flying

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Friday 10: Carry-ons for the flight and beyond

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Carry-on luggage has been something of a hot button issue lately. American, Delta, and United reduced their carry-on size limits over the summer to 22" l l x 14" w x 9" h. 

Fees for checked baggage are the norm now, too. Two Canadian airlines, West Jet and Air Canada, recently started charging $25 for checked bags under the guise of making it cheaper for those who only travel with carry-ons. 

So what's a traveler to do? Fork over the fees or try to pack everything in an ever-shrinking carry-on? 

I fork over the fee! Unless I'm going on a short trip, I don't like to fit my whole trip into a carry-on. And as much as I like to pack light, I hate trying fight for overhead bin space.

Instead, I pack a small carry-on of my on-board essentials and a change of clothes. That's it. It's easy to travel with. No need to worry about checking anything at the gate. No fighting for space. 

So what does my ideal carry-on look like? Small, stylish, simple, zips/closes completely, and, ideally, is reusable on the trip. Today's Friday 10 is a list of some that fit the bill for me. 

#1 The Scout by Bradley Mountain

A beautiful, simple day pack made of waterproof Martexin Duck Canvas and leather. Not only is this easy to wear in the airport, but it would be a perfect day pack. I'm picturing going to a market, packing it full of goodies, and going on a hike. Entirely sourced and made in the USA. Also comes in Olive. 

#2 Rain Zip Tote by Bookhou

I love the pattern on this tote! It's eye-catching without being too loud. The bottom is a medium weight charcoal grey waxed canvas that gives the bag extra durability. The interior has a couple of roomy pockets. It zips fully, which can be difficult to find in a nice tote, and comes with a detachable leather cross body strap. Bonus: It's made in Toronto! Bookhou also makes some different sized totes in other cool patterns and solids. 

#3 Dry Bag by Winter Session

Yes, another waxed canvas bag because I love waxed canvas. It's durable, classic, and it only gets better with age. Winter Session makes this functional, handsome dry bag with some nicely placed exterior and interior pockets--including a phone and laptop sleeve.  Also comes in Olive.

#4 Twill Snap Backpack by Everlane

Another take on the classic backpack, this time by Everlane. Simple, versatile, easy to wear and use. Includes a padded laptop sleeve that will fit a 15" Macbook. The price is also pretty fantastic for something that will be in style for a long time. I love the leather details against dark navy color, but it's also available in a variety of other beautiful colors. 

#5 Filson Rolling Carry-On

The only rolling carry-on on my list. It's a splurge, but this Filson looks great and is built to stand the test of time. It's got business and leisure covered and fits the new carry-on size restrictions perfectly (for now, at least). Currently available in Tan and Otter Green.

#6 Westmore Collection Laptop Duffel by Hex

Something a little different from your usual laptop bag or briefcase. The pattern is subtle but warm and the leather details look beautiful while still being functional. This duffel also has padded, fleece lined compartments for your important devices, including an exterior phone pocket and interior laptop pocket. The laptop pocket is designed to fit a 15" Macbook Pro. The exterior is water resistant. More colors and patterns available from Hex here. 

#7 Courior Bag by Heritage Leather + Apolis

Heritage Leather and Apolis teamed up to make this bag and it doesn't get much more classically beautiful than this, in my opinion. American leather and 10 oz water repellant army duck. Adjustable shoulder strap. Holds a 17" laptop. Also available in navy, army, and earth. 

#8 The O.G. (Overnight & Gym) by Lo & Sons

Lo & Sons | The O.G. | $295 USD

Lo & Sons | The O.G. | $295 USD

My current carry-on is very similar to this, but it doesn't have all of the extras that make this one just about perfect. There's a padded laptop pouch! A padded tablet pouch! A separate compartment for shoes! I love me some compartments. Head over to the Lo & Sons website for a video of the bag in action. My only gripe is that they don't ship internationally. Shown in army green, but also available in black, navy, and espresso. 

#9 Overnight Bag by The Little Market

The Little Market's overnight bags come in a variety of happy, bright, beautiful patterns made from fabric that's handwoven by Guatemalan artisans. Maybe $240 seems a bit steep for this tote, but what I love about The Little Market is that they are committed paying artisans living wages for their unique, handmade pieces. Read more about their values here and check out what else they have to offer. (I'm a little bit in love with this striped seafoam towel)

#10 Le Pliage by Longchamp

Longchamp | Le Pliage | $145 USD

Longchamp | Le Pliage | $145 USD

I tried not to like Longchamp's Le Pliage for a long time. Who wants to pay $145 for a simple nylon bag? But somehow it's grown on my over the years because it's simple, iconic, and functional while still being stylish. It fits a ton of stuff and then folds down into a neat little pouch. After the flight you can toss it in your purse and take it with you or use it as a purse.  I admit, I'd happily wear and use one now! Available in 12 colors. 

Do you have any favorite carry-ons? Would your rather pack a big carry-on than pay a checked bag fee? Let me know in the comments. 

Hope you have a beautiful weekend!

P.S.: You might want to check out my post on 10 weekender bags, too!

Friday 10: 3-1-1/TSA Bag Essentials

A few of weeks ago I did a Friday 10 of my long-haul flight essentials. Another tricky part of packing a carry-on is meeting the 3-1-1 Rule when flying out of the US or Canada.

What's the 3-1-1 Rule? All carry-on liquids, gels, creams, pastes and aerosols must be:

  • In a container that holds 3.4 ounces (100 mL) or less
  • Put in 1 quart clear plastic bag
  • One bag per traveler 

It's not always easy to pare down, so I put together a list of easy essentials that will to get your through the flight. 

tsabagessentials

I might be a little different in that I don't fully unpack my 3-1-1 bag when I arrive. There have been many times in my life I've been thankful to have something like a small deodorant or wet ones with me! 

As you will see, I also pack the bag so I have access to enough basics to freshen up and put on some minimal makeup if my luggage is lost or it's too early to check in at the hotel. It just makes life easier.

5 scents in 0.5 oz jars | $18.00 USD | Bergamot+Lime, Ylang-Ylang+Calendula and Lavender+Sage are my favorites!

5 scents in 0.5 oz jars | $18.00 USD | Bergamot+Lime, Ylang-Ylang+Calendula and Lavender+Sage are my favorites!

#1 Travel Deodorant

Because I want to arrive at my destination smelling good. I usually just pick up whatever is available at Walmart or Target in the travel section, which is what's shown in the above photo.

However, my favorite natural deodorant company, Schmidt's, recently started selling travel sizes on their Etsy store. I might do a separate post on Schmidt's one day because I love their scents and it's the only natural deodorant that works for me. The biggest bonus is that it doesn't stain my white shirts since it doesn't contain aluminum. 

Stick deodorants don't need to be in the TSA bag, but I put mine in there anyway just to keep everything together. Since Schmidt's is more of a cream, though, it would have to go into the bag anyway.  

#2 Travel Toothpaste 

I also carry a small toothbrush and travel-sized floss. I usually keep all of this in my purse after I land for those spinach-in-the-teeth moments.

It's not a problem, it's a collection. Yeah. 

It's not a problem, it's a collection. Yeah. 

#3 Hurraw! Lip Balm

Yep! I'm including this again (and probably again at a later date). Planes = dry air, dry lips, dry skin, etc. and Hurraw! is the only lip balm that doesn't irritate my lips. I carry at least two with me: one with SPF and one delicious smelling one without SPF.  Prices vary. I usually pay under $4.00 CAD. 

#4 Clinque Black Honey Almost Lipstick

This is such a wonderful product! It looks scary in the tube, but it has a cult following for its nearly universally flattering shade. It goes on sheer and is build-able. It adds that lovely, elusive "my lips but better" touch of color. The formula is moisturizing and feels fantastic on. It's one little thing that can help make you feel a little more put together after a long, tiring flight.

#5 Mascara

Having very blonde--almost invisible--eyelashes means I rarely leave the house without mascara on. Even if I put on some long-lasting, waterproof mascara for flights, I usually end up wanting to touch it up before we land. I stick to L'Oreal Voluminous ($7.29 USD) or Cover Girl Clump Crusher ($7.99 USD).

#6 Makeup Removing Cloths

I use these near the end of a long flight to freshen up and then apply the following sunscreen and moisturizer(s) before landing. I love Burts Bees Sensitive ($6.00 USD). Alternately, if there isn't much room in the bag, I will take a couple of dry Olay 4-in-1 Daily Facial Sensitive Cloths ($6.99 USD).

#7 Moisturizer(s)/Tinted Moisturizer

I love this NARS Perfectly Radiant Tinted Moisturizer. So much! It has a little more coverage than most tinted moisturizers, feels fantastic on, actually moisturizes, and has SPF 30. The only downside is the cost.

So as another option, I recommend a light moisturizer like Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Invisible Finish Moisture Gel under a broad spectrum sunscreen. It's soft, lightweight and doesn't leave me feeling greasy. 

I also carry an unscented lotion for my hands. 

#8 Sunscreen

Being very pale has made me something of a sunscreen expert. I believe everyone should wear sunscreen daily, especially on their faces, to protect their skin and keep it healthy.

Not a believer? Watch this video. 

 

I'm currently using a broad spectrum, SPF 50, matte-finish Vichy with Mexoryl SX.  La Roche Posay's Anthelios Ultra-fluid Lotion SPF 60 (with Mexoryl) is also nice. They are both around $25 here in Toronto, but I don't think products with Mexoryl are available in the US.

I'm less picky about what goes on the rest of my body, though.  Sometimes I throw in a small travel-size sunscreen or sunscreen wipe if there's room. I worry less about this when going to Europe, especially France, because they have the good stuff when it comes to suncreens. 

#9 Hand Sanitizer

Any kind will do. I try to get unscented ones out of respect for the other people I'm packed into a metal tube with for hours on end. Not everyone likes the smell of juniper berry bliss or whatever. 

#10 Wet Ones Antibacterial

For gross tray tables, gross hands, gross anything that you might encounter on the plane or anytime afterward (I'm looking at you, public washrooms). I usually find the thin travel packs for about a dollar at the drugstore/Walmart/Target.

That's it for my essentials. If there's room leftover in the bag, I might toss in some extra stuff from time to time like a small travel-sized perfume (like these La Vanila ones). 

There are some reusable 3-1-1 bags on the market, like this one at REI or this one on Amazon.  I think $5 is a little steep for a plastic bag. I just us a Ziploc freezer bag. They've never let me down, and I like being able to replace them easily. 

I'd love to hear what you put in your 3-1-1 bag!

Hope you have a great weekend!

*Always check the rules and regulations of your departure country before your flight, just in case something has changed recently.

 

 

 

Friday 10: Long flight essentials

Long-haul flights can be as daunting as they are exciting. No one likes to sit crammed into too-small seats with nowhere to go for hours on end. But over the years, I've been able to pack my little carry-on with just enough to keep me happy and comfy for these marathon flights. 

Today's Friday 10 is all about the essentials that get me to my destination with my sanity intact. 

A Great Carry On

While I believe in traveling light, I don't like trying to cram my whole trip into one large carry-on. I keep my carry-ons small and pack them only with what I will need on the flight (and a little something for after). I think it saves space and hassle in the long run. Mine is very similar to the great Kate Spade Saturday one above, which I might have to buy once mine kicks the bucket. 

Tart cherries are naturally high in melatonin and they make a nice pre-flight snack. These are from Bob's Red Mill ($9.39/0.5 lb), but I've seen many different brands. 

Tart cherries are naturally high in melatonin and they make a nice pre-flight snack. These are from Bob's Red Mill ($9.39/0.5 lb), but I've seen many different brands. 

Melatonin or dried tart cherries

I started using melatonin for eastward trips a few years ago and I don't think I'll ever look back. It reduces jet lag and helps me adapt to a new time zone quickly. Sour cherries are also naturally rich in melatonin, so if you want something natural that doubles as a great snack they might be a option.

One of the first things I do when we board the plane is change my watch to our destination time. If we're flying to Paris and its midnight there, I'll take half of a melatonin (more is not better with melatonin) to try and get my internal clock aligned with Paris time. It also helps me sleep on the plane without any side effects or grogginess. 

After we arrive, I'll continue to take a little melatonin around bedtime for the first 3 days. Your milage may vary and I'm no doctor, so I recommend you do your own research and ask your doctor about what is safe and best for you.

Water

Staying well-hydrated on the plane is really hard. I find there is never enough water, even when flight attendants make the rounds throughout the flights. I always buy a liter of my own before we take-off. I've also used collapsible water bottles like the BPA-free Vapur one pictured above and filled it at a water fountain in the airport. I love that it's so light and small, it just makes it so easy to reuse it throughout the trip.

Entertainment

I'll watch movies for a bit if something good is available, but after that I like to listen to podcasts or I read. 

I take a Kindle to save space and I like to grab a guilty-pleasure magazine in the airport. That way I have something to look at during takeoff and landing if devices have to be off.  

Downcast ($2.99) is my favorite podcast app. It's easy to use, organizes everything well, has a playlist function, and a sleep timer. I download some of my favorites (I'll do a Friday 10 on this!) before we go and have hours of listening material to keep me entertained if I need it.

I've also used white noise and relaxation/guided meditation apps but they never seem to stick for me.  

Just make sure to put your phone in Airplane mode as soon as you get on the plane, and sure you can either charge your phone or have enough of a charge. 

Beauty Essentials

The next thing I always carry is a plastic bag of beauty essentials to use on the plane or in case my luggage gets lost. As a bonus, I keep the bag in my purse for the trip so everything is always handy. Here's what is in mine:

A change of clothes

I always, always include a change of clothes in my carry-on. I will never forget when our luggage was lost on a trip to Austria. My mom and I spent the first day of our vacation scrambling to find underwear in a new city. It was not fun.  It also ended up being expensive because we could only find a high-end shop. 

Now I try to carry a whole outfit and some pjs if I can. A light dress is great because it can take you from day to night. It also doesn't take up that much space!

At the very least throw an extra set of undies in there. You will be so thankful you did one day!

I love the colors of these Loomed NOLA Serendipity Scarves ($40). They're handwoven from organic Turkish cotton. 

I love the colors of these Loomed NOLA Serendipity Scarves ($40). They're handwoven from organic Turkish cotton. 

A cozy wrap

Airplane blankets are gross. I don't want them anywhere near my face. But I also want to be cozy and comfortable and a wrap or pashmina does the trick. Bonus: it doubles as a scarf and folds up nice and small.  

Layers

I always try to layer because I never know what kind of crazy temperature it will be on the plane. Half of the time I end up boiling hot, the other half of the time I'm freezing. Dressing in comfortable layers keeps me happy. I like wearing jeans, a tee, a cardigan or blazer, and shoes that are easy to put on and take off. Simple and stylish. No yoga pants needed here!

Always classic, the Roots Park Sock (2 for $18.50 CAD)

Always classic, the Roots Park Sock (2 for $18.50 CAD)

Cozy socks

I like to take my shoes off and wear a pair of ridiculous comfy socks. Some people say you should never take your shoes off on the plane because your feet will swell. I don't have this problem (at least not yet) and I see cozy socks as one of the few things I can use to make the trip more relaxed. Just make sure to wear shoes that are easy to get on and off for those bathroom trips. 

Snacks

Because airplane food is, more often than not, awful. I can't remember the last time I had an edible "breakfast" on a flight. I always take something with just enough calories to get me through to a real breakfast/meal at our destination. A little protein, fat, and carbs go a long way. Clif bars used to be my go-to, but I'm always on the hunt for something healthy and tasty. I've been digging nakd bars and Larabars lately thanks to the Whole30, but I'd like to find something with more protein. 

What's in your carry-on?

I'd love to hear what essentials you put in your carry-on. Have any great snack suggests? Let me know!