As we come into High Conference Season, you may be taking a look at your toiletry kit and stocking up on wee-sized toothpastes. PeaceBang is such a product hound that she wrings her hands in dismay over having to leave 90% of it all at home. What will I ever DO without my special hair-smoothing serum for those late afternoon frizzies? Should I have left the Neosporin at home? Can I really go for two weeks without my soothing cucumber masque?
In the end, I’m fine with moisturizer, deoderant, toothpaste and … a 10-lb. bag of other assorted toiletries. I’m sorry. I do try to minimize every year. So far it’s not going very well.
But the real problem for me is that the airlines no longer allow big containers of fluids in carry-ons, and my flying kit has been sorely compromised as a result. I am not a comfortable, confident flier. These are the things I need to feel good about getting on the plane:
1. inflatable neck pillow so I don’t loll and drool on the person next to me.
2. a HUGE bottle of water.
3. Emergen-C packets — I take one on take-off and one near the end of the trip.
4. Lavender sniffing bottle.
5. Orange aromatherapy stick from Origins.
6. Organic antibacterial handwipes.
7. Seriously hydrating lotion suitable for hands and face.
8. Gum and/or chewy candy.
9. Dramamine non-drowsy (which always knocks me right out anyway)
10. Eye mask.
I also prefer to take all my toiletries on the plane with me because they give me a sense of emotional security (therapist alert!) and it’s very hard to wave bye-bye to them as they roll away in my checked luggage. I have had my luggage lost so many times I know enough to pack a nightshirt and clean undies in my carry-on, but I want my toiletries, too!
Anyway, it’s not too early to start thinking about what you’ll need for you comfort as you fly about doing the work of the LORD.
Also, if you don’t want to get into a big, tiring and dehydrating chat with the lady or gentleman sitting next to you, it works if you put your satin eye mask over your mouth and nose and immediately open your book as soon as you sit down. I guarantee that if you do this, no one will strike up a conversation with you.
It’s really not that I’m an unfriendly Christian. It’s just that I get motion sickness from turning my head and trying to maintain a conversation with someone sitting next to me. Ask Rali if you don’t believe me.
I’m sure there are people out there who think we’re really the same person, but we both know this is where we differ.
I’ll bring half a bar of Kirk’s Hard Water Coco Castile soap and a box of baking soda and wonder if I’ve overpacked. . . .
…depends upon the size of the box of baking soda.
you can, in fact, bring liquids/gels on the plaine, they just have to be under 3oz a piece and in a large zip-lock bag. get some travel sized toiletries. you’d be surprized at how much stuff is under 3oz, my full sized deoderant for example is only 2.25oz, little bottle of cream/moisterizer, chap stick, deoderant, your lavender oil… tons of stuff is under 3oz, so pack away! (just remember, they all have to be in a clear bag which you must remove from your luggage and place on the convayor belt seperately.)
Flo, thanks for reminding me — but there is a limit to the number of little 3oz. bottles you can bring on. I have to be careful about that.
Flying out of DCA, you have 1 quart’s worth. Total. They even provide the plastic zip bag. Be warned.
Try BONINE’s less drowsy formula instead of Dramamine–works great and you can actually see & remember your trip!