my favorite travel picks

Seeing so many friends traveling with the start of summer made me think about my must haves for any trip-even a long weekend away! One thing that helps me to have a great trip is the organization factors in prepping to go.

With three kids in tow, I really love having everything organized, so I can easily find it! I call it eliminating one factor of anticipated stress of a misplaced thing! Here are some things that make traveling easier and more fun, especially during the summer months!

Square Makeup Case– I have had this for about four years now, and I have used it to death! I love that it keeps its shape unlike a cosmetic pouch. Pouches can end up being like a dark hole you’re digging in to find what you’re looking for that ultimately is on the bottom-do you know what I mean? This case has sections and dividers that you can adjust to help organize your things the way you need them. It also has a spot for makeup brushes/toothbrush that has a fabric cover to protect them (and keep things clean!).
Fanny pack– Yes, I love my fanny pack! It has been the biggest solution to the problem of how to carry your things while walking the beach. And since it goes around your waist (err, fanny), you don’t have to worry about tan lines from a purse strap. This one fits your cell phone, keys, plus some. I always keep a thing of travel Wet Ones in mine or spray hand sanitizer. I have the light pink, but I also love the black camo!! It’s also great for any day trip or playground trip, so your personal things are on you, and not left in an unattended stroller or bag.
Scout Bag Weekender– I have probably five Scout Bags that serve all different purposes. I have two of these: one I use for my own things on a trip and the other I use as one of our beach bags-you know, the one that holds the things you don’t want sand on! It has great shoulder length straps (not too long, not too short) and a zipper top to keep things in place. I used my personal one as my hospital bag just recently when I had the twins <3
These packing cubes are a dream! I can typically use one whole one for my daughter’s things and then a smaller one for her accessories like bows, clips, undies, and camisoles. Then for me, I usually divide up my clothes that I pack: one for bottoms, one for swim suits/cover ups, one for tops, etc. This makes opening your suitcase really nice as you’re not opening it to your things every-which-way after being thrown around while traveling. You can also just take each pouch straight from the suitcase into a drawer where you’re staying, so you’re not living out of a suit case.
Notebook/journal– I am a notebook snob. I know. How silly. But I love a certain kind of notebook: spiral bound, hard cover usually, and smaller than 8.5×10…. I have this one in two prints. I feel like I always have the best ideas when I am away somewhere, and I want a place to write them down! A change of scenery really does wonders for your creativity, mood, motivation, and then some…
Plastic Toiletry Bags– Ok, I have 3 of these sets! I use one for sunscreens and beach things (kept in the beach bag), then I have one I use as our travel medical bag (because someone usually gets sick or needs something while we’re away), and then the third one is for all of my beauty products, lotions, etc. The set comes with a few bags, so you can organize all your things, so it’s super easy to grab only what you need.
Travel fan– Best baby purchase right here…My kids have had these for their strollers since day one. They keep them cool and keep bugs away! They also can be used to stand on their own with their bendy legs, so you can easily place it in a beach tent or use it in the car to keep your kids a little cooler on the hottest of days.
Sea Shell purses– These were so great last year at the beach when we were out for walks and my daughter would find shells she wanted to keep. They’re mesh, so the sand comes right off, and they’re much easier to carry than a big bucket! My boys like to use them to collect rocks, too! I think these would also be a great party favor too if you ever had beach themed party! *wink*
Portable Potty– I posted a question on IG for the best travel potty, and this one came back as the favorite by far! I just placed my order for it too!
Bug Bands– I love these things. They’re easy to slip on a wrist or ankle, or even hook onto a stroller to keep bugs away without using a smelly spray. I also love these bug stickers, and stick they on my kids’ clothing, so nothing toxic is on their skin…evening walks at the beach can be very buggy!