The downsized mommy- travel purse!

There was a time I carried my laptop and worked on the plane. I would buy magazines at the airport and read them cover to cover. A twelve hour flight would mean two movies, one book, at least two magazines (cover to cover), some grubbing, some shut eye and loads of window- gazing. Sigh! Those were the golden days, I now realize.

These days, I have to downgrade and downsize. Everything. My has-everything-but-kitchen sink hand baggage is now a mere purse. I don’t need much in terms of entertainment (or keeping myself occupied)- I have my hands full thank you very much!

When Zoe was a newborn, I stuffed everything into The Changing Bag. But then every time they asked for the passport, I had a nappy or a towel come out with the passport. I had to rummage to bottom of the bottomless pit to find some cash or a lip- balm. So, I started carrying a small- sling/ cross body purse to stash some of MY essentials.

The bare minimum would be the travel documents, a mini- wallet with cash and cards and maybe a pen. But I do add some other “stuff”, just to keep my feminine self satiated! 🙂

 

Le Purse! Looks pretty unorganized here.But the four compartments keep things sane and easy to find.

The one, true must- have!

Ditch the bulky wallet and use a nifty pocket organiser for the cards and ids…and some cash (dollars are your best bet of course!)

A pen- there are half a million forms to be filled. MERS form, Ebola form, Customs forms, Immigration forms, coupons… I always have a mini notebook on hand- just a random pet peeve.

Saline drops for Zoe. On long hauls, I would carry some paracetamol as well.

Use a sample pot to carry some baby cream for the bub- this is the Aveeno Baby Soothing Relief Moisture Cream Fragrance Free

The cause of extreme mockery by The Mister!

Dry, chapped lips seem to be the gift of the season, so yeah… (This one works btw)

Eczema and my hands are best buddies- I cannot go an hour without rubbing some hand cream in (I swear- my dermat told me to do so!)

After she drains her batteries and sprawls on top me in the cramped seat, I plug into some music of my choice, shut my eyes and imagine I’m flying to the Bahamas on The Etihad A 380 The Residence…

Smelling fresh makes you actually feel fresh. What’s inside? Davidoff Cool Water.

If I start to shine like a disco ball after the sweaty transit run. Or if I need a mirror to locate bits of cheese artfully stuck on to my hair

If I start to feel extra- frumpy or unkempt. A pop of color helps (I even use it as a blush)

What d’ya think this is?

My portable purse hanger, so I don’t have to park my precious bags on questionable public floors!

Of course you need mints (chewing gum for me please!)…duh!

These I buy for the old fashioned packaging.

I always find stuff from my previous flight in my “airport purse”…

Packed and ready!

 

*Click on individual pictures for descriptions.

Most days, I squeeze my iPad into it as well.

If I am flying out from a GCC country, I sometimes don’t bother with keeping my liquids in a separate clear, re-sealable bag. Everywhere else, I do.

What are your travel essentials folks?

Oh by the way, I always carry two phones and three SIM cards!

Till next time..

Dr J.