{Travel} “What’s in my travel bag”

Talk about emotional baggage! Three of the greatest FOF packers we know share what’s stowed in their carry-ons. From moleskin to powdered peanut butter…  their packing lists might surprise you.

1. Nancy Friedman is founder and CEO of an award-winning travel and hospitality P.R. agency based in New York. Her clients have included the island of St. Lucia, Sheraton Hotels and Resorts, Westin Hotels and Resorts and more. Nancy travels a few times each month for work and leisure. Her favorite travel destinations are Vermont, Spain, Denmark and the Dominican Republic.

Her luggage:
TUMI suitcases in silver, brown, red and black.

What’s in her bag:
Lightweight sweater — “For when it’s chilly on the plane. Or sometimes I’ll pack a pashmina or light jacket.”
Eye mask — “For sleeping on the plane. My current one is leopard print.”
3 FDA-approved, clear bottles — “I put shampoo in one, conditioner in another, and Woolite or mouthwash in the third. My P.R. agency developed and branded these.”
Soft Surroundings wrinkle-proof pants in black — “They’re easy to wear on the plane, lightweight and super soft.”
Flats — “I rarely wear boots or sneakers at the airport because you have to take your shoes off to go through security.”
Books — “Currently I have one book for light reading, I Think I Love You by Allison Pearson and one that’s a little heavier, Even Silence Has an End by Ingrid Betancourt. I switch back and forth between the two.”
KIND bars — “I never want to be stuck hungry without healthful options.”
Nike bike shorts — “I love biking in different cities.”

Her travel packing tip:
“Pack clothing in one or two color schemes and accessorize.”

Her ideal vacation spot:
“It’s so hard to pick! Spring Creek Ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, has the best views in the Tetons. In Prague, I love the Hotel Aria for its music theme. The Postcard Inn in St. Petersburg, Florda, is a fun and affordable beach destination.”
—————————————————————————————————–

2. Marybeth Bond, “The Gutsy Traveler,” is the author of 11 travel books for women including the bestsellers 50 Best Girlfriend Getaways in North America,  A Woman’s World and Gutsy Women. Marybeth has hiked, cycled, climbed, dived and kayaked her way through more than seventy countries, from the depths of the Flores Sea to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. She’s appeared as a travel expert on Oprah, CBS News, CNN, ABC, NBC, National Public Radio and National Geographic Weekend.

Her luggage:
Samsonite Spinner in black or blue.

What’s in her bag:
Magellan’s hang-up toiletries holder — “It has clear pockets so I can see what I packed at all times.”
Eye shield — “If the person I’m traveling with wants to stay up late reading or I have a chatty neighbor on the plane, it’s great.”
Clothespin or large safety pin — “Before I go to bed, I pin closed the curtains in my hotel room to keep it dark.”
Taupe-colored pashmina— “It goes with everything and it’s so warm. I use it as a night shawl, a throw, or a warming wrap in a chilly restaurant.”
Ann Taylor black open-toe, slingback heels — “They’re dressy, but comfortable.”
Clinique or Olay face cream with SPF — “It’s very important my face cream has sun screen with a minimum of SPF 8. You can get sun damage without knowing it, even when you are driving.”
Moleskin — “I cut a 1-inch-by-1-inch piece and put it in my shoes. It prevents blisters.”

Her travel packing tip:
“Don’t pack a hairdryer. It’s what I call a ‘baggage buster.’ You don’t need it, every place has them.”

Her ideal vacation spot:
“I love Racho La Puerta — I’ve been there 3 times. It’s an all-inclusive spa resort in Mexico. I love their facials and hot river stones massage. They have more than 300 gym classes a week, a cooking school on an organic farm and Pultizer-prize-winning guest speakers. You stay in terra cotta cottages with private patios. The resort sits on 3,000 acres of preserved land. But, my favorite thing about it, is they have 36 hammocks that dot the property.”
—————————————————————————————————–

3. Debbi Kickham has been a travel writer since 1984. She is the former editor of the Robb Report and has written travel article for magazines and newspapers including The New York Times, The Boston Globe, The Los Angeles Times, Glamour and Cigar Aficionado. Her new book, The Globetrotter’s Get Gorgeous Guide, is the world’s first beauty book for traveling women.

Her luggage: Travel Pro Platinum 6 in blue.

What’s in her bag:
A jump rope — “If your hotel or resort doesn’t have a gym, you can still exercise in your room with a jump rope. I’ve done it many times even when I stayed at in an over-water bungalow in Bora Bora.”
Skirt Sports workout wear — “It’s a little skirt with shorts underneath. I love wearing a skirt when I workout. It puts a little pizazz in your step.”
FitNutz Powdered Peanut Butter — “All you do is add water and you have instant peanut butter. It gives Skippy a run for its money. Two tablespoons of Fitnutz is about 45 calories with 1 gram of fat. Two tablespoons of Skippy is about 130 calories and 50 grams of fat. It’s great if you need a little energy.”
En Passant by Frederic Malle — “This fragrance smells like lilacs. I’m crazy about it. On the plane I go fragrance free, but I always pack this to wear once I arrive at my destination.”
“Basket Case” by Orly nail polish— “It’s bright pink, my favorite color. I wear it constantly.”
A satin pillowcase – “Satin is much more forgiving on your face and hair and doesn’t cause wrinkles like a cotton pillowcase does.”
Oscillococcinum— “This is a wonderful homeopathic remedy that you can buy at any pharmacy. Whenever I travel, I’m very susceptible to getting sick. The minute I feel like I’m coming down with something, I take it.”
Landau costume jewelry — “I think it’s a good idea to invest in some nice costume jewelry for traveling. I’m a big fan of Landau jewelry.”
Bass Weejuns tassled loafers with a rubber sole — “I swear by them for the airplane and sightseeing. Tomorrow I have a 3-hour layover in Miami. I’ll walk for exercise in the airport. I’ll wear loafers instead of sneakers so I don’t look like a slob.”
Magazines – “I love reading Allure, InStyle and spa magazines on the plane.”

Her travel packing tip:
“Instead of packing beauty products, check out the local pharmacy at your destination. Often you can find locally-made skincare items that are climate and temperature specific. These products also make great gifts.”

Her ideal vacation spot:
“I go to Hawaii once a year for two weeks. My favorite resort is the Fairmont Kea Lani– they have a fabulous beach, gorgeous swimming pool and all of the rooms are suites.”