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June 4, 2019 by TravelXena Leave a Comment

10 Summer Cruise items that I travel with, 5 you already carry – TravelXena.com

10 Summer Cruise items that I travel with, 5 you already carry – TravelXena.com

Folks I have to tell you, I like to cruise! A lot. Some people find land vacations the only ones that they’re interested and they are wonderful I go on those two, but from someone who has been on 25 cruises, let me say the below are things that (depending on location) I bring with me or make sure my husbands packs, each time I go away.

This is geared toward summer, beachy, sun-filled cruises. Needless to say if you’re taking a ‘Canadian Wonders’ cruise in October, many things here will not be of use, and I’ll be creating a list of Fall/Winter cruise needs in the up-coming months.

Now it’s possible you already have all 10 things on this list, and if so, that is great! You’re prepared, however I find myself stocking up on at least some of the below before every trip.

10. Hair Accessories – Bobby/Roller Pins/Headbands
There’s a good chance that especially if you’re a woman you have some of these in your bag already, no matter the season, no matter the way. Bring them on your trip. If you need to put your hair up or out of the way quickly you can’t go wrong with these, and no need to spend money on something you already carry. Use that for buying local goods in post.

9. Hand lotion – Because when doing your best to stay healthy on a ship by washing your hands repeated it’s easy for them to dry out. A little lotion can keep them nice and smooth.

8. Pain killer. – Sometimes the onslaught of sights and sounds and sunshine can lead to a bit of a headache, so can stubbing your toe on a door you forgot was there in the middle of the night. Whether it’s Peppermint oil or Aleve, make sure you have the pain killer of choice for you.

7. Wallet and Keys – While you don’t need to bring your home keys out on port, don’t forget to bring them with you on vacation! Also remember to carry your stateroom key when you’re outside of it, because they lock when properly shut. Whether you take a travel wallet or the one you usually use at home, remember to bring your money and ID with you when getting off at port (though not essential when wandering around the cruise ship. Remember that bring at least one additional photo-ID with you is often a good idea if not required at many ports. e.g. In Bermuda you’ll need your stateroom key and a picture identification like a driver license.

6. Phone – This goes without saying for some, but I know that others want to disconnect and unwind while they’re away. Whether it’s for taking photos of the scenery or of the Port contact in case for some reason you miss the ship, having you slim smart phone with camera and the information you can take with you can be immeasurable. Just remember to go-on airplane mode if you don’t have an international plan and want to avoid roaming charges. Also use it to keep photos or notes of essential travel details.

5. Sunscreen – Make sure your cruise vacation stays happy in the sun by wearing sunscreen. Some people might think that due to having melanin they do not need sun block or sun screen. Not true my lovely “born with a tan” folks. We need to protect our skin as well. The SPF number refers to the amount of time it will help to protect your skin.

I like Neutrogena – Ultrasheer 100+ SPF, but as someone with smooth brown skin it still doesn’t blend in as well as I’d like it to, leaving me to add a sheer layer of foundation on top if I don’t have time to let it all settle in. YMMV
Note: I know that there are companies like Black Girl Sunscreen, but as I haven’t tried them yet, I can’t personally say how they blend. I do plan on giving them a go this summer.


Buy Now Button with Sun Background

4. Flip Flops – Man, Woman, Child. Whether you use it to walk around your stateroom/cabin, the ship or outside and to the beach. I find flip-flops to be indispensable. For comfort I like to wear Clarks, but I also like having a pair that I use for everything from ‘Room to Riviera’ and I don’t mind if I happen to lose.

Fenner Nerice Flip-Flop Sandals by Clarks

Clarks Arla Glison
Hipper Rubber Flip Fop
Buy Now Button with Sun Background

3. Sunglasses – .this is probably a given for more people, however for the longest time I wouldn’t use sunglasses, in fact they’re not something that I use consistently. The sun rarely bothers my eyes unless I’m laying out in it, however for eye protection it can be vital. UV rays aren’t what they used to be folks! For prescription sunglasses, I have a limit of about $25.

Unisex Classic Polarized Sunglasses
Unisex Aviator sunglasses
Cateye vintage style sunglasses

2. Hand sanitizer. This is something that I bring everywhere, be it in wipe or spray form. Especially when going out of the U.S. finding a bathroom with hot water isn’t always easy to find. My personal favorite is EO Peppermint that is Alcohol free, but I’ll also pick up a pack of wipes from the dollar store as well. They’re good for wiping down airline trays and headrests as well as cleaning other flat surfaces without having to find a tissue in order to wipe after spraying.

EO Peppermint Hand Sanitizer
Germ X Foam Hand Sanitizer
Dr. Bronners organic Lavender Hand Sanitizer
Wet ones hand wipes. Great for hard surfaces.

1. Over-the-door shoe organizer. – Now this is one that you don’t carry in your bag (I hope) but is almost vital when traveling with another person, and depending on how much you carry, even when traveling solo or sola. The best part is that they go over the towel bar on the back of the bathroom door and don’t get in the way with the function of the door. Alternately use magnets that can take heavy weights and attach it to the back of your stateroom door. And yes, you can even use them for those flip-flops mentioned above!

Over-the-door shoe organizer.
Large pocket – Clear shoe / item organizer

What are some things on your list of “must-bring” items on a summer/beach filled cruise?

Copyright 2019 TravelXena.com | All rights reserved.

Filed Under: Cruises, Helpful Information, Inspiration, Travel Tips and Tricks Tagged With: Essentials, summer

July 16, 2012 by TravelXena 2 Comments

Travel Inspiration – Vintage Style Photo Shoot

Travel Inspiration – Vintage Style Photo Shoot

“Waiting for a ride” – Vintage travel inspired photo vignette

As a little girl I used to get dressed up in some of my favorite articles of clothing, pack up the vintage Samsonite suitcase that my Nana gave to me with contents from my closet, sit on my bed and pretend that I was taking a train journey. I spent much of my childhood dreaming about seeing the world and all of the magnificent things in it. Years have gone by but the enjoyment of playing “dress up” as well as dreaming about where to visit next is something that has stayed the same. Intense. My passion for vintage luggage however has increased and collecting them is a hobby of mine.

So with free time on a Sunday afternoon I decided that it would be enjoyable to plan a “photo shoot” inspired by wanderlust. It was such a ball preparing the props, putting together the clothing and accessories as well as posing and working on the photos, that it’s definitely something that I hope to do again in the future. Perhaps next time with full costumes that I’ll make for the session. In the mean time hopefully you’ll enjoy the little vintage travel inspired photo vignette entitled “Waiting for a ride”. Perhaps it will inspire you to pack up and go someplace you’ve always wanted to visit or to do something fun, creative and child like on a lovely summer day.

All Material © TravelXena.com 2012

Photographer: Mr. Travel Xena
Clothing: White Cotton dress found at street vendor in New York
Fascinator: Made by me
Wrist Cuffs: Made by me
Shoes: Born-O-Concept
Hair style: Braid-out on natural 4a/b hair.
Luggage: Vintage Samsonite – marble style in Turquoise, Navy and Cream
Books: Bought in various places

Waiting for a Ride

She didn’t have much to take on this adventure, but she packed her bags anyway and knew that he’d come through. When didn’t he? He told her that he’d be late but that he’d meet her in the clearing not too far from the gasoline station. Whatever she did she was not to worry and simply enjoy the fine summer day until he arrived. Of course this didn’t stop her from keeping a look out for his automobile from time to time.

Travel Xena Binoculars Waiting for a Ride Vintage Travel Vignette

Quite used to being busy she found herself a tad fidgety just sitting there.

Brown Vintage Shoes Blue Green Vintage Luggage

And decided to pass the time by writing down her trip anticipations in her travel journal…

Travel Journal Travel Xena

Vintage Travel Journal Writing TravelXena.com

As well as reading about her favorite subject…flowers.

Vintage Xena Under Tree Reading Book Vintage Travel Vignette

Vintage Travel Books TravelXena.com

After a spell she finished with those time passers, and as she thought of all of the wonderful sights they’d soon be seeing the cool breeze drifted in her direction and she soon found herself fast asleep.

Travel Xena Sleeping Under Tree Vintage Photo Vignette

In time, she awoke and realized that she was still there alone.

Xena Waiting in Field

“Just where could he be?” She said out loud somewhat impatiently.

Travel Xena Waiting in Field

Travel Xena Vintage Luggage

“If he doesn’t show up within the hour, I shall never speak to him again” she said to herself firmly.

Travel Xena Waiting Vintage Luggage Travel Vignette

But wait what’s that sound off in the distance? Could it finally be the wheeze of that old tin can of his after all?

Vintage Photo Vignette Travel Xena Waiting in Field

Why yes it was! He was honking to get her attention as he blew kisses out of the window. Though it seemed like hours she realized that he wasn’t as late as it felt.

Xena Madeira Wicker Bag Ready to Go

All was forgiven.

Travel Xena Turquoise Samsonite Vintage Luggage She was so happy that the adventure was finally starting!

Travel Xena Fascinator Natural Hair

Happy Travels to all of you wanderers!

Vintage Samsonite Luggage Suitcases Blue Beige Green

Additional photos and full sized versions below.

All photographs & written material copyright © TravelXena.com 2012

Brown Vintage Shoes Blue Green Vintage Luggage
Travel Xena Binoculars Waiting for a Ride Vintage Travel Vignette
Travel Xena Fascinator Natural Hair
Travel Xena Sleeping Under Tree Vintage Photo Vignette
Travel Journal Travel Xena
Vintage Travel Journal Writing TravelXena.com
Travel Xena Turquoise Samsonite Vintage Luggage
Travel Xena Vintage Luggage
Travel Xena Waiting in Field
Travel Xena Waiting Vintage Luggage Travel Vignette
Vintage Photo Vignette Travel Xena Waiting in Field
Vintage Samsonite Luggage Suitcases Blue Beige Green
Vintage Travel Books TravelXena.com
Vintage Xena Under Tree Reading Book Vintage Travel Vignette
Xena Madeira Wicker Bag Ready to Go
Xena Waiting in Field

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Inspiration, Photoshoot Tagged With: inspiration, luggage, photo, photo shoot, samsonite, suitcase, summer, travel, travelxena.com, vignette, vintage, vintage photo

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