7 must-have items that can help you stay organized while you travel
Looking for more of the best deals, sales and product recommendations? Sign up for Yahoo Lifestyle Canada’s newsletter!
Yahoo Lifestyle Canada is committed to finding you the best products at the best prices. We may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Pricing and availability are subject to change.
After tying the knot earlier this month, I granted myself one day of blissful rest and relaxation before I turned my attention from planning a wedding during a global pandemic to preparing for a honeymoon—while still in the midst of a global pandemic.
As brides and grooms know, although the changing health mandates and restrictions are necessary, they can be incredibly stressful to navigate. I knew midway through the wedding planning process that I was going to be in desperate need of a getaway after managing changing guest lists and seating charts.
As a married woman for all of three weeks, my advice to brides and grooms-to-be is to carve out time post-wedding to decompress and reconnect as newlyweds— wherever that may be. Whether you travel to a cottage or hop on a plane across the country or internationally, a few days or weeks anywhere, especially after the stress of wedding planning, is good for the soul.
Even though I was incredibly excited to travel, I wasn't sure what to expect with COVID-19 restrictions and testing requirements. The only way I knew I could get through the process is by staying calm, healthy, and by being as organized as possible.
Here are some of the must-have products I packed for my honeymoon, as well as one product I wish I had handy, that can help you stay organized and travel safely.
A versatile and spacious carry-on
One of my closest friends gifted me the Canvas Tote by Béis specifically for my honeymoon as a chic carry-on that I could easily bring on excursions or to the beach.
Béis Canvas Tote
This spacious tote bag not only delivered on style points, but featured a trolley sleeve for luggage as well as multiple interior pockets to store tech and accessories, passports, medication, books, fresh face masks, a change of clothes, travel pillow, blanket and more. Plus, it was the perfect size to keep in front of me on the plane, instead of stowing in the overhead compartment.
A wrap or travel blanket
As someone who is perpetually cold, I never travel without my own blanket. Although airlines offered them for free, prior to COVID-19, they were (and still can be) a source of germs and bacteria.
Indigo Love & Lore Variegated Stripe Wrap
Some airlines have updated their protocols due to COVID with a promise of laundering blankets after every flight, or giving passengers fresh blankets on long or international flights. Still, for peace of mind, I never fly without an oversized wrap, like this one from Indigo, that I can wear while travelling.
A travel wallet or portfolio
This is one item I wish I brought — but purchased for myself as soon as I got home from my honeymoon!
Byron and Brown Personalized Leather Travel Wallet
I've always been fairly organized while travelling but there's way more paperwork involved when travelling during COVID. I found myself fumbling with pieces of paper to prove we tested negative before flying, boarding passes, passports, money, cards and more. Even though most of the information was also stored on my phone, I'm chronically low battery and accessing WiFi internationally can be tricky.
The next time I travel, I will be travelling with a travel wallet!
Packing cubes with laundry bags
Using packing cubes with laundry bags was one of the random life purchases that made me feel like an adult.
OrgaWise Packing Cubes 9 Pcs Set
Unpacking my suitcase at our resort was so easy thanks to the packing cubes and helped me avoid the pile of clothes that I normally throw haphazardly in my suitcase to rummage through like a raccoon between trips to the beach. Also, packing a laundry bag for a holiday is key to avoiding having dirty clothes or used bathing suits away from the rest of your clothes.
Travel jewelry organizer
Even though I don't travel with valuable pieces, I do like to bring a variety of earrings and necklaces to wear each night during a vacation.
Jimei Travel Jewelry Box and Organizer
Part of upgrading my travelling style was to invest in a jewelry organizer that would prevent me from untangling necklaces, losing track of earrings and misplacing rings.
This compact unit was so handy and so easy for me to easily reach for my favourite pieces without fiddling with little bags and boxes that can take up space in my luggage.
Makeup travel case
If you're like me and love playing with makeup looks, then you'll definitely want to try a travel case to keep your products secure and organized.
Idearsen Travel Makeup Case
This waterproof case helps you pack your makeup and brushes without worrying about palattes breaking or bottles breaking during transit. I used to travel with a bulky makeup bag, but after purchasing this handy case, I will never, ever go back to my old ways!
Disinfecting wipes
It's easy to get sick when you're travelling, whether or not it's during a pandemic.
Clorox On-The-Go Disinfecting Wipes 12 Count
Bringing packs of disinfecting wipes to wipe down my seat on the plane, tray table and TV screen was an absolute must. Even though there are usually hand sanitizing stations throughout public spaces, keeping packets of wipes in my carry-on and purse at all times helped ease some of my travel anxiety during COVID.
Let us know what you think by commenting below and tweeting @YahooStyleCA! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram and sign up for our newsletter.
