| Happy Thursday Hidden Gem Travel community! With the holiday season in full swing, few of us have spare minutes outside of keeping up with the daily routine and prepping for the holidays. With that in mind, this newsletter is brief but potentially helpful as I share my favorite travel items that have proven their usefulness over many trips. If you need a stocking stuffer or a grab bag gift, these items will be appreciated by anyone who travels. Read on for the scoop – note that I receive no financial benefit for these recommendations 😉… |
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| Packing |
| Foldable duffle bag I had an inexpensive model from Amazon that served me well but recently invested in one from Paravel and can’t wait to use it on my January trip. I use these bags for souvenirs and overflow on the flight home. Make sure the one you purchase has a ‘trolley sleeve’ to secure the bag to luggage’s pull handle. Air Tags (luggage trackers) Keep an eye on your luggage and, worst case scenario, be able to track it if it goes missing. I put an Air Tag in my checked luggage and in anything else valuable that might not always be with me. Packing cubes & compression bagsThe best way to stay organized on a trip that involves packing and unpacking multiple times is packing cubes of various sizes. Compression bags come in handy when I need to pack more clothing than easily fits in the packing cubes, typically on extended trips. You might use compression bags if you don’t want to check luggage and can get away with a carry on only. |
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| Plane Time |
| Neck Pillow/Support When not lying flat in business class, I use a Trtl which keeps your head upright for sleep. Avoid the basic crescent shaped pillows, they don’t do the trick in my experience. Slipper socksI like to take off my shoes on the plane as I usually wear the bulkiest ones so I don’t have to pack them.. Slipper socks are easy to pack, provide warmth, and keep the germy plane floor off my feet/socks. Make sure they are foldable for easy packing and are washable.Eye Mask A well-fitting eye mask is key to sleep. Don’t get black – it can be hard to find if the plane is dark. There are plenty of options. |
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| You’re There! |
| Adapters with USB/USBC These are necessary items when traveling internationally. I purchase the Tessan brand from Amazon – country/region specific instead of one universal adapter. They work better for me. Day backpack (lightweight, foldable) I bought the day backpack I’ve been using in Barcelona and recommend getting one that folds into almost nothing and has plenty of compartments. I use this when out and about to hold my water bottle, portable charger (see below), sunscreen if needed, sunglass case, etc. Important – I don’t put my wallet/money or IDs in the backpack. Portable phone charger Slimmer and lightweight is better as long as it gives a full charge for your phone. Videos drain your battery quickly and you don’t want to find yourself unable to take that epic pic because your battery ran out. I bought mine in a store, but they are easily found online (photo below). 💎Hidden Gem Tip: For the EU, I bring a small change purse for the 1 and 2 Euro value coins and small bills for tipping.Having the right items for travel can make a big difference to the ease of your trip. I always love to hear what works for others, so email me back OR comment on Instagram to share your favorites! Inspired? Reach out to me now to get your questions answered and begin the planning process. Wishing you amazing travel adventures, Susan |
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| NEW Section: Travel News You Can Use |
| 💎 Hidden Gem Tip: Electronics Packing HackWe all travel with various electronic devices and having one place to keep all your charging cords is important when traveling. I bring cords for my laptop, air pods, iPhone, iPad, and portable phone charger. I use a good-sized zippered pouch and cord clips to keep the cords and smaller electronic items in one spot. A color other than black will make the pouch easier to quickly put your hands on in your carry-on bag (never pack your charging cords/electronics in your checked luggage) and in the crevices of your plane seat.If I have longer cords, I’ll pack them in a ziplock or smaller mesh bag and store them inside the zippered pouch.Another tip: Before packing the cords, I lay them out with the item I need to charge to ensure I remember all the correct cords! |
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| About Hidden Gem Travel Consulting Hidden Gem Travel Consulting was founded by Susan Wilson. After decades of traveling the world and working for Fortune 50 companies and global nonprofits, she opened her own travel business which is affiliated with Virtuoso – the leading global network of agencies specializing in luxury and experiential travel. Through her deep network and signature consultative process, she designs customized travel itineraries that elevate your escape and speak to what will wow everyone on the trip. It’s a new way to travel – a vacation that allows you to feel the full vibrancy of the destination while giving you access to perks, amenities, and experiences that are “ungoogleable.” Enriching. Experiential. Effortless. Hidden Gem Travel Consulting is your trusted travel advisor.Schedule A Complimentary Consultation |
| Hidden Gem Travel clients get some fab perks at many premium and luxury hotels around the world! Want to book a hotel on your own and get upgrades and perks? Follow this link: https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/SusanWilson?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=dinner_and_a_show&utm_term=2023-05-11 |
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