For those who don’t know about or follow along with my other career as a performer, I just finished living on the road for ten months. You read that right - TEN months. Ten months of packing up and moving every week (or sometimes every day). Living out of suitcases in hotel rooms for almost a year really gives you a different perspective on need versus want.
I love creature comforts, I really do. I would buy candles or flowers in each city to make my hotel room feel “like home”. But realistically, you can’t bring everything you want for life on the road. However, I cracked the code for myself and figured out what items I could bring on the road that made my life so much better.
Annie’s Top 6 Products for Frequent Travelers!
1.VESSI SHOES
These miracle waterproof shoes are worth every penny. They’re definitely an investment but when you’re traveling across the whole country in two suitcases and encountering every climate from snow to sunshine, you can’t always pack every pair of shoes or boots you want. These shoes are actually waterproof. I splashed around in puddles in Boston Commons like I was a kid at recess and my socks were still bone dry. They look just like regular sneakers and are so supportive and comfortable. AND they keep your feet totally dry. Win-win(-win).
2. pASHION FOOTWEAR
Staying on the topic of shoes, these convertible shoes are a must-have for anyone who prioritizes both style and comfort. Pashion Footwear is a women-owned company that creates convertible shoes. Need a flat shoe by day to explore a new town? Pashions. Need a cute pair of heels for a night out after work? Add a heel to your Pashions. I wore these shoes for my opening night “Pink Carpet” event at the Dolby Theatre and then converted from heels to flats for the after-party! A seamless transition and still cute as hell. The best part is that you can mix and match heels - turn one pair of shoes into endless possibilities with a quick and easy heel swap!
Head to over to www.pashionfootwear.com and USE THE CODE ANNIEG25 at checkout FOR 25% OFF!
3. QUIP
There’s nothing worse than packing a toothbrush without a cover… aside from having ZERO counter space in a hotel and risking leaving your toothbrush out near a toilet. Enter Quip. This slim toothbrush not only packs a big punch with its brushing but, it’s also the most convenient travel item. It comes in a sleeve to keep your brush safe from packing (and bathroom particles) and the sleeve has a strip to allow you to stick the toothbrush itself to most surfaces, like mirrors and walls. This little guy served me very well on tour.
4. HANGING TOILETRIES ORGANIZER
Speaking of limited counter space, where do you keep your toothpaste, mouthwash, razor, moisturizer, etc. when there is no counter space to be had? I used this hanging toiletries organizer to keep all my products (including full size items!) organized and ready to use. It holds so many things and truly stood the test of time and weight each time I pulled it out of my luggage. The insides are lined in plastic so if there happens to be any leakage, it stays inside the organizer. Another great product for an avid-traveler.
If you are a member of the Apple family and have an iPhone, an Apple Watch, AirPods, and so on, a multi-charger like this is also a must-have. It folds down to about the size of a deck of cards and can lay flat to charge all of your items at once. No more having to choose between charging your phone or your watch. Do it all at once. Bada-bing, bada-boom.
A potentially unexpected final item for this list - Liquid IV. This one saved me many a time on tour. These are great for hydration during long travel days when you’re in airports and airplanes with dry air and usually, not consuming a lot of water. They help replace electrolytes if you’re doing a lot of activities or out in warm weather. They’re also great at preventing (or helping ease) hangovers. The packets are also a great, space-saving, sustainable, and easy-to-carry item.
There are many many more items I brought with me on tour to help create some sort of stability, familiarity, and convenience to a lifestyle that has little to none of those things. If you want to know about other items I brought with me on the road, email me and let’s talk all things efficient travel!