Being a competitive dancer growing up, I was taught to be prepared for anything and everything when I packed my dance bag. Huge thanks to Miss Kelly for those packing checklists that got me through long days of glitter and itchy costumes, and now through this four month stay in Italy. Here’s some of my most essential thing for traveling, no matter the amount of time I’ll be gone:
An Always-Ready-To-Go Bag
Basically the contents of your bathroom packed into one tiny container. I always have this packed and ready so get thrown into a weekender bag or carry on suitcase.
- Travel-size shampoo, conditioner and body wash
- Travel-size toothbrush, toothpaste and mouthwash
- Mini moisturizer -same as the normal brand you use so you don’t freak out your skin!
- Mirror
- Razor
- A few bandages
- Invisible dress tape
- Travel-size Advil
- Travel-size contact solution, contact case, one set of extra contacts and red eye drops – for after long flights
- Makeup remover wipers
- Safety pins
- Tide To Go
- Travel-size Downy Wrinkle Remover spray
In My Purse
The first step in successfully packing a purse is to make sure you have the right purse. I took one bag to Florence – my black leather Coach Poppy fold over crossbody. When you wear it as a crossbody it’s the perfect size for going out, but unfolded creates a cute bowler bag that holds all my things I need for traveling and school. In it:
- iPad mini – perfect for reading on planes and taking notes in class, this was my one big purchase before going to Italy
- A journal – for when I don’t have my iPad, because I always am writing things down
- Digital camera
- A pen and a Sharpie
- Wallet – remember 1 and 2€ are coins so make sure you have one with a zipper
- Makeup Forever Pro Finish compact – for touch ups on the go
- Maybelline 14 hour lipstick in Continuous Cranberry
- Stain remover wipes
- Safety pin
- Gum – my ears always pop on flights
- Travel pouch of tissues
- Ear buds
- 2 bandages – for blisters
- Eos chapstick
- Reusable nylon shopping bag – I can’t even tell you how many times this thing has come to the rescue, and it was only 4€ at H&M
In My Carry On
- Any medications – I was lucky enough to get a sinus infection four days before my trip to Florence, so that was fun
- An adapter – for when you want to charge your phone/laptop during layovers, plus those chargers
- Laptop – just in case your luggage gets lost, you don’t want that to go with it
- Makeup case
- A change of clothes – just in case!
- A scarf – planes are really cold, so if needed this accessorie makes a perfect blanket
When in doubt, make a list to stay organized when you pack, especially for big trips. It’s always better to be over-prepared in that case!
Out of Ohio 