What We Never Travel Without
“How will I know what to pack for my Surprise Trip?”
You’ve come to the right place!
The Pack Up + Go Team will make sure you are well prepared for your mystery trip ahead of time, with everything from a weather forecast to a suggested packing list and tips that our expert vacation planners send your way before your getaway.
As you get excited for your Surprise Vacation, our team is sharing some must-haves that you definitely won’t want to forget to pack!
Written by The Pack Up + Go Team
Packing Essentials
Travel with confidence by checking off the following list prior to departure:
Travel documents: Identification, Travel Rewards Credit Card, insurance card
Electronics:
Chargers:
Make sure you have chargers for every device that you are bringing with you. For example, laptop chargers, tablet chargers, smartwatch chargers, and of course phone chargers. It might be a smart idea to bring an extra charging cord for your phone just in case yours gets lost or damaged.
Headphones:
Earbuds or headphones for listening to music might already be on your list. And guess what, it’s on ours too! If you have a long flight or car ride, listening to music is a good distraction and a great way to pass some time. Noise-canceling headphones are a must if you are hopping on a plane.
These help to block out any noises that one might hear while in the air. Bring these headphones with you the next time you take off and hopefully, they will ease your flying jitters. Make sure to pack these in a bag that is easily accessible so you can grab them without causing a fuss.
Wellness necessities: Good skincare = is key for long travel days.
Sunscreen:
Whether you’re going someplace cold or warm you need to pack your sunscreen. Even in the winter, you should still be applying sunscreen every day. UV rays are still coming through those winter clouds, therefore, before you head out to go skiing or snowboarding, apply some sunscreen to any exposed skin.
If you’re traveling to a warmer climate and might be spending more time sitting on the beach, packing sunscreen should be a no-brainer. Select the best sunscreen products based on your skin type and personal preferences, and you’re all set to enjoy your beach day.
Hydrating Products:
If you are hopping on a plane to head out to your dream vacation, your skin might be feeling dried out and you may be a little tired from catching your early morning flight. But don’t worry there are two skincare products perfect for you to bring with you on the plane. Once you’ve gotten settled into your seat, plop on some under-eye masks to get rid of those dark circles. You might even be able to hide these patches under your mask. Keep them on for 10-15 minutes and your under-eyes should be brightened.
Another plane-friendly skincare product is an inflight serum. This inflight serum will hydrate your skin and is also an anti-inflammatory. Apply this in the morning before your flight and you should be good to go. An added bonus is that it’s the perfect size for traveling!
Hand Sanitizer
You will also want to make sure that you are sanitizing and wiping down commonly used surfaces. If you are taking a Road Trip this might be different for you since you will be in your own car, however, in the event you are renting a car, take some wet wipes and wipe down the inside of the car before getting in.
Additionally, if you are flying, quickly take a wipe to your seat and tray table before taking your seat. After this make sure to apply some hand sanitizer. Attach your hand sanitizer to your backpack or purse for easy access by using a hand sanitizer holder. Then sit back, relax and enjoy the flight!
Other wellness products include medication, personal hygiene products, lip balm, mosquito repellent, vitamins, and makeup!
Over-packing is a gut instinct for most of us. After all, it’s better to have it than to not have it if you find yourself in a pinch. That’s always a big “what-if” though.
Here’s how to limit your suitcase to just the essentials:
The basics: A T-shirt you can layer with a hoodie and then a jacket and finally a scarf. One pair of jeans or shorts and one pair of pajamas that you can re-wear. A single pair of comfortable shoes that you can wear day after day. Don’t forget a hat for bad hair days, which means you won’t have to pack shampoo or conditioner.
Hotel freebies: Don’t overlook the travel-sized products you’ll have access to at the hotel. That means you shouldn’t have to pack soap or lotion. Sometimes they’ll even provide a toothbrush and razor if you ask the front desk.
Note: For some items, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has specific instructions for travelers. Its 3-1-1 liquids, for instance, limit the amount of liquids you can bring in your carry-on to one quart-sized bag, with each container in the bag no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 ml). The rule applies to your hair gel, body spray, drinking water, toothpaste, moisturizer, etc.
6 Things We Never Travel Without
Summer vacation dreaming!
Disposable Camera:
Smartphones offer incredible photo technology available at your fingertips; but while taking digital photos is the go-to during vacations, bringing along a disposable camera is a fun alternative. Disposable cameras double as a unique souvenir and keep the magic of the vacation alive once you get home and eagerly await your developed photos. The vintage and nostalgic style of printed film photos is a great addition to your social media feed and for decorating your home with travel memories.
Tip: You can also bring the undeveloped film in your carry-on or a checked bag, but TSA recommends you remove it during security screening and ask for a hand inspection to keep the film safe!
Summer Staples:
Don’t let another sunburn ruin your highly anticipated vacation. Although you should be wearing SPF every day (yes, even on rainy days!), sporting sun protection when you travel is a must. Consider a sunscreen with lightweight coverage that won’t leave you with that dreaded sticky feeling or opt for a tinted option for adventure days where you want minimal makeup. Want more skincare travel tips? Check out this blog to learn how you can stay fresh while in flight.
Staying hydrated in warmer weather is critical during your Surprise Trip! We love our Pack Up + Go Welly Bottles, which are insulated with a bamboo shell, and for every product sold, a portion of the profits is donated to organizations that provide clean water to people in need. Win!
Travel Rewards Credit Card:
There isn’t a person around who doesn’t love maximizing their travel budget, which is why thinking about bringing a credit card with amazing rewards like the new United Quest Card℠ can be a plus! A travel rewards credit card can help you earn rewards as you spend on purchases such as airfare, hotels, and restaurants before, during, and after your trip so that you can use them toward your next vacation! Additionally, a rewards card like the United Quest Card provides access to seat upgrades, free checked bags, no blackout dates, and more when redeeming your rewards. If your “on-hold” travel plans are starting to rebound, consider a credit card with premium travel benefits to take advantage of some amazing perks.
Mini Notebook:
A small notebook is great to record memories while exploring, allowing you to capture your feelings, experiences, and new discoveries during your getaway. It can also help to relive your travels, allowing you to come back and remember the trip, re-reading what you liked and didn’t like to help influence your next trip! Don’t forget to add plenty of ticket stubs, stickers, postcards, and even your own sketches into your journal. A picture speaks a thousand words, and it is so fun to re-discover your memories in written and physical forms.
Luggage Essentials:
When it comes to exploring, we like to be prepared for anything with an on-the-go bag that includes all the essentials. Bags with compartments for added organization can store items like hand sanitizer and lip balm within reach. Whether you prefer a cross-body bag, a purse, or a backpack while vacationing, there are many options to secure your belongings. RFID-blocking tech can protect your wallet and sensitive information, like credit cards and personal IDs from digital theft.
If you haven’t invested in a sturdy suitcase yet, now is the time. We highly recommend traveling with a hard-shell suitcase to ensure your inside belongings are safe and secure. Some have built-in chargers, offer sporty on-trend colors and modern styles, and even can be customized to match your travel style.
TIP: Stock up on packing cubes that fit right in your suitcase and help keep everything in place and organized. They also save a ton of space.
A Good Book:
Start the adventure before you even reach your destination!
Whether you have a long layover or free time in transit, a good book will pass the time and make the most of your vacation. Whether you prefer an e-reader or a classic hardcover, books allow us to adventure all the time (even in the airport terminal)! We especially love these summer reads to indulge in our wanderlust.
Most importantly, the #1 item to bring with you on vacation is a positive outlook and adventurous spirit, but you already knew that!
In the meantime, these packing essentials will help you to live your best life on vacation no matter how you're getting there and for how long you're traveling.
What are your must-have travel items?
This post was made in partnership with the new United Quest Card!