09/05/2026
✈️ TRAVEL PREP SERIES: THE LITTLE THINGS THAT MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE! 🧳
Itinerary planned ✔️
Capsule wardrobe coming together ✔️
Now it’s time for those little travel essentials that make being away from home easier and more comfortable!
Over the years, I’ve learned it’s often not the BIG things you forget that cause the inconvenience…it’s the little ones. 😂
As we prepare for São Miguel, Azores & Madeira 🇵🇹, I’m gathering my favourite “I’m SO glad I brought this!” items.
🔋 Technology: Power bank, chargers and European adapters. Remember — an adapter changes the plug, but not necessarily the voltage, so always check your appliances before using them overseas!
🌬️ Comfort: Portable fan, earbuds, eye mask, ear plugs and neck pillow.
💊 Mini medicine cabinet: Prescriptions always stay in my personal bag, along with pain relievers, Gravol, Imodium, Tums, antihistamines and Band-Aids.
💦 Island essentials: Water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat and water shoes — especially for rocky beaches and natural swimming areas!
🎒 And one of my BIGGEST travel rules:
Never put everything you need in your checked suitcase!
My personal bag holds medications, documents, electronics, chargers, toiletries and a change of clothes, AND a bathing suit. 👙
Why the bathing suit?
Because if my suitcase decides to take a different vacation than I do 😂, I can still freshen up and enjoy the pool or beach while I wait for it!
I also throw in a few Ziplock bags — perfect for wet bathing suits, damp clothes, snacks or organizing little things.
The goal isn’t to bring everything. It’s to think ahead about the few things that can make your trip easier, safer and more comfortable. ❤️
And really, that’s what good travel planning is all about.
🇵🇹 Soon you’ll be coming along as we experience São Miguel & Madeira in real time!
👇 What’s the ONE travel essential you never leave home without? You might remind me of something I forgot! 😂