Category Archives: Travel Guide

A Wandering Wino’s Flight Must-Haves

With a name like The Tipple Tourist, I better know how to both drink and travel But doing them at the same time shows true proficiency … and I’ve demonstrated said proficiency with my #30000ftcocktails series. So here are my absolute can’t-takeoff-without-them items  … cheers, and happy trails!


Picture c/o Bevledge
Bevledge

Gone are the days of relying on the small, unstable tray table that’s subject to the whims of the passenger in front of you! This genius contraption, the Bevledge, gives the window seat occupant two extra cup holders, a place to store your phone and some other accoutrement, and even folds flat so it’s easy to throw into your travel bag.

Amazon, ~$22 (currently sold out, but it will be back in stock soon!)

Picture c/o Sip n’ Clip
Sip n’ Clip Airplane Drink Holder

For those not in the window seat, this simple, yet genius cup holder that hangs from your tray table allows you a little more leg room and frees up your hands. You can also use it as a phone prop!

Amazon, $12.95

Puritan’s Pride Milk Thistle

If I could make y’all try one product in this roundup, it would be milk thistle, a natural supplement that supports healthy liver function. I started taking this seemingly miracle pill about nine months ago, and haven’t had a hangover since (as long as I remember to take it)!! If it was a rough night, I pop one more before heading to bed. And I always ALWAYS am sure to drink plenty of water before turning in. Because water is the real hero.
Want to read the science behind it? Go nuts.

Various Retailers, ~$19 (180 count)

TRUE Citrus Packets

Making cocktails on a plane can get really messy, so when I need citrus for my #30000ftcocktails, I reach for True Citrus packets, which are cold-pressed, crystallized fruit. The packets are wildly convenient, and taste fresh enough to pass! (And actually, Southwest has started offering these on some flights!)

Amazon, $15 (3-32 count boxes)

Picture c/o Crosskey
Crossky Luggage Drink Holder

This cute bottle holder clips on to your luggage and even has a pocket for your phone. They also offer some cute options for the shoulder strap!  … because who wants to carry their water bottle?

Amazon, $14,99 – $22.99

Picture c/o Flight Flap
The Flight Flap

After you make the perfect drink (using booze provided by the airline, of course!), it’s nice to relax with your favorite show. So free up your knees and rig this brilliant, yet simple, “flight flap”. It is slightly rigid and holds its shape, so you can mold it to the shape you need to hold your phone. And it stores flat for easy transport!

Amazon, $11.95

Travel Must-Haves

I’ve been traveling a lot more the last couple years since I quite my “job”. I like to think I’ve gotten better at it, but I’ve also realized that part of being good at traveling is having the right stuff so I can arrive at my destination somewhat refreshed. So, after some research and reading the helpful 12 Essential Travel Items – The Freedom Travellers blog, I decided to share some of my must-have items when I hit the road!

1. AWAY Luggage with Ejectable Charger
This suitcase is my new best friend. With four wheels that roll like butta and a tough, hard shell to keep your valuables safe. What’s more, you’ll never need a charge because the bags have a built-in (ejectable) battery! Even more exciting for someone like me who travels with a laundry bag is that there’s one built right into the bag. And they’re cute as hell.
$225-$295 at AwayTravel.com

2. TRTL Travel Pillow
Some of the most helpful travel items look … well, ridiculous. Case in point: the Trtl “pillow”. It’s a neck brace that you wrap around with the super soft tail with velcro. It’s machine washable and super light, so it’s easy enough to travel with.
$29.99 on Amazon

3. Powerbank
If your plane doesn’t offer electrical outlets as some are now, this will save the day. Arrive fully charged with this powerbank that holds more than five charges for an iPhone.
$29.99 on Amazon

4. TILE Bluetooth Tracker
These little bluetooth beauties help you keep track of your luggage using an app! While it won’t ensure your luggage shows up at your destination, you will know exactly where it is!
~$40 for a 4-pack on Amazon

5. L’Occitane Lavender Hand Cream
Keep your mitts moisturized with this heavenly smelling goop. With shea butter and essential oils, you can avoid the usual horror of dry skin! (Other scents and sizes available.)
$12 for 1oz on Loccitane.com

6. Bucky Eye Mask
Traditional eye masks can be too tight, not fit our noses, or tend to just be downright heinous. This lightweight, foam mask is contoured and allows room for blinking and plenty of room for eyelash extensions for us ladies! (Available in 23 colors.)
$9.99 – $22.99 on Amazon

7. OLEHENRIKSEN Banana Bright Eye Crème
Right before landing, dab a bit of these vitamin C-rich cream below your eyes for a quick brightening effect.
$38 at Sephora

8. Cooling Eye Patches
Flights often mean early mornings, so get rid of those bags with these depuffing eye patches. Bonus: they’re natural and paraben-free.
$16.95 for 12 pairs on Amazon

9. Go2 Compression Socks
For long trips, it’s important to keep your blood flowing. If you’re (God forbid) in a middle or window seat, it can be difficult to get out and stretch your legs. Finding the best compression socks can help reduce swelling on these long flights … and we finally found some that aren’t hideous. (They come in 35 colors/designs!)
$12.13 on Amazon

10. Bose QuietComfort 35 Wireless Headphones, Series II
If you’re anything like me, the kid in the row behind you playing a video game with the sound on is basically the devil. Instead of having to deal with confronting the parents, best to get some noise canceling headphones. I’ve tried a few, but these are the winners. Bluetooth and soon to be Amazon Alexa-compatible, you’ll find plenty of use for the 20 hour battery life.
$349.95 (or custom for $449.95)

StretchLaces
(Not pictured.) If you haven’t found the perfect travel slip-ons, these stretchy laces make it easy to shimmy out of your kicks.
$8.50 for three pairs on Amazon

EVERYTHING BUT THE KITCHEN SINK BAG
I always travel with a bag of travel goodies that come in handy in a pinch. I take the same bag with me year after year and it never lets me down. The bag I use is a fake lv that was given me to by a friend. She has an extensive handbag collection and is always buying new designer replica bags in all the latest styles so she kindly gave me my replica Louis Vuitton handbag when she wanted a bigger one. I absolutely love it as it is just big enough to fit all of my essentials in. So, what exactly are my essentials? Well, make sure to pack helpful, little items like Advil, Simply Sleep, mouthwash, mints, hand sanitizer, ear plugs, etc. Especially the sanitizer. Travelling is so unclean it is unreal. Keeping a small bottle of some Hand Sanitizer Canada to hand can help keep you clean, which in turn keeps you well for your travels so you can focus on the world around you! As for extra comforts … don’t forget a small bottle of your favorite booze to make those special moments just a little more so.