Instagram Linkedin Medium

New York Packing Essentials

Processed with VSCO with hb1 preset

It’s hard to believe that I’ll be headed off to New York in just a few days! I’m excited to start traveling again but will definitely miss the warm weather in Palm Springs. As you might imagine, I don’t really have much in my closet that’ll allow me to survive in frigid temperatures. For the past month, I’ve been frantically shopping for an all-new wardrobe just for this trip. Unfortunately, I haven’t had much luck finding winter weather clothing because stores here have already moved on to their Spring collections. At this point, I figure worst comes to worst, I’ll pick up what I need when I get there… but the anxiety of not being fully prepared sucks. But hey, an excuse to go shopping in New York, right? 😉

What did I shop for, you ask? Luckily, I was able to find some things online and at my local TJ Maxx & Marshalls — everything from plane must-haves to everyday outfits to wear in the city. I was looking for a long wool coat for the longest time but haven’t found it yet. It’s a classic piece to wear in NYC, so I’m really hoping to find one when I’m there!

THE FLIGHT

I learned from my last trip to Chicago to never ever wear jeans on a flight, no matter how short the flight might seem. Our trip to New York City this time around will be a red-eye flight, so comfort is key. I’ll be wearing my leggings, sherpa pullover, and warm slip-ons to keep my body warm. Since I get cold easily, I’ll be bringing a light blanket in my carry-on in case I need it. Sleeping on a plane has never been my forte, but I am counting on sleep masks and neck pillows to help David and I sleep through most of the flight. I’m really hoping that we can get good rest so that when we get to New York, we aren’t exhausted. Since we’re only there for 4 days, I really want to make the most of it and not sleep the first day away. Dry eyes and parched lips are two things I suffer from greatly on the plane. Something about the air in flight — it’s unusually dry. With that said, eyedrops and vaseline are must-haves to keep with me so I stay hydrated and comfortable through my destination.

MAKEUP BAG

Makeup can be bulky and get heavy quickly, so picking and choosing the essentials wisely is key. I always find myself in a dilemma: When traveling, I prefer to keep my makeup light to avoid irritating my skin. At the same time though, I want to be photo-ready during the day. Can you say the struggle is real? Travel-sized eyeshadow palettes are the best because they don’t take up nearly as much space as regular sized ones, and they can even be transported in my purse for touch-ups throughout the day. The same goes for blush/bronzer/highlight compacts! On vacation, I opt for neutral colors because they are appropriate for everyday wear. If you are a brush kind of gal when it comes to application, I highly recommend investing in a travel-sized brush set. It saves so much room in the luggage. I’ve forgotten makeup remover wipes on countless occasions now. I can’t let it slip this time! A clean face at night is especially crucial when traveling because my skin is more prone to issues like breaking out when I’m not home.

BEAUTY BAG

A face moisturizer that doubles up as a primer is perfect for travel. I have been loving Origins’ Original Skin matte moisturizer because it leaves my face velvety smooth! It can be used both in the morning and at night. In the AM, I follow with my Chanel foundation which has SPF 15. As far as body moisturizer goes, I really love the HEMPZ moisturizer because it smells pleasant and keeps me moisturized all day long. The exotic green tea & asian pear scent is super fresh! I also can’t leave the house without a quality eye cream. After a long day of exploring, a cleanser is a must to completely get rid of all makeup and impurities. I’ll also be packing a few face masks in case I have some down time to unwind in my airbnb! I’m pretty low-maintenance when it comes to hair for the most part. Because my color-treated hair gets brassy easily though, purple shampoo and conditioner must travel with me. As for styling, I typically just bring a standard curling iron and a brush.

EXPLORING THE CITY

While I did not find the classic wool coat I had in mind, I did score an olive green, fur-lined parka from H&M for only $30. It’s very versatile and I can easily layer it over a fitted sweater or a long-sleeved turtleneck. I’ve been told that New Yorkers are known for wearing all black. So, I’ll be bringing several pairs of black jeggings and leggings. For someone who’s used to driving literally everywhere, the amount of walking involved in NYC is BRUTAL. I am tempted to bring at least five pairs of shoes, but realistically speaking it will most likely just be my Nikes and black combat boots. One thing I’m really looking forward to is bundling up in winter accessories. Scarves, fuzzy socks, and chunky knit beanies are just some things that will be coming with me! For a long day out exploring, the last thing you want to bring along is a heavy bag. A small backpack is a sweet compromise because it’s roomy enough to fit most things you’ll need for the day, and doesn’t put too much strain on one shoulder like some other bags do.

David and I are going to try and fit everything we need for this trip in one luggage and our carry-ons. It’s going to be a challenge because winter clothing takes up so much more room. But, we don’t want to lug around more things than we have to or pay an extra fee for a second checked-in suitcase. Plus, I may or may not be bringing some new things back home… ha!

Anyhow, I’m elated to be spending a few days in the city. Currently taking recommendations on things to see, do, and eat as well 😉 As always, thanks for reading! XO

Share Post

Related Posts

60 Responses

  1. Have so much fun girl! Loved reading about everything you packed, thanks for sharing! And hopefully, it won’t be too cold in New York.

    xo, Lydia

    Reply

    1. Thanks Lydia! I can hardly wait, though I hear that it’s snowing in New York today and that makes me very nervous LOL. I’m coming from 90+ degree weather so dropping down to 40-50s is MAJOR! Haha

      Reply

  2. Omg so lucky you’re going to New York! Been forever for me, but I hope to make a trip out there soon. Maybe in the summer when it warms up 🙂 Great essentials you’ve packed! Have a safe trip.

    Reply

    1. Ahh yes! I wish I could go in the summer instead too because it’s way hot out here in Palm Springs but then there are no more direct flights from Palm Springs airport to JFK after the first week of May 🙁 So I’m literally catching one of the last flights out there! I hope you will be able to make some time to visit this summer. Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply

    1. Thanks Kimmie! I just got an all new set from Steamline actually 🙂 the single one in this post I got last year and still love it as much as I did on day one. So excited to add to my collection because they are truly the best! Such photogenic suitcases <3 Totally wish list worthy!!

      Reply

  4. Have so much fun in New York girl! Loving your plane essentials. I need eyedrops and lip balm on me at all times too!

    Reply

    1. Thank you Eileen! My friends there tell me it’s snowing tomorrow and I’m getting a little nervous LOL. Yessss eyedrops and lip balm are musts! It gets so dry on the plane.

      Reply

    1. Thanks lovely! I hope it is warmer too – but it doesn’t sound like it will be because I’ve been told it’s snowing this weekend. Yikes! Either way though, I’ll be making the best of it 🙂 xx

      Reply

    1. Thank you Nicole! I’ve only been to NYC one other time and it was closer to the holidays in December. Surprisingly then, it was pretty warm. It looks like this time I’ll be there it’ll be cold though 🙁 haha I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I don’t catch a cold so I can get a lot of exploring in. 🙂

      Reply

    1. Thanks Elizabeth! I’m obsessed with Steamline Luggage. They have the most unique and photogenic ones ever! Glad to know I’m not the only freeze-baby haha. Have a lovely weekend too! xx

      Reply

  14. I love your luggage! I look forward to reading about what you decide to do while in NYC. It’s on our travel list for next year!

    Reply

    1. Thank you Christine! Haha so I’ve heard that it’s gotten warmer in NY… but “warm” weather in NY is still freezing to a Palm Springs-er LOL!

      Reply

  19. I feel like you’re pretty prepared even though you didn’t get as much of a chance to shop as you hoped! I think you’ll be just fine. The weather is so up and down on the east coast lately that you might even get some super spring-feeling weather! I hope you have so much fun! I love all your travel necessities!

    Reply

    1. Omg I hope so! I heard that it’s going to be in the 70’s starting on Thursday so looks like I’m bringing the heat with me HAHA! 😉 I’ll bring a dress or maybe shorts/a tee just in case too!

      Reply

  22. First of all, that is the cutest suitcase I’ve ever seen! I would want to travel all the time if I had a stylish suitcase like that! These are mostly all tips I follow whenever I travel – I finally learned to keep my makeup and skincare essentials to the minimal, and packing my products in travel sized containers. It makes such a huge difference!
    xo Samantha

    Reply

    1. Hahaha the thing with me is, I’m always paranoid about dinging it LOL. It’s just too cute! Steamline Luggage makes the prettiest suitcases ever, hands down. I just got myself an entire new set and can’t wait to use them on my upcoming trips 🙂 I just bought my travel sized containers today too! They are definitely helpful in keeping the luggage lighter and less bulky!

      Reply

  25. How exciting to be going to NYC! I haven’t been in a while and am itching to go back. I love all these packing essentials. It’s weird going to a cold place when you live here in SoCal and there is so much more packing involved. But you got all the good tips and essentials right here. I totally get dry eyes and want comfort on the plane so those plane items are a must. Have the best time and enjoy the short trip. Can’t wait to see all the pics! xoxo, Christine
    http://dailykongfidence.com/

    Reply

    1. I am having a blast here so far! We got a super cute Airbnb and are winding down after a long day of exploring Brooklyn. Excited to go check out neat places in the city next. I think you might enjoy it here in the summer time. It’s still a little chilly here right now but supposed to warm up towards the end of my stay so I’m keeping my fingers crossed! xx

      Reply

    1. I need to get better at packing light! I was escaping the 101 degree heat in Palm Springs the day I flew into New York… lol… the temperature difference was brutal. But it looks like it’s supposed to warm up. I heard you’re out of town for the days I’m here! Are you still in Tokyo? Maybe next time – I’ll definitely be back 🙂

      Reply

  27. Ahh, I love New York and these are some amazing packing essentials. I also always pack a silk eye mask to use not only in flight, but hotel. That suitcase is so pretty. When I’m trying to look for last minute things, Marshalls & TJMaxx are amazing for carry-on essentials. I have to take everything in travel size and always have to leave room for things I buy if it’s a short trip to a big city, too! Have an amazing time. There’s so much good food there it’s hard to make recommendations for a short trip. >.< Tom and I always binge on desserts. He wants to go back to the Donut Plant, but if you want an IG shot and love green tea matcha, go to Cha Cha Matcha.
    So many pretty dining spots. You can't go wrong in NYC. I wish I lived there. Safe Travels. Have the most incredible time!

    Xo,
    Miki
    http://mikialamode.com

    Reply

    1. Thank you Miki! You are spot on — I totally went to Marshalls & TJ to get my last minute essentials too. They seem to always have everything I need lol! It’s been cold in NY so far but supposed to warm up for the later half of my stay so I’m looing forward to that. Thanks for the recommendation. I will try to check out Donut Plant and Cha Cha Matcha! The traffic here is terrible so I don’t think I could live here but visiting is certainly fun 🙂

      Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Get Updates in Your Inbox!

Instagram Linkedin Medium

Copyright © 2022 CACIA Creative. All rights reserved.

error: Content cannot be copied.