Hey guys, it’s Lindsey! As some of you may already know, I’ve been traveling a lot lately - more than I ever thought I would during a global pandemic. But that’s what happens when you’re in a long-distance relationship, your parents own a beach home out of state, and it’s the summer. I’ll admit it, the first couple times I racked up the courage to get on a plane was nerve tacking. I’m the walking definition of a “planner” so not knowing if I’m prepared enough or knowing what to expect was quite jarring at first. But, believe it or not, you get used to the “new normal” of traveling when you allow yourself to, which is why I wanted to write this article since there are so many of you delaying travel plans or wondering how to travel at all right now.
First and foremost, it’s not as bad as it seems. Everything seems scarier when you don’t know what to expect - the fear of the unknown as they say. I’m no “travel expert,” but since I’ve been on a plane over 5+ times from March through August, you can say I’ve got it down by now. Most of these necessities should be a no-brainer, but consider this your travel check-list!
Masks are a Must
By now you’re fully aware that if you’re over the age of two, masks are required from the moment you step into the airport and the moment you step out of the airport. Yes, this means you’re wearing a mask the entire time you’re on the plane. It sucks, but it’s required to keep everyone safe, so don’t be difficult and do your part. It’s not hard to find a mask that’s comfortable AND contains an N95 filter insert, which is what I recommend.
Hand Sanitizer
Don’t forget your hand sanitizer and don’t forget to bring it everywhere with you when you reach your final destination. Luckily, airports sell everything you need to safely get to your final destination, but it’s better to have your own and the kind you prefer most.
Wipe it Down
Whether you can your hands on travel-sized anti-bacterial wipes or not, these are essential when traveling. I can assure you that the airlines are doing everything they can to properly sanitize their planes, but it’s better to be safe than sorry - especially for a control freak like me. So, wipe down your seat, seat belt, armrests, air conditioner, tray tables, and anything else you plan on touching around you. And don’t forget to continue to use your hand sanitizer regularly in the meantime. Pro Tip: Keep extra wipes to wipe down your checked luggage immediately after it comes out.
Gloves
Personally, I don’t wear gloves when traveling because I’m blessed to not have pre-existing health conditions or anything that would leave me compromised, but I see people wearing them all the time. The only time I wear gloves is when I’m pumping gas, which I recommend everyone to do anyways. This is something we probably should have been doing before a pandemic came around anyways.
Traveling with Pets
Since I’ve been traveling for extended periods of time, I have been bringing my dog, Bean with me. In all honesty, this really adds to the stress of traveling during a pandemic, but I’m making it work. If you’re in the same shoes as me, I HIGHLY recommend calling your vet to set up a health visit so you can get a pet-friendly sedative. Bean is highly anxious as it is, so this has been a lifesaver for me (and him). Another lifesaver is an easily accessible pet carrier. I got this pet carrier/roller on Amazon and it’s a GAME-CHANGER! Don’t forget a mini water bowl and snacks for your pets.
Airport OOTD’s Have Changed...
I used to live for planning out my airport outfits, or airport OOTD’s as I used to say, but now all I care about it feeling comfortable with a side of style during my travels, which is why I’ve been living in my Savvi Fit outfits and plan on doing so until the end of time. Here are some of my personal favorites, but be on the lookout because Savvi launches new collections of activewear/athleisure every single Friday, so make sure to download the app, HERE for the easiest way to shop and email us at info@ll-scene.com for $25 off your first order. There are some REALLY cute outfits coming out tomorrow that you won’t want to miss out on.
Packing the Essentials
The thought of packing, in general, might seem foreign to you right now, but don’t be afraid to pack the same way you used to. Whether you’re someone who carries on a suitcase or one who checks a bag - that aspect of traveling hasn’t changed. I will tell you what has been a game-changer for me, and that’s Protect My Shoes. I’ve never liked packing shoes in the past and I certainly don’t these days but Protect My Shoes has made it so much easier for me. Unlike ordinary shoe trees, Protect My Shoes are lightweight, making them a perfect travel companion. They even offer pretty shoe bags, which are so ideal for on-the-go packers and at-home storage.
Packing the “Skinsentials”
As you know, we’re big on self-care especially when it comes to our skin, and wearing a mask all day while traveling can do a number on your skin. That being said, we won’t leave our homes without XO8 Skin’s Placenta Stem Cell Eye + Lip Mask Duo a MYSKINBUDDY device - all of which are travel friendly and easy to pack. Any at-home workout accessories that are “packable” will help too, you don’t want to lose too much of your routine while being away.
*Use promo code LLSCENE for 15% OFF any of XO8 Skin’s products at checkout. Limited one per-use.
Post-Travel Neccessities
Just as important as your pre-planning is for travel, your post-panning is important too! Traveling was exhausting before a pandemic, so imagine how it is now. It takes at least two days to fully recover and get back to your routine so plan ahead for that. Unpacking the second you get home is the best thing you can do for yourself, it may sound psychotic but you will thank yourself later. XO8 Skin’s Placenta Stem Cell Mask + a MYSKINBUDDY device + a LightStim Device is exactly what your skin will after a long day of travel. Mask-Ne is a real thing.
*Use promo code LLSCENE for 15% OFF any of XO8 Skin’s products at checkout. Limited one per-use.
Other post-travel primping necessities…
Traveling can do a number on your skin, especially if you're out in the sun or constantly being exposed to bacteria. We love XO8 Skin's Placenta Stem Cell Serum because it combats all of those problems. It protects your skin from impurities, brightens dark spots to even out skin tone and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. This is also something we recommend bringing with you while traveling as well since it's small enough to fit in your toiletry bag. When you're finally home from your travels and need a little something extra, insert the NuFace Mini Toning Device. This is the first device I grab when I get home because it's one of the most effective at-home microcurrent facial-toning devices that visibly improve skin’s contour, tone, and fine lines and wrinkles almost instantly.
Other things to know in the world of travel…
I have traveled Spirit Airlines, American Airlines, and JetBlue the last five months and as of my most recent trip on August 12th, I can tell you that Spirit Airlines and American Airlines are filling their planes to max capacity. Middle seats are filled and there’s nothing you can do about it, which is fine for families but if you’re traveling alone taking the window seat is your best bet - according to the CDC. I’ve had good luck getting my own row on JetBlue and know that Southwest and Delta Airlines are doing what they can to ensure middle seats are always open unless a family is traveling together. Also, showering the second you get home is crucial. This is something I was crazy about that before COVID, so you can only imagine how I am about that now. Anyways, safe everyone!
