Divya Gugnani
Founding Partner, Concept To Co | Co-Founder, Wander Beauty
I was a 100% a packing minimalist until I had kids. Now I’m somewhere in between. I think less is more. I’ve learned that packing is all about planning. I really am loyal to my Tumi luggage and I always have a really fun colored luggage tag, so I can identify it easily at the airport and don’t need ribbons or string coming off of my bag. When I pack, I fold everything and because I’m often packing for 3 people (myself and 2 children) I mix up our stuff between all of the 3 bags so if one bag gets lost, we all have some safety items and it doesn’t throw off the whole vacation. I always pack in advance. I check the weather of the destination I’m going to so I know what I need and what to expect, but always bring a small, portable umbrella so I’m prepared for any weather that is thrown my way. I also am a shoe fanatic and always pack 1 night shoe option – 2 max – and then bring lots of day shoe options.
I used to only travel with a carry on, but now that I have 2 children, I have to check in my bags. I’ve also developed a very strong ability to beg – my family always seems to be over the weight limit when checking our suitcases so I try to pack diapers and kid things I need just for the first day or two and then buy the rest of what I need at our destination.
I always get to the airport an hour before my flight so I’m not running to the gate, but I’m also not waiting around. I get there 15 minutes before they cut off check in. I also have a guilty pleasure of getting to the airport and getting something to eat and binging on fashion and beauty magazines. I always buy lots of reading material and goodies before a flight. I’m super fast and organized during security check. I separate the babies milk so they aren’t confused and I always make my family wear slip on or velcro shoes so it’s easy and there’s no fuss with taking them on and off. I always pick up a snack, most of the time yogurt, which keeps me full for a 2 or 3 hour journey. We always camp out at the gate so I know of any changes or delays. Sometimes I go to the airport lounge, but usually I don’t have enough time!
Back in the days when I didn’t have kids, I used to always read a book. I used to download a bunch of books so I could read them. That was prior to having wifi on planes. Once wifi became available, all I did was work, work, work. Now that I’m a mother, I’m always in survival mode – changing diapers, reading books, singing songs, doing flashcards. I’m responsible for entertaining my children the entire flight. I am all about the aisle so I can get out easily. Dramamine is my children’s new best friend so it prevents them from getting motion sick. That and sea bands.  I always keep a bag of tricks in my tote – I’ve got everything from toys, to flashcards, construction paper, stickers, colored pencils  and more so I can keep them occupied and as they get bored with something, I can pull something else out of my bag. I even type up numbers from one to two hundred on a Word document, print it out  and cut each number into a tiny square. I put all of the numbers in a ziplock bag and let my son pick out one number at a time and tell me what it is. It’s an educational game and very lightweight so it is convenient for traveling. I’m not a fan of giving my kids screen time so I stick to fun bag of treats and crafts. My iPad is always in my carry on tote bag in case of a meltdown. When it comes to eating on the plane, I usually don’t munch on anything except for cheese, nuts, and fruit. I’m severely afraid of airline food because it’s mostly processed and unhealthy!
My travel essentials are:
- Hudson and Bleecker makeup case
- Philosophy purity cleanser – takes off makeup, cleans my face and is not drying at all
- A good moisturizer – my latest obsession is Peter Thomas Roth Rose Stem Cell Bio-Repair Precious Cream. It regenerates and rejuvenates my skin. Â Â It also smells and feels amazing.
- I don’t wear foundation ever when I go on vacation – I usually just bring a concealer. I have a Wander Beauty one that we’re working on that is creaseless and hydrating. I use it under my eyes.
- I’m a big fan of multi-taskers when I go on a trip because I only want to pack a few things, so I love Wander Beauty’s On-the-Glow Blush in Coral Rose. It works well with my skintone and I use it on my lips and cheeks. Sometimes I mix both the illuminator and blush and make my own eyeshadow. The illuminator is also fantastic for using under your eyes before concealer. It brightens and reflects light. I also love the illuminator on my collarbone and cheekbones. My husband loves the natural glow.
- A great pair of sunglasses. I’m constantly getting new ones from Warby Parker. I don’t bother wearing contacts on a trip, so I bring my prescription sunglasses. These are my latest favorite pair.
- I mostly go on beach vacations because Ashvin and Anisa love being in the water. In turn comes sun damage for my hair. I use Bumble & Bumble’s Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Heat/UV Protective Primer.
- I always get a manicure/pedicure before a trip and I always bring my own color so if my nails chip or break, I can touch up while away. My favorite spring shade is from Butter London.
- Sunscreen is so important and I always bring my Supergoop for my trips. I always pack a ziplock bag of rubber bands and bobby pins. My go-to hairstyle on vacation is a hat or a ponytail with my bangs secured in a bobby pin.
