Slightly outdoorsy. Slightly girly.
Travel, hydration, soft clothes, tiny luxuries, and slightly unnecessary comfort systems.
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Quick Picks
These are the travel things I reach for over and over because they genuinely make trips feel better.
Glow Before You Go
Tiny things that help me feel less exhausted before I even leave the house.
- Smooth silk fabric helps reduce hair frizz and pulling
- Gentle on skin and helps minimize sleep creases overnight
- Cool, breathable feel that stays comfortable through the night
- Deep hydration that helps restore skin after long days or outdoor exposure
- Improves elasticity for a firmer, more lifted look
- Ideal for full-face reset routines or overnight recovery
- Multiple compartments keep skincare, makeup, and travel essentials organized
- Hanging hook and clear sections make unpacking quick and easy
- Water resistant design works well for road trips, flights, and weekend travel
Princess Protection
I used to think this was extra. Now I think it’s survival.
- Mineral SPF 50 protection with a lightweight, sheer finish
- Hydrating formula that layers well under makeup or skincare
- Helps protect against sun damage without feeling greasy
- UPF 50+ protection for face, scalp, and neck coverage
- Packable design that travels easily without losing shape
- Lightweight straw style that feels breathable in warm weather
- Polarized lenses help reduce glare on hikes, drives, and bright days
- Lightweight no slip fit stays comfortable during walks and outdoor adventures
- Classic shape works just as well for trails, travel, or everyday wear
Comfort for a Queen
Because being uncomfortable ruins vacation for me personally.
- Smooth supportive fabric feels comfortable for workouts, walks, or travel days
- High rise fit stays in place without feeling overly compressive
- Easy to dress up with layers for everyday wear beyond the gym
- Large capacity (40 oz) makes it easy to stay hydrated all day
- Keeps drinks cold for hours with an easy-carry handle
- Cupholder-friendly design for travel and everyday use
- Foldable cordless design works well for travel, hotel rooms, or outdoor concerts
- Rechargeable battery and remote make it easy to use anywhere
- Adjustable height and oscillating airflow help keep you cool on hot days
The Mildly Girly Travel + Reset Guide
I’ll never be the person who fits two weeks into a tiny backpack and happily lives off one pair of leggings and a travel toothbrush.
Honestly? I admire those people.
But I also know myself well enough to understand that I travel better with a few comforts.
I like soft pajamas, oversized sunglasses, a silk pillowcase, a decent skincare routine, snacks in my carry-on, and enough hydration to survive airport air conditioning and vacation wine.
I’m also not the woman getting on a four-hour flight doing a full face of makeup and applying lashes in seat 18B.
Somewhere in the middle is the version that works for me.
I travel for both work and personal trips throughout the year — road trips, desert weekends, conferences, vacation mornings, random scenic detours, and trips where I somehow packed six hats but forgot a phone charger.
Over time, I’ve figured out that travel feels dramatically better when I stop trying to be low-maintenance and start building small comfort systems instead.
This is my mildly girly version of travel and reset life — practical, comfortable, slightly extra, and designed to make being away from home feel a little softer.
The Glow Before You Go
Before the Trip: Setting Myself Up to Feel Human
Vacation honestly starts the night before for me.
Not in a productive way.
More in a “trying to avoid highly preventable suffering” kind of way.
I used to wait until the last second to pack, forget chargers, sleep terribly, and start trips already exhausted. Now I try to make the entire experience feel easier before I even leave the house.
I almost always sleep on a silk pillowcase the night before a trip and pack an extra one from my linen closet to bring with me. Hotel pillowcases and vacation skin don’t always cooperate.
If I’m flying, I usually do some kind of overnight face mask the night before too — especially if I know I’ll be dehydrated, outside a lot, or wearing sunscreen for several days straight.
I also become deeply committed to comfort once travel day approaches:
- oversized sweats
- soft hoodies
- comfy sneakers
- compression socks that feel slightly less medical once they have a fun pattern on them
I’m not trying to look polished at the airport.
I’m trying to survive it comfortably.
I also fully charge everything ahead of time because nothing ruins vacation energy faster than desperately searching for an outlet at Gate B12 with 4% battery left.
Snacks go into both my carry-on and checked luggage because I refuse to pay $14 for trail mix later if I can avoid it.
And I always bring instant coffee packets and extra creamer because somehow every hotel gives you exactly enough coffee for one emotionally difficult morning.
Silk Pillowcases
- Smooth silk fabric feels cooler and gentler on hair and skin overnight
- Helps reduce frizz, tugging, and pillow creases while you sleep
- Easy way to make your bed feel a little more elevated and comfortable
I started using silk pillowcases mostly because travel destroys my hair and skin faster than I’d like to admit. And to prevent creases in my face that don’t dissipate until after noon.
Overnight Mask
- Deep hydration that strengthens and supports the skin barrier
- Helps improve elasticity for a smoother, more resilient feel
- Ideal overnight treatment for lasting hydration and recovery
The night before a trip is usually my reset night — hydration, skincare, snacks, and mentally preparing for airport chaos.
Pajama Set
- Soft satin fabric with a lightweight, breathable feel
- Relaxed button-down fit that feels comfortable for sleeping or lounging
- Matching short set adds an elevated, pulled together look at home
Vacation officially starts once the soft clothes come out and the “comfies” go on.
Princess Protection
Airport + Travel Day Survival
I will happily arrive at the airport early.
Partly because I’m anxious about missing flights.
Partly because I genuinely enjoy easing into vacation mode slowly.
This usually involves:
- walking the airport
- buying a $20 drink
- hydrating aggressively to offset the drink
- reorganizing my tote bag three separate times
I almost always travel with:
- a large tote
- a smaller purse inside the tote (usually a small crossbody)
- electrolytes
- lip balm
- oversized sunglasses
- chargers
- snacks
- some kind of hoodie or light layer
I also wear my heaviest shoes on the plane because I refuse to waste suitcase space on bulky sneakers.
Once I land, I like taking a short walk pretty quickly — even if it’s just around the hotel area or nearby streets. Sitting too long while traveling makes me feel strangely disconnected from my own body.
If the hotel offers complimentary waters at check-in, I absolutely take them.
And if housekeeping is kind, I’ll usually ask for a few extras later too.
Hydration becomes a personality trait when I travel.
Large Tote Bag
- Lightweight quilted design fits gym gear, travel essentials, or everyday errands
- Multiple compartments help keep snacks, tech, and small items organized
- Soft comfortable straps make it easy to carry all day without feeling bulky
The smaller purse inside the tote system has saved me more than once.
Themed Compression Socks
- Light compression fit helps legs feel more supported during travel or long walks
- Breathable moisture wicking fabric stays comfortable throughout the day
- Fun travel inspired prints add personality to hiking, flights, or everyday outfits
Cute compression socks make the situation emotionally easier.
Hydration
- Plant-based hydration with no added sugar
- Made with coconut water for a more natural option
- Clean ingredients for daily hydration support and FSA/HSA eligible
Vacation hydration is genuinely one of my core personality traits now.
Comfort for a Queen
Tiny Hotel Luxuries That Change Everything
This is where the mildly girly systems really begin.
If I’m staying more than a few days, I’ll often order a Target, Walmart, or DoorDash delivery with:
- water
- protein bars
- snacks
- wine
- electrolytes
- random little comforts I forgot
It instantly makes the room feel less temporary.
I also fully “set up” hotel bathrooms almost immediately.
I use one of the hand towels to organize makeup and skincare on the counter, grab extra cups for makeup brushes and toothbrushes, and basically try to recreate some version of my normal routine.
A portable fan is one of my favorite travel items because:
- white noise
- airflow
- comfort
- hotel room survival
Especially in warm climates.
I also bring:
- slippers
- soft pajamas
- oversized hats
- comfy layers
- eye patches
Because vacation feels significantly better when I’m comfortable in the quiet in-between moments too.
Balcony coffee counts.
Poolside sunscreen rituals count.
Aperol spritzes absolutely count.
And yes — I absolutely use the hotel breakfast as a temporary snack pantry.
I’m leaving with:
- fruit
- extra tea
- breakfast bars
- maybe hardboiled eggs
- honey packets
- occasionally tiny hot sauce bottles
Road trips, hikes, airport delays, random outdoor picnics… you never know.
Portable Fan/Cooling Systems
- Helps keep you cool hands-free on hotter hikes
- Lightweight and wearable design
- Surprisingly useful for longer outings
Tiny luxury. Massive emotional support item. Chilled wine in the bathroom sink works well too (The wine chills faster than in the mini-fridge or ice bucket).
Travel Slippers
- Soft sherpa lining keeps feet warm on chilly mornings or flights
- Non slip soles make them great for cabins, hotels, or hardwood floors
- Easy comfort piece for cozy nights, road trips, or winter weekends
Hotel floors and I are simply not spiritually aligned.
Bathroom Organizers
- Multiple compartments keep skincare, makeup, and travel essentials organized
- Hanging hook and clear sections make unpacking quick and easy
- Water resistant design works well for road trips, flights, and weekend travel
I absolutely reorganize hotel bathrooms like I’m moving in permanently.
Vacation Vixen – Reset Mode
At some point during most trips, I stop trying to optimize everything and just settle into enjoying myself.
That’s usually when vacation starts feeling good.
For me that looks like:
- outdoor walks
- oversized sunglasses
- sunscreen every few hours
- slow mornings drinks outside
- soft clothes after sunset
- sitting quietly somewhere scenic doing absolutely nothing productive (busted: people watching)
I also realized I don’t actually enjoy traveling when I’m uncomfortable the entire time just to look a certain way.
Now I mostly pack outfit formulas that work for:
- walking
- eating
- traveling
- outdoor wandering
- casual dinners
Comfort first.
Slightly girly second.
Everything else after that.
Oversized Hats
- Wide brim design adds extra face and sun protection coverage
- Open back fits ponytails and thicker hair more comfortably
- Lightweight, breathable fabric that works well in heat and humidity
Tiny luxuries…
Sunnies and Sandals
- Polarized lenses help reduce glare on hikes, drives, and bright days
- Lightweight no slip fit stays comfortable during walks and outdoor adventures
- Classic shape works just as well for trails, travel, or everyday wear
…somehow make outdoor life significantly more fun.
Tiny Things That Make Re-Entry Bearable
The older I get, the more I realize recovery matters too.
I used to come home from trips exhausted, dehydrated, overstimulated, and surrounded by piles of unpacked luggage for three days.
Now I try to make re-entry softer with puppies and a plan.
If I didn’t pack a laundry bag, I’ll usually use the hotel dry-cleaning bag for dirty clothes and dump everything directly into the wash when I get home.
I hydrate immediately.
Do a full face reset.
Use eye patches.
Take a long shower.
Wear soft clothes.
And honestly?
Sometimes the unpacking can wait until tomorrow, but cuddling can’t.
Because the goal isn’t to return from vacation needing another vacation.
It’s to build trips, routines, and little systems that help life feel more enjoyable while you’re actually living it.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I’m never going to be the woman sleeping outside with only a protein bar in one pocket and zero skincare.
Somewhere in the middle is the version that works for me:
Slightly outdoorsy.
Slightly girly.
Comfortable.
Practical.
And still open to adventure.
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