Tara's Must Have Business Travel Items
BY TARA CRIMIN
As a consultant with clients all over the country and world, pre-pandemic, I traveled just enough to maintain balance in my life. Approximately 50,000 miles per year in business and leisure travel to New York, a few conferences per year - domestic and global, and several vacations. I had status with hotel chains and was loyal to one airline.
Currently, I haven’t stayed in a hotel or flown since February 2020, right before the lockdown. As we begin to migrate into post-lockdown domestic travel, my priorities have changed. For example, which airlines follow cleaning protocols, protect their crews, and have direct flights? Which hotels are located within urban mixed-use neighborhoods with strong safety for female travelers, have thorough cleaning protocols, and allow me to access my clients off-site while working remotely?
As someone who has traveled frequently both personally and professionally, I have become somewhat of an expert in this arena. Learning tips and tools to make traveling more efficient and enjoyable has become a passion of mine. While the airline carriers and hotel brands I choose may continue to change, my packing list will more or less remain the same. Over the years I have discovered several must-have products that are equally useful, transportable, and affordable.
Returning to regular business and personal travel can sound daunting after all this time, but as we embark into a post-pandemic world, here are a few items that I recommend not leaving home without.
1. Louis Vuitton Neverfull – GM
Yes, I know. I hear you. It is a CLICHÉ. Pre-pandemic, walking through Midtown in NYC, every other woman had some version of this bag. THERE IS A REASON. My bag has been with me since the launch in 2007. That is right, 14 years. This bag has traveled the world with me and never failed me. It weighs next to nothing, is strong enough to hold a baby elephant, can be overstuffed to the gills, thrown over your carry-on, through rain, snow and yes, I have even used it as a footrest on long flights. I once had to dump several inches of water from the bag into the hotel bathtub after getting caught in a NYC thunderstorm. You can cinch it back up to a smaller size when needed. Newer versions of the bag come with a small pouch that can double as a small evening or city bag.
2. La Rouche Posey Hydraphase
With time zone changes and Mojave Desert humidity levels on planes - dehydrated travel skin is the norm. Hydraphase is a French drug store product available in different strengths (I use RICHE) and can easily be purchased near hotels at ULTA and different store chains. It brings instant hydration and plumping to your skin. I layer it on before a flight and throughout my travels.
3. Viviscal Hair Vitamins
On a pre-pandemic trip, I noticed several friends had gorgeous, thick locks. Their secret? Viviscal. This product comes in several versions. I use the pro-version. I have been using Viviscal for two years (it is a commitment) and my hairline is thicker and stronger. I have my Widow’s Peak back!
4. Kelley Baker Tinted Brown Gel
Instantly defines and tames your brows and contains tinted fibers that thicken your brows and provide a beautiful frame for your face. Important for those of us with naturally blonde brows! However, if your brows are thinning due to” turn of the century maintenance”, grab this product ASAP. They will look better immediately. I promise.
5. Spa Ritual Hand Serum and Lotion
During lockdown, Spa Ritual’s hand lotion saved my skin from frequent hand washing. At night, I add the Hand Serum (both smell amazing, BTW) and the skin on my hands appears plumper and thick. A friend asked me recently why I had no lines or dark spots on my hands? In addition to SPF during the day, this serum is the reason. I would slather it all over my body if I could!
6. NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment – American Woman
Wait. No more masks - people can see our lips? I will be using NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment in the shade of American Women. NARS is one of the only remaining artistry brands with their creator and founder still involved – the Legendary Francois NARS (The Factory -Andy Warhol, Madonna, Debbie Harry). NARS was one of the first lines to create colors that look beautiful on many different skin tones. American Women is the Orgasm (the “blush color” people!) of lipsticks. It looks great on everyone. The Powermatte formula will survive eating, drinking
7. Dyson Airwrap Styler
I admit, throughout lockdown, I did not use heat appliances on my hair. Airdry only. Coming out of my pandemic pod, I will once again use my Airwrap Styler to tame my hair, especially in humid weather. Although it comes in a huge, heavy protective case, the styler is a travel-friendly lightweight wand with different tools to fast dry, curl or straighten your hair, all while minimizing damage. You can easily place the base and one or two of the utility tools into your carry-on to continue helping your hair stay healthy on the road. Easy to use - your hair will look like you just stepped away from a professional hair appointment. There is a budget friendly wand-brush from Revlon that is also travel friendly and takes the place of two appliances.
8. Avocado Travel Pillow
I have learned too much about germs during the pandemic. Some stuff that can’t be unlearned. Hotel pillows are not in my future. Avocado products are green, eco-friendly and made LOCALLY in a factory in Los Angeles. The travel pillow is my new best friend. It is a popular gift for my friends, and you don’t have to travel to enjoy it.
9. Aura Mini Travel Air Purifier
A gift from a friend who has been to over 60 countries, we have learned that Grandma was correct that fresh, clean air is essential to our health and well-being. This mini air-purifier is small, lightweight and compact. It has a rechargeable USB battery and is a work horse when you are at your desk, hotel room or the airplane while sitting on the tarmac, engines off (the time most sickness transmission happens on a plane) to keep you from getting a cold or flu, so you can stay safe (protect others as well) and enjoy your trip.
ABOUT TARA
Tara is a Senior Consultant who works with large entertainment companies to develop, protect and grow their IP Assets. As a leader in the B2B online intellectual property space, she helps fortune 100 brands grow and protect their trademarks, copyrights and domain names. With over 20 years of experience, Tara has worked in a variety of industries, including tech, medical and legal, both nationally and internationally. In her personal life, Tara advocates for women, teens and overall human rights, serving on several non-profit boards and volunteering for a variety of organizations.
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