I love to travel, and do so as often as I can. I frequently travel with my husband, and we bring along our almost 20-year-old daughter whenever her schedule allows. I also travel with friends and take periodic press trips. From getting there to being there, here are some of the items & services I count on when I’m traveling, especially to warmer climates.
An Easy Parking Experience
The Parking Spot ($15-$30 on average)
The Parking Spot is an airport parking service that makes parking your car near the airport a breeze.
**The Parking Spot has 70+ locations at over 45 US airports – you can’t miss the bright yellow signs with black polka dots. You reserve your spot online or on their app and can choose between valet and self-park, as well as covered and uncovered parking. The fees vary based on your selections, but I found them reasonable overall, averaging $15-$30, with lower rates for longer-term stays. Their airport shuttles are frequent and efficient, and you can even track them on the app. They also have a rewards program where you can earn perks when you travel.
Eating at the Airport
Farmer’s Fridge (most meals under $12)
While food quality and selection are improving at many airports, junk food is still everywhere! If you’re trying to eat healthy, check out Farmer’s Fridge.
There are 160 Fridges across major airports nationwide, and you can find a selection of their items in the refrigerated section of HMSHost airport stores. Meals, most of which are under $12, are dispensed from the machines within 30 seconds, or you can reserve and pay before arriving at the airport, then pick up your food by the gate.
Farmer’s Fridge has a broad selection of healthy foods, including salads, wraps, and even breakfast items such as overnight oats. The serving size is generous, and the containers are resealable, so you can snack a bit and then carry your food onto the plane. I’ve had a chance to try several of their dishes, and I give it a thumbs up!
Travel-friendly Skincare
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Luminous Kit ($59, Peachandlily.com)
Rather than painstakingly dispensing your skincare products into tiny containers, try this grab-and-go set, where every product is TSA-approved and hydrating enough to keep skin looking and feeling its best after flying, sun exposure, and anything else that comes your way.
The Glass Skin Luminous Kit contains a gentle cleanser, facial scrub, serum, and a rich face cream, all perfect for treating and fending off travel-related dehydration. The set also contains a Glass Skin Veil Mist, which I use on the plane to keep my skin hydrated on long flights.
The Ultimate Bag
Fjallraven High Coast Tote Pack ($95, Fjallraven.com)
I have brought this bag on many trips, and I am always happy I brought it. It packs flat in a suitcase, and when you’re ready to use it, you can carry it as a tote, crossbody, or backpack. And the crossbody and backpack straps are easily adjustable, so that different people can carry it.
The High Coast Tote Pack is water-resistant and deceivingly roomy. It has two interior pockets, two water bottle sleeves, and an exterior zippered pocket, which the bag packs down into! Available in 10 fab colors.
Footwear for Walks and Hikes
Teva Women’s Tirra Sport Hiking Sandal ($59.44 and up, Amazon)
I have owned a pair of these sandals for over 10 years (it might be time for a replacement!). I always pack them when I’m heading somewhere warm that includes a lot of walking/hiking. They offer excellent support – even for hours of walking or strenuous hikes, and you can wear them in and out of the water.
The Tirra Sport Hiking Sandals have a lug sole with solid traction, and the fast-drying, supportive, and adjustable straps are made from 100 percent REPREVE recycled plastic and lined with soft micro-suede. Available in lots of color combinations.
Footwear for the Beach or Pool
Aqua Socks for Women & Men ($7.99, Amazon)
If you are visiting rocky beaches, these water shoes are a must. They have a rubber bottom to prevent slipping, and the lightweight, stretchy fabric dries very quickly.
The Aqua Socks are also good for slippery pool areas and are more stable than flip-flops. They slip on and off easily and have a little loop in the back, which is perfect for clipping onto a backpack to let them dry between locations. They come in solid colors or colorful patterns and in a wide range of sizes for men, women, and big kids.
Sun Protection
Banana Boat Sheer Sensitive Body Spray SPF 50, 6oz. ($9.99, Amazon)
Sunscreen is essential at any sunny destination! This SPF spray, part of Banana Boat’s new collection, is designed for people with sensitive skin.
We used it on our trip and found it incredibly lightweight and easy to apply and reapply on the go, without the typical white streaks or stickiness. Also, the SPF ingredients didn’t irritate my husband’s eyes – we are always on the hunt for products that fit that bill!
The collection also includes body and face lotions that are non-greasy and streak-free as well. The products are dermatologist- and pediatrician-approved, water-resistant for 80 minutes, and offer 12-Hour Moisturization with Aloe & Vitamin E.
The spray is 6 oz., so you would need to check it, but if you are not checking a bag, grab the TSA-approved 3oz. Face Sunscreen and use it on your face and body.
Protective Apparel
Swimzip Women’s Half Zip Swim Dress Cover Up ($74.99, Swimzip.com)
Wearing sunscreen is crucial, but I always recommend supplementing with protective clothing, especially if you plan to be in and out of the water, or on a boat or paddleboard.
I love this swimdress because it offers UPF 50+, which reduces the need for multiple full-body SPF reapplications. You can adjust the length to cover the thighs or to graze the hips. And yes, you can swim in it!
The Swim Dresses really last. I have a couple of them, and the one I have had the longest has lasted 10 years and is still going strong. The style is flattering and cute, and I have certainly worn it to a casual, al fresco brunch or two. There are several colors and patterns available, and the dresses are available in sizes XS-3X. The brand offers sun-protection apparel for the whole family, and I just noticed they have cute bathing suits to match the swim dresses!
Protective Apparel
Outdoor Research ActiveIce Spectrum Sun Hoodie ($95, prev. season’s colors are currently 15 percent off, Outdoorresearch.com)
I wore this thin, silky top when we went hiking. It’s available for men and women and offers temperature-regulating ActiveIce technology, keeping you cool even when you’re sweaty.
This thin, stretchy top has UPF 50+, a hood, and long sleeves with thumb holes at the ends, so you’re well-protected. I also swam in it, and it was comfortable in the water and dried very quickly.
Travel Towels
PackTowl Personal Ultralight Microfiber Camping and Travel Towel ($27.10 and up, Amazon)
Sometimes you don’t know if your vacation rental will provide beach towels – they often don’t – so for a trip that will involve beaches, lakes, hiking, etc., you’ll be grateful for a few travel towels.
Packtowls are lightweight, have a convenient hanging loop, and don’t take up too much space in your suitcase or backpack. The microfiber is made from 50 percent recycled content, and the fabric dries 70 percent faster than a standard towel. The fabric also provides Polygiene silver-ion odor control, which you will be grateful for if you don’t have access to a washing machine. They are available in four sizes. We used the 25×54” Beach size, which is big enough to lie or sit on, and dry off with. **The Parking Spot provided credits so we could test the service.
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