Review: Travel Pakt Toiletry Bags

If you're like me and like to have a toiletry bag always in your carry-on, so you don't have to keep packing and unpacking and making sure you have everything you need, then I bring you the genius of Travel Pakt. This small company lets you choose all the items you want to bring with you, where it will be pulled together and put into a 3-1-1 bag for you, then sent straight to you, ready to toss in your bag. 

Travel Pakt chooses brands that are good for you and, when possible, that give back. Products are all natural and many are eco-friendly, including compostable packaging for some. One great brand they work with is Spinster Sisters, which has a 100% wind-powered  production facility. You can learn about each brand on their listing.

If you're tired of digging through your travel and trial-size items that you may or may enjoy, then Travel Pakt helps to eliminate that annoyance. Find items between hand sanitizer (yes, they do have it in stock!) to shower gel. Everything is TSA-compliant. Don't want to pick products yourself? I mean, I get it. Sometimes you just want stuff to be easy. Well, you can choose from pre-packed Pakts, too.  

If you purchase $40 or more of product, then Travel Pakt will put your items in a suitably sized silicone zip-top bag. These are great, because they have a really reliable seal, plus they're super cute. Don't worry though, because if you purchase less than $40, your products will still come in a TSA-compliant plastic bag that you can still toss into your bag. This is also perfect for those that have already ordered a larger batch of items and already have one of these adorable silicone bags. You can also reuse these silicone bags for things when you aren't traveling, like chips or fruit.

Why a zip-top silicone bag? Well, compared to the normal plastic toiletry bag with a zipper top, the seal will keep any spills inside and are way easier to clean in case of accidents. Your liquids will not end up getting into the rest of your bag. There's nothing worse than getting to your destination and finding something has spilled and then leaked onto your clothes, meaning you have to do laundry when you could be out having fun.

I know we aren't traveling now, but that doesn't mean you can't prep for when you do start traveling again, or keep a toiletry bag with your favorite products in it for work or in your gym bag. Maybe you're a mom and like to keep certain products with you for messes and other unforeseen situations. Right now, I'm keeping this delicious-smelling ruby grapefruit hand sanitizer spray from Everyone in my purse. It comes in handy multiple times a day when I can't go wash my hands after touching something that might be contaminated with other people's germs. Their lotion is also perfect for keeping my hands moisturized after washing them a ton of times throughout the day.

This bag I have is the largest bag, but it also complies with TSA rules and I like that it's see-through as well. It has a flat bottom, so you don't have to worry about it falling over in the bathroom and all your items rolling out onto the floor, because that's a horrible situation.  

Start putting together your own toiletry bag at Travel Pakt's website. And if you love what they're doing, go follow them on social media, too: 

Facebook | Instagram

Also, don't forget that Mother's Day, Father's Day and graduations are happening right around the corner, so if you're still too sad about not getting to travel at the moment, remember that these products could really brighten someone's day soon. Heck, you can even purchase an eco-friendly toothbrush at Travel Pakt and complete their whole toiletry bag, so whether they go on business trips or need a bathroom kit for the dorms, you're really the hero there.  And you're supporting a small women-owned business, which makes you a hero to them. Double win!

What's the most annoying part about stocking your 3-1-1 bag for travel? 

Disclaimer: I was provided with a packed Travel Pakt for the purposes of sharing with my audience. All opinions are 100% my own.

Review: Travelon's Packable Travel Blanket

Those of you that know me know that I hate to pack items that aren't essential to my travels, but I also get chilly when I'm hanging out in my room or on the plane. I've also been in rentals where I couldn't close the air vent and my room was freezing, no matter what I did, and needed an extra layer. This packable travel blanket from Travelon is the thing my carry-on bag needs, and possibly yours does, too.

Travelon is one of my favorite travel brands. Everything they have is geared to making your travels, and even your home life, better. While you may not be traveling now, you will in the future, plus you can totally use this at home while you're self-isolating during this pandemic. It comes in its own drawstring travel pouch, and is quite small, but you can omit the pouch and save room by just folding it and putting it flat in your bag. 

This blanket is lightweight, as you can see, but it's also a really good size, so it works for everyone. I like to go back to where I'm staying and snuggle up on the couch to watch a show, read a book, or play on my phone. Many travel blankets are quite small and don't cover my lap and feet unless I'm sitting cross legged. Travelon has fixed this problem, by making a blanket that's larger than most, but still fits in a small space.

Look at this! I could, conceivably, use this as a regular lightweight blanket, it's so large. I'd double this up and use it as a lap blanket on the plane or in the car, but it could also be used as a wrap on the plane if you need an extra layer on top. I love multipurpose items, and this one serves many problems I have. 

At home, I always have a blanket on the couch that I share with the dog sometimes. Depending on the season, I switch it out for one that is heavier or lighter and I foresee this one getting a lot of use in Spring and Summer in between my trips. 

Remember, too, that Mother's Day and Father's Day and graduations are coming up, so giving them something thoughtful and useful for their travels (or dorm room) will make their day and they'll think of you each time they use it. Pair it with another cool accessory, like a sleep mask or toiletry bag (both of which Travelon sells) to give them a head start on a new or upgraded travel bag. 

More info

Where can I buy it? on the Travelon website (sold out at the moment) | on Amazon

How much is it? $18.50 - use the code SHEREENTRAVELS20% on Travelon for 

Size: 50" x 36" (152cm x 91cm)

Other details: breathable fabric that is machine washable. 

I hope you consider adding this to your travel bag, because even while we aren't traveling now, you'll be happy that past you made this purchase when you are traveling again. The same goes for the recipient of this if you give it as a gift. Have you used a travel blanket before?

Disclaimer: I was provided with this travel blanket for the purposes of sharing with my audience. All opinions are 100% my own. This post contains an affiliate link. If you make a purchase through it, first of all, thank you so much, but second of all, I may receive monetary compensation. 

How To Get Through Lockdown with Your Sanity

With everything happening in the world amid the Covid-19 pandemic and everything shutting down or with reduced access/hours, it can be hard to think about travel at all. While you can't get out and see the world like you want to, it doesn't mean you can't plan for your next trip while you're stuck in the house catching up on every show ever made that you have access to.

Learn a new language

Eventually, you're going to travel again, and when you do, you want to be prepared. This is the perfect time to learn a new language for that dream vacation you plan to take at some point. Check out this list of apps that you could be using right now to learn to speak another language or brush up on one you might have forgotten a bit of.  

Get some new travel goodies

I'll be working on some travel product reviews in the coming weeks. Since your trips are being postponed right now, you aren't spending money there. Sure, you're going to want to save most of that for your next trip(s), but if you've been hoping to get some new gadgets, goodies, clothing or whatnot to make them better, this is the time to do it and also support some smaller businesses. 

Stock your travel bag

I'm using this time to test out a ton of new items, but also to put all that best stuff in my bag for my upcoming trips. Get travel-ready by putting together a complete toiletry bag with all your necessities. This is also the time to get a few extra things you enjoy, like some fantastic undies that you can keep in your carry-on. This is especially important if you hate packing or you're prone to forgetting crucial things, like socks or a toothbrush.

Book things for late summer/early fall travel

You're going to be seeing some really low prices for things like airfare, vacation packages, and cruises, but you want to be careful before you decide to jump on those, because there's no telling how long this travel ban and lockdowns will last. If you already have travel plans that are going to fall through (I have at least one trip that isn't going to be happening), know that airlines and hotels are doing their best to allow you to change your plans with ease. Don't screw yourself by making new plans that might fall through, too.

Make a plan for your next vacation

While you're stuck at home, it's a great time to let yourself think about future trips and plan your next one really well. I mean, it's not like you have much else to do besides your piles of laundry and dishes. Get online and really dig into your chosen destination. You can figure out what you want to do the most and ask friends on social media for their best tips and suggestions. It'll really help you figure out a budget, too. Make a plan for how you will save money to pay for your amazing trip.

Purchase gift cards for future you

Future you is going to travel. If you've got money that you want to spend on travel, but you can't right now, because nobody can, put that money into gift cards for things like hotels, airlines, Airbnb, Disney or whatever. You'll be supporting travel businesses and will be setting yourself up for easier travel later in the year.

Virtually tour some museums

A lot of museums and zoos and aquariums and some National Parks are giving virtual tours and streaming right now. If you've really got cabin fever, this is a great way to get a little out of your head and enjoy the world from your couch. There are also a bunch of other cool things you can learn about online, concerts you can watch, and even learn to cook with a Michelin-star chef! Along with learning a new language, you can inject some international flavor into your life and feel like you're on a mini vacay.

Take a rad staycation

You kind of don't have a choice in the matter now. You can sit on your butt and be sad about life and your state-imposed exile, or you can make the most of it by making your time at home into a staycation. Get out in your yard and watch a movie on a screen or sheet, order take-out for a picnic, throw a mini destination party with your family, break out your tent and camp outside, or even book a few nights into an Airbnb, because they still want your business.

Take a photo walk

Getting outside and taking a walk or a bike ride isn't out of the question. In fact, you'll still be socially responsible while also getting fresh air and exercise. Bring along your camera or snap some with your phone and rediscover your town.

All of these are more fun than just sitting on your couch and complaining about all the things you can't do. What are you most looking forward to during your time of Social Distancing?