Traveling anytime soon? Can we compare notes what top-of-the-list items we hoard in our carry-ons when going on a long-haul travel, away from the comforts of our home sweet home?
We enquired from prominent personalities in various fields of expertise what their can’t-do-without stuff is as they hie-off for long weekends or no-end weekends. Let’s hear it from them:
Author/Chef Gene Gonzalez, President – Center for Asian Culinary Studies and Consultant – Café Ysabel is counting 43 years and up in the food industry and has tucked the following affiliations under his belt: Board member - National Echanson of Ordre Mondial Des Gourmets, Gran Commandeur – Chaine Des Rotisseurs and Chairman – Philippine Fencing Association (NSA).
Gonzalez said, “when getting stuck or rerouted during a lay-over, I keep with me pens, notebook, cellphone, headphone, candy or snack for glycemic imbalances, phone charger, battery pack, comb, maintenance meds good for 2 days at least; pullover sweater or jacket for cold protection, lip balm, inhaler, toothbrush, toothpaste and lozenges.”
Luchie Aclan Arguelles would like to think that she has retired from her 40 plus and still counting well-seasoned years as a journalist, but is ironically happy moonlighting as Managing Editor of OpinYon Media Advocacies, Inc.
Arguelles, who is an avid Niagara Falls admirer, spilled her bag essentials as cellphone, money, credit cards that she says she can’t do without; guess of course no jetsetter won’t do either. She goes on with hanky, pressed powder, lipstick, small parfum atomizer, hand sanitizer, alcohol and wet wipes.
As an adventurous motorbike rider navigating both the familiar and unfamiliar, easy-to-challenging routes, Martin S. Aguilar, Founder and Chief Equipping Officer of The Filipino Hospitality (Management and Consultancy), who is counting over 15 years in the hospitality industry, says, “when embarking on an adventurous motorcycle tour, packing the right travel essentials is crucial for a safe and enjoyable journey.”
Aguilar continues, “Firstly, a high-quality helmet with proper fit and safety certifications is non-negotiable to protect your head during rides. Secondly, durable riding gear protects from potential road hazards like armored jackets, gloves and pants. Thirdly, a reliable GPS device or a smart phone mount ensures you stay on track to navigate unfamiliar routes easily.”
He added, “a compact tool kit, tire repair kit and portable air compressor for minor bike maintenance. Lastly, a first aid kit and water bottles are essential for any unexpected situations that may arise during a thrilling motorcycle adventure.”
Evelyn “Eve” Cayaban is Sales Manager of BEI San Francisco Hotel with 35 years in the industry and counting; she is also the Marketing Chairman – Silicon Valley Business Travel Association and Ambassador – Peninsula Open Space Trust.
Cayaban’s essentials include moisturizer, toothbrush, toothpaste, sleeping mask, earplugs, pajama, slippers, and change of clothing.
Listing Hawaii as her favorite place, Cayaban migrated to the USA in 2008, having lived in Alabama, Florida, and New York before moving to California in 2015 to date.
Enjoying some prolific 23 years in the industry and onward, Teody Espallardo is the Director of Sales for Sunlight Hotels and Resort and is a Board of Trustee of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Philippine Chapter.
The meticulous Espallardo says, “Whether it’s for business or leisure, I must have with me - my vape, passport, mobile phone and charger, power bank and travel adapter, laptop, vitamins and most importantly my vanity kit.”
Espallardo shares, “My fave destination is Bangkok, Thailand because of their food, culture and shopping. I don’t have to pack much outfit, I just normally buy from there.” Dig the practical tip?
Still practicing in the Architectural field, Joselino F. Viernes is a Contractor and Project Manager with Artform Construction.
For seamless and enjoyable experience, Viernes’ essentials are, “First, a versatile backpack loaded with smartphone, power bank, laptop or tablet, a bag of medicines for emergency, toiletry bag for personal care, clothes for swimming, sightseeing and sports. Another must-have is a safety kit with flashlight and first aid stuff.”
Viernes continues; he has a body bag for passport, wallet, IDs, cash. “I also bring zip locks to protect my stuff from getting damaged to keep me at ease in exploring the world.”
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