There’s nothing like arriving at your destination and feeling like a hot mess to lessen your enjoyment of a much anticipated trip. I know this from personal experience when my luggage was delayed for 6 LONG days on a luxury travel event in Italy last year. Just imagine wearing sneakers to a posh dinner at Villa d’Este and using the rosegold makeup bag in your purse as a clutch. Yes, it happened to me. Here are a few savvy tricks I’ve learned along the way to keep things more stylish than hot mess while traveling.

Packing Strategies

The most effective way to insure your items will arrive at your destination is to pack only a carry-on bag. If that is not an option, create a capsule carry-on bag with all the essentials to get you through several days if your checked luggage doesn’t arrive. Wear a monochromatic outfit on the plane, and include an additional blouse/top and pair of neutral (black) pants in your bag. If possible add an additional pair of walking shoes (and socks). Pack mini sizes of all necessary beauty products, makeup, hairbrush, all-in-one styling products, a hair tool, toothbrush/paste and anti-perspirant. As I learned the hard way, it’s difficult to recreate your skincare and makeup on the fly with little or no time to shop. Pack all necessary medications. Include a swimsuit if you are headed to a tropical or spa vacation. Scarves are also a way to change up your look. A couple of statement accessories can update your look even if you are wearing the same basics for a day (or 3) in a row.

My Packing List for the Plane

Crossbody bag
Capsule collection in my carry-on rollerbag
Pashmina
Mario Badescu Rosewater Facial Spray
Sanitizing wipes (for the seating area)
Noise-cancelling headphones
Travel pillow or neck roll
Disposable toothbrush/toothpaste
Chargers for devices
Downloaded entertainment apps recommended by your airline
A new book downloaded to my devices
My Bejeweled app to keep me occupied when there is turbulence
A healthy snack like almonds, a meal bar or (let’s face it) M&Ms
Bottle of water purchased at the airport

Travel Tips for International Travel

*Passports - Extra pages required and be sure your passport is due to expire more than 6 months from your travel end date. Your passport is your most essential item while traveling internationally. Pack it first and keep it safe!

*Call your mobile carrier and check on international plans. AT&T can roll you into a $10 per day international plan while traveling. Other carriers may do the same. If you are considering a pocket wifi, sim card or data roaming this article discusses pros and cons for you.

*Credit cards are easy to use and are accepted in most places of business these days. Alert your credit card company (and bank if need be) that you will be traveling internationally or they may hold up charges.

*Put a hold on mail if you don’t have a housesitter.

*Charge all devices and carry a universal international adapter.

*Download itinerary apps as needed. I use UMAPPED for my client itineraries. Tripit is a great one for personal travel.

*Download a language translation app like TripLingo or better yet learn the language before you travel. See a breakdown of a variety of language learning programs from Consumer’s Advocate.

*An International Driver’s Permit if you plan to rent a car on your trip. Apply here.

*Bring your state driver’s license if you plan to ride a scooter or drive a car during an excursion.

*A note on tipping: Tips are usually included in the meal price (check the receipt) so it is not always necessary to tip at a restaurant unless service is above and beyond. In Europe, they typically won’t bring you the bill unless you request so as not to rush you. Essentially the table is yours for the evening if you like. That said, Tours/Transfers do not include tips in the pricing. Common practice is in the range of 5 Euros for half a day, or 10 Euros for a full day, per person for gratuity.

Clients often ask me about my favorite new must-haves for travel and I’m happy to dish. My most important tech accessory has become my external charger for my iPhone. I like the built-in cables on this one. It’s sleek, compact and will charge your iPhone and another device at the same time. It’s all in one so there are no extra cords to pack.

As for adapters, you will need a universal adapter (or two) if traveling internationally. This Universal Adapter is a great option. Most European countries have the same style so this universal adapter should work as well in Italy, France, Spain, etc.

I’m a new convert to noise cancelling headphones, and they make a huge difference in noise fatigue/exhaustion on the plane and jet-lag recovery upon arrival.

Travel packing cubes are my new obsession! If you tend to wear lots of neutrals while traveling (black), your suitcase can look like a tornado hit and it’s hard to find what you are looking for. Packing cubes will keep you organized AND keep your clean and dirty clothes separated. I’m a fan!

Strategies for Beating Jet Lag

Pack eye shades, a travel pillow (my favorite brand is Savvy Sleepers founded by my friend Dale Janee') or neck roll, and download an app for ambient music to help you sleep on the plane. I also take melatonin, but you can take whatever sleep-aid works best for you as needed. As always stay hydrated.

Upon arrival, I adjust to my new time zone immediately. I used to leave my watch set on my ‘home’ time zone but that made me even more tired. My advice is to freshen up at your hotel and head out for a little exploring and a great meal on the first day. Try to stay up for a typical bed time in your new time zone if possible. This will get you acclimated more quickly. More melatonin and doses of vitamin D sunshine are also helpful to reduce jet lag.

What to Purchase While Traveling

While traveling, I often bring home the sensory experience of my destination. Flavors, fragrances, candles and fine linens are the perfect consumables to bring to your home or as gifts.

On my recent trip to Paris and the French Riviera I purchased Caudalie serum and day creme from the fabulous French pharmacy (like a candy shop for us French skincare and makeup fans).

In the charming mountaintop city of Eze, I visited the parfum shop and purchased a locally made fragrance by Fragonard, ‘Soleil’. It’s a sunny fragrance that transports me to the French Rivieria with each delightful spritz. Tours of the Laboratory are offered at the Eze location. During our trip we also collected truffle mustard, regional flavored salts and Herbs de Provence. I’m a fan of local linens. They are essential for the home but have that local vibe to remiind you of your travels.

Purchasing items that transport you to the sensory experience of your destination is a wonderful way to relive those special moments of travel.

My best advice, since travel is always an adventure despite our best preparations, even if you end up feeling like a ‘hot mess’, is to lead with a smile. If your smile is bright enough maybe no one will notice that you are wearing sneakers at a fancy event at Villa d’Este at Lake Como.

Learn more about what I learned when my luggage was delayed for 6 days in Italy here.