Travel Systems
Hi there! 👋 I travel a lot for conferences, and moved across the country for 4 months to Cambridge, MA for my internship, so I've worked out some systems for moving, traveling, being on airplanes, etc. and I thought I'd share them here!
Packing 🧳
Pack light: one backpack, one suitcase
When I travel, I bring one backpack and one suitcase (I love my Solgaard Carry-On Closet!), so I never have to check a bag.
And if I can get away with just one bag, I grab my Cotopaxi Allpa 35L.
Pack in layers
Skip the bulky coat! I pack a cozy sweatshirt and an outer shell, like a raincoat. Together they keep you warm when it's chilly on the overseas flight, and they take up way less room.
I layer my pants too: usually shorts or leggings with sweats over the top.
Get a hanging toiletries bag
A hanging toiletries bag is a game changer. Hang it on a hook or towel bar and everything's right there.
Do your hair with robe curls
I use robe curls to do my hair when I travel, so there are no heat tools to pack.
Get one international adapter
Buy one international adapter that covers all the countries, and you never have to think about plugs again.
Airplane Health ✈️
Talk to your doctor before you go
If you have allergies or take medication, talk to your doctor about your trip ahead of time, so you have everything you need with you.
Wear compression socks
I wear compression socks on the plane to help prevent blood clots.
Get up and move
Every few hours, I get up, do some squats, and stretch.
Stay hydrated
Travel is so dehydrating! I carry a water bottle with electrolytes (this one or this one), and when I'm not in the mood for plain water, I grab unsweetened tea at the store or mix in a Truvia lemonade packet.
Make sure you're eating every few hours, too. Travel is exhausting and flying is dehydrating, so you need to keep your energy up or you'll completely crash when you get there.
Bring your own food
I can't eat airplane food. For whatever reason, I'm super sensitive to it, so I always bring food with me.
Pack a sleep kit
Everything I bring to actually get some sleep:
- Earplugs
- An eye mask to block out light
- A travel pillow (lots of options on Amazon)
On the Go 🗺️
Get TSA PreCheck or Global Entry
Get TSA PreCheck and Global Entry if you can, they make travel much faster.
Wear a fanny pack at the airport
Keep your phone and passport in a fanny pack. You pull them out and put them away so many times at the airport, and it's so nice having them right there.
AirTag the things you can't lose
Put an AirTag on your passport, your keys, and anything else that would stress you out if it went missing.
Take pictures of your receipts
Snap a photo of every receipt as you go, so reimbursement is easy when you get home.
Do laundry anywhere
You can totally do laundry on the go! I use a Scrubba wash bag with laundry detergent sheets and a travel clothesline. Here's how:
- Pop a few pieces of clothing into the Scrubba with some warm water and a detergent sheet.
- Roll the top closed a few times and clip it shut, then squeeze the extra air out through the valve.
- Rub the clothes against the little washboard inside the bag for a few minutes.
- Drain the soapy water, add clean water, and rub again to rinse.
- Wring everything out and hang it on your clothesline. Give it time, though: plan on at least 48 hours for things to dry.
Hit the grocery store first
I have intense allergies, so wherever I land, my very first stop is the grocery store to stock up on snacks and food I know are safe for me. What I usually grab:
- Cheese sticks
- Yogurt
- Oats
- Bread and butter
- Dark chocolate
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Coffees for the fridge
At the Conference 🎤
Bring a fabric poster
Heading to a conference? Print your poster on fabric! It folds right into your suitcase, so there's no wrestling a poster tube through the airport. (Sometimes I'll just fold my paper poster, too.)
Bring duct tape
Conferences don't always have enough tape to hang posters, and I've needed it. I wrap some duct tape around a pencil so it barely takes up any room.
Bring a portable battery
Conferences never have enough outlets! A portable battery keeps your phone and laptop charged so you're not hunting for a plug between sessions.
Wear comfortable shoes
Your feet will thank you! Between airports and conference halls, you'll be walking and standing all day.
Stay hydrated
Conference days are long and busy, so keep your water bottle with electrolytes with you and refill it between sessions.
Moving 🚚
Bring less than you think you need
It's less to pack, ship, and unpack, and you won't miss most of it.