My beloved daughter Charlotte, who has a heart of gold, is currently living in London and recently celebrated her milestone 21st birthday. Although I’m a couple of months late in my plans, I am preparing for the long journey ahead. The thought of a 21-hour flight and the long lines at the airport is daunting, but sometimes you have to embrace the challenges for the sake of family. Nothing can dim my excitement for this upcoming adventure!
As part of this adventure, I’m putting myself to the test by attempting to pack light. After all, nobody wants to lug around a heavy suitcase through the charming streets of Italy. There will be four of us embarking on this little Italian escapade: my husband, Charlotte, her boyfriend Kye, and myself. Naturally, I can’t resist the urge to work during our travels, so we’ll be capturing as much content as possible, particularly focusing on travel-friendly skincare products to share with you all!
What excites me the most about this journey, besides the opportunity to reconnect with my loved ones, is undoubtedly the Italian cuisine. At 57, I’ve learned to savor the moments, especially when it comes to food! This trip will take us through stunning destinations such as Milan, Florence, Lake Como, and Tuscany. I can already feel the anticipation building, and I must admit, my husband’s driving makes me quite anxious, given he used to be a race car driver. But I’m determined to enjoy every aspect of this trip!
Now, let’s get back to the topic of packing light!
Here are my travel essentials:
And here’s what I’m packing for makeup:
During our travels, I have a few treasures I hope to uncover. In Florence, I’m on a quest to find a beautiful piece of gold jewelry as a special gift for Charlotte’s 21st birthday. While in Tuscany, I aspire to take a delightful cooking class and visit the serene Saturnia hot springs. In Lake Como, I plan to purchase a charming painting from a local street vendor as a keepsake and enjoy a refreshing Aperol Spritz with the stylish George and Amal. Lastly, while in Milan, I look forward to indulging in some window shopping at the designer boutiques.
On our return journey, we’ll be stopping in London, where we will do some laundry at Charlotte’s cozy rental apartment. It’s the little things in life that matter most. I can’t help but reminisce about my favorite bookstore in the world, Hatchards, located near St James Square. My husband is already aware of my plans to spend the entire day there, exploring its many levels, which is precisely why I’m committed to packing light—because I intend to return home with a heavier heart and a heavy bag full of books!
Expert Flying Tips from an Ex-Flight Attendant
- Opt for comfortable socks and skip the bra! Comfort is key; a simple cami will suffice.
- Bring along a large scarf. It can double as a pillow, a cozy blanket, and can even be used to touch surfaces.
- Apply a bit of Glory Oil or Glory Lips inside your nose during the flight, as the air can be very drying. Keeping your skin hydrated and soothing your sinuses while traveling is crucial.
SHOP MY TRAVEL ESSENTIALS