Travel Tips, Tour Heroes & Q+A

This isn’t the substack alert I teased on instagram, however relaxation assured – that one is coming….subsequent week. 🙂

I do know I’ve been teasing this specific submit for some time, and I lastly have some downtime to get it achieved. So away we go!

Before I grew to become a printed writer, I clearly dreamed about happening a e book tour in the future. I used to be no stranger to journey, however touring for work is a wholly completely different ballgame. Over the final ten years of a travel-heavy profession, I lastly have my nearly fool-proof system nailed down. Book occasions and excursions are extremely irritating, albeit fantastic, so streamlining all the opposite components that go into journey helps me keep management and decrease anxiousness (exterior the traditional anxieties).

1. CARRY ON ONLY. This may sound apparent, however I nonetheless encounter writer buddies who journey with checked baggage and it appears like seeing a unicorn. Again, my worries received’t permit for probably shedding baggage to an airline snafu, so I at all times journey carry-on at any time when doable. Tour journey often means you’re on a airplane each single day, so the potential for misplaced baggage rises exponentially. And European excursions often characteristic trains, that are not often conducive to massive examine suitcases that it’s essential lug on, off, and over cobblestones. I’ll do examine if I’m gone for longer than two weeks, however journeys like which are very uncommon.

   1. I used this suitcase for nearly 10 years of journey, and had little or no complaints.

   2. But did lastly improve to this suitcase – she rolls so easily, particularly over uneven streets or cobblestones. I can’t consider I discover the distinction however I do. And the lifetime guarantee may be very interesting.

2. HACK YOUR PERSONAL ITEM. I exploit a delicate sided duffel WITH A ZIPPER to verify I can stuff as a lot as I can below the airplane seat, and basically double my carry-on potential.

   1. My Longchamp expandable was a sport changer.

   2. Keep your black gap of a private merchandise organized with POUCHES. I exploit ziplocks for masks and sanitizing wipes, and a mixture of enjoyable pouches for every part else divided into classes. Snacks, inflight skincare, electronics, and so on. I did deal with myself in London to this pouch I’ve been coveting.

   

3. RELY ON YOURSELF FOR AMENITIES. What do I imply by that? I imply don’t depend on your lodge having good shampoo, a mini bar for snacks, and even delicate pillowcases. I’ve been burned many instances by pondering the lodge can have what I would like, whether or not it’s Q-tips or physique lotion or sufficient lighting. So I attempt to be my very own security internet.

   1. I deliver a silk pillowcase IN A BRIGHT COLOR, to ensure my face isn’t on scratchy sheets – and it’s good on your pores and skin and hair too! The vivid coloration means you’re much less prone to go away it behind.

   2. I acquire pattern and journey sizes of my favourite merchandise. I notably just like the shampoo and conditioner samples that include make-up orders – those in a flat, single use envelope. They pack higher and also you shed weight as you go! I’ve a drawer in my toilet the place I maintain pattern dimension EVERYTHING so I can simply dig in for journey.

   3. I additionally maintain a pouch of emergency snacks in my private merchandise – a mixture of Peanut M&Ms, Chomps, nuts, Liquid IV, and mint tea, alongside gum and mints too. I’ve had quite a lot of nights on the highway the place dinner is Peanut M&Ms in mattress.

4. BRING THE PHARMACY. Self-explanatory. There’s nothing worse than getting sick on the highway.

   1. I journey with over-the-counter and rescue prescriptions simply in case. Zofran, Paxlovid, Afrin, Nyquil, the nice Sudafed, melatonin, you identify it, I’ve bought it readily available. I additionally take Vitamin C/Zinc whereas touring to attempt to increase my immune system.

   2. I additionally carry sanitizing wipes for the airplane and hand sanitizer – I discover sprays like this one finest for work occasions as a result of I can douse my fingers rapidly and go, versus utilizing a goopy gel which may decelerate a e book signing or get somebody’s e book moist.

5. STAY PACKED. Obviously not your garments, please unpack and launder your garments whenever you get dwelling. But I do imply maintain your toiletries pouch stocked and prepared, so you may seize and go when the subsequent journey interval comes.

   1. I like this pouch, it suits a ton and the intense coloration means I’m by no means leaving it behind in a lodge toilet!

6. DRESS UP FOR THE AIRPORT. Okay, not completely, however I’m positively somebody who doesn’t get pleasure from wanting like a slug in public. So I attempt to discover the completely happy medium between model and luxury.

   1. No uncovered pores and skin. I don’t wish to contact extra of the seat than I have to. So no shorts, attire, skirts, or brief sleeves.

   2. Layers. Planes get chilly – or scorching! – so I would like choices. I like a base long-sleeve t-shirt, an outsized sweater (this Quince cashmere is a staple), and if I’m going someplace I would like a coat, the coat is on me to liberate suitcase room.

   3. I like these sweatpants jeans as a result of they aren’t printed on, they’re cozy, and I really feel like a cool Gen-Z’er in my dishevelled denims. And they arrive in petites for us shorties!!

   4. Cool sneakers for those who’re not carrying your heaviest shoe on the airplane. These leopard Sambas made me so completely happy on my Euro tour (even when I did want to interrupt them in).

   5. I additionally am getting previous and due to this fact changing into enamored of silk scarves. I’ve slightly assortment going and love to decorate my outfits with a pop of coloration.

7. PLAN YOUR CLOTHING. In case you don’t already assume I’m a freak, I visualize all my outfits utilizing Canva. Yes, I put collectively every part I’m bringing to verify every bit of the wardrobe works in a number of iterations. It was immensely useful on the lengthy Euro tour, and really lower down on panic shopping for garments beforehand.

   1. My go-to tour outfit: an outsized black blazer, t-shirt, good denims, a pleasant heel.

   2. I’m additionally keen on long-sleeve, ankle size, excessive neck attire as a result of they’re straightforward and I don’t have to fret about my cleavage throughout images. TMI? I don’t care, you’re nonetheless studying. I troll TheRealReal for offers on Ulla Johnson and Zimmermann attire that match the invoice.

      

      Yes, I actually imply I made all my outfits in Canva, as you may see above. Spot the garments from my Euro tour!!!

8. CHECK THE WEATHER. But actually. Make positive it isn’t raining or freezing or boiling scorching – and whether it is, PACK ACCORDINGLY.

For all my TRAVEL MUST HAVES, I’ve linked them on this helpful dandy shoppable checklist here. Yes, these are affiliate hyperlinks so I’ll get some pennies for those who purchase by means of the hyperlink – but in addition be at liberty to only use the checklist as wanted by yourself!

You may discover lists of my hair and make-up go-to’s as properly!

Now these are my hard-and-fast guidelines…however you guys had so many pretty questions on my IG submit final month! Yes, final month. I’m sorry for the delay, however higher late than by no means.

Tour/Travel Q&A

How many suitcases do you tackle tour and what suggestions do you might have for financial packing? – Under 2 weeks, carry-on with an enormous private merchandise. I may even put on a crossbody purse that I can stuff away earlier than boarding a airplane. As for financial packing, I actually strive to verify the clothes all works collectively, so I don’t stick with it something I don’t want or received’t put on.

Which magnificence/well being necessities do you might have in your journey? – Besides the aforementioned pharmacy and different must-haves – I’ll take my very own hair dryer if I’m touring within the US. My Dyson doesn’t work abroad, so I made do with this hot brush. For higher or worse, we’re often doing our personal hair/make-up for occasions so I attempt to be as ready as I can!

Tips on dealing with jet lag/time change/sleep disruption? – I’m a foul sleeper on the highway. Events offer you a lot adrenaline and I discover it troublesome to return down afterwards to go to sleep, so I depend on melatonin to assist shut down, and modify to completely different time zones. I additionally know myself and can keep off red-eye flights except completely obligatory. I might a lot somewhat get up early than fly by means of the night time, as a result of I simply received’t sleep. If I’m required to attempt to sleep on a airplane, I deliver a soft, silky eyemask, ear plugs, and compression socks, together with an inflatable pillow (sure even in enterprise class, I would like an additional pillow, she’s a excessive upkeep bitch). But even then, I not often do get a lot sleep below even the very best of circumstances. My mind simply received’t shut down.

What’s the go to airplane outfit? – I linked a bunch above however cozy denims, a sweater, below layer, sports activities bra, a baseball hat for a foul hair day, enjoyable sneakers or footwear that DO NOT NEED TO COME OFF THROUGH A METAL DETECTOR, AppleWatch that may inform me to face up once I can’t arise. I’m additionally keen on an outsized blazer on flights below six hours as a result of it makes me really feel like a company energy bitch.

Do you make a to-do checklist for the airplane for those who’re working? – I’ve began loving writing on planes, since there’s actually nothing else to distract me or break my focus. I’m going in with a singular purpose to work on one particular factor, so I don’t divide my consideration needlessly.

Is it value upgrading to enterprise to get writing / work achieved in comparison with Econ? – It’s an enormous privilege to say this however I believe so. Even if I don’t sleep a lot, I arrive a lot more energizing if I’ve had more room and a comfier seat. I received’t even get into my again ache. We simply don’t get a number of restoration or downtime when touring, so selecting up the time the place you may is nice. It’s additionally simply good as a lady often touring alone to not have to consider somebody sitting subsequent to me, or preventing to rise up to go to the lavatory on lengthy hauls.

Do you attempt to maintain the identical schedule even with the jet lag? – I at all times attempt to flip to the native timezone as rapidly as doable – which often means staying up when exhausted and dosing your self with sleeping aids to attempt to catch the cycle. We simply don’t have time on the highway to be jet lagged!

How do you stability the calls for of writing/modifying/revising/promotion with the work you’re ALSO doing on tour?! It looks as if a lot! – It is a lot! And most of it falls to the wayside, except I’m actually on deadline. I positively fall off on making content material whereas touring and my trip responder goes up on my electronic mail. If one thing isn’t important or dire, I let it sit till I’m off the highway!

Can I ask whenever you’ll be again in Scotland? – I used to be so unhappy to not rise up to Scotland in 2025, however I have already got a visit booked for 2026. And this one is for RESEARCH for the Dragon Book, visiting part of Scotland I’ve by no means seen earlier than, so I’m immensely excited already!

What locations are in your bucket checklist? ✈️ – So many!!! But we’re actively planning for journeys to Egypt and Mongolia. Plus, I’m lastly going to go to the village in Italy the place my grandmother was born.

Tips for consolidating liquids for flights please ❤️ – Depot and decant! I’ve some tiny glass vials with droppers that I’ll put my skincare in. I additionally acquire pattern sizes of my favourite merchandise, and the shampoo/conditioner single use pouches are very useful in packing gentle.

Long haul flight necessities? Do you ever get anxious travelling? Best strategies to deal with that for those who do? 🩵🩵 – Besides all of the bodily objects yow will discover on my journey checklist, I’m a PLANNER. I’m the woman who checks airplane seat maps, airport layouts, or watches youtube movies of my seat class/route. None of that is obligatory but it surely actually helps me really feel ready, and feeling ready negates my anxiousness immensely. I do completely get anxious touring and I’m at all times operating eventualities in my head on what to do if I get delayed or one thing goes incorrect. It’s not precisely stress-free, LOL. It additionally helps that I’m simply used to journey, each home and worldwide. So I simply have extra expertise, particularly at LAX, my dwelling airport, which I may most likely navigate blindfolded at this level.

How do you keep away from getting sick whereas touring, please? – GREAT query. First and foremost, I at all times have hand sanitizer on me. Our occasions are excessive contact and I attempt to frequently sanitize my fingers at any time when doable, particularly at e book signings or whereas consuming. I additionally masks in crowded areas on public transit, particularly when boarding or deboarding a airplane when the air circulation is poor and persons are jammed collectively. I’ll wipe down my seat too, and I’m completely happy to share my wipes. Internally, I take vitamin C/Zinc whereas touring to assist bolster my immune system. And if I do get sick, I carry a pharmacy – I’m susceptible to sinus points so having Afrin and the nice Sudafed are important. Not to say Zofran in case of meals poisoning.

What’s the final e book you might have learn and your favourite studying location? – I’m at the moment studying and loving THE SECOND DEATH OF LOCKE by VL Bovalino, and I like to learn on the seaside or by lodge swimming pools LOL.

And that’s it for me! Can’t wait to speak once more subsequent week, with a giant previous announcement I’ve been DYING to share.

Cheers and completely happy new 12 months,

Victoria