The Art of Traveling Well
How to Travel Smarter, Lighter, and Chic
When it comes to travel, there are two types of people: the girls who panic-pack the night before, stuffing their suitcase with things they don’t need… and the refined women who move through airports with ease, prepared for anything without overpacking. I aspire to be her every time I go to the airport!
She doesn’t just pack for a trip; she curates her experience. Every item in her bag has a purpose, every detail is intentional, and every decision ensures she arrives feeling polished and unbothered. A refined woman isn’t the one rushing through security with an overstuffed tote, fumbling for her passport, or realizing too late that she packed all the wrong things. No, she moves with ease and is always prepared.
Whether you’re jetting off for a weekend getaway or an extended international trip, these travel essentials will ensure you stay polished, stress-free, and effortlessly chic:
Upgrade from TSA PreCheck to Global Entry
A high-value woman values efficiency as much as being chic. She is not one to waste time standing in long TSA lines or fumbling through customs after a long flight. Global Entry (which includes TSA PreCheck) is the best-kept travel secret. It allows her to bypass the chaos (with your shoes on) and move through airports with the ease of a well-traveled woman in any country.
Save your Skincare Samples
We never sacrifice her skincare routine just because we are traveling. But lugging around full-sized products can be so inconvenient. Instead, invest in travel-sized skincare samples of your holy grail products. Many brands like La Mer, Augustinus Bader, and Lancome offer travel-sized versions of their best products and offer gift-with-purchase samples. Keeps a carefully curated collection —without violating TSA liquid restrictions.
Invest in a Quality Makeup Bag
There’s nothing chic about digging through a messy, overstuffed makeup pouch at airport security. A well-traveled woman invests in a durable makeup bag that keeps everything organized. Organization is the key to traveling smoothly because it gives an effortless energy. Things I look for in a makeup bag that is also great for traveling are:
Structured enough to hold its shape
Organized, so I’m not doing a ton of digging
Aesthetically pleasing because it’s all in the details
I have a couple of makeup bags from Étoile that I love. I’m currently using the Vanity Case for skincare and the Duo Vanity Case for makeup. I also have used the Cosmetic Case from Beis that I gave to my daughter.
BYOS - Bring Your Own Snacks
The well-traveled girl never overpays for mediocre airport food. Packing your own healthy, travel-friendly snacks is the key to avoiding overpriced, underwhelming meals and arriving at your destination feeling fresh instead of bloated. I typically travel with popcorn, a small charcuterie board, and a water bottle to refill at the filtered water stations. I never want to be at the mercy of airport food.
Romanticize by Unplugging
There is something deeply refined about a woman who doesn’t need to be constantly connected. Instead of paying for overpriced in-flight WiFi, she takes the opportunity to unplug and luxuriate in the moment. Reading in the airport (and on the airplane) has been very intentional for me to level up. (Here are my recommendations if you are looking to elevate.) The most successful, richest, and sharpest people read books, anywhere. I also make it a point to read hard copy books to enhance the romance.
Traveling is an art! There are some great gems in here.
“Never want to be at the mercy of airport food”…Yes! Always have snacks packed.