Earlier this winter, I had the pleasure of stepping into the studio of Good Morning Washington on WJLA-TV, the 8th-largest market in the U.S., to share something that might seem simple, but for me (and for my clients) is essential: how we travel, and how we show up while doing it.
I talked about what’s in my carry-on.
It’s not just a bag with necessities. It’s a reflection of the way I approach travel and, frankly, life. Every item is intentional, curated not just for convenience, but to maintain balance, wellness, and ease on the move. I like to joke that it’s my Mary Poppins bag, you never know what small magic you might pull out next.
For me, flights are not something to simply endure. They are a chance to pause, reset, and restore energy. They give me time to clear mental clutter and prepare myself mentally, physically, and emotionally for what comes next.
Over the years I have developed a few thoughtful rituals to make this possible. I bring items that help me rest, nourish, and refresh. I choose clothing that is both comfortable and polished so I feel put together without sacrificing ease. I include small personal touches that keep me grounded, no matter how far from home I am.
These choices are guided by what I call my GRIST philosophy, or The Five Anchors.
First is Grounding, which is a familiar, beautiful piece that settles the body. This is not about style, but about physical reassurance, something my nervous system recognizes as safe and calming, even in a busy airport.
Second is Ritual, an object or habit that marks a transition and creates continuity. Rituals turn movement into meaning and tell the body that we are held, even as we move between worlds.
Third is Indulgence, a small sensory luxury chosen with care. Luxury is not excess; it is calibration, a pleasure that restores without overwhelm.
Fourth is Support, anything that prevents micro-stress and decision fatigue. Ease is often created by subtraction, and what you don’t have to think about matters.
And fifth is Touchstone, a small item of familiarity—a scent, a texture, or something with personal meaning—that keeps you from feeling unmoored in unfamiliar places.
With these anchors in mind, here are a few of the items I keep in my carry-on.
A soft scarf helps me stay grounded, bringing a sense of calm and stability no matter where I am.
My travel journal, traveler prayers, and perfume serve as rituals, marking transitions and creating continuity that turns movement into meaning.
Cashmere socks, chocolates from home, and an aromatherapy diffuser are my little indulgences, sensory luxuries that bring pleasure without excess.
I carry supplements, ointments, and a Gua Sha tool for support, helping me manage stress, care for my body, and stay balanced on the go.
And finally, crystals act as a touchstone, a familiar object that keeps me oriented, centered, and connected even in unfamiliar places.
Each item is small, intentional, and chosen to make the travel experience restorative rather than draining.
Traveling with intention is about more than packing smart. It is about showing up fully present, caring for yourself along the way, and creating space to enjoy the journey itself.
Luxury isn’t just about staying in a five-star hotel or taking a private transfer. True luxury is the feeling of stepping off a plane ready to move through the day with energy, clarity, and calm. It is the seamlessness of arriving fully prepared and fully yourself, no matter where you are in the world.
This philosophy guides every journey I design for my clients. Every choice matters, from the itinerary to the smallest details in a carry-on. Each element can transform travel from something draining into an experience that restores and inspires. Taking the time to consider what you carry and how you travel can make all the difference.
The next time you pack for a trip, think about what you include not just for practicality but for comfort, balance, and joy.
Consider the rituals that support your rest and wellbeing and allow yourself to arrive feeling oriented, grounded, and fully present.
Travel is more than the places you go. It is about how you show up when you get there, and how the experience leaves you ready to return to life refreshed and inspired.
If anything here resonated with you, whether in reading or watching the segments, I would love for you to leave a comment. It truly makes a difference and means so much to hear from you.
