16 Travel Essentials I Never Leave Home Without

On average I travel every 2-4 months so I’ve developed a packing routine that includes a meticulously categorized checklist for various destinations and climates. Life is so much easier when you know exactly what to bring and never forget the essentials.

It’s always a good idea to limit the amount of stuff you jam in your suitcase but I’m not the backpacking type.

I might not always need 5 eye shadow palettes or 6 pairs of shoes for a weekend getaway, but there are a few beauty items and gadgets I never leave home without.

1. iPad Pro 10.5” 256GB ($1000.000 – available at various retailers and apple.com/ca)

When I’m on a press trip reviewing hotels, tours, attractions etc, my iPad is always in my purse. I actually have 2 iPads that I take on all trips for photography, work, emails, social media and keeping in touch with family. It is lighter than a lap top and helps reschedule my travel itinerary due to last minute cancellations. During long layovers and boring overseas flights, it keeps me distracted with movies, games and music...it is basically my lifeline.

2. Kindle ($130 - $180 at amazon.ca)

Technically I can use my iPad as an e-reader but my Kindle is light, small and loaded with classics. You’d be surprised how much reading you get done during long airport delays.

3. Foreo Luna Mini 2 ($159.00 - beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca)

If you don’t have a Foreo Luna in your life, you definitely need one! This small yet powerful face brush delivers 8,000 sonic vibrations per minute and removes up to 99.9% of dirt, oil, bacteria and makeup lodged deep in your pores. The hygienic silicone bristles dry quickly and do not harbor bacteria. Simply apply your favorite cleanser, adjust the intensity (there are 8 levels) and move the device in circular motions. It is gentle enough for daily use.

4. Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment ($32.00 ea - Sephora)

My lips get super dry while jet-setting around the world and this conditioning balm is loaded with sea fennel, orange extract, jojoba, grape seed oil, avocado oil, black currant, rose water and more! The creamy formula drenches parched skin in supple moisture that prevents chapping for hours.

5. Compression Socks ($9.99 - avon.ca)

When you’re trapped 30,000 ft in the air, sitting for hours can inhibit blood flow and cause swelling. To maintain proper circulation during long flights, it is important to get up and stretch or walk down the aisle. Compression socks push blood back to the heart and prevent tired legs and sore feet. If you travel as much as I do or work long hours at a desk job, these socks are great for your health.

6. Foreo ISSA Play Electric Toothbrush ($59.00 - Shoppers Drug Mart)

This handy little toothbrush pulsates 9,000 times per second and the flexible bristles remove plaque, food and bacteria while gently massaging sensitive gums. It lasts up to 800 uses without having to change the batteries and the waterproof coating is made of antibacterial silicone.

7. Personal Humidifier ($29.99 - airinnovations.com)

At home I use my Air Innovations Humidifier every night so I got the travel-size version to improve my breathing and keep my complexion healthy in polluted environments. Airplanes are extremely dry and the air quality in hotel rooms can be musty and saturated with dust, dander and impurities.

This cute Ultrasonic Personal Humidifier is perfect for small rooms (up to 150 Sq Ft). The built-in UV light kills 99.9% of bacteria and the machine uses a standard plastic bottle as a water reservoir which can last up to 14 hours! I love how easy it is to use and the steady stream of cool mist improves sleep quality, helps you overcome jet-lag and alleviates cold/allergy symptoms. It also rehydrates dry eyes, skin, hair and nasal passages so you don’t wake up with dry mouth or a scratchy throat. If you don’t like the leopard print it comes in a variety of colors and designs.

8. Conair Clothing Steamer ($29.97 - Walmart and conaircanada.ca)

When I start packing, my clothes are neatly folded and orderly but when I arrive at my destination or travel to several cities/countries, everything is creased and crumpled. I don’t usually have the patience for ironing and direct heat can damage delicate fabrics.

The Conair Complete Steam has a compact design that is great for travel and quick touch-ups. The wide nozzle delivers high velocity steam that penetrates garments to smooth, freshen and de-wrinkle in minutes! Simply fill the water tank and press the power button for a steady stream of heat that can also be used on bedding and drapes to disinfect and kill dust mites. I like to steam the hotel pillows before bed to ensure they are safe to sleep on.

9. The Perfect Purse

I like to stay organized and keep my valuables protected so good luggage and durable travel bags are a great investment.

My favorite travel purse is the Poppy and Peonies Downtown Crossbody ($99.00 – poppyandpeony.com). It is spacious without being bulky and has lots of pockets with sturdy zippers and shiny gold accents. I love the removable tassels and the inner compartment has enough room for my tablet, camera, phone, wallet, beauty essentials and touristy things. The long strap slings comfortably across the body and can be positioned in front of you for quick access and pick-pocket protection.

10. Carry-On Bag

For weekend trips, short getaways and picnics, I love my Lug Via Travel Bag ($145.00 - luglife.ca) which is part tote and part backpack with detachable straps. This functional design has pockets everywhere including a zippered pouch for shoes, a smaller section for ID/business cards and an insulated pocket for food. It is also large enough for a few outfits, toiletries, water bottle and umbrella.

11. Repiel Korean Masks ($8.00 - beautella.ca)

Vacationing is fun but long flights, air pollution, greasy food and fatigue can wreak havoc on your complexion. The Repiel Perfect Fit Moisturizing Mask softens, smooths, diminishes blemishes, strengthens and protects dry skin with a combination of bamboo water, oriental dew drop, antioxidants, oils and coconut extract. There are a variety of formulas available to address specific concerns including: Firming (anti-aging), Soothing, Pore Solution and Daily Vit to brighten and improve texture.

12. Elizabeth Grant Caviar Cellular Recharge Super Eye Pads ($40.00 / 6 pack - tsc.ca)

My eyes always need a bit of pampering during and after an exciting trip so I pack a couple Elizabeth Grant Eye Masks enriched with hyaluronic acid to moisturize, refresh and energize. They also help smooth wrinkles and reduce puffiness so you look well rested and alert.

13. Korres Greek Yogurt Makeup Removing Wipes

($20.00 per 25 available at beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca)

Infused with vitamins, minerals, lush oils and proteins, these soft clothes eliminate stubborn foundation, eye shadow and waterproof mascara while moisturizing and revitalizing. Keep them in your carry-on to refresh your face during the flight.

14. Nourishing Skincare (arbonne.com)

When you’re trying to pack light, all-in-one products are your best bet. Arbonne’s Rejuvenating Cream ($52.00) is formulated with a long list of botanical emollients to soften every part of you. The luxurious oils, antioxidants and butters deeply moisturize your face, body and hair.

When traveling to hot humid climates, a good makeup setting spray is imperative! Let it Set ($45.00) keeps your face fresh, hydrated and shine-free while shielding pores from pollution and dirt. The mist dispenses in a light puff of liquid that cools, soothes and leaves skin feeling incredibly supple.

Hand cream is a staple in my purse and I always keep a tube in my office, car, living room and bedside table. Arbonne’s Shea Butter formula ($26.00) is gentle, non-greasy, fast-absorbing and ultra hydrating to heal dry skin on-the-go. It also treats ragged cuticles, brittle nails and chapping.

15. Logitech Keyboard - so I can get some work done on my iPad.

16. If you don’t have an e-reader or iPad, don’t forget a good book! A Thousand Splendid Suns is my favorite novel.

I have many other items on my list but these are just a few things that make my trip more enjoyable. What’s in your suitcase?

Need more travel tips read my article - Tips for Planning a Great Vacation: What Every Traveler Should Know