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How to Survive Life in the Suburbs

What’s In My Bag AND a $100 VISA GC Giveaway!

in Everyday on 10/11/19

It’s a question I get all the time:  What’s the one thing you won’t travel without?

One thing. Pft. I’m a chronic over-packer. When I travel I have a list of “must haves”. From a road trip, to a journey up north, a weekend at a fabulous hotel or a week away with family, I NEED lots of things.  But as I pack for a week away in the stunning Turks and Caicos I  realized it’s the perfect time to examine “What’s in my bag?”  Here are a few of my favourite must-haves when traveling.

First a tip: Start with a great carry on bag, one that really works well for you. A mid-size tote is great but my fave way to travel is a small roller bag with a large purse I can stack on top.  With these two items a girl anywhere. This Samsonite Spinner Underseater with USB  is the perfect Carry-On size and you can rest assured it will fit in most overhead compartments.  Also, notice the 4 way roller wheels.  Essential when running through an airport.  (not that I’ve ever done that)  Sigh. 

Once you’ve picked your bag, it’s time to pack. Most of these items can all be found on amazon.ca – my favourite place to do shopping in my PJ’s!

1. A tiny first aid kit – You can buy one “pre made” and then top it up. I add in things like a copy of my prescriptions, Gravol, Advil, Peppermint Oil, and bandages including Blister Band-aids.  Those things are the best!

2. A jewelry organizer. I’ve tried everything to keep my necklaces from tangling and rings from getting lost.  So far, my best trick is to invest in a small but functional jewelry organizer  It’s simply the easiest way to keep all those rings and things from tangling or breaking.  This one is super cute.

3. An Otterbox or similar for my iPhone. Nothing will spoil your mood faster than a broken cell phone.

4.  Headphones – Simply because when you fly, you will want, no need, headphones.  My favourite brand for comfort and sound right now are Beats in-ear headphones.

5.  A Portable Charger – This is a new one to me, the Zendure A3 portable charger is compact and can fully charge the iPhone 7.4 times, oh, and it’s cute too!

6.  Hydrating lip balm and Hand Cream – Travel of any kind is dehydrating and hard on the skin.  I’m always sure to pack some hand cream, just a tiny one. One of my favourites is AVEDA hand relief.  Not only is it moisturizing, but it has a very mild smell so won’t offend anyone sitting near you on the plane.

7.  Pashmina or Blanket Scarf- Great to keep you warm on flights, or depending on your material choice if can double up as a sarong or even blanket on the beach.

Other things you’ll find in my bag?  A lip gloss, lysol wipes (yes I’m that girl, gum, a protein bar, and of course my passport, wallet and all things ID.

And not on Amazon but should always ALWAYS be in your carry on – your bathing suit.  No one wants the stress of replacing that little number should your suitcase ever go missing.

Feeling inspired to pack up and take a trip! I hope so because one lucky reader of How To Survive Life In The Suburbs has a chance to WIN a $100 VISA gift card to do some shopping of their own. To win simply tell me, what’s one item you won’t leave home without? I need to know – you know- incase I need to pack more things.

Then use the rafflecopter form provided below to earn those extra entries.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway is open to Canadians only, excluding Quebec, and to all those who have reached the age of majority in their Province. Closes November 1st, 2019.  This giveaway is not associated with Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram.

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    Comments

    1. Kelly young says

      December 16, 2019 at 1:26 am

      My sunscreen and I always pack toilet paper yeah I’m weird like that lol Happy Holidays

    2. Liz Howard says

      November 3, 2019 at 7:34 pm

      My iPad and a book!!!

    3. Clair Palmer says

      November 3, 2019 at 7:04 pm

      my sunglasses even winter I need them so for me its a must and when I do forget I really want to turn around to get them

    4. Irene Eichler says

      November 3, 2019 at 6:41 pm

      I will not travel without my sunscreen and a sunhat . There is nothing that ruins vacation like a sunbuen .

    5. Adrienne B says

      November 3, 2019 at 4:49 pm

      I never leave home without my hair straightener, you never know how frizzy and out of control your hair might get in a different place.

    6. Corey Olomon says

      November 3, 2019 at 4:21 pm

      I burn easy, even in clindy conditions , so I always pack sunscreen.

    7. Stephanie LaPlante says

      November 3, 2019 at 2:54 pm

      One item I would never leave home without would be my camera.

    8. Julie R. says

      November 3, 2019 at 12:59 pm

      I won’t leave home without a dry shampoo!

    9. Linda Svarovsky says

      November 3, 2019 at 12:30 pm

      I always pack a bathing suit in my carry on when travelling south, in case the room isn’t ready, I can still enjoy the pool.

    10. Glenys says

      November 3, 2019 at 10:43 am

      Don’t forget a nice pen 🖊 I’m always lending mine to people on the plane that don’t have one to fill out their custom forms

    11. Gina Makrydakis says

      November 3, 2019 at 10:33 am

      I can’t leave home without my cell phone and lip gloss

    12. Amy Saunders says

      November 3, 2019 at 10:14 am

      I always bring an extra pair of shoes / flipflops in my carry on .

    13. Aimee says

      November 3, 2019 at 10:11 am

      I always pack hand sanitizer and Kleenex.

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    Travel addict, sun seeker, coffee drinker, fashion lover, picture taker. This is a peek behind the closed and competitive doors of the suburbs. A place to come to learn about the best places to travel with your kids in Canada, the United States, the Caribbean and beyond! stephanie@sassymodernmom.com
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    sassymodernmom

    Canadian Blogger. Traveler. Influencer. Picture Taker. Family Travel Expert.
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    Squee! It’s that time again — planning another
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