I’ll take any excuse to run a vintage travel poster
A number of years ago, I went through a pretty bad stretch.* Something unfortunate would happen, and then something else unfortunate would happen, and then, as I tiptoed around hoping another ball wouldn’t drop, another ball would. After a while it got so comically bad that a close friend nicknamed me “The Girl Who Has Everything.” But as I’ve noted before, life’s ability to change is one of the things I like most about life, and eventually—as they so often do—the bad times got better. However, they also left their mark. I had needed to travel a fair amount for work during that time, and it had been excruciating. At a moment when even my comfort zone wasn’t the easiest place to inhabit, being so far away from home and the people I loved was its own special hell. And even after life got bright again, it took me a very long time to care to go much of anywhere. Even now, a tiny vein of dread still lingers—like I said, it left a mark—but mostly, I’m always happy to hit the road . And I’ve learned that it helps a lot to bring along a few comforts of home. This hasn’t made me the world’s lightest traveler, but I do somehow manage to cram everything in one carry-on. And when exactly did traveling light become such a virtue anyway?
A travel blanket feels obvious, but it’s good for more than just the plane. Once you arrive at the hotel, it can double as a bright and lovely substitute your bedspread (something you’ll put away immediately if, like me, you have watched one too many TV reports about the germs that linger in your hotel room, and are aware that the bedspread is one big hotbed of yuck). One of your bigger, prettier, scarves will accomplish the same objective just as nicely. Because I am always freezing on the plane, I usually travel one of these too.
True, pretty much every hotel room comes with its own nice, huggy terrycloth robe these days, but I find it deeply comforting to travel with my oversized men’s flannel version from LL Bean. For summer I’m contemplating the purchase of a nice light cotton number from John Robshaw, but keep thinking I can find the same thing cheaper somewhere. Thoughts?
Again, I know: travel candles = obvious. But bringing along a scent I like turns out to be huge for me. For years I underestimated how huge, and was constantly purchasing expensive, inferior versions in hotel gift shops. This Red Flower number takes up precious little packing space—it literally fits in the palm of your hand. And because it’s so small, it doesn’t last for much more than a few days. So you can toss it at the end of your trip instead of trying to pack its waxy, messy self up.
It’s perhaps not the most economical approach, but I love to travel with itsy versions of my favorite beauty products, instead of just squeezing what I need into drugstore travel containers like a more rational person might. Kate Somerville skin products are probably my biggest beauty splurge—I’ve got ridiculously sensitive skin, and it’s the first line that really worked—and so I travel with her Blemish Banisher kit, because it’s the one with all my products. That’s right. God forbid at 48 I should stop worrying about breaking out.
If I’m feeling especially motivated, I’ll bring along my own soaps and such, because almost everything is too perfumed for me. This wee little Dr Bronner’s will only set you back $2.99.
It took me years to understand the importance of packing a pair of really comfortable, worn-in jeans, even on work trips when I didn’t have any intention of wearing them out of the hotel. You’ve got to have something to lounge in.
*It’s a pretty interesting story, actually. But one for another day—and not especially soon.
John Robshaw usually discounts past seasons’ wares in the early spring on his own website or at the flash sale sites One Kings Lane and Gilt Groupe.
I’d suggest signing up or his email updates.
P.S. I have loads of Robshaw bedding and throw pillows in my home and it wears like iron.
They also put the sample sales on their Facebook page. Not that I ever remember to check.
I’ve found some terrific all cotton clothing items in the men’s department of Target. I haven’t looked for a robe, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they carried them for Father’s Day. Also the company Indigo Wild sells sample kits that work well for travel. Their Frankincense & Myrrh scent is delicious. Ditto on packing that slouchy pair of jeans. In the winter I pack an old pair of fleece long underwear left over from my ski instructor days for hotel room lounging.
I, for one, would like to hear more of that story someday… whenever the time is right!
Welcome to L.A.! I knew there was something a little brighter in the air today, despite my grumpy-assed, miserably-pregnant self’s best efforts to deny it. If your schedule allows, I’d love to know where you take yourself for local retail flavor.
And also: when the time is right, I think a lot of people would be interested to hear *that* story.
You have only yourself to credit for your good mood! I’m not headed there until next week—then on to SF. And I will definitely be letting you all know which shops I hit.
I stand corrected then, on two counts
Besides, new tips for when work/family takes me to SF = oh happy day, indeed!
There’s something incredibly satisfying about having all your favorite products in miniature. Not decanted into mini bottles/jars. But actual miniatures of the real thing. I can’t explain why, but it pleases me no end.
Ah, I dream of being a “heavy” traveler…I never have the guts for it. But I will say that I have one of those very John Robshaw robes, and it is an absolute delight. And light as air. So now that you mention it, perhaps it will start going on vacation with me.
I am wearing those very same J Crew jeans as I read this after work today. They are more comfy than sweats.
Dana or Kim: Which ones by J Crew? Boyfriend? Thx.
Sorry, missed the link. Got it!
Pearl River. I have a Robshaw robe, too but use a less expensive cotton version from Pearl River for traveling.A decent cotton that washes well and gets nice and soft.
Pearl River. Decent cotton, fun prints, nice obi belt. A good alternative to the Robshaw version and perfect for traveling.
Well. I hope you will have a great visit out here!! It has been pretty cold (though not as cold as NY of course).
But this is my favorite time of year here. You’ve probably been here a zillion times, but if you haven’t been, the Griffith Observatory has a killer view of LA, as does the Getty. And there are many great day hikes you can do, all over. Make your LA friends get off their heinies and take you.
Instead of jeans for travel, I always bring my trusty cashmere pants, bought at Lord & Taylor more than a decade ago. At this point they are too stretched out to wear in public, but they are heaven in a hotel.
Have you looked online at Roberta Freymann or Roberta Roller Rabbit? Just a thought.
And I’m a “travel light” girl who overpacks my suitcase to the point of bursting (and it is usually over the weight limit…grr…), or, as my husband likes to put it: “You’re Sally from ‘When Harry Met Sally’. As Billy Crystal says,’You’re the worst kind. You’re high maintenance, but you think you’re low maintenance.’”