Travel Notebook

Rebecca’s Packing Essentials … Plus, What to Bring Across the Pond

Whether I’m helicoptering to snowy peaks in New Zealand, searching for Big Five in East Africa or lounging with family on the beaches of Antigua, I’m the most comfortable during my travels when I’ve packed properly. 

For me, that includes a few essential items and tricks I’ve picked up over the years that make my worldwide travels easier and more relaxed.  In no particular order, my favorite items to take when I leave home include:

  • A Design for Life scarf, made exclusively for Rebecca Recommends, with proceeds going to Nepalese charities supporting tourism recovery. These beautiful pashminas and scarves accent any outfit, serve as a head wrap and keep me cozy wherever I am. 
  • Sisley masks and oils to combat the dry air of airplanes and high altitudes
  • An eye mask and earplugs for uninterrupted sleep
  • A Swell water bottle – it’s so important to reduce our plastic use wherever we are in the world and I find these bottles to be a perfect companion.

     

    Design For Life scarves, with its range of different weights, materials and colours, make a cozy accessory for every weather

And my favorite packing tip:

  • Hang your clothing on thin hangers in dry cleaner plastic, then simply lift out of your suitcase at your hotel, hang up and, presto, you’re done unpacking and wrinkling is minimal. Plus, by reusing the dry cleaner hangers and plastic, you’re taking yet another step toward combating climate change. 

Now that you’ve heard from me, we wanted to bring in a Rebecca Recommends client to share her own packing tips and tricks …

Rebecca Recommends client Original Travel UK is the consummate expert on all things United Kingdom, including what to pack for the unpredictable weather in this region of the world. Letitia Dunlop of OTUK offered us her packing tips for both summer and winter, keeping in mind that lightweight layers are the key to staying comfortable no matter the weather. Scroll down to read the lists and pass them along to your clients headed over the pond in 2020! 

But first, we asked Letitia – as a travel executive and avid globetrotter, about her own packing essentials. Here’s what she doesn’t leave home without:

  • Phone – all the travel apps possible and an audio app
  • Battery pack – you never know when an impromptu cocktail eve might arise without the chance to recharge
  • Notebook and pen – constantly dreaming/journaling!
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Shawl/scarf – to double as a comfort and an outfit brightener
  • Lip balm and face mist
  • Hair tie
  • Snacks

OTUK’s Summer Packing Suggestions

  • T-shirts
  • Jumpers
  • Lightweight raincoat (preferably with a hood)
  • Lightweight scarf or wrap
  • Pants/Jeans/Shorts
  • Comfortable pair of shoes (for walking)
  • Evening pair of shoes
  • Evening jacket (some hotels require it)
  • Sunglasses
  • Bathing suit
  • Backpack
  • Umbrella
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Charger for the phone, camera, etc. (portable phone charger, if possible)
  • Plug G or an international adapter
  • Documents: passport & insurance documentation
  • Medication: any medication for the duration of the trip
  • Currency:
    – in the UK and Northern Ireland is Pounds (£), 
    – in the Republic of Ireland is Euros (€)
    No matter where you go, don’t forget a pair of comfortable walking shoes

OTUK’s Winter Packing Suggestions

  • T-shirts
  • Jumpers
  • Warm coat (raincoat), preferably with a hood
  • Warm scarf or wrap
  • Pants/jeans
  • Comfortable pair of shoes (for walking)
  • Evening pair of shoes
  • Walking boots or wellies for countryside tours
  • Evening jacket (some hotels require it)
  • Pair of gloves
  • A hat
  • Bathing suit
  • Backpack
  • Umbrella
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Charger for the phone, camera, etc. (portable phone charger, if possible) 
  • Plug G or an international adapter
  • Documents: passport & insurance documentation
  • Medication: any medication for the duration of the trip
  • Currency: 
    – in the UK and Northern Ireland is Pounds (£), 
    – in the Republic of Ireland is Euros (€)

Have your own favorite travel essentials or tips and tricks to share? We’d love to hear from you!