*I’m sharing #SwissHerbs in my life as part of a #Ricola sponsored series for Socialstars™.
This week I got back from a way-too-short trip to New York City for The Makeup Show. This is one of the best times of the year for me because it’s basically my Disney World. The happiest place on Earth!!
To get to the big city I hopped a train for NINE HOURS. It was my first time on an actual train that wasn’t just for commuter purposes. There’s not much out there about how to prepare for this type of travel so I found an awesome bookbag (that’s actually a diaper bag but you can’t tell ?) and stuffed it with the essentials that I felt like I couldn’t live without for that amount of time.
Here are my Spring Essentials for traveling to & visiting New York City!
So many snacks. These are also awesome to have on hand in the hotel room. There may be a drugstore on every corner, but the blocks are long and the weather isn’t always cooperative! Plus, when you want to eat, you want to eat.
Hydration. Water, yes. But also a facial mist. Basically just a skin refresher. I always feel so gross on the train or airplane… even in a car. I like to use one with a pretty, yet subtle scent to liven things up a bit.
Comfort. That train is cold AF. It’s not a plane, you can carry on a lot more… take your blanket and a neck pillow. You’ll use it, trust. Bring sunglasses too… you’re stuck in a seat and if the sun is shining in those windows it’s not pleasant.
Allergy kit. When you’re cooped up on a train for that length of time you need to keep your sinuses clear, your throat hydrated and your immune system up. It’s not the recycled air that you get in an airplane, but it’s definitely not fresh. Plus allergies during a rainy week PLUS a 4-alarm fire (yesss a fire omg you probably saw it on the news) that happens within a stones throw from your hotel you need to keep your allergy symptoms in check.
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In my allergy kit I also like to have an antihistamine, some tissues and a nasal spray. When I have that type of arsenal at hand it’s a personal assurance that I won’t be suffering from seasonal allergies.
Entertainment. These are your electronics of all kinds, magazines, coloring books, crossword puzzles (yes, even though I have my phone handy I bring all of those things).
Chargers. An offshoot of entertainment but you’ll want to bring things like your phone, laptop, iPad, Kindle… all those things. This is nine hours, you guys! Luckily one of the best parts about being on a train is that they have outlets so you can plug in your electronics. Perfect for getting work done or relaxing with headphones on (which you should also bring… I actually forgot mine on this trip and regretted it immediately).
Umbrella. You guys I really wish you didn’t need this for Springtime in NYC, but you do. I walked from the train station to the hotel and then from the hotel to the train station. I did a lot of walking up there, even in the rain, and that umbrella was essential to me because I wouldn’t have been able to walk around and see so much of the city without it. Since the backpack I used is actually a baby bag the side holders for water bottles are bigger than usually and held a personal umbrella perfectly. Umbrella on one side, water on the other!
It’s lucky I packed what I did for the train because it was a rainy trip in NYC and the allergies were booming (for me, anyway). Plus, everything I took on the train served me well in the hotel room, at the show and walking around outside.
What do you pack for long trips?
*I’m sharing #SwissHerbs in my life as part of a #Ricola sponsored series for Socialstars™. All opinions remain honest and my own. For more info on Ricola visit them on Facebook & Twitter.
haha, i’m totally rocking a diaper bag for my laptop case right now. These are some great travel essentials.
Crazy, but my allergies are better in NYC in the spring than they are in Kansas City. And, yes, an umbrellla is a must
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Love this!! Snacks is definitely a big one for me because I save money too! Diaper bag? That looks gorgeous!
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I’m just a short train ride away from the city, but there are still so many of these things I’d bring with me. Especially the face mist, umbrella, and allergy relief! Great list!