Around this time last year, I was finishing up a 15 day trip to New Zealand + Australia. This week, I am spending time in San Francisco for the Rising Tide Society Leader’s Retreat! I’ve traveled dozens of times in between including spots like the Bahamas, Ireland, Arizona, Charleston, Kentucky and more. After another long day of traveling on Saturday to get to CA, I wanted to share my top 5 favorite travel necessities that get me through these long trips! Some are photography-realted and some are just random, personal faves…but I hope this helps you prep for your next day of travel!

1. My over-the-shoulder tote bag:

For the longest time I carried a cross-body bag that only fit my wallet, but my over-the-shoulder tote has become my new best friend! It can fit my laptop, wallet, makeup, hair brush, medicines, chargers and anything else I need for the trip. I check one suitcase, and then I’m able to only carry ONE bag through the airport that can fit everything I need (and look super cute!) Mine looks just like THIS one from Target (I have the brown)!

2. My Think Tank V 2.0:

When traveling with my camera equipment for a wedding or event, I carry my ThinkTank with me as my carry-on instead! This can hold ALL of my equipment including lenses, back-up bodies, flashes, batteries and more. To see an in-depth explanation and photos, head to THIS post! Mine is the perfect size for a carry-on and I can fit my laptop in the front sleeve of this, too! Or, if it’s a trip where I just need my camera body and 1-2 lenses, I’ll use my Kelly Moore backpack instead!

3. A long-wear lipstick:

Okay, this one may sound really silly…but it’s #reallife! None of us feel great or super glamorous while traveling, but the one thing that can make me feel better and more put-together, especially if I’m meeting company when I land, is to have on a long-wear lipstick! I personally love THIS Sephora matte liquid lipstick, it makes my lips feel soft and lasts almost all day. Or, if you aren’t a lipstick girl, I LOVE the Sugar brand tinted chapsticks!

4. My Spektrum blue-light glasses:

I’ve mentioned these a few times on Instagram and have had TONS of questions about them…and now they’re one of my favorite travel necessities! I tend to work a lot on my laptop and scroll a ton on my phone when I’m spending the day in the air. So, these blue light glasses are a perfect solution! They are made to block the unhealthy blue light from all of your electronic screens to prevent headaches and sore eyes. THESE are mine! 

5. Sephora makeup bag:

Okay, I promise this post isn’t sponsored by Sephora-haha! But really, I’ve just been loving the makeup world lately and purchased a brand new makeup traveling case that I LOVE. You can find it HERE. This is my first trip with it and it’s so helpful! It has space for my makeup, toiletries, brushes, jewelry and more! I’ve loved having everything organized in one place.

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