Ladies’ Must-Have Travel Gear

As an international TV producer, Ashley Colburn is away from her SoCal home approximately nine months out of the year. In order to look and feel her best, Ashley has learned how to live out of a suitcase, bringing just a handful of carefully chosen items, which can be difficult, especially for the lady travelers. So weve gotten the rundown of her favorite gear to help make your next trip a little less stressful and little more enjoyable!

Off-the-Beaten-Track-Shoes

Take it away, Ashley!

 

The Suitcase

While some people might grab their cute hard-case luggage with pictures of the Eiffel Tower, this bag just won’t work for me. I need something much sturdier and practical with lots of compartments, and if it happens to be a little stylish, this is just a bonus. As silly as it might sound, finding the perfect suitcase sort of felt like winning the lottery (okay, on a smaller scale). While I have never enjoyed packing too much, at least I have a suitcase I can count on. My suitcase, a Dakine Split Roller dubbed “Big Bertha,” has traveled to more than 30 countries over the last five years, and while it has a few scratches and blemishes, overall it still looks brand spanking new! Some avid travelers prefer and insist that traveling with a carry-on is logical, but this is something I cannot do as a TV host. Having to pack several outfits and shoes requires more than a carry on, and I’ve never had my luggage lost.

So why do I love Big Bertha?

Bertha1. There are four compartments inside all with zippers. This allows me to feel somewhat organized and not have all of my stuff thrown into a black hole.

2. There are also two pockets on the outside, and since I do tend to over pack, I put some heavier items in these pockets (in case my bag is overweight, I can quickly access these items and move them into my carry-on).

3. It is very narrow. When I hop on trains or roll a bag through a hotel room, a wide suitcase can sometimes be a huge inconvenience. Big Bertha is the perfect size to fit in those tiny areas.

4. Dakine brand is known for its durability in the wheels, plastic, and fabric. I know it is a trend to get the hard case luggage, but this fabric has never let me down.

Related Story: Q&A with Paradise Found Host and World Traveler Ashley Colburn

 

The Toiletries Bag

Ladies, I like my creams, nail polish, shampoos, etc., and so I need a toiletries bag big enough to hold it all. Since I travel so much, I try to stay away from the hotel three-in-one shampoo/condition/body washes that they provide. Sometimes I just want my own shampoo and soap from home, and it also gives me somewhat of a routine in this very-not-routine life that I live. Made by Jo & Jo Australia, this bag is the perfect bathroom kit since—

Toiletries-Bag1. It hangs. European bathrooms are so small, and many have no counter space at all. The last thing I want is to knock my toiletries into the toilet or have my makeup fall on the ground and break. This is also great if you enjoy cruising because you can hang it up in the small ship bathrooms.

2. Everything can stand upright. This way I don’t have to worry about too many leaks or bursts of my lotions, etc.

3. The compartments are great. I have makeup brushes in one; this prevents powders and blushes from getting all over my other toiletries.

4. It zips all the way around. There’s no way anything is going to fall out and explode in my suitcase.

5. Last but not least, it holds a lot! I don’t feel like I have to live without anything. One tip I have is to never pack and unpack this. If you travel a lot, just make sure you have two of everything. This way this kit is all set to go, and you don’t have to stress about the packing. I keep this in Big Bertha all the time.

 

The Carry-on

I’m very excited to tell you about my newest travel purchase. Since I never travel with just a carry-on, it also took me a long time to find a carry-on I liked. I hated stressing about the size and if it would fit in the overhead bin, and would it protect my laptop and personal camera, and still allow me to be organized. The Cruiser Backpack by Lululemon is the perfect fit for me.

1. First and foremost, there is a pocket for my laptop! It also has its own zipper, meaning I don’t have to shuffle through everything to access it.

2. I am a very organized person, so I love all the pockets on the front. I use them for headphones, sunglasses, hand sanitizer, pens, mophie®, business cards—the list goes on.

3. Inside the main pocket are several other pockets including a dry bag. This can be great if you are traveling and have a wet bathing suit or are going on an adventure and want to protect certain items.

4. There are two pockets on the sides — one with a magnetic flap and the other which is perfect for a water bottle. It’s important to always stay hydrated when flying and traveling so this is very convenient.

 

The Jewelry Case

Most women love jewelry, especially me! However, I am known for losing an earring here and there or misplacing a necklace somewhere and never being able to find it. So I found this great travel jewelry case that has saved my life and my earrings. Just because someone is on the road, doesn’t mean they shouldn’t accessorize. I don’t feel limited since my jewelry is safe in the Lori Leigh Travel Jewelry Box.

1. There’s a specific area for earrings and their backs, allowing you to return from your trip with the same Jewelry Boxnumber of pairs.

2. Rings won’t get scratched or discolored as there is a specific holder for each and every one of them.

3. A small protective envelope is perfect for small gold or silver delicate necklaces.

4. Underneath the flap is an area perfect for some small bracelets. I have a few favorite pieces of everything, so I usually just keep them in this case. This way I know where they are, and can easily grab the box and go!

Related Story: Paradise Found – Garza Blanca and Hotel Mousai

 

The Jacket

JacketLiving in Southern California is a blessing and a curse. The blessing is we have 75-degree temperatures year round, so I live the eternal summer when I am home. The curse is when I am traveling and experiencing anything under 60 degrees. Then, I am freezing! For the past few years, I have teamed up with Scottevest®, which has the ultimate travel gear. I always travel with a jacket because I am usually freezing on the airplane, and you never know what kind of weather you will encounter no matter where your travels take you. Scottevest® is the perfect brand to wear on the airplane because there are secret pockets everywhere! I roll up my purse and keep it in my backpack in case I want it sometime during my travels, but with my backpack and this jacket, I’m good to go!

1. It’s stylish and so convenient. Nobody knows that under the cute buttons and belt I have my credit cards, cash, passport, etc.

2. Money belts are so outdated. There’s no need to buy the silly pouch or necklace to hold your passport under your clothes. With the trench coat, your personal documents are just as close to your body.

3. There are different colors to choose from and I suggest looking at some of the other gear such as pants, men’s clothing and even vests if you are traveling to warmer destinations.

 

The Shoes

Big Bertha (my suitcase) is, y’know, big, but I usually can’t travel with more than three pairs of shoes, which some still might consider to be a lot. For sure, the brand that has taken me across the globe is OTBT (Off the Beaten Track). Comfort is most important, but the fact that they are unique and adorable is another bonus for any traveler. I also love the color schemes that they have — earthy, rustic colors that can go with my wardrobe. They are meant to be worn while exploring some of the world’s most beautiful, tropical, and mind-blowing locations. You can see why I like them and where they have taken me:

Sandals1. They took me to the marvelous Machu Picchu as I hiked around one of the most beautiful wonders of the world.

 

2. I rode an elephant and left my footprint in the sand of Bentota, Sri Lanka. The colors of these sandals matched the country perfectly.

3. I discovered the lost world of Atlantis with these comfy platforms.

4. I walked the beach in La Digue which looks like my computer screen saver.

Related Story: Discover Paradise in Jamaica!

 

The Neck Pillow

Some travelers might hate me when I tell you I can sleep almost anywhere, whether it’s on a plane, train, or automobile (with no sleeping pills). However, I don’t even try to sleep if I don’t have my neck pillow. This might sound silly, but those plush colorful neck pillows at the airport kiosks just don’t cut it. Head to Brookstone for the neck pillow because:

1. I can wash this neck pillow after each trip. Imagine some of those plush ones that have no cover. I don’t want to think about the amount of germs they carry.

2. The material is soft and soothing, so I enjoy having something very comfortable to rely on.

3. When you buy this neck pillow at Brookstone, it comes in a plastic case, which keeps its safe and germ-free. It can easily be attached with a karabiner to your backpack.


Follow Ashley
s adventures, including her filming of Paradise Found, and get tips on gear and other travel must-haves on her Facebook fan page, Ashley Colburn Productions or on Instagram, @ashley_colburn.