What's In My Carry-On (UK Edition)

Everyone who knows me jokes about how early I pack. I have panic dreams about traveling with two mismatched shoes, a pair of shorts (in the winter) a pajama top and no money or phone chargers. I will pack a month - sometimes more - before I leave, even with a packing list.

Well, this works in your favor, because as I pack, I also take pics along the way. I pack a bit differently when I go on am overseas trip than I do if I'm, say, going to Vegas. I have enough experience to know what I definitely need and what can be bought (or what can, but will cost a stupid amount of money). So, let's take a look at what's going on my carry-on personal item, because clothes are a whole different ball of wax and a post of their own. I'll also be sharing these things on Instagram, but going into more depth here.

Snacks

I never go anywhere without snacks. Not on the plane. Not in the car. Not to a theme park. Not to work. Not to the store. You never know when hunger can strike and I'm a demon when I get hungry, so snacks galore. You'd look in my purse and think I had kids. I do not.

Some of my favorite things I'll be bringing along: (huckleberry) banana bread, beet chips, chocolate covered espresso beans, Wheat Thins, granola bars, salami, grapes, Laughing Cow and Babybel cheese. I have a cute thermos for the cold things and I have an expandable food container for the big stuff, and Stasher bags for chips and beans. All of these can be reused on my trip and on my return home, either for more snacks or for loose items that I don't want broken.

Laptop

I can't travel without my laptop. I use it to keep up on emails, upload pics, write posts and look up directions.

Cardigan

No matter how you prepare, the plane is never what you expect. It's either too hot or too cold and there's never enough legroom. I lawyer on the plane and generally wear a thin t-shirt, possibly a long-sleeve top over that, and a cardigan. That way I'm prepared for everything.

Coat

Now, I'm probably not going to wear my coat on the plane, unless it's really cold, but they always take up too much of my large carry-on, do I either stuff it next to me in my seat or, probably in this case, put it under my laptop for extra padding. 

Please, whatever you do, don't use up extra bin space with your big puffy coat until everyone has put their bags away. I will call you out and/or smash it up there with my bag for you being inconsiderate.

Neck pillow

Now, I know everyone is different, as I've been told that my choice of neck pillow is "the worst" and "nobody should ever buy it", but my opinion is my opinion, just as they are entitled to theirs. Eric and I adore the FaceCradle and FaceCradle Lite, because it doesn't go around your neck in the traditional sense. It hangs on the seat back behind you and then you adjust it so it's comfortable for you to just lean forward into it. This alleviates neck pain and also back pain. It's really good for taller people as well, because leaning forward gives you a bit more space. 

If this doesn't sound like the neck pillow for you, I highly suggest the Cabeau Evolution Cool - which is made of memory foam and a mesh overlay to avoid sweating - or the Hoodie Pillow - which is more affordable and also has a soft hoodie that can cover your eyes to block out light.

Water bottle

I like to stay hydrated, but those little cups they give you on the plane are just that. Little. I bring along a reusable insulated thermos that I fill with cold water before we board the plane and then it stays cold until we arrive at our destination or until it's empty. Whichever comes first. When I get to my destination, I use it for coffee and water to save money while out and about.

iPad mini

I love my Mini. It has enough juice to last hours and hours, plus I can play games, watch movies/shows, read, listen to podcasts and make notes. It's lightweight, so it doesn't take up that much room, and it fits in my purse. If you don't bring along a laptop, you can use it to get on the internet too, so you can check/send email, look up directions, etc.

Phone charger

I use my phone a lot when I travel, even on the plane, because I have a few games on there I like and I enjoy bogging on it sometimes. Most long-haul flights are on planes that have outlets in the seats for your electronics, so I can make sure it's charged before we arrive.

Battery backup

For flights that don't have outlets, I bring along my battery backup. Not just for the plane, but also when I get to my destination, because running out of power sucks.

This is not the entire list of things I'll be packing, but I'll definitely be posting a series of items that can be found in my bag while I'm traveling. Also, please follow me on Instagram for more posts like this one. 

What are your go-to items for long flights (or even short ones)?

Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase through them, I may be compensated + I will be grateful for your support of my blog.

Shereen Travels Cheap Turns 9

My little blog is turning NINE years old today! I can't believe it's been that long, and also it feels much longer at the same time. As always, I like to reflect on the past year and the coming year (and beyond).

Photo by Vladas Kalnys on Unsplash

This past year has been a pretty good one. We took a wonderful, history-filled trip to Philadelphia and a short trip to Vegas this summer. I hit up Vegas for the Travel Goods Show earlier this year and this time last year I was on a girls' trip to Los Angeles. So, let's look at this coming year:

September 2019 will see us in the UK. We'll be headed to Edinburgh for a family wedding, where I will also be working with Visit Scotland to bring you all the awesome stuff in the city on my 4 days not spent doing family stuff (and possibly while doing family stuff, like going falconing at a castle!). I'll also be working with The Cauldron Edinburgh to show you the awesomeness that is the literal magic of creating cocktails with a wand. This place originated in London and has been growing fairly quickly. The Edinburgh location just opened last month. 

After that, we'll jump on a plane for a return trip to London, where we have a schedule packed with free activities, but I'll also be working with London Pass to show you how it can save you money on your trip, while also allowing you to do more than you thought. 

Next year I'll be headed to the Travel Goods Show in New Orleans in March, which I'm super excited about. My mom will join me on the non-work part of that trip, so I hope to show her some of the cool places we hit up last time, and also see some other places as well. 

July we will make our annual return to Vegas for NBA Summer League and for me to do some solo travel around the city to explore new places that I haven't had the chance to see yet.

Beyond this next year, here's what I have planned:

September 2020 we're returning to Orlando for a week and a half to hit up the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, and Universal to return to Hogwarts. My friend, Melisa, who joined me in LA last year has plans to come out and meet us.

December 2020 might see me on a girls' trip to NYC, though that really depends on timing and finances. We'll cross our fingers and hope for the best. It'll be short and sweet if we can swing it. My friend will be there for a conference and her daughter and I will entertain ourselves doing touristy things while she's doing that.

In February/March 2021 my mom and I will be in Vegas again for the Travel Goods Show, and food, because food is awesome. And then in July 2021, Eric and I will be back.

Fall 2021 we're planning a trip to Reykjavik, Iceland. Past that we have a list of want-to-visit places:

Boston

Minneapolis St Paul

Toronto, ON

Branson, MO

Tokyo - this is our ten-year destination, so 2029!

I'm really looking forward to a great, new destination each year, while also planning a few visits to Disney parks probably, because we can't really stay away. 

Are there places you've been or are looking forward to going that you think I should put on my list? 

Review: Anti-Theft LockDown Bag from Travelon

Summer is still happening and there are probably a lot of you with trips planned to the beach or places with pools. Places where you're likely to bring stuff you need (like car keys, your phone, and credit cards), and also want to go swimming and have to leave that stuff so it doesn't get wet. If you're like me, you worry about things even when they are hidden and you're 5 feet away. 

Travelon has designed their LockDown bags for your travels, whether they take you to the beach, the pool, a hostel or your kid's soccer game. These slash-proof bags let you store your phone, your wallet, and any other valuables you need to bring with you. We often find ourselves in these situations and could really use a bag like this.

The LockDown is easy to use and has a a wide, reinforced strap that can wrap around a beach chair, a pole, a bed headboard...basically anything that is fixed and can't be run away with. Not only does this mean it's secure, but knowing that it will take extra work to steal, thieves look for easier targets. 

We stay in a lot of rentals, and generally bring valuable items with us that we don't always take with us each day we go out. Considering at least a few other people have keys to get in, I guess not all of these rentals are super secure, meaning I could use this bag to stash things like extra cash, passports, and an emergency credit card. This could also go for hotels where people are coming in to clean the room or make repairs. Perhaps you like to stay in hostels to save money or you live in a dorm with roommates. 

Have you ever been traveling and come across a cool activity, like ice skating, where you can't take your shoes or bags? Well, this bag can save you from having to miss out on these cool things or having to stuff your pockets full of things that are cumbersome and bulky. Whatever your situation, you can totally find a great use for this LockDown bag. 

The large size LockDown can hold quite a bit more than you expect. I put a pair of sunglasses, my hotel key, a bottle of sunscreen a phone and some cash in it and probably could have fit another phone and probably my go husband's wallet. No more never taking your eyes off your beach chair or making someone stay behind to watch your stuff. You don't have to trust others, just Travelon's ability to make a great, anti-theft bag. 

Your LockDown comes with a solid brass combination lock that's customizable to whatever 4-digit number you want. It's pretty hefty, so you know it'll keep your items safe. Nobody's going to spend time trying to come up with the combination when they can grab the unattended and uncovered items off the neighboring blanket. 

A couple of tips: You can't stuff this bag to the brim with things, because you are going to cinch the top closed and then use the strap to wrap around a thing. Pull the strap until you see the grommets and then put the lock through that and the end o-ring. It cinches closed very tightly, so you can't get anything in or out of the bag.

This bag is not waterproof, so if you are going to take it to the beach or the pool and are using it for things you don't want to get wet, you may want to bring along a zip-top bag for those things and then put them inside. I DID set it on a wet surface with my things inside, and though the bag was wet, the items were dry, but it wasn't a prolonged contact, so I would definitely think ahead. 

There are tons of reasons to need a LockDown bag from Travelon, and you'll never regret having one when you do need it. If you aren't sure which size to get, I definitely suggest getting the larger one, especially if you travel as a couple or have kids. Because it cinches, you're probably only going to be able to fill it 2/3 full. 

More details:

Where can I buy it? On the Travelon website

How much do they cost? $58 (large) - Use code SHEREENTRAVELS20% to get my exclusive discount.

What colors do they come in? Gray (shown)

Other specs: one-piece construction made of SafeTex, 9.25" x 13"

Show Travelon the love by following them on their social media channels: 

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How would this bag improve your travels?

Disclosure: Travelon sent me the Anti-Theft LockDown Bag for the purposes of this review, but all opinions are 100% my own.