It’s that time again! For the 5th year in a row I’m publishing Bri’s Favorite Things, which can also be used a Holiday Gift Guide for your friends and loved ones. (See also: 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014).
Because it’s year FIVE, I’m going BIGGER and BETTER and offering you TONS of options, so…. BUCKLE UP!
Most bloggers share this kind of information on YouTube. I’ve watched many videos and I’m completely #over watching people take things in and out of bags. 😕
Over the past five (5) years I’ve taken at least fifteen (15) international trips and have had many more domestic excursions. Over time I have PERFECTED MY TRAVEL TECHNIQUE. It’s actually a fun experience for me! So I thought I would share all the fabulous items I take with me on trips (or on holiday as our European friends would say 😘). Before we start, let’s get one thing out of the way: I NEVER CHECK BAGS no matter where I’m going or for how long. I’ve made a carry-on suitcase and a tote/backpack work for two-week trips to Europe so I know you can do it for a weekend getaway or even a week-long trip (with a little a lot of planning).
Travel mantra: Organize! Everything has a place and every place has a thing.
This is my PERSONAL ITEM (something that will fit underneath the seat). I am currently using the Henri Bendel Jetsetter Backpack. I absolutely ❤️ it and it holds SO MUCH! How much? Everything you see in the picture above! (click the image to zoom in)
Now, let’s move on to the SUITCASE, also known as the meat & potatoes of travel. I use Bric’s Belagio 21″ Roller.
On one side I pack all of my clothes. Mostly solid/plain pieces that I can mix and match. For every 1 pair of pants I will take 2 shirts (remember to count the bottoms you are wearing!) The trip I’m currently packing for is only 3 days (Saturday – Monday) so I packed 1 additional pair of pants besides the jeans I wore on the plane, 2 shirts and 1 jean shirt. See below for the 3 outfits I made from this combination. (see also Meaningful Holidays)
day 1
day 2
day 3
pajamas, jcrew style 🙂
Side 1 of my suitcase was pretty easy. Side 2? Not so much! 😩 This is where my mantra REALLY comes into play (O-R-G-A-N-I-Z-E❗️). Take a look at side 2 below. This is where I pack everything else:
Looks nice and neat right? That’s because it is! ORGANIZE. ORGANIZE. ORGANIZE! On the left hand side:
Finally, there’s a sleep mask from J. Crew 🙂 This one is sold out but here’s another good option from Slip Beauty that’s also on my wish list.
non-liquid items
daily smaller-size go-to makeup essentials
tech stuff
On the right hand side is:
Get ready for this super travel tip: my Gucci Soho Disco Handbag serves as storage for all of my underwear, socks, comb, hair bonnet and my prescription glasses! (GREAT way to help the bag keep it’s shape while on the go!)
The Anya Hindmarch In Flight Case has all of my liquids: makeup, skin care, etc. ❤️❤️❤️ this bag and the contents EVEN MORE! This case has two sides: Take Off (deepest) and Touch Down (more shallow). I ALWAYS buy smaller sizes of the products I use everyday to take with me. #justsayno to those clear plastic containers that can all contain what can appear to be mystery liquid. #nobueno 👎🏽 I absolutely love all of my things and I want to see them in as close to their original form as possible!!! 😍
Finally, I have a Tory Burch umbrella (no longer available ☹️).
Did you notice there’s no jewelry mentioned? That’s because I don’t wear much. I usually take 1-2 bracelets and it’s on me at all times: a dainty necklace, my pandora thumb ring, michael kors watch, some form of studs for earrings and my wedding ring – that’s it!
While on a train to Bruges (“Venice of the North”), I met a guy in his 3rd week of backpacking across Europe. He was 24-years and in between undergraduate and graduate studies. We talked the entire time and I was extremely intrigued and impressed by his undertaking! I was also able to share my recent experiences in Budapest, Prague, Vienna, Brussels and Rome with him! Talking to him was a great joy for me and something I will never forget. Read more about Josh below and the tools he used to guide his trip below.
Josh is from Toronto and will be backpacking for 4 months across Europe. He had 2 bags with him (1 duffel) and a backpack. He funded his trip by saving his hard earned money as an undergraduate, so finding economical means of lodging and transportation are critical (even though he was able to take advantage of many student discounts along the way). He also shared that there is TONS of information on the Internet and he really uses the reviews to guide his selections.
He had many things spread out over the table in front of his seat. The first thing I noticed was a very large big book called Lonely Planet Europe (Travel Guide), providing insight into what to do, where to go and what to see, all on a budget. (note there is a Kindle version). From Josh’s perspective, the book is great for discovering “highlights and hidden gems that will make your trip unique”. For example, fries are popular in Brussels… instead of ordering fries at the average eatery, Josh found out about a more unique experience and was looking a place he read about that served “Indian” fries.
When I travel, the first thing I do is find a fancy Marriott to stay at. Josh stays in hostels (think dorm room with lockers to secure your things) using HostelWorld.com to find safe, secure housing (he’s extremely cautious and even locks his backpack with all his valuables to the seat while on the train, just in case he falls asleep). In Bruges, there were 2 options: one had a review stating that “loud music” is played up until 6 am and one had a designated “quiet time.” (He picked the latter).
Josh did not have cell service but rejoiced that most sites he visited had Wi-Fi. He also told me about an app he used to download maps for offline access. The app would then use the signal from the nearest tower to locate where you are and navigation to various places. I didn’t take the name of the specific app he was using, but Maps With Me (Android) sounds pretty similar. He also had a large paper map spread across the table that he picked up from local sites and was using highlighters/pens to identify destinations.
It’s that time again! For the 5th year in a row I’m publishing Bri’s Favorite Things, which can also be used a Holiday Gift Guide for your friends and loved ones. (See also: 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014).
Bri Alys, LLC 