Travel Essentials: Part 2

1. Lip balm. I can't believe I left this one out in Part 1 of this Travel Essentials series. An absolute must in your travel bag if you don't want dry, parched, uncomfortable (you get the idea) lips before, during and after your journey.
2. Travel adapter. If you're one of those people who can't live without their laptop, phone or iPod, you need a travel adapter (or two). Some hotels will already have universal plugs that accommodate appliances from all over the world, but if you're staying in an older establishment or someone's home, it's always best to have your own adapter.
3. Evian Brumisateur. Indulgent, perhaps. Beneficial, definitely. This little mineral water spray will keep your skin fresh and hydrated as well as stop your face from producing excess oil in reaction to the dry environment on the plane. You can also use it to fix your makeup. The product comes in a handy travel size, so you don't have to worry about not having it on you for the flight.
4. Clear bags. Do you ever accumulate plastic bags whenever you go to the supermarket and wish you'd brought a handy canvas tote with you? The clear bag is the travel version of that canvas tote. I've wasted far too many sandwich bags in the past, and finally bought a cheap but cute clear zip bag to carry all my liquids and gels.
5. Notebook and pen. You never know when you'll have to write an extra important piece of information down, like a number or e-mail address, or make a list of movies or CDs that are available on the inflight entertainment system but that you want to check out later. And those immigration landing cards are pesky, but waiting for someone to finish using their pen so you can borrow it is even more annoying, both for you and for the person who is about to lend you their pen.
6. Lavender essential oil. For those of you who struggle with jet lag, place a few drops of lavender essential oil onto your pillow to help you drift off to sleep. Lavender has also proven to help with headaches and depression, so instead of popping those pills you may need a prescription for, go au naturel and get some of that oil!
7. Travel-sized containers. How on earth are you going to live without that shampoo you love but is only sold in a 200ml bottle? Answer: purchase empty travel-sized containers and transfer your most-loved product into said containers. Muji make a whole range of affordable travel-sized containers for all types of products, including creams, liquids and gels.