Home Away From Home

Pool days. White wine. Tan lines. Jack Rogers galore. Sunkissed skin. Neon toes. We’re right in the midst of summertime! As a Florida native, I might be a little bias but summer is my most favorite time of the year. Not only does this mean warm weather, white pants, and cool cocktails, but also, time to travel! Whether it’s a bachelorette weekend, a summer wedding, beach getaway with the family, or just a road trip to visit friends, traveling in the summer is one the highlights of my year.

Amongst my friends, I’ve always been the dubbed the “gal with the biggest bag” (err…bags)…and because I tend to over pack, I’ve become quite good (if I do say so myself) at juggling totes, suitcases and a purse as well as never forgetting something I need… Never forgetting something I need includes my “comforts.” Aside from the essentials (i.e. iPhone, toothbrush & the like), there are a few things that I don’t travel anywhere without, and make me feel like I’m right at home. This list has been edited over the years and alas, “comforts” were born.

{1} On the top of my “comforts” list is my monogram waffle spa robe. It’s light, it folds up really small (you’d be surprised the spaces I’ve managed to squeeze this in) & it’s perfect for primping! I know, I know, some fabulous hotels provide big comfy robes and you think I’d be able to adjust, but this is something I never leave the house without. Plus, it’s monogramed making it that much more like home!

{2} Travel size products. TSA rules forced me into this habit but one of my guilty pleasures is the travel size aisle in Target & CVS. Unfortunately, it’s not always so easy and some of your favorite daily products may not come in “travel size”. However, I’ve managed to maneuver around this disappointment by creating my own. They don’t make a travel size version of your favorite shampoo or lotion? No problem. Thanks to The Container Store, I never have to go on a trip (flight or not) without a smaller version of home. Fill it up and Voilà!

{3} Pearl studs. They are simple, and can be paired with everything. Oh, and I feel naked without them.

{4} My iPad. This genius little tablet has replaced traveling with my laptop (on most accounts), and I would bet it’s at the top of most people’s “comforts.”

{5} Laundry Bag, Monogrammed. Even if I’m away for just one night, I always take one of my laundry bags along for the trip. This comes especially in handy for beach excursions with bathing suits and cover-ups that you don’t want touching clean clothes post pool day (and yes, clean clothes because you know you never wear EVERYthing you pack).

{6} My Wand. Hair Wand, that is. This new tool has been “added” to my comforts after finally finding a product that can make my straight hair…have curls, waves and volume. It’s amazing and I rarely go a weekend or few days without using it.

{7} Last but not least, OPTIONS. This might be the most important “comfort” I pack. You know what I mean, it’s comforting to know that you have several choices (just like if you were at home) when on vacation. This might mean packing an extra top or two to go with your favorite white jeans or heels AND flats for a night out. Whatever the case, having an extra “option” on a trip is a habit I can’t break. So there you have it, my “comforts” exposed – what are your “comforts?”