Editor’s note: Sammy is Miss SY’s best friend from school and a journalism/PR student. Each month she shares some style and beauty tips that are relevant to teenage girls of all ages – please leave us a question if you have a teenage style/beauty question you’d like answered.
With winter now here, it’s a good time to discuss what to wear travelling on either long or short-haul journeys.
I have many shock horror travel stories to share, but I do promise to narrow it down to one.
I will never forget a beautiful week-long vacation I had in Bali… until I boarded my 2-hour delayed flight home… which was originally scheduled for midnight.
So there I was… huddled up, trying to catch some much needed sleep… wearing bali pants and a pair of thongs.
It was AWFUL!
I then managed to sit through a gruelling 6-hour flight home, with nothing but a cotton sarong to drape over myself.
Needless to say, I will never skimp on my clothing – no matter how warm the temperatures are outside.
So to save you from this misery, and in preparation of my up and coming across-the-world journey, today I will be sharing 5 different tips on travel-wear.
1. Sportsgirl Marble V Tee $34.95
2. Sportsgirl Renee Unstructured Tote Bag $59.95
3. Country Road Speckle Sweat Pant $79.95
4. Country Road Cropped Hoodie $99.95
5. Seed Amber Sneaker ‘Silver’ $59.95
6. Nike Free Run Black/White $170
1. Layers
First and foremost, it’s important to layer when travelling. I cannot emphasise this enough!
Why? Because layering will allow you to either warm up or strip off depending on the temperatures outside, in airports and on aeroplanes – absolutely essential when you’re travelling through different climates.
But when it comes to layering, it’s important to remember the layers must be lightweight – with the most outer layer being the bulkiest, while checking the outfit still works once all layers have been stripped.
Try to also stick to breathable fabrics, like cotton, and either use a vest, poncho or wrap as your outer layer, as jumpers can be rather difficult to pull on and off when you’re in a small space (wearing a seatbelt).
1. H&M Sweatshirt ‘Light Grey/Striped’ $24.95
2. Gentlemen’s Hardware Case $47
3. Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Dainty ‘Black’ $80
4. Target Soft Jogger Pants $25
5. H&M Padded Bodywarmer ‘Dark Blue’ $49.95
6. TDE Midnight Navy Passport Holder $69.95
2. Jogger pants
I am notorious for breaking this rule.
While I absolutely love my jeans, I have learnt over time they’re not appropriate for travelling.
Certain styles (including the boyfriend jean) are fine to get away with, particularly for short-haul journeys, as they shouldn’t be too restricting.
If you are travelling long-haul – I highly recommend you invest in a jogger pant. I’ll admit I have a new found love for this style and is very easy to either dress up or down. It’s also great to stick to block colours (mainly black and navy) as this way if you’re spill inclined, it won’t be too noticeable!
3. Overnight bag
While space is relatively limited when travelling, it’s okay to go big with your bag.
Just be sure to find something with at least a few pockets or enclosures inside, that way your most essential documents are kept handy, and other valuables secure.
And if you prefer something a little more stable than a tote, opt for a backpack instead! I do find zips add that little bit more security to your goods when travelling.
1. Seed Stripe Sweater ‘Ink Blue’ $69.95
2. Cotton On Posh Suede Shopper ‘Pink’ $39.95
3. Country Road Relaxed Jogger ‘Navy’ $79.95
4. Kmart Textured Puffer Gilet with Hood ‘Oatmeal’ $20
5. Target Flash Knit Joggers ‘Black’ $39
4. Sneakers
Oh, shoes. You are the enemy when travelling.
I personally find I can’t beat sneakers – but will still always carry a pair of thongs and a fresh pair of socks in my bag too.
Whether it’s Converse, Adidas, Nikes, or even Sketchers, I find enclosed shoes are the safest and cleanest to travel in. Shoes with laces are also handy if you’re inclined to swell when in the air.
5. Moisturise
If you’re prone to dry or either break out when travelling, listen up!
I cannot stress enough just how important it is to carry a travel-size moisturiser or serum with you. Why? Because aircon.
You may think it has not much of an effect, but by the time you step off that flight, you will most certainly feel it.
I find when travelling, even if it’s on a train, being enclosed with dry air has an enormous effect on my skin. And by that, I mean it sucks every last bit of moisture out of me!
So my one essential I will always carry, is a night time moisturiser when travelling. I tend to choose night over day, as the cream is likely to be more intense.
But it is also about finding out what works best for you.
You can read more about skincare here.
… And Stylers, as sad as I am to say, this will be my last post for now, as next month I am off to study abroad at university in California. I wish you all the very best, and I thank you very much for your support on this incredible journey I’ve had as part of the Styling You team.
So fitting in with today’s theme, what’s on your list to pack? Have you got any holidays planned?
Samantha Cheney is a Brisbane-based freelance writer at www.samanthacheney.com, and is currently completing her Bachelor of Journalism and Bachelor of Business degrees at the Queensland University of Technology. Her interests include travelling, writing, and photography. Check Samantha out on instagram to follow her adventures @sammycheney
Comments 16
Enjoy your time in California, I am sure that lots of hard work has proceeded you being offered this opportunity!
My tip for travel of any kind, including just everyday life is to use Evian or Avene or Laroche Posay water. It’s basically spring water in a pressurised can and the same size a a mini hairspray. I spray it on my face to set my make up, I spray it on my face to wake up when it’s my turn to drive at night [especially long haul driving] and I spray it on my face when in air-conditioning, as it helps with the moisture loss!
Oh Mish, you took the words straight out of my mouth! As exciting as it is, it most certainly has been a lot of hard work, but will also be so rewarding. They’re some great tips – will keep them in mind x
Sammy I’m really sad to read that this is your last post. My 13yo daughter and I love your style recommendations. And have bought many of the pieces you’ve shown. Can see that there are a few here that she’ll love too. This is a great article with practical advice – thanks! All the very best for your studies and the adventures ahead in the US. I’m off to follow you Insta now. Safe travels!
Thanks Kathryn! As sad as I am, I’m only an email away. Please also visit my blog: http://www.samanthacheney.com, for similar posts! Thank you for also being so loyal to my posts, keep in touch x
Oh Sammy, we are going to miss you a lot. You have no idea how valuable your posts have been for us with my own daughter starting her Uni journey and making sure she looked the part and knew where to shop etc so thank you so much… I am sure your friends here are going to miss you heaps as well. Good Luck in Cali, you will knock their socks off I am sure.. Hope to see you pop back up here again one day . All the best.
Thanks Jen – it most certainly will be an experience of a lifetime, I am just SO excited. Your words are too kind x
Great tips Sam – when I flew to the States last year I had a change of undies and t shirt plus some toiletries in a little packing cell in my carry on so I could freshen up properly before landing. It was also a just in case of spills or delayed luggage. Another suggestion would be to also have bathers + sarong in your carry on for the same reason. At least you can relax poolside if there was an issue with luggage. Your outfit suggestions are great. I also take a scarf for another layer too. Safe travels to you.
Thank you Linda – they are some great tips of what to pack from your experiences!
Thanks for the tips which I’m passing onto our teen this afternoon when she comes homes from school. She’s going to Spain with her school in September.
That’s fantastic Den! Safe travels for your daughter… what an experience!
good tips thankyou sam!
great capsule outfits! those target joggers are pretty groovy!
travel and study! … perfect!
I wish you everything wonderful on you journey of discovery hun!
much love m:)X
Thank you Merilyn! It will be an adventure – am there for 6 months, and then back in Bris to finish off! All the best to you x
I wish I’d had your savvy when I started travelling! Great post, have saved it as love some of the products, and the styling. Have a wonderful US adventure!
Oh thanks – I’m glad I could be of help! Safe travels to you too 🙂
Great post Samantha ,I love all your tips and outfits and I wish you all the best best on your adventure,have a great time studying in California,stay safe and have an amazing time Xx
Thank you Lisa… it certainly will be an experience of a life time! All the best x