travel series: What to Wear When You're Traveling

Travel is the bane of our existence but at the same time its probably one of the best things in the world. When I travel from India to the US and back, I go by plane which usually involves a connecting flight somewhere here or there, or theres a possible train or shuttle situation to my final destination. Plus, the transit time is around 24-36 hours, again depending on my flights. Basically, it's a lot of traveling. And that means a lot of time spent in big airports and cold planes carrying around heavy bags. Since I'm going to be traveling for the next month or so I thought I would do a travel series, just a few tips and tricks that I like to use and a variety of topics. Hopefully this series will help you on your next vacation!

This first post will be about what to wear while you're traveling because that's a major issue and you should't start your vacation off on the wrong foot!

First off, I suggest you wear some thick and warm pants with a little bit of stretch. Something like a thick legging or stretch pants. My suggestion would be the North Face full length tights. They are warm thanks to the inner lining since North Face tights are made for hiking. Here is my suggestion:

Available here

I also suggest you wear a comfortable t-shirt and a jacket of some kind. Mostly I wear some kind of cotton shirt, rather than any button up shirt which becomes uncomfortable during long journeys. For the jacket I like to wear my leather jacket because it keeps me warm and by wearing it rather than having it take up space in my suitcase I have space for other things in my bag. Here are my suggestions:

Available here

Available here

Shoes are an important choice because while going through security you have to take your shoes off quickly while putting your liquids and laptop on the belt, so it becomes a bit frantic. I like to wear something simple like flats or Birkenstocks. However, last time while coming back to India I decided to wear my Hunter wellingtons that I had bought and was bringing back for the monsoon season. Even though it made the security process a little more difficult, it was worth it so that I could save space in my bag for things like food from home (Hunters are big and take up a lot of space!). It really depends on what you are bringing with you, so if you have large shoes that would take up a lot of space in your suitcase then I suggest that you wear them just to save on space, but if not then here are my suggestions:

Available here

Available here

There are a lot of accessories that are real necessities for you to bring on the plane. Probably the most important thing is a travel pillow because planes are really uncomfortable to sleep in, especially long haul flights. You should also wear a watch because in the plane you will most likely have your phone off, plus removing your phone from your pocket all the time at the airport almost guarantees that you will lose it. I suggest a light rubber type of watch so that it’s not bulky on your wrist, you don’t have to  remove it to go through security and it will be waterproof as well so no need to remove it while washing you hands and such. Another useful accessory is a pair of thick socks, especially if you have feet that easily get cold like me. If you have room, then along with the socks I suggest you bring a light pashmina or scarf, just something small and compact that you can use to keep you warm because even at the airport it gets cold. Also try and bring a US wall adapter so that if your flight has an outlet you can charge your phone. since the plugs are usually US outlets, or else bring a fully charged powerbank so that you can recharge your phone on the go. The final accessory that I suggest you carry, and I think the accessory that will complete your outfit, is a headband! In a cute and fun color, a headband not only helps you look put together but also will keep the hair off your face while you are busy corralling your bags throughout the airport. Definitely a plus in my book.

Available here

Available here

Available here

I hope you enjoyed the first part of this series on travel! Hopefully I'll find time within the next week or so to do a couple more posts with some exciting new things in store for you guys! Follow me on Instagram @ribbonsndbows

Anagha C.