leave a responseI said I’d talk about the things that make my life easier at conference, and so I shall. There is no rhyme or reason to this, just a list of things I’ve found indispensable. You know to pack things like your phone charger and all that, so I won’t waste time talking about it.
No, what I mean to talk about are the things I really, really can’t travel without.
1. Hand sanitizer. Really, I can’t say it enough. I must have my bottle of sanitizer so I’m prepared at all times. Like when I shake hands with someone right before sitting down at the luncheon table. It’s not personal, but germs are evil and the sickest I’ve ever been was after the conference in San Francisco in 2008. OMG. If you shake my hand and whip out your hand sanitizer, I won’t be offended.
2. Moisturizer. The good stuff. Hotels can be havoc on the skin, what with the forced air all day. I use Clinique Night Surge Youth, or some such combination of those words. And no, I don’t typically have dry skin.
3. My mom showed me a thing I might not be able to do without. It’s Clinique All About Eyes Serum. It’s a roll on and claims to de-puff instantly. Which, trust me, you might want at conference. (Another related item is Visine, for the redness you might get when you aren’t sleeping as much as usual.)
4. My new must-have: Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer. I get the one with SPF. This stuff keeps your makeup from melting and running. It’s amazing! Whether you wear liquid makeup or mineral powder, it works wonders.
5. Redken 05 Touch Control mousse. I have limp hair. This stuff gives me body.
6. Redken Hot Sets 22. Spray this on after blow-drying moussed hair. Use hot curling iron. The curls stay and don’t fall out the way they usually do! (Though if you are one of those people with great hair that is naturally full of body, doesn’t need washed except once a week, and holds any style effortlessly, I may just have to hate you. Or your hair anyway.) 
7. Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold hairspray by L’Oreal. Never, ever stiff. Combs right out. Holds style. I believe you can only get this at Target.
8. Band-Aid Friction Block Stick. It looks like deodorant, but it’s for your feet to keep your shoes from rubbing. I carry this like I carry the hand sanitizer.
9. Courtesy of my friend Marilyn Puett, the Playground Monitor, I have discovered Miss Oops. This is a dry sponge that gets deodorant marks off the lovely black dress you just pulled over your head.
10. Gel inserts for high heels by Dr. Scholls. I get the ones with arch support.
11. Ear plugs (or cotton balls in a pinch). Because hotels sound different than home. And because your neighbors can party late into the night when you’re trying to sleep. (If they make it through your earplugs, don’t be afraid to call the front desk and complain. Provided it’s truly late, of course.)
I’m probably forgetting something, but that’s most of it. The necessities that make my life easier while traveling. With the exception of the roll-on eye de-puffer, since I’ve never used it before — though I’m about to go get a tube.
My number one tip, however, is to stay hydrated. For me, this means drinking plenty of water. Staying hydrated keeps your skin nice too. Moisturizer isn’t only a cream you rub on the outside. 
What are your travel necessities?
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To go with the earplugs, a sleep mask– because hotel curtains never close properly.
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Good idea, Jane! I don’t usually mind a sliver of light, so I didn’t think of this. But it could also be useful if you have a night owl roommate!
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Thanks for the tips! I will have to get the Miss Oops sponge! Great idea.
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I had to order from Target, Christine! But I really like it.
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I found a store in Athens AL that might carry it, but maybe I’ll just order it –should get here before the conference. And forgot to mention that I never travel without my corkscrew–have lost a few due to having them in my briefcase, so I have to remember to transfer it to my suitcase.
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Lynn and everyone,
Thanks for all the tips. I have the friction rub on my must have list.
I get cranky like a child when I get hungry so I always keep a little snack in my bag like a protein bar or little package of nuts.
It has helped me get through a long afternoon more than once.
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Snacks are an excellent idea, Stephanie! I need to make myself a note of that. The hotel prices at Disney are probably going to give me a heart attack.
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Wrinkle Release Spray.
Never travel without it.
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Yes! I knew I forgot something! Absolutely, wrinkle spray is awesome.
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Like Kimberly, I never travel without Downy Wrinkle Release. We have an industrial size bottle that I use to refill the travel bottle. My kids may never learn to iron.
Also, a dry (or very lightly damp) washcloth will work for those deodorant marks in a pinch.
The Visine, friction block, and eye depuffer are great ideas. Thanks!
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I must get the washcloth too damp, because I never have luck with that! I’ll try it dry the next time, if I’m caught without my Miss Oops.
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I recommend taking your most annoying cat with you to deal with loud neighbors. Works every time!!!
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Nice try. No.
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perhaps your annoying and loud cat would like to meet our annoying Dowager Feline Clancy who is also very loud and demanding.
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Little zipper nylon and mess bag that is meant to be an insert in a three ring binder. I guess it’s a pencil holder. That’s where I keep receipts, tickets, business cards and my pitch cards.
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So happy to introduce y’all to Miss Oops. I found mine last summer at Ross but have not seen them there since. It’s truly wonderful. Yes, the washcloth works but then you have a damp spot.
I also carry a travel bottle of Febreeze. Sometimes things just need a little freshening. It’s usually found in the check-out aisle of Walmart.
Bought the Dr. Scholl version of blister defense cause it was on sale and found Murine at the Dollar Tree. Must look for eye-depuffer.