Happy Wednesday! I’m so excited that this week is half-way done because I’m flying out to Chicago on Friday morning for rock ‘n’ Roll Chicago! I’m really looking forward to this racecation weekend for a few reasons:
1. The food in Chicago is AMAZING. The pizza alone puts a smile on my face.
2. I get to meet a lot of bloggers in person. I consider these women friends even though I haven’t met most of them in person yet.
3. Chicago has so much to see and do. It’s really a great city!
4. Did I mention the food?!
As with every racecation, I have to make sure that I pack smart since I’m only taking a carry on suitcase. No matter if I’m driving, flying or taking the train to a race location, there are always products that always find their way into my suitcase. Last year I posted my 5 Travel Essentials for Racecations, and today I thought I would do a part 2 to that blog post!
Great Lakes Gelatin
I’ve been using these collagen products for almost a month and I love them. Luckily for me, their products come in convenience packs so I can take the product with me when I travel! I usually drink tea everyday so it’s nice to have this to add to my tea on the plane or even to a bottle of water as I’m walking around a race expo.
Books
Let’s be honest, if you’re on a flight and it doesn’t have a TV, what do you do to pass the time? I Luckily I enjoy reading a good book! Right now I’m currently reading ‘The Year of Yes’ from Shonda Rimes and it’s excellent. Maybe I’ll finish it this weekend?!
Healthy Snacks
I don’t know anyone that enjoys paying for airline food. Not only is it expensive, but most of the time it doesn’t taste that great either. Last year I started filling a ziploc bag with healthy snacks. Some of my favorites include cashews/almonds, a granola bar, plain greek yogurt and jerky. I also always travel with fruit – usually strawberries, a banana or an apple. If you don’t have time to pack a snack bag, you can usually find healthy options at Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts too.
Packing Cubes
When you’re trying to utilize your suitcase space, packing cubes are the way to go. The set I purchased (photo below) has 3 different sizes. I love that I can use one cube for running gear, another for “regular” clothes and the last one for misc items. The packing cubes help me keep everything together and it saves me SO much space in my carry-on suitcase!
Clorox Wipes
I’m a bit of a germaphobe so I always travel with Clorox wipes. I’ll use these to wipe down the remote, doorknobs and headboard in my hotel room. They also come in handy if you have to use the restroom on the plane or train. I just feel like it’s SO easy to catch germs when you’re traveling so why not do your best to get rid of germs if you can!
What are your must-have items when traveling?
I’m linking up with Marcia from Marcia’s Healthy Slice, Erika from MCM Mama Runs and Patty from My No-Guilt Life for Tuesdays on the Run.
I’m linking up with Annmarie from The Fit Foodie Mama and Nicole from FitFul Focus for Wild Workout Wednesday.
I’m linking up with Rachel from Running on Happy, Lora from Crazy Running Girl and Debbie from Coach Debbie Runs for Coaches’ Corner!
I’m linking up for Friday Five 2.0 with Rachel from Running on Happy and Lacey and Meranda from Fairytales and Fitness.
Related Posts
Packing Tips for your Rock ‘n’ Roll Racecation
My Five Dream Racecations
Virjinia @ With Purpose and Kindness says
Great tip on those packing cubes! I may have to invest in something like that for my trip to Chicago in October for the marathon. I’m definitely ready for the food! Also, I may carry some wipes too because you just never know. I always pack snacks so I have a mental list of what I’d like to take already!
kookyrunner says
Yes the packing cubes are awesome! Definitely try the wipes if you can – they always come in handy, trust me!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus says
I keep meaning to try packing cubes! Everyone I know who has them loves them.
kookyrunner says
They will change your life!
Darlene says
Snacks. Breakfast for race morning.
Everyone raves about packing cubes. I should probably try them.
kookyrunner says
The packing cubes are really great and they are inexpensive too!
Jamie King says
Ahh, packing cubes, I need those! This is such a great list, will be perfect for me when I run Ragnar Los Coyotes this fall. THANK YOU!
kookyrunner says
Yes the packing cubes would be perfect for a Ragnar race!
Nicci Randall says
These are totally all the essentials! I agree with Jamie – I totally need to add packing cubes into my life!
kookyrunner says
The packing cubes are SO helpful- you would really love them.
Liz says
These are such great tips! Packing cubes are AMAZING and help me stay organized!
kookyrunner says
Same! I always feel way more organized and way less stressed when i use the packing cubes.
Alyse says
Oh my gosh yes, the food in Chicago is SO GOOD. Every time I’m there I just want to eat, eat, eat and do nothing else. 🙂
I love those collagen convenience packs, too, so easy to get protein on the run!
kookyrunner says
I really can’t wait to enjoy all the yummy food in Chicago! Like you, I always just want to eat, eat, eat, LOL
Rachel says
I LOVE packing cubes. They’re so easy!!
Damn I’m gonna have major FOMO this weekend. Don’t post on social media, mmkay? 😉
Have a great time!!!! <3
kookyrunner says
Yes they are amazing and i love how they keep everything in one place!
Now you know I’m going to be posting on social media, but we will miss you tons!
Annmarie says
Oooh yes, those packing cubes are a must! I have something similar and they come in so handy for my race gear!
kookyrunner says
Right?! I used to use plastic bags for my race gear but the packing cubes are way nicer, lol
Kimberly Hatting says
I always bring along an “old school” spiral notebook…for jotting down future blog post ideas or drafting posts. I prefer old fashioned writing over trying to type on my phone (and it saves my data LOL). I have an almost 5-hour train ride on Friday, so I’m also bringing a real hand-held book to read 😉 Can’t wait to (finally) get to meet you!!!!!
kookyrunner says
Great idea to bring the spiral notebook – I think I will start doing that too!
I hope that your travel to Chicago on Friday is good and can’t wait to see you at dinner!
Angela says
The packing cubes are a good idea! It’s like having a suitcase inside a suitcase! Hope you have a blast in Chicago!!
kookyrunner says
It really is like having a suitcase inside a suitcase! That’s the best way to describe it.
Marcia says
Wheee! I can’t believe race weekend is just about here! Those packing cubes look very cool. See you soon!
kookyrunner says
Seriously! We’ve been talking about this weekend for months and now it’s finally here!
Laurie says
Good luck in Chicago. Wish I was going too, both for the race (I did it several years ago) and to meet other bloggers in person. And the FOOD!!!
I am going to check out “The Year of Yes”.
kookyrunner says
Thanks Laurie! It should be a really fun weekend and I’m planning to come back home 5 lbs heavier lol
The Year of Yes is great so far! If you check it out, I hope you like it too.
Wendy says
Can I say how much I love those GLG convenience packs?
I seriously am so excited for this weekend. I can’t believe it’s all coming together!!!
kookyrunner says
They are the best! I already have them in my suitcase for #RnRChi!
I feel like we’ve been talking about this weekend forever and now it’s finally here!
Chaitali says
I haven’t tried packing cubes yet, I’ll have to look into those.
kookyrunner says
They are super helpful!
Renee says
These are great and different tips than you normally read about! I love my packing cubes. I always bring a book and then fall asleep when I start reading … I also bring a sleep mask with me because I like it real dark when I try to sleep. Hotel rooms sometimes let in too much light for my liking!
Have the best time in Chicago! So bummed I could not make it !
kookyrunner says
I think the packing cubes might be the best purchase I’ve made when it comes to travelling.
We will miss you in Chicago this weekend 🙁
Shathiso says
I don’t what it is about Chicago, but whenever I think of visiting the USA, Chicago always pops up in my head as a destination I would love to include as part of the trip! And now that you mention the food, I am solidifying that plan! How did I not know Shonda Rhimes had a book out?! That will have to be my next buy! And those packing cubes look great – just back from a work trip and I know I would have made great use of them.
kookyrunner says
If you ever visit the US I think Chicago would be awesome (just don’t come in the winter if you don’t like the cold)! The food here is the best, no question!
The book by Shonda Rimes has been out for about a year or so (I think) and I love it so far. She’s a really special person!
I love the packing cubes, especially for work travel. I can keep my “regular” clothes in on cube and my workout clothes in another.
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy says
Totally with you on snacks (except you can’t fly with yogurt — unless you get super lucky with TSA). In fact, I actually have a travel cooler & it’s super helpful. — both for travel & during the trip. People laugh at me then want to put things in it.
I use packing cubes too. I find they actually take up a little more space, but it’s worth it. I can just put them in a drawer, they have a back pocket for dirty laundry & can even be used as a gear bag in a pinch (mine have a little handle).
I also love the backpacks from Genius Pack. Pricey, but I’ve gotten them when they run sales, helps me to stay super organized & are also super comfortable!
Enjoy some of that pizza for me & of course the race & all the bloggers.
kookyrunner says
Oh very true about the yougurt. Now that I think about it, I actually purchased that after I was in the airport, lol. That travel cooler is such a good idea. Where dod you buy it from? I might purchase one!
I’ll have to check out the backpacks from Genius Pack. I will be enjoying some pizza tonight and probable tomorrow and can’t wait – yum yum!
Patrick @looneyforfood.com says
Have Fun!
kookyrunner says
Thanks Patrick!
Lesley says
Yeah, healthy snacks are the way to go, even when you get to your destination. Airports don’t exactly have healthy food stations.
kookyrunner says
For sure! I usually find out of LaGuardia Airport in NYC and they have a lot of healthy options but they are uber expensive!
Megan @ Meg Go Run says
I never heard of packing cubes! Great idea!
kookyrunner says
I really recommend them for packing!
Zenaida says
I love the packing cubes! I bought them last year after my trip to Alaska and used them this year when I went to San Francisco.
kookyrunner says
I hate packing so I like the cubes because it makes it easier for me to find everything.
AmyC says
I think it might be time for me to upgrade from baggies to cubes 😉 And, so many people are taking collagen. I need to look into it! Have a great weekend!
kookyrunner says
Yes, make the upgrade and you won’t regret it! The cubes make it so much easier to pack everything and also not to forget anything either.
Fairytalesandfitness says
I usually only pack carry one too, so I have to be smart as well. Thanks for linking up.
kookyrunner says
Thanks for co-hosting the link up every week! It’s one of my favorites!
Cari says
Funny – I don’t even need the TV. I’m forever team book although I did just get a Tablet
kookyrunner says
I don’t have a tablet/ipad and im also team book – I like to kick it old school lol