We all know the boring necessities for travel from converters to phone chargers to comfortable walking shoes. But I’ve rewritten the rules.
Here are the 10 not so basic things I pack every trip.
And yes, some of these items are a bit pricey but keep in mind, these are investments that will last you trip after trip and segue nicely into your everyday wardrobe/routine. Also tune in to the end where you’ll find a few bonus travel tips!
- My Wide Awake Trick Chantecaille Gold Energizing Eye Recovery Masks
I wear these eye masks throughout the entire flight, especially on transatlantic trips. Bonus, they are clear so you won’t look insane. I also wore these before my wedding and had ZERO dark circles. Walked down the isle looking bright eyed and bushy tailed! (Even hid the Rehearsal Dinner hangover)
- Description: A natural seaweed based mask infused with a luxurious 24 Karat Gold Serum rich in powerful components that re-plump and moisturize, leaving the delicate eye area looking smoothed, revitalized, and radiant. Powerful botanicals work to eliminate the looks of puffiness and fine lines and lighten the appearance of dark circles./
Crafted in Switzerland with the highest quality pure botanicals/
87% Natural including a rosewater base/
Each box contains 8 single-use Gold Recovery Eye Mask packettes - Cost: $195 (WORTH EVERY PENNY)
- Description: A natural seaweed based mask infused with a luxurious 24 Karat Gold Serum rich in powerful components that re-plump and moisturize, leaving the delicate eye area looking smoothed, revitalized, and radiant. Powerful botanicals work to eliminate the looks of puffiness and fine lines and lighten the appearance of dark circles./
- The Little White Dress Jacquemus La Robe Affi
This is my favorite holiday dress and I do not care even a little that it’s soooo last season. The Affi may be tough to find now but Jacquemus is a sure bet for a light, white, summer dress that will keep you trendy and comfortable.
- Description: Created by Simon Porte Jacquemus in 2009, Jacquemus clothing features ultra-simple designs with a raw edge. Each collection tells a precise story about a unique Jacquemus girl—whether she’s a factory worker, nurse, or ’90s pop idol. Jacquemus apparel is designed for exceptional, confident women who like to stand out in a crowd.
- Cost: Approximately $350 – $500
- Fanny Packs Are Back Herschel Eighteen Hip Pack
My mother is going to kill me when she sees this because after years and years of torturing her over wearing “embarrassing” fanny packs in public, I have been hiding one of my own. The Herschel 18 hip pack is super convenient for travel as there is a ton of room and you can wear it around the waist, across the chest, across the back, over the shoulder, or hand to your husband. And it isn’t too flashy making it perfect if you’re a bit worried about drawing too much attention.
- Description: With an expandable main compartment and additional front storage pockets, the utility driven Eighteen hip pack features air mesh padding for added comfort.
- Cost: $49.99
- The King Cle’ de Peau Beaute’ Concealer SPF 25
This is THE concealer. Just a quick touch under the eyes brightens the whole face and you are good to go. Probably the best concealer on the market, or at least that I have ever tried, it doesn’t settle into lines, fade, or slip. I honestly don’t think you need to bring base if you just touch this concealer on the spots you need coverage.
- Description: Delivers long-lasting, full coverage while correcting the appearance of dark circles, spots, imperfections and uneven tone without a heavy finish. Leaves skin looking smooth and refined with a seamless finish while protecting against UV rays.
- Cost: $73
- Air Conditioning, Meet Your Match Anine Bing Madeleine Blazer Black
I want to be a denim jacket girl so bad but it’s never happening. And as much as I love leather, even I must admit a leather jacket is too warm for summer holidays. But a black blazer? Now we’re talkin’! Do that casual drape over your shoulders thing for chicness without trying too hard.
- Description: Meet the Madeleine blazer. This ANINE BING blazer is a best-selling staple that makes borrowed-from-the-boys feel sophisticated and versatile.
- Cost: $349
- One Palette Gal RMS Signature Set
In one clean beauty quad you have your red lipstick, your pink blush, your bronzer, your highlighter, your chapstick…and the best part, they are all MULTI-TASKERS! Apply bronzer to lids or mix the lip shades for a custom flush on the cheek. If you are packing light, this product is all you really need to add color to your look. I tend to reach for the pop collection, but smile (only available in the mod collection) is actually my fav shade. So you might have to get both.
- Description: Create infinite looks on the go with our Signature Sets, available in two collections: Mod Collection and Pop Collection.
- Cost: $44
- Day To Night Jeans FRAME Le Color Crop Film Noir
ALWAYS PACK BLACK JEANS. Blue jeans are fine, but black jeans transition so well from day to night. Plus, I love the monotone black on black look even in the summer. Throw on these easy, soft denim jeans, a black silk cami and voila, an evening look you can style ten different ways with your wrap, your boots, your blazer, your bag and more!
- Description: The Go-To Skinny Jean with a Slightly Cropped Silhouette in a Saturated Black Color Wash. Crafted from Super Soft Premium Denim with Super Stretch and Strong Recovery.
- Cost: $184
- Boots Made For Walkin’ Dr. Martens Ankle Boots
Wore the Dr. Martens ankle boots for the first time in Paris and went three days without a single blister. Two years later, still wearing those same boots. I have paired them with everything from leather shorts to khaki safari pants and even a Dolce & Gabbana gown. Buy them.
- Description: Boots with an instantly recognizable Dr. Martens silhoutte. Made for the self-expressive individual. Shop women’s ankle boots that are modern, comfortable, and iconic.
- Cost: Approximately $150
- Comfy In Cashmere Eileen Fisher or Portolano Cashmere Wrap
Cashmere is great to throw on during a flight but also functions as a scarf, wrap, poncho, cape, etc. And although you may be traveling to a warm destination, cashmere is still on my ‘must-have’ list. I loved wearing my Eileen Fisher wrap in the evenings in South Africa when the sun went down and it cooled off a bit.
- Cost: Approximately $150 – $350
- Cost: Approximately $150 – $350
- How I Tame My Curly Hair T3 Featherweight Compact Hairdryer + SinglePass Compact Straightener MINI MIRACLES (in rose)
For a mini, this is one of the best hairdryers out there and will be 10x better than anything in your hotel. And the straightener is actually as good as the T3 full-size option!
Description: This super-dynamic duo, packaged together in one sensational set, have been remade in pearly white and metallic rose. The sleek, chic and powerful pair is ideal for on-the-go glamour or convenient storage.- Featherweight Compact
- Promotes healthy, high-speed drying
- Reduces frizz, enhances body
- Full-sized handle folds for travel or easy storage
- Two speed/heat settings
- Dual Voltage: 125/250 V. This product can be used in most countries. Plug adapter may be needed.
- SinglePass Compact
- 0.8 inch plates but no less power
- Auto world voltage for worldwide usage
- Ideal for travel or convenient storage
- Versatile styling (straightening, curling, and shaping) with no tugging
- Cost: $179 for set
- Featherweight Compact
Quick Bonus Tips
– Always bring sunglasses; at least 2 pairs (black and tortoise shell)
– Never forget the MAJOR vacation staples: Striped things and straw hats
– Use packing cubes to organize and make it easy to unpack and repack while away
– If you’re going to buy designer luggage make it your carry-on so it doesn’t get destroyed
– Invest in a 20″ bag so it fits on the smaller European planes
– Avoid heels in cities that have cobble stone streets … so like all of Europe
– Opt for boots with a thick heel if you need the height
– Bring all of your essential oils in a medicine bottle so if they open they’re still rather contained
– Aloe vera drink from a pharmacy helps with dehydration & traveler’s gut
– And finally, don’t eat the flight food if you can avoid it. Save yourself for some really good street fare once you arrive!
Happy travels!
The Cheeky Genova 