10 Things a Frequent Flier Always Packs in Her Suitcase
From a pair of go-with-anything flats to a roomy leather bag.
Chef-turned-photographer Lauren Bath's Instagram is filled with photos of exotic locales, postcard-perfect sunsets, and quite a few too-close-for-comfort shots of wild animals, all clues that she travels. A lot. In fact, her bag is perpetually packed with the sort of MVP pieces that come in handy at any destination. Whether you're traveling for work or pleasure, your suitcase's contents are worth considering before zipping up and wheeling off.
Full-Sized Beauty Essentials
"I do travel with quite a big beauty case," says Bath. Because she's always on the go, "there's no point in having little travel bottles because I would have to keep filling them up all the time." A non-negotiable in her checked bag is a full-sized bottle of CLEAR CARE® PLUS contact solution and lens case, which goes everywhere she does. "I actually like to see things working, so I'm a big fan of watching the little fizzy bubbles get my contacts nice and clean overnight."
CLEAR CARE® PLUS, $10; target.com
Multi-Purpose Jacket
"I like a loose hood that I can pull over my face on the plane to sleep, and it has to have deep pockets," says Bath.
Aritzia Platoon Jacket, $99; aritzia.com
Eye Mask
Seriously, don't skip it. Bath uses one to sleep on flights, but it also comes in handy in hotels if you have a hard time sleeping away from your own bed.
Parker Thatch Eye Mask, $48; parkerthatch.com
Airplane Entertainment
Never count on in-flight movie selections. They can be grim. "I download books and TV shows on my iPad before I go," says Bath. "At the moment, I'm hooked on House." To listen (or sleep), her Sony noise-cancelling headphones are also a must.
Apple iPad, $329; apple.com
XL Leather Bag
Bath likes a bag that can fit everything she may need for a day of adventures. "I like lots of compartments for battery packs, cords, my spare phone, travel documents, and my wallet."
Cuyana Classic Leather Tote, $195; cuyana.com
Tech Batteries and Backups
"I always carry a Mophie battery pack for my iPhone," says Bath. Call her extra-prepared, but in addition to various chargers, she also carries a cheap cell phone that has her important contacts (and social media logins and passwords) stored inside.
Mophie Juice Pack Air, $80; mophie.com
A Camera
Bath's camera bag weighs roughly 22 lbs, but you can go lighter with just an Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II. She loves that it's lightweight and easy to use, but it still takes high-quality photos. Her best point-and-shoot tips: Lighting is important. Try to get your shots in during early morning or late afternoon light. Edit before you upload to Instagram — the Snapseed app edits in high res, and it's free.
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II, $2,000; bestbuy.com
The Perfect Flats
Along with her workout sneakers and either a pair of Sorel hiking boots or Havaianas flip-flops, depending on if her chosen destination is hot or cold, Bath always packs a pair of black ballet flats. Invest in a pair you love: You'll wear them with absolutely everything.
Repetto Cendrillon Ballerina flat in black, $295; repetto.com
Healthy Snacks
Bath's bag is always packed with dried apricots, organic almonds, a granola bar, and a square of chocolate or two to stave off sweet cravings.
RXBar, $25 for 12; rxbar.com
Workout Gear
"I try to walk as much as I can," says Bath "I hike to a shooting spot, and I'll do a little something in my room, but I hate hotel gyms." To make sure she's prepared, Bath keeps a set of workout gear in her bag, along with sneakers and an old-school iPod, which frees her from the distractions of her phone when she's exercising.
New Balance for J.Crew Scalloped Performance Capri Leggings, $75; jcrew.com; Tory Sport Performance Mesh-Back Tank, $65; torysport.com
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