What do you pack to give yourself the feeling of luxury?
It only takes a few conversations with fellow ladies on the road to know that most of us pack relatively similar items. What differentiates our packing lists the most, perhaps, are our luxury items – the one or two things that maybe you could have left at home but knew it was worth creating space to bring.
Why bring a luxury item when space is so limited and precious? Perhaps it’s because you’re unlikely to find the item on your travels. Maybe you want the comfort and familiarity the item provides. For many, it’s knowing that it’s important to treat ourselves, even when (or especially if!) we’re not on a luxury trip budget.
Recently I’ve read about the ways my fellow female travelers treat themselves to some pampering on the road: taking a dip in the local hot springs, getting a massage on the beach in Thailand, or having a few spa days in Fiji – a little rest and relaxation on the road recharges the batteries and can sooth the soul.
While I haven’t enjoyed similar pampering on my trips, I’ve packed a few luxury items – some I may venture to call necessities!
My bag:
- Tempurpedic travel-sized pillow — I have back and neck problems and this always comes with me. It takes up some room, sure, but it’s never been a problem.
- An electric toothbrush – while it roughly takes up the same amount of space as a regular toothbrush, I also have to make room for the charger.
- A travel-sized hair dryer – I let my hair air dry while road tripping around Australia, but when I’m not camping, I prefer to avoid frizzy hair and dry it!
- Foot scrub – I packed a small bottle of lovely smelling, exfoliating foot scrub on my last trip. After hours of walking, it felt wonderful to give my feet some attention.
Some of the lovely ladies I know have included some of these luxury items in their bags:
- Hair: straightener, curling iron
- Face: make up, specialty cleansers, moisturizers, scrubs, and masks
- Feet: multiple pairs of shoes, a pair of heels
- Body: dry brush, robe, perfume
- Accessories: purse (extra bags), jewelry
- Spa-like treatment: slippers, robe, candle
Many travelers have also made room for:
- Electronics: laptops, smart phones, a D-SLR
- Comforts of home: tea, favorite food (I tend to bring a small container of natural peanut butter and I’ve known a few Aussies to pack a tube of Vegemite)
- And don’t forget: musical instruments, book (print or electronic)
What’s your favorite luxury item to take on the road? How have you made time to treat yourself well on a budget?
My ipod is definitely a luxry item, and my laptop – although I haven’t take that on every trip I go on.
To me those just seem like necessities
But that’s me!
If I include the things listed above (laptop, travel pillow), then I guess I brought several luxury items with me to Australia, but I think of them more as necessities.
I can be a bit of a luxury spender at times during my travels – food is often a priority & lately I am really wanting to treat myself to a massage. Oh – and some new summer sandals! 
I have a battery-operated electric toothbrush, which is gold! No charger necessary but still so much better than a normal toothbrush (mostly because it forces me to brush for a full two minutes!). And I don’t go anywhere without a straightener…
Electronics are standard for me; two laptops, my DSLR and lenses, external harddrives, and all of my audio recording equipment. My husband even brought his big screen iMac desktop as a carry-on when we first flew to Kyrgyzstan, but now he just carries an iPad on smaller trips. Luxury items seem to be whatever else fits in our suitcases!
Yeah I tend to skimp on clothes in order to bring more fun stuff
Wow, I must not be a light packer.
I almost always travel with my ipod, kindle, laptop for electronics.
In my overnight bag I have a travel-sized special face wash, toner, moisturizer and night creme. My makeup bag has a little bit of everything (foundation, powder,blush, eyeliner).
I think electronics have become standard, but just 6 years ago, I never saw someone with a laptop overseas in the hostel!
I’ve known a few ladies who travel with minimal makeup depending on the destination — I know I’m the exception to the rule with just bringing foundation (but I don’t wear anything else!).