Currently packing for a friend’s wedding on Long Island this weekend, so I thought I might share some of the more unglamorous essentials that I can’t live without when I travel:

Safety pins – If you don’t have a bag of at least 50 at your disposal at this moment, go out at buy a giant bag right now. Do it! The last thing you want to do when you’re running late and suddenly discover the pivotal piece of the only nice outfit you packed is losing a button or a hook-and-eye closure, is struggle with a needle and thread: enter safety pin.

Static Guard – Equally effective on the obvious clingy fabric issue and not-so-obvious hair frizz. I don’t usually use a product to control fly-aways, so this is nice to have when traveling to a different climate that might have an adverse effect on my hair (ex: arid places like New Mexico turn my head into a lightning ball).

Shout Wipes – I tend to spill on myself (a lot).

Lint brush – The old-fashioned red-faced ones, not the crappy masking tape rollers. Not only do they last forever and work wonders on the obvious lint removal, they are also the absolute best tool for removing deodorant from clothing (no water required!).

Travel steamer – Wrinkle releaser is all well and good for cotton, but likely to stain more delicate fabrics, and I have yet to get the “shower steam” method to work in a timely or effective manner. The steamer is key for traveling with silks and satins. I have this one and it’s served me well (think I originally found it on Overstock). I’m sure there are nicer ones out there, so feel free to share any recommendations 🙂

What are your travel essentials?

32 comments

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Great list! I didn't realize they made shout wipes! I am very clutzy and seem to always make a mess! I used to keep a tide pen in my purse but the cap kept falling off in my purse and it dried out! these wipes sound like they would be better!

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Extra large safety pins have saved me so manny times. The zipper on my dress broke moments before I was leaving for a party. Safety pins to the rescue!

I use baby wipes for absolutely everything– stains, wiping my hands, and cleaning my face when I'm in a jam!

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I use shout wipes when traveling. I also need wrinkle reducer spray. It works really well. Pins are essential as well. I bring shoes bags to keep them scuff and dirt free.

thequeenofwanderlust.blogspot.com

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Umm, I always bring lots of extra underwear. If you end up taking extra showers you go through them pretty quickly. You can wear the same top more than once if you have to, but undies? Ew.

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ooohhh travel steamer sounds good to me!! i need that! hahaha! 😀 thanks for sharing these! so practical, i must say!

Animated Confessions

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I find the best lint rollers for black clothing are the sticky ones. But yes, generally the red ones are best. I have one that is SUPER DUPER beyond ordinary amazing! Seriously, the ones in the stores aren't as good as the one I have.

It's vintage. I stole it from my mother when I moved out. We're tight, my lint remover and I.

Have fun at the wedding!

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oh man I NEED a travel steamer; that would be like the ultimate travel accessory! so convenient 🙂

have a fantastic trip!!

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Toothbrush!!! I'm bit a of freak when it comes to my mouth. I love those Colgate Wisps packets. Buy them, they will save you after eating and you want to go do something afterwards.

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thanks for sharing ur tips for traveling! man, i really need to invest in a travel steamer. have a good time at the wedding!

TheOwlsCloset.blogspot.com

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Never brought any of these but great ideas…. Have to remind myself next time. : )

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HAHAHA I have all of these except the Shout wipes.
I personally always bring my own blanket for the airplane, because you never know who used it before you! 😉

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so i think im going to be looking for a travel steamer now…

http://pagesixxx.blogspot.com

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it's hard to imagine you spill on yourself (a lot). haha. i never packed such things when i travelled! i've amassed sewing kits from various places but they're always not available when you need them. typical.

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You are completely right about the safety pins! I have been there. Also I like the tip on the lint brush. The tape roller ones do not work!

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:O Why did I not know about you, a fellow DC fashion blogger in IFB??

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very necessary things..we always have to take this items with us 😀 agreee!

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Ooh, did not know of the deodorant-removing skills of the lint brush – good to know!

My travel must-haves: hand sanitizer, cream, lip balm, and toothbrush.

Have fun and happy weekend!
xoxo J

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nice post! what a helpful list!

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these guys are the ones behind the scenes…and they are absolutely musts for traveling, indeed!

ps. sometimes, electrical tape is good too…if you don't have safety pins…hehe.

♥ vanilla ice cream ♥

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great tips! have a safe trip and have a great time at the wedding!
smiles,
gina
http://hiyaluv.blogspot.com

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I always pack basics & a ton of jewelry to switch up the outfits. Have fun on your trip!

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I always bring my Nintendo DS to keep my un-bored.. haha, I'm such a kid. BUT tide on the go is a need. We are car-travelling people (60+ hours a trip sometimes!) and I'm messy as ever so.. hehe. 😀

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I have tons of safety pins in my travel bag! They never fail to be useful.
Have a great weekend.

LOVE!

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I should get some wipes. I always spill on myself (especially if I'm wearing white).

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I love hotel room sewing kits!

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you are one organised traveller! I always have to take baby wipes and I have a travel bath bag all set up so i dont have to worry about packing it the day before i leave. its already there and waiting!

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Awesome tips. Safety pins and a lint remover are definitely essential!

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great blog, i love every post!

http://wishmeluxe.blogspot.com/

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shout wipes are a must ! i use them all the time

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I always bring my steamer with me when I travel. You've reminded me I wanted to review my steamer on my blog. haha whoops, totally missed that boat 3 months ago. Maybe I'll get on that this week!

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i am about to go on a trip, and i hadn't thought of any of these things! thank you for the tips!

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Fabreeze! Especially in Europe where they still smoke everywhere.

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