Travel


What to pack in a carry on bag

what to pack in carry-on bag travel essentials

Travel essentials from top left: scarf (this doubles as blanket on a plane) / compact travel iron / sturdy backpack (stays on when running to connecting flights!) / suitcase lock (keep your stuff safe!) / neck pillow (must have for sleeping on the plane) / water bottle (fill up after you go through TSA) / suitcase set (great price!) / luggage tags (bright tags are easy to see in baggage claim)

Wondering what to pack in your carry-on bag for an upcoming flight? If you are like me, you will want to bring a backpack to store under the seat in front of you, and a small, TSA approved suitcase for the overhead bin. In the suitcase, you are likely to have your handbags, anything expensive or of value, and TSA approved sized toiletries.

When it comes to the bag you stow underneath the seat in front of you, chances are, you will want items which make your flight more comfortable; especially if it is a long flight or a red eye! I have found, I only need a few items to make my flight comfortable, especially since I tend to take red eye flights when I go back east.

I like to attempt sleep when I fly, therefore, a scarf which doubles as a blanket, and a neck pillow, are must-haves. I have tried several neck pillows, and most of them slip off or don’t provide any comfort for my neck. The one pictured above, actually does! It has Velcro to secure the ends together and it can spin around on your neck so you are able to find the ideal thickness for your nap. It also folds into a little bag which can hang from the zipper on your backpack; just in case your backpack is stuffed to capacity.

When it comes to packing, sometimes I like to stuff as much as I can into my carry-on suitcase, this little travel iron saves the day from the inevitable wrinkles which occur from an overstuffed suitcase. It fits nicely into a carry-on bag. I don’t trust hotel irons, so this one is a life-saver. Love it!

A lot of travelers seem to like large tote bags to stuff under the seat in front of them, if you feel secure and comfortable with a tote, you do you, that being said, I find backpacks more comfortable and practical. A sturdy backpack will keep your items secure, and if you have a tight layover, a backpack is easy to put on and not worry about while running to a connecting flight. I will not fly with a tote, only a backpack. It is a must-have for me. The backpack I use isn’t made anymore, but the one pictured above is the same as my daughters and it is fabulous. She uses it to carry a heavy laptop at school and for flying. She loves it, so I highly recommend it!

Shop carry-on travel essentials online:

In addition to what is pictured above, I always have a TSA approved hand cream in my backpack because my hands always get dry on the plane; plus the soap in airport bathrooms is always drying.

What are your carry-on travel essentials?

Happy travels!

XOXO
Cathy


Things to do in Central PA

Things to do in Central Pennsylvania

penn state football

State College PA

Looking for a vacation which doesn’t involve a big city? Why not check out historical, Central Pennsylvania! You can easily fly into State College, PA and then travel around from there. While this list may not be complete, these activities should fill up a few days of your vacation and get you out and about in Central PA!

The first thing you need to do is check out the on-campus museum at Penn State named The Palmer Museum of Art. This is an international museum with works from ancient civilizations through to modern times. I loved finding a Warhol, a Rembrandt, and the special exhibits which rotate every semester. This museum is incredible!

For more information about the Palmer Museum, please visit Palmermuseum.psu.edu.

Since the Palmer Museum of Art is on campus, which happens to be in downtown State College, be sure to walk around and enjoy the historical buildings, local shops, and street art. Isn’t that bench, pictured above by the library, fabulous?

For a meal, you will want to indulge in The Corner Room or Allen Street Grill. They are historical restaurants with amazing food, and even better service. Yum!

If you are in town during the football season, be sure to go to a Penn State game. It is an iconic football school!

Lincoln Canverns

You cannot visit Central PA without checking out the caves! Lincoln Caverns offers tours which last roughly one hour and are extremely informative. We really enjoyed touring there!

For information about tours and more, please visit LincolnCanverns.com.

Gettysburg PA

You cannot visit Central PA without going to Gettysburg! There is a museum, historical downtown, and more. We spent the day touring the town, learning the history, and appreciating what our fabulous Union army accomplished. You can head straight to the museum to buy tickets for tours, get information, and more.

Boalsburg PA

Boalsburg is next door to State College, and home to Tussey Mountain as well as an expansive military museum. This is a great place to get some snow play, skiing, and history in for the day.

For more information about Tussey Mountain, please visit TusseyMountain.com.

Rockhill Furnace PA

How cute is this train! There is a tiny town named Rockhill Furnace which offers extra small town vibes, and a one hour train ride. It is a fun to ride a train and learn about the history of this small town. You can learn more at RockhillTrolley.org.

There you have it! A few fun things to do in Central PA which should fill up a vacation if you don’t mind a little driving from where you flew into town. Sometimes you can find gems away from the big city. Enjoy central Pennsylvania!


SFO Museum SF Opera A Centennial Celebration review

sf opera costumes
sfo museum

SFO Museum has a new exhibit in B Gates in the American Airlines terminal! If you love opera, this is an amazing opportunity to see a few SF Opera costumes up close and personal. The intricate details on the costumes is indescribable; and these photos do not do them justice. You must see them in person. I mean, what better excuse do you need to plan a vacation?

We all arrive at the airport so early these days, especially if we anticipate a long wait at TSA. It is so nice to know the SFO Museum has displays around the airport that we can enjoy, and often learn from, while we wait for our flight. I mean, why sit at the gate when you are about to sit on a plane for several hours? The walking is nice!

Whether or not you love opera, you will appreciate the beautiful details on the costumes, as well as the historical lesson about the San Francisco Opera! If you are visiting San Francisco, be sure to attend a SF Opera performance, you will enjoy it!

You can learn more about the SFO Museum at SFOMuseum.org.

Things you might need for your flight:

Thanks for stopping by, and have a safe flight!

XOXO
Cathy

sf opera costumes sfo museum