Travel

3 posts

Travel hacks from a traveling executive that will teach you how to maximize business/personal travel and bring the experiences you have OOO back into the office.

How to Pack for Cannes: 13 Essential Items for Marketers

Ahh, it’s late June. Time for thousands of eager marketers to descend on Cannes, France for the annual Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.

My first time was in 2022. It was hot, it was tiring, and it was an absolute blast.

Whether it’s your first time or your 798678585th, here are 13 essential items every marketer should pack for Cannes in order to “optimize” their experience.

1. Travel Adapter

If you’re traveling anywhere outside your home country, you need to pack an adapter. This one has 4 USB ports (including Type C) and two plugs, and I’ve successfully used it in Europe, Asia, Africa, as well as the US.

There are ones with more bells and whistles, but this one is lightweight, compact and does the trick.

2. Sleeping Mask

Sleeping is not a priority at Cannes.

So when you have a chance to grab some shuteye, it’s important to get quality sleep.

This sleeping mask fits comfortably snug, gives your eyelashes space to blink comfortably, and best of all, shuts all light out. This is especially important when you’re trying to grab a quick disco nap back at the Majestic before the evening activities begin.

3. Smartphone Wrist Strap

You’re going to be on a yacht. Or, at the very least, you’ll be around water.

I’ve never lost my phone (or dropped it into various bodies of water) solely because of this item. It hangs securely from your wrist so you’ll never be tempted to put it down (and leave it) on a bar, brunch table, conference booth, mobile tattoo station (looking at you @Pinterest), or DJ booth.

Plus, it helps you feel secure from a snatch-and-grab situation, which is shockingly common in Europe. Take it from me – it happened to me in London a few months ago…don’t let it happen to you.

4. Portable Charter

A portable charger has saved me from disaster so many times. This one can charge your phone (iPhone and Android, computer, camera, reading device, or even other chargers).

Just make sure your charger is always charged.

My Mega Tip: if you’re looking to network, having a full portable charger will easily make you the most popular person in the room.  💁🏼‍♀️

5. Portable Fan

Cannes is hot.
Like, hot hot HOT.
You’ll be walking from one end of the Croisette to the other, in the blazing hot sun. Do yourself a favor and bring a portable fan to keep yourself cool and dry.

This one has 6 speeds and a USB port for yet another charging device. Win-win.

Don’t let yourself get sticky and wet with sweat. You want to make a good impression on everyone you meet, so prepare for the heat and use this fan as you stroll from your hotel to the Palais.

6. Mack’s Earplugs

New York may be the city that never sleeps, but during late June, Cannes doesn’t get any shut-eye either.

Earplugs are an ab-so-lute essential, and these are the best.  They fit comfortably in your ears (tip: squeeze the end into a point with your fingertips and shove ’em in there) and block out all of the ambient street noise from roving groups of tipsy marketeers.

My Mega Tip:  these are also useful for planes, trains, and automobiles if you want to tune out and enjoy the journey.

7. Breath Mints or Mouthwash

Do your best networking, late night at the Gutter Bar, with the confidence of good breath. (trust me, you’ll end up there for at least one late night!!)

Chewing gum is annoying and you certainly don’t want to be smacking it in someone’s face. Use this travel sized oral rinse to ensure you leave a good impression, instead of blasting your new friends with dragon breath.

My Mega Tip:  have a package of mints in your pocket or purse. It’s another great way to endear yourself to anyone who needs one in a pinch!

BONUS Mega Tip: get a tongue scraper and change your life. Bring the travel size to Cannes and scrape your tongue before you brush and after any meal.

8. Breathable, yet Professional Clothing

The dress code for Cannes is light, breezy, and airy. Do not wear jeans, tight clothing, or a wool suit – you will regret your decision, tout suite.

LADIES –
For ladies, stay cool and comfortable in a sleeveless top, linen pants, or a light, loose-fitting dress. If you’re sensitive to the sun, I’d also suggest a fashionable hat for daytime.

MEN –
For men, I saw everything from linen shorts to bowling shirts to a full bespoke suit, complete with matching pocket square. I’d recommend staying cool with lighter fabrics, colors, and definitely leaving the tie at home (though bowties are always welcome!).

9. Liquid IV Sticks

Alcohol and coffee are two of the biggest diuretics. You’ll have no trouble finding water (and even less trouble finding alcohol or coffee), so keep yourself hydrated and in tip top condition with these Liquid IVs.

My Mega Tip:  my favorite flavor is the Sugar-Free Rainbow Sherbert or the Passionfruit. Stay hydrated, my friends.

10. Comfy Shoes

I love the sneakers/trainers with dresses look. I also love sneakers/trainers with pants or a skirt. Unless you have a 100% guaranteed and *thoroughly tested* pair of heels or sandals, I’d recommend a pair of sneaks.

You’ll be doing a lot of walking, standing around, and traipsing through grass and sand. Do yourself a favor and choose a comfortable, yet cute, pair of trainers like these.


11. Sunglasses

Your future is so bright, you gotta wear shades!!!!

For real though, it’s 🌞 very sunny 🌞 in the South of France so protect those beautiful eyes with a pair of polarized sunglasses like the classic Ray-Ban Wayfarer.

Plus, it gives you cover to surreptitiously scan the room and strategize for how to approach that CMO you’ve been wanting to meet. With a pair of cute sunnies, you can people-watch and celebrity-spot to your heart’s content.

My Mega Tip:  I lose or break every pair of fancy sunglasses I’ve ever owned. Since I’m only allowed to buy cheap sunglasses these days, here are some good dupes on Amazon.

12. Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask

This viral mask was recommended by many jet-setting influencers. For that reason and that reason alone, I resisted buying it.

I was a fool.

In my professional opinion as a full-time traveler, this mask is the real deal. It’s thick, non-greasy, and melts into my skin. It’s like the travel version of the Augustinus Bader moisturizer, my fave.

Use it to replenish moisture after you land or any time your skin needs a hydration boost.

13. Sunscreen

This sunscreen is simply the best. I love Supergoop too, but this one is lighter and way less expensive. It’s not greasy at all and absorbs quickly so you’re not walking around with white streaks on your nose.

It’s available at your local drugstore or handy-dandy Amazon. Stock up before you go to keep yourself protected from those hot Cannes rays. ☀️☀️

Get ready for an exhausting week of networking, deal-making, creativity, drinking (coffee, alcohol, and water with Liquid IV), and enjoying the gorgeous scenery of Cannes.

Have fun and see ya at Gutter Bar! 🍻

*Some of the links in this post are affiliate links which means that if you buy through the link you support the site at no extra cost to you. All reviews and suggested items are items I have used and loved and am now singing from the rooftops about.

How To Sell Your Clothes – Part 1: Organizing to Sell in 5 Steps

rack of hanging clothes

Selling your clothes can be super overwhelming and time-consuming but it’s arguably the category where you have the highest volume of items. There are several methods for how to sell your clothes, from online sales to local apps to social media to yard sales, and I’ve done them all.

I made over $1500 selling my clothes in an effort to thin my closet and make some money to travel the world..even before Marie Kondo told me to.

Part 1 of this series will teach you how to [ruthlessly] edit your closet and prepare to sell your clothes. Let the fun begin!

colorful hanging women's clothes

STEP ONE:  FIRST PASS –

Do a first pass of your closet.  You’re not getting ruthless quite yet, but start to take out items that fall into the following categories:

  1. You haven’t worn it in years.  Seriously, there’s a 0.001% chance that you will. It’s gathering dust for a reason. Pitch it.
  2. The item is damaged and not worth fixing.  Does it have holes?  Is it stretched out?  Did it shrink or color fade in the wash?  Is the zipper broken?  If you’re not going to take it to a professional and pay to fix it, remove it from your closet.
  3. The item is not properly sized.  I understand the concept of wanting to keep “fat clothes” or your “skinny wardrobe”.  I think everyone does.  However, these dual wardrobes are cluttering up your space and life.  

    Perhaps keep one pair of “fat jeans”…but you know you’re just going to buy more stuff when/if that time comes.  

    The reverse is even more true for skinny clothes — if you lose the stubborn weight, you can bet your svelte little fanny you’re going to buy a whole new wardrobe to show off your hard work.

    My Mega Tip: don’t keep two wardrobes. Keep the clothes you’re wearing now, and only now.
  4. It’s out of style.  Maybe you bought a bunch of trendy fast fashion items the last few years.  It’s fine to keep wearing them but we both know that style has moved on.  So if you don’t foresee yourself wearing the item within the next year, say, “We had a fantastic time together during the summer of 2017; thank you for your service.” and then move on.  Girl, bye.

Take a moment. Breathe. You’ve completed the first step. Yay! On to STEP TWO.

clothes hanging on a rack on the street

STEP TWO:  CAST A CRITICAL EYE –

Now, cast a critical eye over this batch.  
What is worthy of the effort it takes to sell?  

Usually, this would be:

  1. Designer items – Banana Republic/ZARA/Nordstrom-level and up. Do not bother with Old Navy, H&M, or items of that ilk.
  2. Shoes – footwear valued $50 or more, gently used.
  3. Dresses – casual cute through formal. Dresses sell well.
  4. Jewelry/Purses – brand names (Marc Jacobs, Kendra Scott) or valuable items sell easily but people will buy cheap ones too, if they’re interesting or unique (and priced to sell).
  5. Coats/Jackets – must be in good shape. No loose buttons, stains, rips, broken zippers, etc.
  6. Jeans – designer jeans are easier to sell but you can get away with GAP, Abercrombie or Old Navy-level as well.
woman dressed in medieval costume
She might have trouble selling this item

Things that do not sell well for individual sales:

  1. Anything fast fashion – Old Navy, H&M, Forever 21, Target, et al. People know you didn’t pay much, so they won’t either. Save these for yard sales or donations.
  2. Skirts – for some reason, these were harder to sell than anticipated.
  3. Costumes – I had accumulated quite a few over the years but they did not sell.

Once you’ve completed the first pass and cast a critical eye, move all of these items to another closet or box them away.  

Leave them there for two weeks or so and see if you miss anything or begin second-guessing a particular item.  

My Mega Tip: if you keep thinking about an item, pull it out and put it back in your closet for a probationary period of 3 months. If you haven’t worn it by then, time’s up.

When you’re ready, move on to STEP THREE.

woman looking through colorful print shirts hanging on a rack
Get medieval on those print shirts

STEP THREE: ONE MORE TIME –

Wait until you’re in a brutal mood.  We all have them from time to time – when you’re sick of your clothes, sick of carrying all this STUFF from place to place, and you want to be more minimalistic.  These moods are golden and YOU MUST ACT when they arise.

Go into your closet ONE MORE TIME and get medieval. 

This is where you employ the one-two punch of KonMari + the Minimalists.  Ask yourself:

  • Does this item bring me joy?  Look, not every item is going to inspire cartwheels and back flips, but if it just feels “meh”…put it to the side.
  • Am I holding onto this because of sentimentality?  If the answer is yes, hold it in your hands, remember how much fun you had while wearing it or how it made you feel once upon a time. Really remember. Then, thank the item OUT LOUD (like a crazy person), and put it to the side.

    That sparkly dress you wore for your 21st birthday party…10 years ago? Let someone else spill their martini on it.

    The artfully ripped jeans you used to wear on dates [and now you’re married]? Set them free.

    The tailored pantsuit you wore to job interviews [and never again]? Pass the good luck on.
  • Am I holding onto this for a specific occasion that has yet to arrive?  I found this to be true for dresses and shoes.  If an occasion has not arisen in the last few years, you’re better off selling for cash.  Put it to the side.
  • Am I holding onto this because it was it expensive and/or is unworn with tags? Great! These are the easiest things to sell! Convert that item currently taking up space into some cold, hard cash.
lots of colorful clothes hanging in a closet.
These are all of the clothes I sold, gave away, or got rid of. I don’t miss a single thing.

Now, go through your cast off boxes and sort into 3 categories –

  1. TO SELL – these are your higher-value items, usually anything worth $50 or more, with the exception of jeans, dresses, and purses.
  2. YARD SALE – these are your Old Navy/Gap/Target/H&M/Banana Republic/F21/Zara items. You will be selling them for $4 or less so judge accordingly.
  3. TO DONATE – everything else.

STEP FOUR: QUALITY CONTROL –

Put the “Yard Sale” and “To Donate” boxes aside.

Go through your “To Sell” items very carefully and inspect them one-by-one,. Look for tears, stains, rips, holes, pilling, spots, etc.

If you find something that’s fixable, repair it.
If it’s a lost cause (as I had with a faded and stained DVF dress), move it to one of the other boxes.
If it’s a minor flaw, make a note of it. You’ll need to disclose this in your selling description.

STEP FIVE: PAT YOURSELF ON THE BACK –

You did it. The hard part is over.

Editing your closet is the hardest part of this whole process. It can be very difficult to separate yourself from clothing, as they’re part of our identity and how we present ourselves to the world. Clothing can remind us of some really good times – when we were young, skinny, on a fabulous vacation, or celebrating – or they can evoke feelings of who we want to be – successful, worthy, sexy, warm, comfortable.

But, getting down to brass tacks…it’s just stuff. And it’s stuff that’s cluttering your closet and life. Get rid of the old in order to make room for yourself…and earn some dolla’-dolla’ bills while you’re at it.

You survived the edit, organized like a champ and are ready for Part 2 – Setting Up The Sale.

20 Easy Items To Pack To Solo Travel The World

traveling bag full of travel essentials

I’ve solo traveled the world and carried everything I own in my 40-liter suitcase/backpack and 15-liter daypack.  When you’re schlepping all your stuff on your back (and front!), it’s very easy to figure out what is essential to pack, and what is dead weight.

So, if you’re planning to travel the world solo, here are 20 easy items to pack that will keep you organized, safe, and looking great.

1. Osprey 40L Farpoint Backpack 

I’ll be honest.  When this bag first arrived, I panicked.  How the $#% was I going to fit my whole life into this thing!?!  But, it’s deceptively bigger than it looks, in a Mary Poppins kind of way.

If you use packing cubes (spoiler alert: also an MVP), it’ll be easy peasy for you to pack all the items I’ve listed here into this bag and still have room for more.  It is simply a durable, comfortable, easy-to-handle bag.  Plus, it’s just small enough to wedge into overhead compartments of trains and technically qualifies as a carryon for most airlines (even some of the super budget airlines in Europe).

2. Vapur Element Waterbottle — 1L

I drink A LOT of water.  I considered getting a Stanley because they’re so hot right now (I love this green one!), but I chose function over fashion, especially since Stanleys can be heavy and cumbersome.

This Vapur waterbottle is my trusty companion, hanging off my backpack loop wherever I go.  It has a secure top with wide opening, holds 1-liter of water, and is super fun to squeeze and squoosh when you’re bored.  I fill it up at restaurants, coffee shops, and water fountains that look somewhat sanitary to stay hydrated, without having to spend any $$$.

I do not stay thirsty, my friends.

3. Travel Adapter

If you’re traveling outside your home country, you need to pack an adapter. This one has 4 USB ports, a plug, and I’ve successfully used it in Europe, Asia, Africa, as well as the US.

I’m sure there are ones with more bells and whistles, but this one is lightweight, compact and does the trick.

4. Kindle Paperwhite 

This may be my favorite item to pack for solo travel.  I am an avid reader and there is plenty of time to read books, as you’re waiting at the airport, traveling by train, or eating by yourself at a restaurant.

The Kindle is small, easy to carry and can be used in any environment, including bright and sunny beaches.

My Mega Tip:  utilize your local library and download ebooks or audiobooks remotely via Libby.  This saved me TONS of money!  Most libraries use the Libby system which allows you to check out books via Kindle for FREE!

5. PacSafe 15L Backpack

This is a perfectly-sized day pack for solo travel and can carry an enormous amount of stuff.  Plus, it has loads of theft deterrent features including:
• stainless steel wire mesh embedded into fabric to prevent “slash and run” attempts where thieves ride by on motorbikes and slash your bag (sidenote – I never actually met anyone who experienced this but I read plenty of stories online, including one where they sliced part of a girl’s finger off because she was holding her bag.  eek!)
• lockable zippers – this helped me feel much more secure in crowds.  Thieves can easily unzip unsuspecting tourists’ backpacks. While this isn’t TOTALLY foolproof, it makes it a lot harder for sticky hands.
• RFID safe pocket to block IDs and credit cards from hacker scanning.  Better safe than sorry.

My Mega Tip: I also LOVE of Beis’ stuff. I have their Weekender and Backpack in black. All of their bags are great — my friend even uses their Ultimate Diaper Backpack (with detachable fanny pack) as her work bag!

6. Columbia Arcadia II Rainjacket

Ahh, this jacket is my ultimate MVP.  I wore this in all kinds of different weather conditions – blustery winds in London, sudden rainshowers in Thailand, and freezing cold nights in Nuremberg, Germany.  

Breathable fabric, ventilation, large hood, zip pockets, and works well with layers. It never makes you feel suffocated and sweaty like a lot of other raincoats.

My Mega Tip: Mine is shade Red Camellia, the one bright spot in my (mostly neutral toned) capsule wardrobe. I love how it pops in all my pictures.  I researched a lot of travel jackets and would only recommend this one or Marmot.

7. “Boobs McGee” Sleeping Mask

This sleeping mask has boobs. But it also has so many wonderful benefits – it fits comfortably snug, gives your eyelashes space to blink comfortably, and best of all, shuts all light out.  

I used this on planes/trains/automobiles and countless hotel/hostel/Airbnb rooms to get some well-needed shuteye.  Plus they’re fun to squeeze and play “Tune-in Tokyo” with when you’re bored.

8. Leggings

@Ladies, do not pack jeans for longterm solo travel.  @Men – you may have no choice, but Ladies, you do.  Jeans are bulky and heavy and the absolute worst thing to be wearing in the rain.  Your best bet is a pair (or two!) of black leggings.

I wore black leggings every.single.day in Europe and they worked with everything.  You can dress them up with a pair of booties, or rock a more athletic look with your trainers.  Mine were from Nordstrom but I love these Spanx ones too.  Or these, which are a Lulu dupe.  Just remember:  do not pack jeans — they are not worth it.

9. Packing Cubes

You need these.  You really, really need these.  One of the most important edicts of longterm travel is everything has its place.  Otherwise, you will drive yourself insane trying to find stuff or constantly repacking.

These packing cubes keep your stuff organized.  I used a smallish cube for underwear/socks/bras/bathing suits and a medium-sized for rolled-up clothing (note: pants should be folded, not rolled. ).  Smaller bags can be used for medicinal items, makeup, chargers/cords, and a catchall for random stuff.

Basically, your backpack or suitcase should be an assortment of bags so that you can easily find items and be able to pack up and go quickly.  Also, they keep you honest about how much room you have in your bag.  

My Mega Tip: employ the one in, one out rule — if you buy a shirt, you must get rid of one so your packing cube will zip up.

10. Noise-Canceling Headphones

These are a bit of a splurge but you cannot put a price on your sanity.  When your hostel roomie is snoring logs or a baby is wailing her poor eyes out next to you on an airplane, you will be grateful to have these.  Plus, one of my favorite traveling pleasures is to sit comfortably in a train window seat, listening to a favorite playlist or podcast and watch the world go by.  The only risk is missing your train stop because you didn’t hear the announcement!

My Mega Tip: only use these when you are in a safe environment.  Not recommended for street use or short train rides or you will miss your stop.

11. Waterproof Ankle Booties

These are comfy enough to wear all day (even while rocking a dirndl at Oktoberfest), in the rain (since they’re waterproof), or when you need to feel a little more feminine. Slip these on to feel taller and dressier. Most importantly, you can wear them anywhere because they’re waterproof.

They look good with pretty much anything so your capsule wardrobe is kept intact.

My Mega Tip: wear with black socks. I wore them out to a club in Prague and got mercilessly teased by the young people for my blaringly white socks shining in the black light. 😳

12. Smartphone Wrist Strap

I know for a fact that I never lost my phone (or dropped it into various bodies of water) solely because of this item. It hangs securely from your wrist so you.never.put.it.down on the bathroom counter, store shelf, train seat, or 10,000 other surfaces.

Plus, it helps you feel secure from a snatch-and-grab situation. The culprits would need to cut off your hand to get your phone. Possible?  Sure, but it’s a lot more difficult versus someone who’s untethered.  So, this wrist strap also saves your life and appendages. 

13. Luggage Locks

When you solo travel, you need to pack items that make you feel safe – especially when you can’t always keep an eye on your stuff and don’t have anyone else to watch for you!

Thankfully, these locks provide an extra layer of security for your belongings and better peace of mind for you.  You can use them to lock up your passport and valuables inside your suitcase in the hotel room (never, ever bring your passport out with you!) or secure your assigned locker at a hostel.

If I was out and about and found myself in a crowded and/or dodgy situation, like the metro in Paris, I would affix one of these to my backpack zippers to prevent pickpockets.  I also used these on all flights and train travel, especially when my bag was out of sight.  The only requirement is to remember your own passcode.  

14. Travel Towel

This microfiber towel is so versatile – you can use it in lieu of the teeny, tiny towels provided in European hotels and it does double-duty as a compact beach towel.  I got the Medium 28×56-inch, which was big enough to wrap around my entire body, and yet, it can be rolled up into a netted bag the size of a croissant.

You can also use as a makeshift blanket while riding in vans with aggressive A/C or as a germ protectant from dodgy seats or mattresses (I’m a recovering germaphobe, but sometimes I still have to draw the line).

15. Portable Charger

A portable charger saved me so many times from disaster. This one can charge your phone, camera, reading device, computer or even other chargers!!! 

Above all, make sure the charger is always charged…so that it can charge.  

My Mega Tip: this charger also helps you make friends by being the generous traveler in the room who can charge everyone else’s device.  🙂

16. Selfie Stick/Tripod

If you solo travel, you must pack this. Yes, you will get side-eye looks sometimes, but honestly, who cares, as long as you get the pic.

This is the best selfie stick out there. I saw so many different kinds, especially in Asia, and mine was superior in every way.  

It feels sturdy enough to ensure your device or camera is safe, even when you’re dangling over a cliff’s edge in Malaysia.  It extends to 49″ so you can get a wider shot of the background and your smiling face.

It also has a remote so you can discreetly take pics without contorting into strange positions.  In short, it simply ticks all boxes.  I unabashedly love this selfie stick.  Just don’t bring to a Disney park because they’ll confiscate it!

My Mega Tip: The sturdy handle allows for better control so you can take steady pics — outdoors, indoors, or extending over heads in a crowd to get an interesting shot. As a bonus, it functions as a tripod as well!

17. Sandals

Unless you are headed to Norway during the dead of winter or Antarctica, you should pack a pair of trusty sandals.  They’re useful as buffers in gross showers or hotel rooms, or just walking around when it’s hot outside.  If you’re headed to SE Asia, they’ll become your primary shoe, as everyone there wears sandals or flip flops 24/7.

18. Fake Wedding Ring

As a solo female traveler, a fake ring helps to ward off any unwanted attention. You can tell when someone is focusing on you and this ring gives you an ‘out’ if they approach. You can always switch fingers or leave it at the hotel if you’re *looking* for company, but otherwise, the fake ring trick works.

Additionally, there are countries (Egypt) where a married female is more “respected” than a single female because of archaic connotations of being a ‘loose woman’.  By wearing a simple [fake] wedding ring, you can more adequately deflect unwanted attention as a single woman in certain areas of the world.

My Mega Tip: have a short backstory ready if someone asks where your husband/fiancé/boyfriend is. Or, just deflect attention away by ignoring their probe and asking them a question instead. Or, even better, just ignore them!! 

You don’t owe anyone information. NOTHING. You don’t have to divulge where you’re staying, if you’re traveling alone, how long you’re in the city for, etc.  Go ahead and share if it seems OK, but if a skeezy person rolls up on you while you’re trying to enjoy a site or experience, feel free to lie and move on.

19. Mack’s Earplugs

Earplugs are an ab-so-lute essential, and these are the best.  They fit comfortably in your ears (tip: squeeze the end into a point with your fingertips and shove ’em in there) and block out most of the annoying sounds you might encounter on your trip.

My Mega Tip:  these are also useful for planes, trains, and automobiles if you want to tune out and enjoy the journey.

20. Bag/Luggage/Jacket Strap

Such a random item but it’s super handy to keep your jacket/coat from flopping around everywhere or dipping into the toilet as you attempt to squat whilst wearing two backpacks. It keeps your stuff out of the way so you can be hands-free to hold your tickets, another bag, or even a beer.  🙂

There are plenty of other items I brought in my handy-dandy Osprey but these are the easy items I’m so glad I packed and couldn’t live without.  What are your essentials items to pack for solo travel?

*Some of the links in this post are affiliate links which means that if you buy through the link you support the site at no extra cost to you. All reviews and suggested items are items I have used and loved and am now singing from the rooftops about.

My Mega Travels
One girl, one big world.