Paul Blundell/E!Jacqueline M. Wood is a packing pro. As the host of E!'s travel show Party On (premiering Dec. 5)she has mastered the art of filling her carry-on with just the right balance of beauty and fashion items—plus, a few entertainment gems. We tapped Jacqueline to share her must-haves when she's jetsetting around the world!
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I've learned a few things from my experience as the host of E!'s travel show, Party On, traveling to the most glamorous destinations and A-list vacation hot spots. Perfecting my martini order (ha!) is one and the other is how to pack the perfect carry-on bag!
My first piece of advice is to choose your carry-on bag wisely! I love my Samsonite Black Label luggage by Alexander McQueen. It's durable, not too flashy, and I can fit everything I need in there. You definitely don't have to go overboard with an expensive carry-on bag, but if you buy something that's 20 bucks, it will likely break after three flights, if that. I've had my bag for years and have taken it to New Zealand, South Africa and all over Europe and it's still in excellent condition!
Now that you're up-to-speed on the perfect bag to bring on board, let me help you pack it! Evian mineral water spray is my go-to and the first thing I reach for once the plane takes off. Skin can become very dry and you can get blemishes when you are up in the air, so I like to spritz my face from time to time to keep my skin hydrated.
I also like to pack a good moisturizer. For my combination skin, I like to use Kate Somerville Oil Free moisturizer because it really helps balance my skin in-flight, but remember to keep your liquids under 3.4 ounces so security won't take your (expensive) beauty products away! Most companies make travel size versions of their best-sellers, which I strongly suggest purchasing.
Headphones, my kindle and my iPhone are also vital for me to have in flight and immediately get pulled out of my carry-on on once we're told it's safe to use approved electronic devices! My iPhone is geared up with all my favorite music and video games to get me ready for my trip and I make sure my Kindle is loaded with new reads. I just finished reading Never Coming Back by Tim Weaver. Great thriller! I couldn't pull myself away from it. When you have a great read, it makes a 12-hour flight go by in the blink of an eye. I also like to set myself up with some good magazines, just in case. A good fashion magazine and a travel magazine are my favorites. You may want include a small pillow and throw blanket as well. I like to lightly spritz my blanket with lavender to help me relax and surround myself with a nice aroma, you can usually pick up a small pillow and blanket at the airport.
Before your trip you should also buy immune system-boosting medicine because of all the bacteria and viruses that you can encounter on an airplane. I like to have Emergen-C the day before I travel and while I'm on the plane to help support my immune system, energy, and overall general health.
Sometimes airplane food isn't great. I encourage you to buy a large bottle of water to stay hydrated after you've gone through security. Try to avoid coffee, it really dehydrates you in the air and pick up some of your favorite snacks at the airport before you board the plane. Nuts, trail mix, dried fruits, and granola or cereals are all healthy dry foods that you can take with you on a plane. Luckily, now there are healthier choices in most airports where you can buy fruit, sandwiches and healthy snacks.
Dressing comfortably on the plane is also very important to me: A good pair of sweat pants and a cozy sweater are the best. I also like to bring warm slippers to easily slide in and out of. I make sure to go easy on my accessories on travel days, as well. Firstly, they are annoying to have on when going through security. Secondly, belts can be uncomfortable and I'm afraid I'll lose my jewelry on the plane. It is also essential to put an outfit in your carry-on that you would be comfortable wearing once you land if you happen to lose your luggage. That has happened to me before and let me tell you, I was so grateful for packing shorts, a tank top, flip flops and a swim suit in my carry on, so I could at least enjoy my first day without having to run around trying to find new outfits until my luggage arrived.
Now that we've got your carry-on squared away, let me give you a little insight into what goes into my actual luggage. I tend to pack light but still keep a large bag because I love to shop. For each destination I travel to, I like to buy something that the country or city is known for such as olive oil, truffle, jewelry etc. I also like to buy perfumes because the smell brings me back to the memory of my travels. And, of course I leave room for clothes when traveling through Europe. I love buying unique pieces from local designers to high-end designers that are straight off the runway from Milan, Paris and London fashion week. Other than that I keep it simple: a few active-wear outfits, bikinis, flowy dresses, nighttime wear and sexy, comfortable heels. Comfort is key for those long nights on the dance floor!
Party On premieres Thursday, Dec. 5 at 10 p.m. only on E!