Today we are talking…

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Where I am Jet Setting Next

I have said it before and I will say it again: the beach is my happy place. So while the kids are off school over Spring Break, we are taking a family trip to the Dominican Republic and staying in a beach front villa. It’s great for all of us: it has a private pool and a soccer field next door, it’s situated near a golf course, and mere steps to the beach. We would never even have to leave but, I think we will take some time and head into Santo Domingo for some AKD Pop-Up Shopping (hint, hint May 16-18 cough, cough).

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My Travel Essentials

I am constantly asked over and over again, how do I pack when I travel for all these shopping trips I go on – what kind of suitcase do I use, what is in my carry on, how do I stay organized, etc, etc. Well, with spring break just around the corner, I thought I would make today your lucky day.

I am going to share with you all of my favorite items that I bring on every single trip. So, get your wallet and get ready to shop for the best travel items I swear by.

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Bric’s Capri 27-inch Rolling Suitcase

I just discovered this amazing Italian brand suitcase company in 2018 from an article I read in Travel and Leisure.  I am the queen of the carry on and using a light weight, durable suitcase that has a hardshell for all the treasures I find on my trips is a plus.  These ultra light and fashionable bags come with (4) easy glide casters that make getting around the airport a breeze.  Did I mention they’re both durable and fashionable?  Those words are like music to my ears.  

Buy it here

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BAGGU  Women’s Travel Cloud Bag

With all the products I find on my travels, for our AKD Pop Up Shop, I need to bring extra bags for the items that that will not fit in my suitcase and I do not want to spend the time or money to ship back.  I bring two of these lovelies with me in either one of my carry on’s.  They are extremely lightweight, pack easily, easy to carry day to day at markets and I am able to either carry them back on the flight with me or check them in for easy travel. 

Buy it here

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MZ Wallace Large Metro Tote

This is my carry on bag. Super lightweight, very large and comes with (3) various sized zipper pouches that help me keep everything organized. The best part is it fits under my seat, if necessary, even with all I stuff into it. Oh, and its black so it hides all the dirt 🙂   

Buy it here

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UGG Duffield Eye Mask, Pouch, and Blanket Travel Set

  This is one of my favorite items.  If you are always cold like me and have not had the opportunity to experience the UGG Travel Blanket set, you are in for a real treat.  The eyemask and the blanket are so cozy and the the travel pouch can double as a pillow.  If you don’t want one for yourself, these make amazing gifts for the travelers in your life.    

Buy it here

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Velcro Brand One-Wrap Ties

 In this age of technology, I find I travel with cords for about 5-10 products:  phone, watch, kindle, extra phone charger, earbuds – you get the picture.  I keep all my cords/chargers in one of the amazing bags that come with my MZ Wallace carry on and I wrap each one of these around my cords and I feel so, so organized and voila – no cord tangle.   

Buy it here

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Anker PowerCore Portable Charger

Speaking of cords, chargers, etc, I find that I am in need of an extra portable battery for my phone on the road.  Many days are long travel days and you don’t have access to an outlet to charge at so this lightweight battery pack is necessary.  I cannot believe how much this has come in handy over and over again.  I don’t leave home without it!  

Buy it here

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Bose Quiet Comfort Headphones

 These Bose noise cancelling headphones are a definite splurge item but worth every single penny.  I have had mine for close to 10 years and over those 10 years I think I have only charged them 1 time. That is crazy with how many hours I use these on every flight.  These come with their own travel case, to keep it all organized (am I starting to sound a little OCD?) and make movie watching or sleeping a breeze.  

Buy it here

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Herban Essentials Essential Oil Towelettes

I love these towelettes to keep in my carry on and throughout my travel days.  The scents are ah-mazing and they use essential oils instead of harsh alcohol and chemicals found in many hand sanitizers.  They come individually wrapped so you don’t have to worry about them drying out along the way. I use them for cleaning surfaces, my hands, wiping and refreshing my face…everything!  

Buy it here

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Amazon Kindle

This is going to be a controversial one, but I swear by my Kindle.  I am an avid reader and I like reading from a Kindle ESPECIALLY when I travel. 1) It is lightweight. 2) I can read with the backlight, even when the whole plane cabin is sleeping, and I do not disturb anyone with my overhead light on. 3) I do not have to carry extra, heavy books so if I finish a book, I just download a new one while I am on the road. Yep. That easy. 4)  A single charge last weeks. Even my kids have one. Enough said.  

Buy it here

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Tripcase

 Lastly, I want to share how I keep all my travel organized.  I use an app called Tripcase.  This keeps all my flights, hotels and car rentals all in one place so my travel is streamlined.  It updates and sends me messages when I have gate changes or flights are delayed.  Dreamy.  Sadly, I have basically become a dinosaur with technology, so if I can use this, you can too.   

Download it here