Jen’s Travel Must-Haves

Jul 30

Meet Jen: Our Travel Savvy Agent and Her Must-Haves for Every Adventure!

At The Hello Agency, we're proud to have a team of dedicated travel experts who have a love for exploration. One such gem is our very own Jen, a seasoned travel agent with a particular love for globe-trotting. With her extensive experience, Jen has mastered the art of packing for any adventure. Today, we're sharing her top travel must-haves to help you prepare for your next journey, no matter where it takes you.

Footwear for Pounding the Cobblestones

“Vionic Nubuck Loafers have actual arch support and come in gobs of colors. I've worn my with dresses, shorts, pants, even on a couple of horseback rides! They pack super flat and are more comfy to me that basic white sneakers. But Vionic has sneakers, too! ”

With simple heel-to-toe detailing, this classic rubber-sole lace-up casually dresses up and down for comfortable all-day wear. *Tip - wear your new sneakers for just a few hours for the first few days to allow your feet to adjust.

“Our family loves Olukai flip flops, and I often throw in a pair to wear in a hotel room or to a pool. In Europe, you'll get some side-eye if you sport flops in a city, but I have some Olukais that go with everything. These are waterproof, non-marking (yacht-ready!) and help me walk 10 miles without shin splints.”

“A little wedge, especially on a springy rubber sole, helps you stroll and explore all day long without foot fatigue. I had sandals first and then a pair of boots for Iceland to wander Reykjavik. This brand is so comfy out of the box, with zero break-in required! These wedges are good with jeans, pants or dresses, they are a travel go-to.”

Favorite Luggage Bags

Troubadour Apex 3.0 Backpack - I have searched for a while before finding the perfect backpack. This comfortable backpack slides efffortlessly over my luggage handle, and has 2 options for dedicated passport storage and has a laptop section. It's my go-to personal item whether I carry on or check a bag. I really wanted a streamlined look, free of straps and buckles. *Bonus: green is my fave color and makes it easy to distinguish from all the black backpacks in overhead bins and on the floor. Don't worry though - it comes in two blues or black as well.

“I've had this bag for years and love the half-and-half colorway. I enjoyed the full advantage of my Global Entry card when I returned from Mexico with only a carry-on. I zipped right by everyone waiting at the baggage claim after clearing passport conrol! It is so liberating if you can swing it! And it provides extra flexibility with delays and cancellations.”

“Absolutely love the terrazzo pattern because Italy is always on my mind and it is easy to spot rolling onto the baggage claim carousel.” Outfitted with a high-quality polycarbonate shell, the Check-In Medium is dent-resistant, impact-friendly and virtually unbreakable. It features an ultra-sturdy telescopic handle, TSA-Accepted lock and whisper-quiet wheels.

I love by bags from HOBO

I pack the Fern Bag empty in my suitcase and use it once I'm in destination to store my phone, money, hair ties and lip balm. The metallics are mellow, Hobo leather is super soft and the bag works with casual or nicer outfits. *TIP: I store my passport and card wallet in my backpack for plane and train travel. You do NOT want to have to keep up with several small personal items when you're in airports or train-hopping.

The Fern is really small, but it's how I roll with my iPhone and card wallet (also by Hobo). The Phoebe crossbody is a good one, too! I woudn't recommend wearing a little backpack on your back because they can be an easy target for pickpocketing in crowds. (At least little packs across your chest are trendy now - so many options!) Just be mindful of your surroundings, and keep your bag close to you, including when you break for meals. (I sometimes unbuckle the strap and secure it to a chair leg and keep it under my napkin.)

“I bought one several years ago in Montana, and it packs totally flat and can be used to store a few items at a resort pool or to tote a phone, lip balm, a few Euros and an ID on a hike or bike ride.” Comes in an array of colors!

“I pack a flat duffel bag with handles and a zipper in the base of my suitcase. If I shop much on my trip, I can check my luggage on the return and fill this as my carry-on for the plane (and using my backpack as a personal item.)”

Tech Essentials

Noise-Cancelling Audio is key for planes and airports. They're also useful for first hotels on your Europe trip if you aren't used to lively diners enjoying alfresco dinners on piazzas below. I have AirPods Pro and AirFly to connect them to in-flight entertainment. Husband and daughter love their cushy Bose ones.