At long last, summer is in sight and for many, that means weekends at the cottage or vacays to exotic locations. These trips can be on a limitless budget or on a dime, but whether you're a backpacker or — as the hostel community likes to call them — a flashpacker, a few packing essentials never go amiss. I'm talking about the must-have travel products that are multi-functional and keep you looking gorgeous without weighing down your luggage (leaving more room for souvenirs). Here are just a few of the things that, in my experience, should be at the top of any packing list.
Travel Essentials for Flashpacking Vacays
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Eos
To celebrate the arrival of warmer months, Eos has released the Spring Pack, which features two new lip balms, one in Strawberry Sorbet and the other in a limited-edition Summer Fruit. I know a bunch of beauty bloggers who swear by this brand because it's both paraben- and gluten-free. As you may have recently noticed, they've also started doing hand cream in really convenient, travel-sized dispensers.
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Roots Satchel
A Roots bag will last you a lifetime, not just because the high-grade 100% Italian leather is so durable, but also because they'll fix it if anything breaks or wears down. Even years after purchase. Their satchel bags are the ultimate travel accessory and I'm currently in love with this Village style.
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Garnier Triple Nutrition Miracle Dry-Oil Spray
Ok, so I only recently discovered this product and it has changed my life. No exaggeration because it can be used on your face, body or hair and a little goes a long way. Being the bona fide "Miracle" product it claims, if you pack this spray for your travels, it can replace moisturizer, hair serum, body lotion and even perfume since it smells divinely of coconuts.
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Mollusk Shoe
For Spring 2013, Generic Surplus and Mollusk Surf Shop designed a shoe whose style and functionality transfers seamlessly from beachside activities to day-to-day city life. It's comfortable, practical and stylish and comes in brown, charcoal and navy suede. You can purchase it at these exclusive Canadian retailers:
Montreal, QC - Boutique Oxford
Toronto & Kingston, ON - Heel Boy
WInnipeg, MB - The Urban Bakery (TUB)
Edmonton, AB - Gravity Pope
Vancouver BC - The Board of Trade - J2 - Zebra Club
Victoria, BC - Sitka Surf -
Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow
I swear, planes keep the cabin temperature low so that you'll buy their blankets and pillows. Anyway, beat them at their own game with the Snazzy Napper and Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow from MEC.
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Straw Fedora
As Topshop continues to expand into Canada, I thought it only appropriate to salute its growth with a tip of the hat. A fedora hat. This short-brim straw style is a timeless piece that is oh-so-versatile and a great value for vacations or lazy Sundays at the park.
