Admittedly I am a bit of an over packer so you definitely do not need all the items here but hopefully some of them are useful to you and the destination you are visiting!

Here are my favourite travel essentials for women that are tried, tested and true:

Luggage’s and Weekend Getaway Bags For Women- My Favourite Travel Essential for Women is my Backpack

Carry On Back Pack

This travel essential for women is my absolute favourite! It comes on every trip with me. It also doubles as my diaper bag when I am home. I’m obsessed with all the compartments it has and it helps to keep me so organized. If you have a quick overnight trip, you probably could make use with just this.

I also use it when I am on a trip and want to pack some items with me for the day.

It has a charger within it, area for snacks that help to keep them cold and even a compartment for shoes ( I use this compartment for a wet bathing suit on day trips). It is only $56 CAD and also comes in so many awesome colours!

Weekender Bag

This Weekender Bag is a travel essential for the stylish traveler! It literally looks identical to the Beis Weekend Bag but instead of a bigger price tag, it is only $59!!! I love the different compartments and longer strap available.

It also comes in a variety of colours to choose from!

Carry On Luggage

We may or may not have 3 of these ( one for each of the girls!) and then I also bought one my mom too. If you are looking for a rolling option as a carry on and want a traditional luggage, this one is perfect. It is compact and also fits overhead without any issues and the hard shell makes it very durable.

If pink isn’t your thing, it also comes in navy and black!

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• Sayulita, Mexico: The Perfect Destination For A Girls Trip

Packing Essentials For Women

Packing Cubes

I feel like people either swear by packing cubes or find them pointless. I am a BIG fan of them…especially when I travel with the kids! I label all of mine (ie: Bathing suits, tops, underwear etc) and find them incredibly useful when we are staying at several hotels in one single trip. I place the packing cubes in the hotel drawers and take out what I need versus fully unpacking everything. If you are doing a trip with 1-2 night stops here and there, you can easily “unpack” and also stay super organized!

These packing cubes are are my fav and come in a few sizes and colours.

Sunglass Organizer

If you follow me on Instagram, you likely have seen me bragging about this travel essential for women – my sunglass holder! I honestly cannot travel without all my favourite sunnies so I love this sunglass organizer for keeping that all safe and compact. I often hang it right in the closet!

Travel Pouches- The Most Aesthetically Pleasing Travel Essential for Women

Honestly if packing cubes aren’t your thing, maybe these cute travel pouches are for you instead. I use these to place inside my carry on so I am organized when I have a long haul flight OR if I am using my backpack for a day trip from the hotel.

Make Up Bag

This is Amazon make up bag went viral and for good reason! It is hella good looking and super functionable. I have had mine for 4 years and it still looks amazing! I bought one for home use and one for strictly travelling.

Hanging Toiletry Bag

This hanging toiletry bag has done me wonders. I love just pulling it out from my suitcase straight into the bathroom. Also if you are like me and have forgot to tighten a lid or two, this has saved me from a full on explosion since there are compartments.

I convinced all my girlfriends to buy one too after they saw how amazing it was when we were on a girls trip! 10/10 recommend!

Portable Hangers

Is there anything worse than wanting to hang all of your clothes up in the hotel but you are left with only 5-6 hangers? Worse is when you have to share those said hangers with your travel companion. These portable hangers are so useful when you have a lot of dresses or items that need to be hung!

Mini Jewelry Organizer

Keep your necklaces from tangling into a big ball with this mini travel jewelry organizer! It’s cute, compact and can help you see all the options you have very easily!

Passport Holder

I love this for helping me to easily spot my passport in my bag and to keep it safe and protected. I actually have this for each of my family members in different colours so I know whose is whose when we get asked for specific ones from the border agents.

In Flight Travel Essentials for Women

Being comfortable on a flight is super important to me. I don’t fly first class and we all know those economy seats can be VERY snug. To make myself as comfortable as possible, I always bring along these plane travel essentials. If I forget one ( its happened), I seriously am a mess!

Reusable Water Bottle

I feel like this is a given but maybe it’s not for some people. Once you start travelling with a reusable water bottle, you can never go back. Plastic water bottles are a: so terrible for the planet and b: are SO expensive in the airport and on a flight so this travel essential for women is one you should get on as soon as possible

All of these are available for purchase by clicking on the photos, I am recommending this one HERE as it’s a best seller ( and the one I own!)

Hand Sanitizer

The mention of Hand Sanitizer does make me experience PTSD from COVID times if I am speaking honestly here but it truly is an essential- Covid or not.

I have always loved this travel size option that is also vegan, cruelty free and smells like lemon.

Neck Pillow + Blanket

The best way to get cozy on a flight is by busting out a fuzzy blanket and using a neck pillow. Game changers! I love this set because it comes with both and comes with a little bag to carry them in that you can clip to your luggage or carry on!

Women’s Travel Essentials-Eye Mask

I am going to recommend the ultimate luxury travel accessory for her and that is the SLIP silk sleep mask. I sleep with a mask every night at home so you better believe I travel everywhere with one- especially planes where I need extra help getting to sleep

Portable Phone Charger

Nothing more important when travelling ( especially as a women) than to have a fully charged phone. I love this one as it has multiple inputs. I also sometimes find certain low budget airlines do not have a power option so it’s great to have this in your carry on.

Cozy Plane Socks

I like raising my comfort level on a plane to the maximum capacity. With that being said, I pack socks specially for the plane. I get SO cold on planes and I love bringing fleece ones with me.

You can’t beat these UGG ones here. They feel like your feet are wrapped in a warm cloud.

Iphone Holder

Want to watch something your downloaded on your phone but don’t want to hold it the entire flight? This Iphone Holder is the perfect solution

Hat Clip-Travel Essential That You Never Knew You NEEDED!

If you love a good large rimmed sunhat, you definitely know the struggle that comes with transporting it. Do you wear it? Do you pack it? It was always the biggest dilemma for me!

After finding about this viral hat clip, I knew I had to get it! And I am so glad I did. It works amazing and once we get on board, I just place my hat under the seat! It never falls off throughout the airport.

Beauty Travel Essentials for Women & Accessories

Make up Wipes

 My skin care routine stops for nothing- not even travelling! I love my make up wipes for getting the job done quick. I use these ones to get even waterproof mascara off. They are WAY better than “official make up” removers. TRUST!

Facial Mist

This stuff is like a mini facial on the road…and the best part is that it is only $10 CAD! Spray some of this towards the end of your flight or after a long day exploring and you will feel like a brand new person!

Key Skin Products

This is the whole grail of keeping your skin in check when you travel! I am a big fan of all Supergoop products and these SPF lip balm and bronzer moisturizer are the best ones in my opinion!

I also always bring one and only one expensive face serum and it’s always my Vivier Radiance Serum. I pack it in the travel size beauty container below so I don’t have to bring the whole bottle

When it comes to make up, I normally don’t pack a whole lot. I have my mascara, bronzer, eye liner, some blush but NEVER do I forget my CC Full Coverage Cream. YOU GUYS THIS STUFF IS the best product you can honestly buy as it smooths your skin right out, covers any blemishes and has SPF 50+ protection to boot. I always get compliments on my skin when I use this ( which is everyday now haha)

Travel Size Beauty Containers

These TSA approved travel containers are the perfect solution for you to bring all your favorites from home without having to worry about space. They even come with labels to make sure you stay organized.

LED Travel Compact Mirror

Let’s face it- hotel lighting can sometimes be awful! I keep this LED Travel Mirror with me at all times- not just travelling! It’s for when you are on the go even at home!

Under Eye Mask Patches

There are many ways that you can make yourself feel like a new person after a long day: showering, having a coffee, taking a quick nap but my most favourite way to rejuvenate myself is doing a little home spa session and these under eye patches are just the way to do it!

I use them on every flight ( despite the stares) and every time after I shower on vacation! Love them.

Tech Travel Essentials for Women & Accessories

Compact Clothing Steamer

Little steamer…big results! It sucks when you unpack and notice all of your clothes are wrinkled beyond repair. While some nice hotels have ironing boards and irons, it is a hassle to set it all up! This portable steamer is AMAZING and works super fast.

Tripod

I use this tripod at home for all my content and family photos but if you are travelling you will be happy with this as well! It is super small and can expand up to 6 feet in height. It even comes with a little clicker that attaches to the pole so you never lose it

If you are travelling solo it is definitely a must to capture yourself in amazing spots you will never forgt!

Electronics Organizer

I love having all the tech gadgets but I hate having them all in different places. This cord/tech holder keeps all your cords and plugs in one easy to find spot! It even fits a travel power bank.

Universal Plug Converter

File under boring travel essentials that you need but are not exciting to purchase. Trust me though this little guy has come in clutch when visiting countries with different power outlets!

Air Tag Holder

Travelling with Air tags has become second nature to us over the last few years. These air tag keychains are great for making sure you never lose the important end of them! While travel insurance is important especially for lost items, these are the next best things.

Track your luggage and belongings at any time and have peace of mind when you see they have arrived at the arrival airport!

Health and Safety Travel Essentials for Women

Key Chain Alarm

If you are a women who is doing solo travelling, you will want to buy this personal key chain alarm. While pepper spray would be a good option, it doesn’t get through security! This device is super tiny yet very powerful.

I bring this even when I travel with my husband as it could be useful in any dangerous situation!

Mosquito Repellant

The best way to ruin a vacation or trip is to get eaten alive by Mosquitos. I feel like I used to only pack mosquito repellant based on the destinations I was going to but now I always just pack it in case because you never know when those buggers will show up!

Key Chain Whistle

I not only use these for myself but also with my kids. I have one attached to my back pack and their packs as well. My 5 year old knows to blow it if she can’t find us, is scared or is with a stranger she doesn’t feel comfortable with.

Mini Umbrella

This mini umbrella is so small and easy to pack. Stay dry if the weather takes a turn as it can easily fit in a purse. I used this during my trip to Vancouver and it was so key

Portable Fan

Beat the heat with this mini portable fan. It easily can attach to your backpack or purse so you can bust it out anytime you need it!

Intruder Spray

Ok well this is technically dog spray LOL but a friend of mine bought this and used it during her travels to South East Asia. Unfortunately she had to use it at a bar one night and the guy buzzed right off after she sprayed him.

Pill Organizer

Stay healthy and keep up with your medications and supplements even when you are on the go. I love this pill organizer ( it’s only $8) as it’s compact, stylish and has 8 compartments!

First Aid Kit

Buying a first aid kit isn’t the most exciting purchase obviously but it is probably one of the most necessary ones! Between the mini aloe gel to the bandits, this travel first aid kit has come in handy more times than I wish!

Travel Essentials for Women – Clothing and Accessories

My three things that I always need for travelling as a women are a good pair of tights for the airports, comfortable shoes, a good anti theft or convenient style purse and a boat load of sunglasses! Of course I love some good vacation dresses and bathing suits but these are the key travel essentials list when it comes to clothing!

Comfortable Walking Shoes

These are my go to comfortable walking shoes when I travel! I love that they are lace free and can easily be slipped on. They come in a few shades if white is not your thing and have over 175 stellar reviews!

An Assortment of Sunglasses

If you click on any of the pictures above, it will take you directly to these sunglasses. These sunglasses are all from Amazon and are under $30.00. My kind of shades!

I am so rough on my sunglasses especially when I am travelling and on a beach. If something happens to them I never feel bad as I can easily replace them at a very reasonable cost!

Anti Theft Travel Purse

What did I do without my anti theft belt bag?! This bag is the absolute best bag to travel with! It stays close to your body, you can wear it around your waist or shoulder and it’s adjustable! Wins all around

I carry my essentials in here and there is even a little side zipper where you can place a credit card to keep it extra safe! This is a women’s travel essential that should be on everyone’s list.

Biker Shorts or Leggings

These shorts are a Lululemon Dupe and are only $25.00 Cad! I love me some Lulu but the price sometimes is a bit much- especially for items that I am bringing travelling.

These shorts come in a lot of colours and the brand also has full on leggings too. I love these biker shorts for quick plane rides paired with a long sleeve shirt and jean jacket!

One Piece Bathing Suit

This bathing suit comes in so many colours and it is so flattering. I think every women should have a good one piece suit and this one in particular is a fav because it doubles as something you can wear with jean shorts and it’s a full outfit!

Viral Amazon Beach Bag

This beach bag went viral on all of the things because it was that good. It’s only $20 CAD and comes in a bunch of colours! I have the pink and it’s a great bag to toss all our sunscreen and necessities to head to the pool!

Bonus: It’s easy to pack and doesn’t take up much room at all! My kind of travel essential

The Best Wide Brim Beach Hat

I am OBSESSED with this Lack of Colour Hat. I have a few of their hats and while they are not cheap, the quality is amazing and I’ve had mine for years! The straw one is my favorite and it offers a ton of sun coverage. I also just love the look of them!

Wrinkle Free Fabric Spray

The reviews on this item don’t lie. I have one of these in my travel backpack, my car and even in my clutch sometimes when I go out for dinners. It is MAGIC! It get’s rid of your wrinkles so easily and after packing and rolling some dresses or shirts, it’s a quick fix to making everything look nicer!

I hope you enjoyed this travel essentials list and that your next vacation is a breeze because of some of these items!

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While I did do some research before we left, I was still left pleasantly surprised by a few things! Each of these things made me appreciate the islands that much more.

Heading to French Polynesia or Maldives, you might like these other posts:

–Maldives VS French Polynesia: Comparing the two most exotic places on Earth!
–The #1 Hotel In The Maldives: Review
–The Ultimate Mo’orea Travel Guide: Everything you need to know!
–How To Travel to French Polynesia On a Budget

#1. THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE ON THE ISLANDS OF TAHITI IS FRENCH

While this may seem like an obvious thing since it is called the French Polynesia, I expected there to be more people speaking the native language of Tahitian! Most of the Tahitian people speak French and I was also surprised at how many actual French people lived on the islands! We met tons of people who picked up and left Europe for this perfect paradise. I would recommend having Google Translator downloaded on your phone as the language barrier can be real! With that being said, that means that a lot of the Tahiti food options are FRENCH! Which brings me to my next point..

#2. BAGUETTES ARE A TAHITI FOOD GROUP!

Morning, noon or night on the islands of Tahiti- you can expect baguettes to be on the menu! It is an island staple and we often would see locals riding their bikes while juggling loads of baguettes in the front basket! Not the typical food we were expecting in Tahiti!

We saw one man at the grocery store with over 5 in hand and we asked him “Are you having a big family feast tonight?”. He laughed and replied that the baguettes were actually for his dogs!! haha. Another time at a breakfast restaurant we ordered “toast”. Sure enough we were served a whole baguette! You also can expect Steak and Frites, Crepes and Croissants! Basically, it is worth travelling to for the food alone. The food in Tahiti also offers more budget options compared to places like the Maldives.

#3. TAHITI & FRENCH POLYNESIA IS VERY UNDERDEVELOPED! 

Given that the French Polynesia is one of the most tropical, romantic and luxurious places in the world, it is still incredibly untouched which is honestly amazing. Other tropical places like Thailand or destinations in the Caribbean where tourists flock to, have been victim of chains like Starbucks or Taco Bell buying up real estate! You will not find this here. It feels like it has only been discovered a few years ago and that you are really, really out there! 

#4. TAHITI IS NOT JUST FOR HONEYMOONERS

Since we were venturing there with our family, we expected to be the odd ones out! We figured our plane would be filled with girls wearing hats that said “Just Married” and couples who had that newlywed glow! While there was some people like this, we were surprised at how many other families we met…some of which were on their 2nd or 3rd trips to the islands! We also met some backpackers and some retired friends who decided to do a trip of a lifetime!

The people of Tahiti were SO SO incredibly accommodating to Chloe and were always willing to lend a hand. The Tahiti food options also cater to more families actually. They do more “family style” menu choices are local restaurants and fancy restaurants are few and fare in between!

#5. THERE ARE OVER 115 ISLANDS TO DISCOVER IN TAHITI

Before coming to Tahiti, I naively thought there was Bora Bora, Tahiti and Mo’orea. Once I researched a little more, I started to see how many different islands there are to visit. 115 to be exact. I also was surprised to see that a lot of them require getting on a plane! We had the opportunity to visit the lesser known island of Tahaa and we are SO glad we did! We stayed HERE if you want to check it out. SUCH A GOOD HOTEL!

Next on our list when we travel back here is definitely the island of Naku Hiva

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Since we have been on a few more trips now since my last travel/baby post, I wanted to share an updated list of things that have been super helpful to us!

I have started to see that each trip requires different things depending on what stage Chloe is in and I have learned new things after each trip that work well!

We recently got a Baby ZEN YOYO + stroller and are SO happy with it! We took it to Colombia with us and it powered through the uneven and bumpy streets like it was nobodies business! We found it more sturdy and stronger than our previous travel stroller yet it was somehow more compact and lightweight! Win-win!

Other features we love about it:

-Reclines up to 145 degrees so Chloe was able to nap on the go at time, suitable up to 4 years of age , less than 7 KG in terms of weight, can store in the overhead compartment on the plane, protective travel bag that also doubles as a backpack, works with our carseat very easily and has a big canopy that is UPF 50+

Besides the stroller, we do not bring any sort of bigger equipment with us. Most hotels have cribs and when we are on vacation, we have let Chloe co-sleep when needed! We never allow this at home but if there is anything I have learned so far it is that you have to be flexible when travelling with a little one! We never bring a dock a tot or swing etc because it would likely get used very miminally! We packed our Rock-it rocker that we attached to her car seat or stroller and it was awesome at giving a bit of movement to her without dealing with a full on other contraption!

We did find that the Slumber Pod though was a slightly bigger item that was worth packing! Chloe is sensitive to light/noise and this thing is genius! It allowed us to have some lights on and enjoy our room when Chloe went to bed earlier than us. Some hotels have black out blinds and of course you can pack your own but that works for the WHOLE room. It sucks as parents having to creep around in the dark because of your baby and the Slumber Pod reduces this big time!!! It is a bit more pricier though- only con!

We also love a few smaller items that are must brings for us! We ALWAYS pack her Johnson and Johnson Lavender Bubble bath. We try to stick to her nighttime routine as much as possible and at home we start her bedtime routine with a bath. We have been using Johnson and Johnson the last few months and we absolutely love this bubble bath in particular. I mean…who wouldn’t love to smell some dreamy lavender before bed? Even though we take Chloe out for dinners with us ( and pray that she falls alseep), we still have her nighttime routine of bath, feed and book before placing her in the carseat to head out. This increases the likelihood of her passing out!!

If you are going to a hot climate, I recommend having some sort of sippy cup for some water on the go. We love our Philips Avent Sprout Cup at her age. It’s easy to clean, doesn’t leak and has REALLY helped her with holding and feeding drinks herself!

Lastly and probably the most weird thing that we bring is Dog/Cat Pee pads! Some people laugh at this when I tell them but honestly they are the BEST! Changing tables are dirty as hell not only in airports but also in dodgy washrooms on the road so I always whip one out to change her on it and can dispose of them!

We also love to pack a good amount of toys for the flights and if you are looking for the best travel toys for babies, I suggest taking a look through this list here

BELOW IS A LIST OF EVERYTHING WE TOOK ON OUR LAST GETAWAY PLUS A FEW OTHER ITEMS WE LOVE

1. Phillips Avent Sprout Cup/ 2. Sprouted Food Packs/ 3. Stroller Fans /4 . Mountain Buggy Bagrider/ 5. Baby Zen Yo-Yo/ 6. Nanit Camera / 7. Tula Carrier /8. Johnson and Johnson Lavender Bubble Bath/ 9. Slumber Pod / 10. Rock it Portable Rocker / 11. Skip Hop Small Toyshttps://rstyle.me/~aUfrP/ 12. Milk Snob Car Seat Cover/Nursing Cover

If you are looking for a bigger hotel right on the beach and close to the Cartagena airport, the Las Americas hotel in Cartagena is the way to go! You can literally be there within 5 minutes of leaving the airport and be staring at the Colombian coast not much later! If you want to know exactly how it is to stay here, I am breaking down everything you need to know about Las Americas here: All inclusive information, if there are additional charges that will be added and room information so here it goes!

Located outside of the walled city, it is also a more quiet option if that is what you are looking for. Peaceful sunsets, numerous restaurants on site and expansive balcony options are just a few of the pros of staying there!

It is a perfect place for families with all inclusive options or for travellers that want to really veg out!

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The Grounds at the Hotel Las Americas Cartagena

The great thing about the Hotel Las Americas is that it is expansive! With 6 pools, multiple activity centers for the kids, a fitness center, over 5 restaurants, tennis courts and some beach side bars, there is literally something for everyone!

There is even an adult only pool on the rooftop of the hotel if you want some peace and quiet! I know I sure as hell did! haha. Since we were travelling with Chloe, we couldn’t go up to the pool together so we took turns having some alone time which really felt nice! 

There are two separate towers within the hotel- the Torre Del Mar and the Casa de Playa tower! Regardless of what tower you are staying at, you can use the all inclusive restaurants at either ( if that is included in your package). The Michelin star restaurant is an exception and we treated ourselves one night and we were NOT mad about it! It was SO SO SO good and we recommend doing the same not only for the food but for the roof top atmosphere. I believe it is one of the best features of the hotel. This is not included in the all inclusive price and will make for an additional charge. You can add it to your room bill though if you want to pay later!

The Rooms at the Hotel Las Americas Cartagena

With just over 250 rooms, there is a room style for everyone! The hotel offers numerous waterfront views ( what we had), city views and partial ocean views.

The beds were extremely comfortable and the bathrooms were very spacious! The tower that we were in ( Torre) was more renovated than the other tower so keep that in mind when booking!

Aside from the room itself, there are many bonus add on’s that the rooms come with! You can expect coffee machines, robes, ironing board and best of all a TV with SO MANY CHANNELS! Not that we are ones to watch lots of televison on vacation but while we were visiting, it was the NBA Play Offs ( with our hometown team playing- GO RAPS GO) and we even got that!

IMPORTANT TIDBITS ABOUT HOTEL LAS AMERICAS CARTAGENA

There are a few other items that are worth noting! First of all there is free parking which is an amazing bonus if you have a car with you. There are also a ton of activities to do for kids- think water slide !! And that alone is worth it if you are looking to book. It kept our little one occupied for a good amount of time- that’s forsure.

Looking for more to do in Cartagena, check out my guide HERE

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Before I start here, I just want to say that I am no pro yet at travelling with a baby but given I just did our first trip with our little one ( who was 6 weeks) I thought I would shed some light on what worked for us! We had an amazing trip to Florida and a great road trip to Key West..both with Chloe in tow! We did the beach everyday, did restaurants and nothing stopped us from enjoying our holiday. I am sure there is a whole set of new tips and tricks for when she can walk and move more which I will share when we reach that point but for now, this is what we learned!

Gate check strollers and car seats.We found that pushing the stroller through the airport was easier than using a carrier. Personal preference. You can your stroller all the way to the gate and they will check them for you for free at said gate. Some airlines will give you a car seat cover and others won’t. I would call ahead and ask or if you have your own than you don’t have to worry! You can also shove some items into the car seat and place the cover over so you can pack some extra items. See what travel stroller we loved below!

Get some Items shipped directly to your hotel/vacation rental– If you are staying in the same hotel or an Air Bnb for a week or a longer strectch, get some items shipped directly there. We got a sweet Fisher Price chair/rocker for only $60 which was cheaper than renting one for 2 weeks.G

Sanitize your plane seat before you get situated. Ok this is completely neurotic but can’t hurt to do ( i am not normally someone who does this). Especially if you are travelling with a newborn who hasn’t had any shots yet…or if you have a mother who has watched an episode of 20/20 that goes into the sick details about the seats on planes! We put some sanitizer on a wipe and wiped down all of our seats and trays.

Car rides: We went on a 5 hour road trip with Chloe when we were in Florida and the best thing that worked for us was having someone other than myself in the back seat with her. When I was beside her in the car ( we drove to the beach everyday which was a 20 minute drive), she would fuss a lot more because she smelled me and would want to eat. Having my mom in the back seat made her calm and she was easily soothed with the pacifier. On the 5 hour car drive, we also brought a bottle of milk so that we could give her a top off quickly at a gas station or road side instead of having to breastfeed

Deal with Strangers. Here’s the deal…people will either be SUPER nice and understanding when they see you have a baby on the flight/at a restaurant/on the street or they will cringe at you and be complete jerks. When someone offers to help…take it!! If someone is an asshole, give them the dirtiest look and hope they lightly trip on the sidewalk. Just know you will have both extremes!

 Reconsider boarding early. As a courtesy, airlines allow you to board the plane early if you’re traveling with small children. But you may not want to take them up on it. Remember, it takes 30+ minutes for everyone else to board, and all of that is just additional time your baby will be in your arms having to be held, not being bounced etc

Breastfeeding,Frozen Milk and other baby liquids: I brought a few bags of frozen milk with me incase I wanted to give her a bottle when we were out at dinner or if Aaron and I wanted to head out for a date night( my mom was travelling with us). Security didn’t even look twice at it. I heard they sometimes swob it but this wasn’t the case for us. I also had gripe water and gas drops for her in my carry on and you are allowed to bring! Also if you are the type of people that are on the go and out and about- plan to breastfeed just about anywhere. I did at the beach, in a public bathroom, in a shopping centre. It allowed us to still do everything we wanted to do without having to rearrange our day to feed her.

Take an Aisle Seat: Ok note this is for newborns only. I am sure for toddlers or moving kids, you don’t want them easily accessing the aisles to run around but I found for us that getting an aisle seat where I could quickly jump up to rock her or change her in the washroom was KEY!

Know your days will not go entirely as planned: If you are going into the vacation with set plans, you are setting yourself up to FAIL! This was a hard one for me initially because I am a planner at heart and like having a bit of a game plan for each of my days. We often laughed at how this 10 pound little human was navigating our plans so intensely! Go with the flow and have some back up plans if baby is not cooperating at certain times

Pack more than you need: Normally I am against over packing but for a newborn who needs so much attention and is not on a schedule, we found it was good to have more than we needed. I will have another post telling you what I packed!

FAVOURITE PRODUCTS THAT MADE TRAVELLING EASIER

Doodle and Co Pacifiers: These bad boys are the BEST! The company was featured on Shark Tank so I took note of them while I was pregnant and they truly live up to the hype. They protect the nipple of the pacifier so if you drop it or baby spits it out- it stays clean! This was so key while travelling

Mountain Buggy Nano: This is my absolute favorite stroller for travel. It folds up compact enough to fit in an overhead bin (though you can gate check it if you like), has a sizeable undercarriage, and is so easy to fold up and pop out (for a stroller anyway). Can’t recommend highly enough. You can use it with their brand new Carry Cot add on, with your car seat and switch to the seat once they’re big enough. It also has wonderful accessories for different weather conditions like rain, cold, and sun.

Sound Machine:  We use the Baby Shusher and bring it everywhere with us! It makes a rhythmic shushing sound that mimics in utero noises and soothes your little one

Milk Snob Car Seat Cover: Best car seat covers in the game! Not only are they super stylish and sleek ( Legit got approached by strangers asking me where I bought this when we were out), but it is multi functional. It protects from the wind, cold and sun when you are out but you can also use it as a shield for breastfeeding when you are out in public

Beach Pop up Tent: If you are doing a beach vaca, I couldn’t recommend this enough. You just pop it open from its tiny packaging and it expands into this shape. It is SPF protected and not only covers from the sun but also blowing sand if you face it the correct way. She loved laying in it as if it was her bed!

Boppy Newborn Lounger: We got this delivered directly to the place we were staying and let me tell you…it is the best $40 we have spent! When you are on vacation you don’t have your usual glider chairs with you to place your baby in when you need to do something and this is the best alternative. Chloe loved being prompted up where she could watch us all while being super comfortable. You can either sell it before you leave or just gift it to a donation centre. We loved it so much we ordered it for home too.

This post is in partnership with buybuy BABY, a brand I love. All opinions here are my own.

Santorini is one of the most breathtaking places I’ve ever visited. The island itself is a caldera (volcanic crater), and the half moon shape of the island makes for some amazing photos! I couldn’t get enough of the traditional white cave houses perched over the crystal clear blue water, and the incredible sunsets which draw out both locals and tourists each night. Not to mention the island’s local tavernas which serve fresh, delicious greek food literally inches from the ocean. The famous town of Oia really is picture perfect — it’s like stepping into a postcard. You won’t want to leave!

HOW TO GET THERE:

There is many ways to get to Santorini! We flew into Athens and spent a night there and then took a quick 45 minute flight to Santorini. If you are coming from Mykonos, Naxos or Ios- the easiest way would be by ferry. We used Directferries.com to go from Santorini to Mykonos and bought our tickets ahead of time ( recommended!)

AMOUNT OF DAYS NEEDED THERE:

Due to our flights in and out of Athens, we only had 8 days in Greece so we had to split up our time accordingly. We decided to spend 3 nights on Santorini , 3 nights in Mykonos and 1 night in Athens! If I could do it again, I would spend 4-5 days in Santorini to REALLY see the island. We got to see all the main towns and really fit a lot in but didn’t have enough time to do extra activities like a sailing trip or a short ride to Black Sand beach!

Another idea is to tackle a Greece trip on with another European country. If you are coming from North America, it makes sense to visit a country like France or Italy as well if you can swing it! 

GETTING AROUND:

-If you are a real go-getter, you can walk from town to town but with the inclines and distance, I would not recommend relying solely on this. We walked everyday from Imperogli to Fira and it took us about 45 minutes each way. Walking/Hiking from Imergoli to Oia though is another story. It takes about 3 hours and I would only recommend it during the off season when it is not scorching out!

-ATV: The next best (and most fun) way to get around the island is by renting an ATV. Rental prices go down the longer you rent for. The average price for them is about 50 Euros for 2 days. A lot of people share them two. We didn’t end up doing this because a: I am pregnant and b: my mom is a scaredy cat.

-Taxis: We used a taxi to go from our hotel in 

-Buses: Good news! Because Santorini is such a touristy island, you can get to Santorini’s most touristy destinations by public bus. Tickets cost €1.60 each, and I never had to wait more than 20 minutes to catch a bus. Kamari, Oia, Fira, Perissa… there is a bus that stops at them all.

The only thing I found to be slightly inconvenient was that the main bus hub is in Fira. As I was staying in Kamari, it was somewhat annoying having to bus to Fira first, then where I was actually going to. If you plan on taking busses your whole trip, perhaps consider staying in Fira to avoid all of the transferring!

WHERE TO EAT

As expensive as Santorini can be, you can definitely go there and budget with food. Hello! Gyro! If you are staying in Fira or Oia, there are plenty of budget friendly options to eat on the cheap.

La Maison – This place is not a place to go if you are on a budget but it is worth every single penny if you are looking for a beautiful dinner with the most insane food. Do not expect your typical gros here! Everything is unique and made with fresh ingredients. Even the mocktail was something to write home about!

Sunset Ammoudi Taverna – easily one of my favorite meals on the island. The fresh octopus and fish are pulled directly from the bay the restaurant is sitting on. The best part — you can dive right in the water after lunch! Although we loved the fish, the pesto pasta was just INSANE ( We are Italian- you can’t blame us ok)

Lolita’s Gelato – you can’t miss this popular spot for the tastiest gelato and ice cream on the island. I couldn’t get enough of their pistachio ice cream.

Pito Gyros – the perfect spot for a casual lunch of tasty Gyros and fries.

Onar Restaurant– This place is between Fira and Imerovgli and offers a mix of classic Greek Foods ( think fried tomatoes) but with a little fancier twist. It also offers epic views and a great atmosphere. Bonus: if its cold out- they give you blankets!

WHERE TO STAY

There is basically three areas you can stay in Santorini and they are: Fira, Oia and Imerovigli. You can stay in one of the beach towns on the other side of the island (Kamari or Perissa), which are less xpensive and right on the beach, but missing those epic views that Santorini is very well known for and you are very far removed from everything so I would stick to the main three places.

In Fira you can find some more budget friendly options and are surrounded by lots of restaurants and the downtown core ( ie: bars and pharmacies, a McDonald’s etc). If you are looking for a place to stay, you can check out these posts HERE and HERE.

Imerovgli is in the center between Fira and Oia and is the most quiet and in my opinion- the most beautiful. There aren’t heavy crowds there!

Abyssanto Suites and Spa

We stayed at this boutique place and we could not have loved it more! It has about 8 rooms in total, an infinity pool and amazing customer service. Breakfast is included each day and it was delicious! The location is also perfect- smack in the middle of Imerovigli with the most epic sunset views

Air Bnb

There is a TON of Air bnb options in Santorini. If you want to save, you can certainly find a cute little apartment on here in one of the main towns!

If you want to splurge: 

Caldera Villas 

This is an easy choice if pool time is essential for you. The terrace at the Caldera Villas also has stunning ocean views, and they often run deals on their rooms and suites.

Charisma Suites 

For a direct view of the sunset each night, book your stay here and prepare to be pampered. If it looks familiar, it’s probably because you’ve seen it on Instagra

WHAT TO DO

FIND ALL THE BLUE DOMES

There is so many beautiful domes in Santorini but the main one that everyone searches for can be found at the entrance of Blue Blanco Cave House! Now there is a gate that looks like it will stop you from walking down the path but we just unlocked it on the other side and went down. We of course tried to be respectful and not gallivant there for too long!!! This is the one popular dome

The other popular dome is the Three Bells of Fira which is located in…..FIRA! To get here, head to a tavern called Mama Thira. Once you reach there, walk up the stairs beside the building and through a parking lot and you will hit it right on!

AMOUDI BAY

To get to Amoudi Bay, you can either drive down and park or walk down the steps from Oia village. There are a few restaurants by the bay and a quick little hike. Since we stayed just upstairs (Oia), we visited Amoudi Bay quite often to eat and walk around the area.

RED BEACH + BLACK BEACH

Red Beach is one of the most famous and scenic beaches in Santorini. But it’s dangerous to visit due to the danger of rockfalls and landslides. Black Beach is a little more remote and apparently the water is much more clear and safer to swim! The best beaches in Santorini are not in Oia or Fira!

TRAVEL TIPS

• Weather: We visited during July, and the weather was HOT. We are good with the heat but I can see how it can be unbearable for some people. Most popular time to visit is June and September when it sits at about 75 degrees C.
• Money: Almost every major business accepts credit card services. If you happen to have no cash Euro on hand, it’s safe to use a credit card. Be sure to call your bank and let them know you’ll be using it internationally and be aware of any foreign transaction fees you can avoid.
• Hotels: There is no big chain hotels on the island. The best spots are small, privately owned boutique hotels. If you’re visiting other places on your Greek honeymoon or throughout Europe, Santorini is the place to splurge on accommodation. Once you see the views, you’ll quickly understand why.

I have to say…it wasn’t that hard and I would love to share with you guys how you can do it too! Now before I start, you might ask Why on earth would I want to just pack a carry on?

There are a few reasons…
#1. Avoid Lost Baggage
There’s no greater headache than landing at your destination, waiting at baggage claim for what feels like an eternity, and never seeing your luggage round the carousel. Avoid lost baggage and delayed baggage by opting for a carry-on only. While this may seem like a tall task for everything-but-the-kitchen-sink packers, we swear it can be done.

#2. No Additional Fees
Now a days planes are charging up to $50 a bag to check luggage ( I’m looking at you Air Canada- errr!)

#3. Better mobility/Save time

OK NOW LETS GET TO THE SERIOUS STUFF!

How to accomplish this is simple:

Pack the following items and never have a 60 lbs bag again!

 #1. Wear your heaviest/bulkiest layers on the plane

I absolutely freeze on airplanes so this one is pretty easy for me. Regardless if you are going to a sunny and hot destination, the majority of the trip is spend in the air where temperatures are cold! If you do get hot on the plane, you can take off your sweater and use it as a blanket!

#2. Dresses, dresses, dresses!

Not only are dresses super easy to roll up but you can wear them in multple ways. Going out at night? Wear a dress with converse and the jacket you wore on the plain. During the day? With sandals and a headscarf. Two totally different looks!

#3. Do not pack heavy heels

If you pack 1-2 sandals and two pairs of runners as shown above, you can pack it through a long trip. First of all, if you are going to Europe, walking in heels is not only uncomfortable but also not common. The style there is so much more relax especially if you are headed beach side or to a city with tons of cobblestone.

#4. Mix and Match Neutral Pieces

If you are packing bright red shorts, you likely won’t be able to wear it with that yellow top you packed. However, if you pack black shorts with a white crop top- you can wear either item again with completely different tops or bottoms

Additional tips?

• Pack an old dress that you are almost done with. I brought one of these and wore it in my two beach destinations. I tossed it after and then bought a new item towards the end of your trip
• Do wash mid trip so you feel like all your items are fresh to death and ready to wear again
• Don’t pack tons of Toiletry Items. Items like Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash will be available at almost all your hotels ( If its not in the bathroom- just ask and most hotels will give you some from the front desk)
• Use an expandable carry on so towards the end of your trip, you can buy a few more items and jump on it and squish everything in!

PIN IT

Pack a Carry on

My husband and I often talk about selling everything and moving to this island. The people are the NICEST people I have ever encountered, the food is over the top delicious, you are surrounded by stunning coast lines, yet a few hours in you could be in the middle of the jungle

#1. Visit a National Park!

While there are many national parks, we decided on Uda Walawe due to their fair and safe animal practices! Watch baby elephants stomp, eat and play at the Elephant Transit Home in Uda Walawe park. A facility aimed truly for the safety of the orphaned elephants, ETH is the ideal place to marvel at these gentle and majestic animals.

The jeeps are bumpy and you may not see anything for a bit but once you do- it makes the wait worth it!

#2. Climb Lions Rock

Located in the Central Province, the mythical ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya (Lion’s Rock) is one of Sri Lanka’s most mind-blowing sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Originally built as the fortified capital for King Kassapa (477-95) after he had assassinated his father, there is little left of the original palace today but the views from the top of the rock, nearly 200 metres high, are breath taking.

Access to the top is via a series of zigzagging staircases, past detailed frescoes of over 500 semi-naked females dating back some 1600 years. A small plateau about halfway up boasts a gateway in the form of an enormous lion, which is where the name comes from.

#3. Eat “Hoppers”

Hoppers are the Sri Lankan answer to the pancake. The batter is made from a slightly fermented concoction of rice flour, coconut milk, sometimes coconut water and a hint of sugar.

A ladle of batter is fried in a small wok and swirled around to even it out. Hoppers can be sweet or savory, but one of the local favorites is egg hoppers. It is popular for breakfast and the place we stayed made them for us each day!!!

#4. Ride a train through the countryside

People have named the train ride from Kandy to Ella one of the most STUNNING train rides in the world. That is a pretty big statement but once you see the views you can see this statement has some serious backing

The train ride from Kandy to Ella is a very popular route. The full ride takes about 6-7 hours and it’s a 100% worth the journey. A ticket from Kandy to Ella will cost you around $2,50 / 400 LKR. At each train station, the train cabins get filled with sellers of drinks, fresh fruit, and salty or spicy peanuts.

Important tip! Make sure to get the morning train. You don’t want to be riding through those tea plantations when it’s already dark outside.

#5. Talk with the Local Sri Lankans and Watch the local Fisherman

Be completely mesmerized by the local fishermen on stilts at Unawatuna, as they spend hours on end on a tiny stilt patiently waiting for their daily catch. An old tradition preserved for many years, stilt fishing is practiced by 500 fishing families and is a rare but special sight in Sri Lanka.

Sadly though, the fisherman know the tourists love to take photos of them so we encoutered a man who charged us to take photos of them. I think it was about $2 but still!

#6. Fruit Stands

Did the trip even happen if you don’t take a photo infront of a fruit stand?? Although we love exploring any sort of local market, the fruit and vegetable stands in Sri Lanka are the most lush and beautiful ones we have witnessed!

#7. Palm Tree Swing

Before visiting Sri Lanka, the number one photo we kept seeing online was the infamous rope swing where travellers would be swinging over the ocean from a palm tree. We were very guilty of wanting to visit this unofficial site of Sri Lanka! I searched the internet to find out where we can find this fun and playful attraction.

We found the location of the swing is on Dalawella Beach, which is in the south of Sri Lanka near the popular town of Unawatuna.  Once you are at Dalawella Beach the exact location is actually in front of a guesthouse called Dream Cabana.

The only guy that can get the swing down is called “Coconut Man”. He is not always there ( clearly is living the dream and sets his own operating hours depending on how he feels that day). Normally if you wait a half hour or so, he will come along

He charges about 500 Rupees for a half hour of swinging! “Coconut Man” is doing well I’d say!

#8. Watch the sunrise at Adam’s Peak

What better way to start the day than witnessing the indescribable beauty of the sunrise at the top of Sri Lanka. A 2 to 4 hours hike to the top of Adam’s Peak will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to seize the day.

Go to bed early and prepare for the night walk to Adams Peak, start walking around 02.00 AM and enter top by 05.00 AM. Watch the sunset at around 06.00 AM. Be back down at 08.00 AM.

Adam’s Peak is a unique travel moment and beautiful experience with the prayers of the Sri Lankan people praying for the sun and new day.

#9. Explore Galle Fort

In the southwest coast of Sri Lanka lies Galle Fort, a fort built in 1588 by the Portuguese. With an extensive history, Galle Fort reveals a mix between European architecture and South Asian traditions, creating stunning backdrops such as the Galle Lighthouse. This is the area of Sri Lanka that is filled with trendy restaurants, hip shops and where it feels like you are no longer in Sri Lanka. We loved this area to explore for a day but we much preferred the local areas!

#10. Stay off the Grid

One of our most favourite stays was staying in central Sri Lanka at a place called Banyan Camp! At first we thought we made a huge mistake as we were in the middle of nowhere, were sleeping in an open air bedroom and spotted a monkey and dog within 2 minutes of being there. It’s funny how these kind of experiences end up being the best ones.

We ended up having the most DELISH dinner underneath the stars with another couple who was also staying there. The food was all homemade and the hospitality we received was just out of this world.

The couple we met had moved from the UK to Sri Lanka to open a wellness resort which we will definitely be checking out next time we are there!
Take a look at the progress so far and follow along their adventure HERE

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#1. OVERNIGHT APPLICATION

It’s not a shock that while we are sleeping, our skin loses moisture- especially when we are rubbing it against a cotton pillow sheet all night! I use the Belif brightening mask  about once a week to really lock in the moisture and I am obsessed! If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I am constantly raving about Korean beauty products and this entire line is one of my favs. As a traveler, I also LOVE their mini pack for all my trips. If I am on a long flight, I will go into the plane washroom and go through all the steps! You can purchase it here! Also perfect if you want to sample out some of their products before committing to their regular sized bottles

#2. USE SUNSCREEN EVEN IF THE SUN IS NOT OUT/ITS NOT WARM

I used to fail at this so hard but now putting on sunscreen is just part of my regular routine. I am constantly outside walking our dog and let me tell you friends- the winter wind is not cool. Besides getting into my bones, it makes my skin SUPER red and sucks all the goodness out of it. My sunscreen now acts like a shield against it. I showed you one of my favorites in my Gift Guide for the traveler! Another favorite though is the Shisheido brand which I always get in 50F!

#3. ALL OF THE FACE MASKS

I am a face mask junkie all times of the year but I normally amp this up in my winter skincare routine or when I am travelling. It is not uncommon for me to be on a plane in a full blown white (Jason from Halloween) looking facemask. Ain’t no shame in the game! See also: Embarrassed Husband

I recommend using either: Shangpree Gold Face Masks for creating an illuminating glow, Dr Jart Hydra mask (This is honestly equivalent to your skin drinking water – or so it feels like that!) and the Belif Auqa Bomb for a gentle one that doesn’t irritate your skin

#4. LIP BALM ALL DAY EVERYDAY

Just like the skin on your face, the cold winter air can affect the skin on the lips causing them to get dry and flaky. When this occurs, licking your lips may provide temporary moisture and relief but this actually makes them drier. PRO TIP: Use a Toothbrush on your lips and rub gently on them ( with some warm water). Right after you are done this apply some lip conditioner/balm. I know its a generic one but I love the Sugar Advanced Therapy Lip Chap.

#5. EXFOLIATE

How will the moisture seep into the skin if there is dead skin cells on top? Exfoliating 1-2 times a week is key to brushing all the dead/dry cells off your face to create a smoother and more hydrated surface. I used to think this was wrong because I had dry skin but it’s not the case. One of my favourite’s is the Caudalie Deep Cleansing Exfoliator as its very gentle on my sensitive skin!

#1. Alcohol is not available everywhere.

Being a Muslim country, the purchase of alcohol is definitely frowned upon in Morocco but allowances and acceptance is given to tourists who would like a drink on holiday. If you can, buy directly from supermarkets such as Carrefour as the prices are drastically lower than the cost of alcohol in restaurants, hostels and hotels. Much of this has to do with the high tax of selling alcohol, and also the time and cost associated with stocking it for guests

We found it a bit annoying when we were at a well known restaurant that they didnt have any alcohol!

#2. People will hollar at you in the Souks

You will hear things like “MISS, MISS, CHEAP PRICE” or “YOU FROM QUEBEC?” ( they know one or two things about each country and constantly reference it). A few other times I heard inappropriate things like “NICE BODY” or “SEXY”. Don’t feel like you have to be polite to anyone who’s being rude to you. Be firm in saying no and just walk away, if you’re ever feeling uncomfortable.

#3. Carry Cash

Very few places aside from the larger supermarkets accept credit or debit cards. You definitely won’t be able to use a card to pay for purchases in a souk or local village shop so consider this when going shopping.

#4. Fridays are holy days

Keep in mind that it is a Muslim country, so pay attention to their holidays otherwise you might be there when everything is closed. Also, most shops and attractions are closed on Friday since it’s their holy day. A friend of mine went during Ramadan and told me it was very difficult to eat meals. We happened to arrive in Morocco on Eid al-Adha, where they were slaughtering and sacrificing animals on the street. Shops were also closed that day, and most were closed the following day. Plus, it was a bloody mess, most of which we avoided. Below you can see what is usually a crowded marketplace is deserted.

#5. Watch out for stray animals ( mainly Kittens!!!!)

If you have a soft spot for puppies and kittens, the strays of Morocco are certain to pull on your heartstrings! There was some moments where it was almost nauseating though as we would see Kittens without eyeballs or they would have big cuts on their heads.

#6. You will get lost in the Medina/Souks. Just accept it. 

Medina is the name given to the old walled inner cities of Moroccan and other North African cities. These old cities contain tight meandering alleyways, and only the main streets (of which there are few!) have street names. So to see a lost tourist (or ten) in a medina is not uncommon! We downloaded an app though that was called “Map.me” and it saved our lives. You can use it offline which was HUGE!

#7 Learn to Haggle.

If you’re shopping in the markets or medinas, you will have to learn to haggle. It is part of the culture and sellers will always start much higher in anticipation of this.  I would normally say the price I wanted ( without low balling them and still being respectful) and if they wouldnt negotiate back with a reasonable offer, I would walk away. They would then come running. So basically what I am telling you is walk away!

#8. Stay Away from Strangers Offering Free Tours or Directions.

Even if you don’t hire a local guide, there will be a lot of locals offering you tours while you’re walking around the markets and medinas. If you go with one of them you may end up completely lost and pressed to spend money. Most of the time they will ask for a tip afterward too. This is the same with asking for directions. A lot of them will offer to walk you to where you’re going but then ask for a tip. If you’re so inclined, always have money to pay them off or just plan ahead and ask your hotel or pull up some maps when you have WIFI.

#9. Dress Relatively Conservative

While I was never covered head to toe, I also was never wearing my daisy dukes. Marrakesh is much more modern than other cities but that doesn’t mean to disrepesct the culture. I would stick to maxi dresses or flowly dresses with a scarf just in case you end up somewhere that requires you to be a bit more covered. If you are heading into the rural areas, I would wear a t shirt and long skirt!