My favorite things for travel

April 6, 2012

I travel a lot for someone who doesn’t travel for business. In the last six months I’ve been to Boston (twice), New Haven, NYC, Philadelphia, Bozeman, Billings, Seattle, San Fran (twice), San Diego (twice), Denver, and in an hour we’re leaving for Rome and Tuscany. There are a few things that I love and make my travel so much easier. If they can help you, here they are:

Patagonia Ultralight Down Jacket

This thing is awesome. 800 fill down (warm), DWR (dry), 8 oz (light), and packs to the size of an orange. I take it everywhere and why wouldn’t I?

Smartwool socks

For long flights I take off my shoes and put on wool socks I stash in my personal carry-on. Smartwool is super warm and cozy (their ski socks have some extra cushion) and make the flight so much more comfortable.

Fluxxus Nomad Scarf

A million gorgeous colors, butter soft, and is the size of a twin sheet when unfolded. Keeps me warm and stylish. I own enough to wear them every day of the year and I always get compliments.

Platypus water bottle

This water bottle folds so that it doesn’t take up room. Also has a clip so that you can clip it to your bag. Great for filling up at water fountains to stay hydrated on long trips.

Bose noise canceling headphones

There is a reason you see every person in first class wearing them: a) they work and b) they cost a fortune. But they are totally worth it because they cancel out the cabin noise that drills into your brain and lets you sleep through the wailing child sitting behind you.

Canon Powershot G12

I have a Powershot G11 and it is my favorite camera. I even shot a wedding with this camera. It is point-and-shoot size but does everything a non-professional photographer could want (including aperature adjustment, iso selection, depth of field and shutter speed priority). If I want to get great pictures but not lug around lenses, flashes and camera bodies- this baby fits in my personal item (see below).

Longchamp Le Pliage

This is my go-to bag. It carries everything, is stylish and folds easily into my luggage. Great for hopping around town and toting my camera gear.

Patagonia Critical Mass Bag

This is my personal item. It has a laptop compartment that is subdivided so I can take my laptop and my iPad. Tons of pockets and really comfortable even when it is loaded down with things like socks and headphones 😉

Tumi suitcase

I’ve had a Tumi suitcase that has lasted me 13 years and is still going strong. It has ballistic nylon which has allowed it to travel thousands of miles, smart design and I’m sure it will last another 10 years. I love (my older version) of this suitcase.