout-out to Bombas, who graciously replaced my socks that for reasons I can’t figure out, formed several holes in the sole. Because it’s merino, three pairs (two here, plus the one I’m going to wear) will be sufficient. I just need to give them a day to air out, and I should be golden.
These sunglasses take a classic aviator shape and then add modern touches like the Happy Lens, which enhances contrast and clarity.
You can’t beat a polo as iconic as Lacoste’s cotton piqué. It fits great and will be appropriate no matter what the occasion—save for a black-tie of course.
Quick-Dry boxer briefs, 2(x)ist and Calvin Klein
When space and weight are very important considerations, nothing beats a microfiber pair of underwear in keeping the goods down there dry and funk-free (for the most part). Although it needs to go to the laundry, a quick wash in the hotel sink will do the trick.
Alex Mill long-sleeve striped tee
In place of a pull marinière, a 100 percent cotton T-shirt will nonetheless affect the same Frenchiness.
This easy-on, easy-off shoe is shock absorbent, odor-resistant, and best of all, hand-washable. I don’t know if it happens to you often, but I seem to be more prone to staining my clothes whenever I’m traveling. (Well, it might just be me finding patterns when there are none….) At least in the event that I accidentally step foot to a puddle of mud, I won’t have any qualms about running my shoes through the sink once I get back to my hotel room.
A good pair of jeans, one that you’ve had for a long time, will be comfortable enough for you to travel with. This handsome pair from Duer is made of 70 percent cotton, 28 percent polyester, and 2 percent Lycra. This means that it’s sturdy with just the right amount of stretch to accommodate movement.
Grooming
Like traveling to an international destination, you can reasonably expect that the most basic of toiletries will be provided; that is to say, you will have a few towels, shampoo, soap (or body wash), and toothbrush/toothpaste. You have to pack everything else. And since a piece of check-in luggage is probably not included with your ticket, as most domestic flights do, keep all liquids under 3.3 fluid ounces.
Clockwise from top left:
Elf Holy Hydration! facial cleanser
I got this as a free add-on to my Elf order, and I’m not going to complain. I rarely bring a dedicated cleanser whenever I’m traveling, so to have one that I can use for five days is always welcome.
Otter Wax Spruce cologne solid
During my last European trip, I packed six (count them) vials of sample fragrances, all of which were promptly used in a span of two months. A cologne solid is an equally capable substitute. I won’t get to use the entire tin of course, so this one will come back home with me, but since it’s not a liquid, I don’t have to worry about keeping it in my 3-1-1 bag.
Insolife 2nd generation portable electric travel bidet
I’ve written about this several times in Travelnibble.com, and here’s another one. Look, I’m not a paid spokesperson for travel bidets—not even this brand—but this has proven its worth several times already that the $40 I spent to buy it is trivial.
There are other brands and other types—and I will not discourage you from picking one of them up—but this one is my favorite.
Lush Cosmetics Veganese conditioner
Just because hotels rarely have conditioners—and no, 2-in-1s don’t count.
Gleem Beauty soft immersion moisturizer
I never travel without a moisturizer. This moisturizer contains pharmaceutical-grade aloe vera, which soothes the skin (similar to how aloe vera gel is perfect as a first aid to sunburn).
Hello antiplaque & whitening toothpaste tablets
I like the portability of toothpaste tablets more than the travel-sized variants of popular brands, for the simple fact that they would last through more brushes.
evolvetogether mini multipack natural deodorant
This is a holdover from my European trip. A testament to how economical this is, I fully expect to come back from my trip still with the same tube.
A small tin of medium-hold hairstyling product is all I need for the five days that I’ll be out and about. Besides, I would need the flexibility to change how my hair falls as the situation changes.
evolvetogether hydrating lip balm
My moisturizing-is-everything ritual when traveling starts the moment I step foot on the plane. I put on a good amount of lip balm after the meal service is over, so that I mitigate the drying effects of being thousands of feet in the air.
Air Canada hand sanitizer
When I flew with Air Canada last year, they handed out safety kits that contained a face mask, a bottle of hand sanitizer, along with the usual ear plugs, toothbrush and toothpaste, and eye mask. The face covering has long been disposed but this hand sanitizer has stayed.
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