My Travel Essentials
How to feel at home without being home!
Especially with my book tour these past 6 months, I’ve been doing loads of travel for both short and long periods of time. Don’t get me wrong, I’m extremely grateful to be able to have these opportunities but it’s true that I miss routine desperately when I’m on the road!
I’ve just landed back in France, am off to the US on my book tour in May, and have lots of little trips planned across the world in the next few months for a special work opportunity I can’t wait to share with you! Having these essentials with me makes all the difference.
Recently, I’ve noticed that a lot of you have reached out to me asking how I “keep it together” despite not sleeping in my own bed and not having my London curated pantry of my dreams in my hotel room or airbnb. It’s simple! Whether I use a carry on or check in bag, there are certain things I always bring with me.
My Travel Checklist
COMFY SNEAKERS - I love to walk when I’m in London, whether it’s to get to a destination, take calls from outside, or just wander. Never would I risk being in a new city without a trusted pair of sneakers to bop around in. You all know I’m an Adidas girl through and through and usually opt for gazelles over sambas.
A GO-TO BAG - not a purse, but a bag bag. You all know I love my trusty (and very damaged) red longchamp. It’s comfortable on my shoulder and fits any and all fun bits I pick up along the way. I also do love their travel bag (I have it in orange).
MORNING SUPPLEMENTS - I hate water, so anything that forces me to drink water first thing is a must otherwise I’ll just ignore it and feel like trash by the end of the day. I really find that starting my day off “normally” with my usual routine also helps my jet lagged body feel like it’s on normal time.
Recently, I’ve been loving these Pique electrolytes when on the road because they’re easy to carry and fit in quite literally anything (including the pocket of my jeans). They’re made with coconut water powder, include magnesium + calcium, help me stay hydrated and I’m also the biggest yuzu fan so I just love their flavor! Some more added benefits include the fact that it doesn’t include any added sugars, preservatives, or artificial ingredients.
MATCHA - I’ve really converted to matcha in the past year and my stomach is so happy about that decision. Read all about matcha here! Although Australia did have wonderful matcha, it’s not always easy to find great matcha without loads of research in new cities (and an unlimited bank account). I always bring some with me to make in my hotel room.
Again, been loving this Pique single serve matcha! I can bring it on a plane, to a business meeting, to the Mills (lol), and it whisks up nicely in a hotel room mug all you really need is hot water and voila. Matcha helps me wake up because of its caffeine content and lock in (in a calm & non-jittery way) because of the naturally occurring L-Theanine. This specific matcha is also ceremonial-grade and quadruple toxin screened so it is PURE to say the least.
PRO TIP - both the BT Fountain electrolytes (see above) and the Sun Goddess Matcha are also part of the same “Radiant Skin Duo” bundle… skincare you can drink?! say LESS I’m in.
PERFUME - smell is SO important to me. Anyone who knows me personally knows that I always smell like orange blossom, regardless of the season or time of day. Just because I’m traveling doesn’t mean that new acquaintances shouldn’t know what I really smell like right?! I know this one is quite niche but having someone know me via a smell is actually really important to me.
I am not picky when it comes to the brand! I started wearing Jo Malone as a teen, moved onto Diptyque, Santa Maria Novella, and have now been wearing Sana Jardin for the past 2/3 years.
PORTABLE CHARGER - I mean HELLO I have to take you with me everywhere when I’m researching for my city guides and filming my videos! Being able to do so makes it feel like I’m not solo on a trip but with my friends (you obviously) so can’t risk having my phone run out of battery.
COMFY SOCKS - whether I’m in a hotel room, an airbnb, or staying at a friend’s house, I love bringing fluffy socks with me. They act as slippers without needing to actually pack another pair of shoes?
And by comfy I don’t mean fancy cashmere socks, I mean $2 target fluffy socks you get in your stocking for Christmas. Mine literally have elf shoes on them…
MY TOP CONDIMENTS - Dijon mustard + flaky salt. Regardless of what your favorite condiments are just remember that they fall under the category of flavor rather than taste - it’s not about the sweet/salty/bitter/acid/umami they add to a dish but rather about the nostalgic memories they provoke. When I have dijon mustard when on a trip far away from home, I’m transported back to my family’s table and feel at ease.
In my carry on right now I have the Halen Mon flaky salt tin and a mini Dijon from Beerenberg.
GOOD CHAPSTICK - I’m just a girl!!!!! Using the same chapstick I use at home honestly makes me feel NORMAL.
A BOOK - I read a lot when I’m at home, usually before bed or on public transportation, so I like to carry a new book with me on my travels and make it a point to finish it by the end of the trip. That way, when I’m in bed about to go to sleep, even if I have to edit videos and post them etc, I make a point to take time for myself and read a bit.
I also love remembering a book by remembering where I was when reading it? It’s a special memory.
MOISTURIZER - my skin got absolutely CRAZY in Australia even with my moisturizer of choice so had I been using a new one I think I would’ve had a break down. Bringing skincare your skin is used to is never a bad idea.
STAPLE CLOTHING - I know we all want to wear cute outfits when on trips but there’s a reason we have “staples” - they make us feel comfortable and confident. Sure, I’ll pack a few fun outfits on trips but I know I’ll always have a great pair of jeans with me and a trusty button down shirt. You can find some of my staples here!
LED MASK - I can’t believe I’m admitting this tbh but I was gifted this LED face mask after my face broke out everywhere in Australia and it’s actually been a game changer?? It’s also super skinny and light so I just put it in my laptop sleeve. If you’re keen on trying it out, they gave me a code for you as well which is CLAIREDCB
And those my friends, are the items that help me feel settled and adapted regardless of where in the world I might be. What do you like to bring on a trip? Let me know below in the comments! x
This is super helpful. I'm a big traveler, but making moves to make it a more temporarily permanent thing next year. Will be saving this for future reference!
Have you read ‘The rarest fruit’ by Gaelle Belem? It’s kinda quirky but all about vanilla.