A Trip to France and My Favorite Travel Gear
Norte Dame and a love lock bridge (circa 2012). Photo by Studio Hinman.
With the last few years of life, family, work, and a pandemic, it’s been a while since I’ve traveled, but it’s one of the things I get most excited about. It invigorates and inspires me and, even more importantly, gives me sheer joy! I’ve been blessed enough to travel to quite a few beautiful places and France is one of my favorite places. I have a lot of French heritage on both sides of my family so I’ve always found it fascinating (plus the food and architecture are amazing!).
This October I’ll be traveling to Paris and Lyon to do some vintage/antique sourcing, take some time for family, and celebrate my birthday. I know I’ve needed some time off for a while, but when you own your own business it can be hard to take time away. However, I don’t want to be burnt out or get decision-fatigue. With this time off, I am hoping to spend time with my family and come back rejuvenated so I can better serve my clients.
You can follow along on Instagram and Facebook with stories of my travel finds and inspiration.
When preparing for a big trip, the right gear is important, especially with little kids en tow. Here’s a list of some of my favorite travel gear:
LUGGAGE
Samsonite Freeform Hardside Carry On Luggage — I have an older model of this luggage and it has been great for the last 10+ years. It fits everything I need for a couple weeks. I also have the larger version for when I’m planning on brining back treasures or when I’m traveling with the little ones.
Peak Design Everyday Tote V2 — I am looking at this awesome tote bag from Peak Designs. I have a backpack of theirs, but I’m wanting something a little smaller for more compact travel. I also have a Bric’s Leather Duffle Weekender Bag, which is so beautiful and spacious, perfect for a couple nights or when I need extra space when only going with a carry on. The sides upsnap if I need more space too!
Travelon Anti-Theft Metro Crossbody — After reading a million reviews (this is an accurate number, haha!), I finally settled on this handbag for when I’m out and about. It’s big enough to fit a travel water bottle. I also have the classic Longchamp Le Pliage Shoulder Tote Bag, which folds up so small and perfect for around town.
eBags Classic 4-Piece Packing Cubes— I’ve had these for 10+ years and everyone in my family has a set of their own (with each a different color for easy distinction). They make packing so much easier, especially with little people.
ACCESSORIES
Davek Solo Umbrella — Hands down this is the best umbrella! I used to live in Amsterdam where torrential rain and winds are common in the winter and this has survived harsh weather throughout the years. Davek also offers loss protection, offering 50% off your next umbrella if you lose it.
Cashmere and Merino Wool Mid-Calf Socks — When I get tired of wearing these compression socks, I want something soft and cozy for the chilly plane ride. Cashmere socks are definitely an affordable luxury!
Airpop Light Reusable Face Masks — This will be my first flight in quite a while so I bought these face masks. They’re supposed to be great for people who glasses so I’m hoping they work well. I also bought the kid version too.
BCozzy Travel Neck Pillow — While I love my Travelrest Inflatable Travel Pillow, I bought two of these neck pillows for my kids and they’re obsessed! I like that they have one small enough for my littlest traveler.
Photo by Studio Hinman
ELECTRONICS
Nikon Z 50 DX-Format Mirrorless Camera Body with 15-50mm Lens — In a former life, my husband and I had a side hustle as wedding photographers and I’ve always loved shooting photography (and archery!). This is a fantastic camera and lens that covers all my needs along with a fun 28mm wide angle lens. For a camera strap, I use the Peak Design Slide Strap.
Sony Noise Canceling Overhead Headphones — The noice canceling feature on these headphones are fantastic and are worth the higher price. They’re much more comfortable for long haul flights over earbuds. With sleek design, I love mine in navy! For the kids, they each have a pair of these over the ear kid headphones.
Apple AirPods Pro Wireless Earbuds — These are so easy to pop in your bag or pocket and still offer noise cancelling when you need it.
Anker Portable Power Charger — To charge my electronics on the go, I always have this small charger in my bag along with a plug adapter.
LectroFan Micro2 Sound Machine — I’m an extremely light sleeper, so along with a sleeping mask and these small earplugs or sometimes I use my EarDial earplugs, I need this travel-sized sound machine for help sleeping on the go. I have an extra one for the kids too.
A rough draft work-in-progress for simple pleasures.
ART SUPPLIES
Iconic Paris Coloring Book (Postcards) — This coloring book is perfect for when I’m tired of staring at a screen on the plane. It will be fun to write a note to a loved one and send it off while I’m away. I also have a Paint by Sticker Travel book for myself and this Sticker by Letter book for my oldest.
Castle Arts 24 Colored Pencil Set — I love all the themes for these color pencil sets! Castle Arts makes great pencils with lots of pigment and a variety of colors.
Winsor & Newton Cotman Water Colour Paint Sketchers' Pocket Box — This palette is the perfect size for traveling. While I will have my kids with me, I’m still hoping to sit at a café or park and sketch and paint for a few minutes (I can just hear my future self laughing at this.).
Moleskine Art Watercolor Album — Moleskine makes high quality paper and comes in a sleek black cover. Easy to slip in my bag for when I’m feeling inspired. In Amsterdam, I bought the Midori Traveler’s Notebook, a Japanese-designed refillable journal with customizable inserts.
Photo by Studio Hinman
Once I am back I will write a follow up post of all the things we did, saw, and ate! I’m not a huge souvenir person, unless it’s chocolate, but I do like finding treasures along the way the bring back memories of my travels. My favorite things are scarves (like the pink silk one below because it always fits no matter my clothing size), artwork (especially if it’s a flat print or map), and jewelry (because it’s small and I wear it often).
Have you ever been to France? How many croissants do you think I will eat? If I were sourcing some pieces for your project, what do you wish I would bring you? Leave a comment below!
When I was younger and well rested!
Studio Hinman is an Amazon Associate, earning from qualifying purchases. All opinions and recommendations are our own and supports our small business at no cost to you. We only recommend products and brands we are familiar with or use ourselves. Thanks for your support!
