They're everywhere - those helpful lists that are meant to make your life easier as you pack your bags to leave home. And there's definitely overlap from one list to the next. But hopefully you'll have at least one 'ah ha' moment as you check out some of my favorite travel must-haves.

If there's one thing I wish lodging properties would routinely do, it's install a small cover that can slide over guest room peep holes in doors. I've actually encountered a few properties during the last several years that already have installed covers - but it's still a rare occurrence in my experience. That's one reason I always carry sticky notes with me. Great for writing myself quick reminders they provide an added layer of security for my room too.

I love the idea of making myself more comfortable when snoozing on an airplane and many people swear by those ubiquitous U-shaped pillows. However, in the days of SkyMall catalogs (Am I the only person who misses these?) I found myself drawn to another option.

As I anticipated a 14-hour  coach train trip to New Mexico I finally ordered a Releaf neck pillow. I slept a solid six hours at one shot during that train ride plus taking several short naps.

When I lost my pillow during an exhausting day of international travel delays, I ordered a new one as soon I returned home. I love this pillow for several reasons:
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-it easily folds up to a height of less than two inches when not in use
-the Velcro closure allows you to customize the tightness around your neck, from one trip to the next
-the pillow keeps your head from falling forward because it completely encircles your neck
-it's machine washable and dry-able
-it can also provide neck relief during long days at the computer

Remember that international trip I mentioned above? It was my first visit to Europe. I would travel solo and was I navigating twin emotions of excitement and intense nervousness. I searched for the best travel tips associated with international travel. Somewhere along the way I saw a suggestion to pack a small spray bottle filled with a refreshing mist for spraying your face as a pick-me-up while in transit. I purchased rose water at my local health food store and put it to work.

Then a funny thing happened. That pick-me-up became a daily morning ritual too. And I always pack my rosewater.

What are some of your must-haves when traveling?

More Travel 'Must Haves'
January 23, 2019

Here are additional items that I can't imagine traveling without. I added weekly yoga and semi-monthly personal training sessions to my life two springs ago. But when it came time to pack for a trip I felt frustrated that my existing foam roller didn't come close to fitting in my suitcase. Thankfully, an Internet search located a much smaller roller that does. At 12" long, this new roller just fits my favorite travel bag.

I absolutely love this 'hack' which requires a large clip from my office. Put one of these on your razor when traveling and escape possible injury as you unpack. 

Plenty of people swear by eye masks when traveling. I agree emphatically. In many hotel rooms window curtains simply don't effectively block ambient outdoor light (tip: block some of this light by using a hangar with clips to hold curtain edges together). That's especially tough for someone like me who sleeps in complete darkness when at home. What I love about the sleep mask that my daughter gave me is how whisper-light it feels on my face. The fact that it's made from renewable bamboo doesn't hurt either.​

 As a travel writer I sometimes acquire 'perks' during trips hosted by various destinations. Little did I know how much I would love having a shoe bag when I received this one from Visit San Antonio. In fact, I made myself a second one using tea towels from Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism. Sure, plastic bags work for shoes when packing but why not upgrade the style quotient a bit?

​There was a time when I diligently wrote three weekly blog posts about my travel and local adventures. It was a great gig for 2 1/2 years.

Then a little project came along called An Explorer's Guide: Kansas. The greatest thing was that the publisher (The Countryman Press/W.W. Norton) contacted ME to find out if I was interested in participating. I said yes. 

By the end of this project I had created a 400+ page full-service travel guide for the entire state. Along the way I spent 100 nights on the road, drove more than 13,000 miles and took upwards of 4,000 photos. With all of that time on the road,, photos to catalog and words to write I felt something had to 'give' in order to maintain my sanity.

The blog went by the wayside. I've made some fitful attempts @ creating newer blogs since then. But the only one that seemed to have any traction was 8-12 chocolate dessert recipes posted from October through the holiday season, during a couple of years.

It's time to try again. Bear with me as I find my new 'blog balance' and happy reading.