Barre with Justine

I feel like my husband would burst out laughing at this title, but I’ve truly been better about packing since having three kids! I want to share some of my packing tips with you and would love to hear yours too. I definitely have overpacking tendencies but have learned to pare things back to create space, which is so important if you plan to shop while you are in your destination!

Beauty Products

This is an area that I can go a little crazy with. Some ways to save space:

• pack a bar of Dove soap – this can be used to gently wash your face & body, wash your kids, and takes up hardly any space (especially if you take it out of the box)
• save samples of face masks to slip in so that you can create a spa-like atmosphere on your vacation!
• a small bottle of your favourite face oil can double as a makeup remover, face massage oil, and moisturizer for your face & dry spots on your body.
• simply use sunscreen as your day moisturizer…this is a product to bring in full size and various formats to protect you and your little ones!
• bring a sleep mask and/or your own silk pillowcase – it’s a nice way to bring a bit of home comfort with you and keep your skin and hair nice while you sleep. These items will also take up less space than a magazine, so there’s that too!
• Plan on air-drying your hair but back a curling iron or flat iron to style for nights out.

Clothing

Dresses and rompers are my go-tos when traveling, for me and my daughters. They roll up tiny and are an outfit-in-one.

I try to do barefoot workouts like barre, yoga & Pilates when travelling but will often wear runners if I plan to do gym workouts. I use the BODI app to do workouts at home and when I’m travelling.

I never pack high heels anymore but espadrilles are perfect to go with a sundress for dinners out. I also have a special jewelry pack just for travel that I’ve used ever since my honeymoon with sparkly earrings and bracelets- they remind me of vacations because I only ever wear them then!

Food

I know it’s a little crazy but I always bring along my Nutribullet, protein powder and collagen. When we get to wherever we stay, it’s easy to buy frozen fruit, bananas and frozen spinach to add in to smoothies.

Snacks for the kids are another essential, especially for road trips. A small container (leak-proof because it will 100% melt!) of coconut oil is another great multi-purpose item…you can use it to cook with, in your smoothies or on your skin for healthy fats.

Other tips:

• mini alcohol wipes or mini Purell packets can help when kids feel nauseous! They just need to smell them.
• pack Emergen-C packages to boost Vitamin C, which is great when you are in the sun and to boost your immunity.
• Bananagrams is a great, easy to pack game for kids 6+
• pack cans of wine if you are the only person who likes a glass of wine! I love 13th Street Winery’s cans.
• Give each (small) child a large freezer bag to fill with toys to avoid too much to carry and bring home.
• Save packets of honey, maple syrup, spices etc from food kit deliveries to bring along – usually I will use the spices and/or condiments I have at home and save the packets to take on holidays.
• Bring a reading light in case you are sharing a room with kids!
• Baby powder works well for brushing sand off skin at the beach.

What are some of your travel essentials?