As you all know, I’ll be jetting off to Spain this July and heading to France in the fall—with a few fabulous getaways in between. With all this travel on the horizon, I’ve been thinking a lot about how to make the journey smoother, more organized and a little more luxurious.
Travel today requires planning and efficiency. So, I’m sharing my personal summer travel tips and essentials—what I swear by to keep my travels stress-free and elevated.
Track It!
There’s nothing more frustrating than lost luggage—so I’m traveling smart with an Apple AirTag tucked inside my suitcase. If my bag goes missing, I can locate it instantly from my phone. It’s peace of mind at your fingertips.
Luggage Lock Down
When traveling with couture or logoed pieces, security is top of mind. I’ve upgraded to a TSA-approved luggage lock that can be safely opened by airport security if needed without risking damage while keeping sticky fingers out of my bag.
Compression Obsession
My new favorite packing tool? Compression packing cubes. These genius little organizers let me pack more while staying neat and tidy. With four hotel stays on my Spain itinerary, having my essentials divided and compressed makes unpacking (and re-packing) a breeze.
Jet-Set, Plug In
I’ve learned the hard way—there’s nothing chic about scrambling for the right plug when your phone’s at 3% and you’ve just landed in Paris. That’s why I never leave home without my travel adaptor.
This isn’t the clunky plastic block of your backpacking days. Mine has a brushed finish, fast-charging USB-C and USB-A ports, and works in over 150 countries. It may seem like a small detail, but having power anywhere in the world feels like the ultimate luxury—and trust me, your jet lagged self will thank you.
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Beauty in Miniature
To avoid leaks and spills, I’ve switched to travel-friendly disposable wipes. I’ve switched to my usual spray deodorant and cleanser, opting for sleek, single-use packets instead. It’s the little things that keep your bag—and your skincare—fresh.
Glam to Go
I used to rely on hotel hair dryers—but now I always pack my compact hair dryer, and I genuinely don’t know how I traveled without it. It folds down to about the size of a clutch, but don’t let that fool you—it’s powerful. With dual voltage, ionic technology, and three heat and speed settings, it gives me that smooth, glossy finish in under 10 minutes (even in 90% humidity). Whether I’m heading to Paris or hopping between vineyard stays in Napa, this little dryer is my glam squad in a bag.
Travel Notes
Every confirmation number and travel note is stored in my Notes app and Google Calendar. From hotel check-in confirmations to dinner reservations, having everything at my fingertips gives me total clarity and control. I’ve also enlisted my virtual assistant to pre-book all of my local transfers—no scrambling for an Uber when I land. I take photos of my essential documents — passport, credit cards and insurance — and then I save them securely in a locked app.
Feet First
Let’s talk about shoes. Europe means walking—lots of it—and I love that! So, I’ve been road-testing my footwear to avoid any blister drama during the trip. I’m packing a cute travel pouch with Band-Aids and toe protectors, just in case, because nothing should slow down your stroll through the streets of Barcelona or Marbella.
Wellness on the Go
One of my favorite travel companions? My capsule-style 7-day pill organizer. It keeps my supplements in order and looks super chic. I carry that in my carry-on bag just in case I have luggage drama; my daily supplements and meds are with me.
Before You Go
Double-check your cell phone plan to ensure you have sufficient international data if you need to stay connected while you’re away. It never hurts to alert American Express– or your other credit cards you’ll be using– know that you’ll be traveling in Europe if you don’t want the embarrassing moment of fraud detection while you’re on the other side of the world.
Carry-On Essentials: I always board with compression socks (chic and essential),noise-canceling earbuds, a portable charger for my electronics, a silk sleep mask, neck pillow– if you’re not flying first or business class– light melatonin, a pashmina, refillable water bottle, blue light blocking glasses, digital or printed travel docs—and of course, a great magazine (ICONIC LIFE, naturally) to kick off my signature travel ritual. Plus, I never forget a good beach read.
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Sink Into Your Ritual
Before takeoff, I have one signature ritual: I settle into my seat, exhale the busyness behind me, and open up one of my favorite magazines. It’s my way of immersing myself in the moment, setting the tone for a journey that’s all about beauty, discovery and inspiration. Imagine that — a magazine publisher whose travel ritual is reading a magazine! When you travel, I hope you take ICONIC LIFE with YOU!
SIDEBAR:
Jet Lag? Who Me?
Your passport isn’t the only thing that needs to be ready—your mind and body are, too. Whether you’re bound for Barcelona or bouncing between boutiques in Paris, here’s how to arrive refreshed and radiant.
Before Your Flight
If You’re Sleeping on the Plane
If You’re Skipping Sleep
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