Naomi Campbell at the Airport Is Surprisingly Relatable — Until It’s Not

Naomi Campbell’s flying ritual is surprisingly relatable — until it’s not.

In a video released on her YouTube channel last week, supermodel Naomi Campbell let fans into her airport and airplane rituals. Much like us, she easily succumbs to the siren’s song of the candy in the Duty-Free shop. But in an unexpected move, once she’s boarded the plane, she dons rubber gloves and disinfects “everything you touch,” to the delight of those around her.

The video starts with the supermodel passing through security at Nice International Airport. She is flying a Qatar Airways flight to Doha. “I love traveling. I was born traveling,” Campbell says. Much like us, she considers the airport a prime location for people-watching. “Of course I check out people’s legs,” she admits. “I check out everything.”

Before passing through the security scanner, she chugs water to get her bottle through — which is a surprisingly relatable move. But it’s once Campbell passes through security things get really good.

Campbell’s voyage through the Duty-Free shop is the stuff that memes are made of. “I’m getting this and I don’t care!” she proclaims while heading to the cashier with a bag of Twix. She then yells “Beauty!” while heading to the cosmetics section of the shop and applies a Chanel lip gloss. Things get deeply relatable as she passes a rack of Haribo candies and cries, “No!” but then purchases a couple of packets. She also peruses the magazines on display, praises the diversity of the models featured on the covers and purchases a copy of Vogue.

And then, Campbell becomes her iconic self. Once she’s boarded the airplane, she roots through her Louis Vuitton bag to locate a special Zip-Loc bag. It’s then revealed that this ZIp-Loc contains a pair of rubber gloves, which she always brings and keeps separate. She then procures a pack of antibacterial wipes and disinfects “anything that you could possibly touch.” She offers to share her pack with the woman sitting behind her. “This is what I do on every plane I get on,” Campbell explains. “I do not care what people think of me. It’s my health and it makes me feel better.”

In addition to the disinfectant, Campbell also keeps a seat cover with her, which she hand-washes at the hotel and changes out every week. (She just buys a new one at the airport in a color that makes her happy.) She also wears a face mask to avoid picking up germs. “This is my protection from people’s coughing and sneezing,” she says. “As much as I travel, I should get sick so much more with colds and stuff and I’m blessed that I don’t. And I really think that this helps me, my little routine.”

And now we’re off to upgrade our in-flight kits to Campbell’s level of germ-prevention.

How to Avoid Paying Checked Baggage Fees (Video)

When you’re already spending on airfare, rental cars, and hotels, it can really feel like just too much to have to spend an extra $25 or $30 for a checked bag.

Airlines have long charged fees for extra heavy checked bags, but it’s only recently become standard practice to charge for simply checking a bag. The going rate is about $30 for the first bag, with prices rising for each additional bag.

But, there are ways to avoid these fees. Here are our tips.

Getty Images

Book an airline that doesn't charge baggage fees:

There are still some airlines that don’t charge fees to check bags. That means if you’re looking at two flights of similar prices and one option is on a free-to-check airline, you can choose that option and save money (if you will need the service).

Southwest Airlines lets you check two bags for free, regardless of your ticket class or where you’re flying. Same goes for Ravn Alaska and Penair if you’re flying within Alaska, according to Kayak.com. Hawaiian Airlines has free checked bags for international flights, and many international carriers do not charge for checked bags, including Air France, Air New Zealand, Emirates and Korean Air, according to farecompare.com.

Book the right ticket:

In addition, some airlines offer airfare classes that include checked baggage. For many airlines, if you purchase a premium ticket (premium economy, business, or first class), you get free checked baggage, said Kelly Soderlund, a spokesperson with the travel planning website www.hipmunk.com.

You also get free baggage if you or the person with whom you're traveling hold elite status with the airline, Soderlund said.

Sara Rathner, NerdWallet’s travel expert, also recommends booking a ticket in a premium cabin.

“If you were planning to splurge on more luxurious travel anyway, you’ll get a free checked bag to go along with your more spacious seat,” she said. “Keep in mind that if you upgrade to a premium cabin after dropping off your bag, you may still be subject to a checked bag fee.”

Finally, Rathner recommends using “one airline faithfully and travel often.”

“If you travel enough each year, you can attain status on an airline, which would score a free checked bag,” she said. “On United, American, and Delta, you’d need to rack up at least 25,000 qualifying miles in the previous year to qualify for status in the next year.”

Get an airline credit card:

An airline-branded credit card for you or the person you’re traveling with also usually gets you free checked baggage, Soderlund said. Either that, or use a credit card that allows you to apply your annual travel credit towards baggage fees.

“The best way to avoid paying fees is to have a credit card that covers the expenses,” said Janice Lintz, a consumer education and travel writer. “Amex Platinum requires the user to select one domestic airline annually, which is frustrating. I personally like City National Bank's Crystal Visa Infinite Credit Card with rewards for my airline fees since I receive $250 a year for qualifying airline purchases. That includes domestic airlines, and each of my authorized users up to three people also receives $250 each.”

She added that for international fees, cards like Citi or Chase Saphire Reserve will cover travel fees, “but I like to try to avoid using those cards for baggage since I can use them for airfare,” she said. “Capital One Venture and Spark Business will cover any baggage expenses as well.”

Tracy Stewart, the content editor of travel deal site Airfarewatchdog.com, said one of the easiest ways to avoid baggage fees is to book tickets using the airline's branded credit card.

“Cardholders are promised a slew of travel perks, including complimentary checked baggage,” he said. “Fly more than a couple of times a year and you can easily make up the annual fee requirement for many of these cards.”

When all else fails:

Stewart says one of the simplest ways to avoid baggage fees is also one of the most difficult for travelers.

“Pack sparingly and fit all that you need into just a carry on,” he said. “With the exception of United, basic economy tickets now allow passengers a free carry-on and small personal item such as a backpack or computer bag. Sure, it'll require a little editing but you may be surprised by little you actually need. For many, the real advantage in going carry-on only is that you eliminate the need to wait around at the baggage carousel on arrival.”

Related: Watch a Former Bond Girl Pack 100 Items in a Carry-on in 2 Minutes

Soderlund also notes that there are some items you can check for free: strollers, car seats, and wheelchairs, plus some airlines will let you bring home local delicacies free of charge.

“Say, a case of wine flying from California on Alaska, or pineapple from Hawaii,” Soderlund said. “American Airlines recently cut the fees for sports equipment like surfboards from $150 to $30, and United has also cut fees on California-bound travelers’ surfboards.”

Jen Ruiz, a lawyer turned solo travel blogger and author of The Affordable Flight Guide has an interesting trick to save money on baggage: She uses duty free bags as a catch all.

“You're usually allowed two of the white bags without question, in addition to your carry-ons,” she said. “If something is too heavy or just doesn't fit, put it in a duty free bag as a secret way to get past airline restrictions.”

The Ultimate Packing List for Female Travelers for 2018

Updated: 10/15/18 | October 15th, 2018

Kristin Addis from Be My Travel Muse writes a guest column featuring tips and advice on solo female travel. It’s an important topic I can’t adequately cover, so I brought in an expert to share her advice for other solo female travelers! Here she is with another awesome article on what to pack when you travel!

I know that it can be daunting trying to figure out what to pack for a week, a month, or a year abroad without much — or any — prior experience in the place you aim to visit. I found myself in the same situation four years ago, but with the benefit of hindsight and experience on every continent on earth (save for Antarctica — one day!), I may have finally figured this female packing list thing out. I’ve learned that thankfully, with a few staple items, you can travel to just about anywhere without spending a fortune on gear.

The following are my tried-and-true methods and products that, even after almost six years on the road, I still love and use, and is what I think the ultimate packing list for your trip. Feel free to mix and match and take just what you want. I broke things down by climate so you can get a sense of what to take for the climate you are visiting. Enjoy!

Female Packing List Tip #1: What Clothes to Bring

In places where clothing is cheap, such as Southeast Asia and India, don’t stress too much about having a complete wardrobe ready to go before you take off. Just about every girl I met in those regions wore clothing she’d bought on the road. It will suit the climate and at $3-$6 USD per garment, won’t break the bank.

In Europe, Oceania, or anywhere remote, where you might either not be able to find cheap clothing or buy it on the road, bring everything you think you’ll need. These suggest packing lists will help:

Hot climates

• 5–7 thin and simple tank tops or sleeveless tops that can easily mix and match with different bottoms
• 2–3 pairs of shorts of varying lengths. Avoid denim in humid countries, as it takes a long time to line dry.
• 2 long skirts or dresses for conservative environments that require modesty — and they breathe better than pants
• 2–3 pairs of light cotton pants and/or leggings
• 9 pairs of whatever underwear you find the most comfortable
• 2 pairs of thin socks
• 1 pair of hiking or running shoes
• 1 pair of flip-flops (jandals, thongs) or sandals
• A hat to cover your face

Temperate climates

• 3–4 tank tops for layering
• 2–3 long-sleeved shirts for layering
• 2–3 t-shirts
• 2–3 tunic shirts or dresses
• 1 pair of jeans or thick pants
• 2–3 pairs of shorts of varying lengths
• 1–2 pairs of leggings
• 9 pairs of comfortable underwear
• 4 pairs of socks: some for sport shoes and some for boots
• 1 pair of boots or closed-toed shoes (wear in transit to save space)
• 1 pair of hiking or running shoes
• 1 pair of flip-flops (jandals, thongs) or sandals
• 1 jacket, preferably something waterproof, for all occasions

Cold climates

Female Packing List Tip #2: Toiletries to Bring

I’m often asked about buying toiletries on the road, and I’m happy to report that it’s both easy and straightforward finding shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, and soap. Ladies abroad use these things, too.

Pantene and Dove products seem to be universal, and with the exception of a few really off-the-grid places, such as tiny islands and extremely poor areas where people mostly subsistence-farm, you’ll be able to find basic toiletries easily on the road.

My basic toiletry packing list includes:

For items such as prescriptions, the ease of traveling with them will heavily depend on what you need and how much you can get up front, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. The best way to handle it is to talk to your doctor and insurance regarding how much you can get before you leave and how to best take it across borders.

Remember that in much of the world, doctors aren’t too expensive to visit and it’s possible to get prescriptions written and filled on the road. Some developing countries will not even require a prescription for some items, from prescription shampoos and skin creams to anti-anxiety medications.

Female Packing List Tip #3: Practical Items

Though most items such as bedding and pillows are provided in hostels, you’ll need a few items apart from those to make your travels easier and cheaper.

For example, in some parts of the world, such as Southeast Asia, it’s much easier to get your washing done for you at your hostel than to wash it yourself. When camping or traveling in other parts of the world, however, it’s expensive and difficult to find someone to do your washing, so it’s better to bring a washing line and do it in the sink yourself.

The following are my must-haves for making traveling easier:

• Travel line for drying clothing (not necessary in Southeast Asia, where laundry is cheap, but necessary in Africa and South America, where it’s not always available. In Europe, Oceania, and North America, it’s expensive to wash your clothes at a laundromat so consider your budget.)
• Diva Cup – a menstrual cup that can be reused throughout your trip. I was shocked to find that in China, for example, there were no tampons! Thank goodness I had the Diva Cup, a washable insert that makes everyone’s least favorite monthly visitor less horrendous.
• Packing cubes – the single most important thing I use for organizing my clothing and compressing what I bring
• Microfiber towel – plenty of hostels and camping sites will not have towels, regardless of where in the world they are. Bring your own quick-drying one to save money and hassle.
• Sleeping bag liner – in case you encounter a hostel that is less than clean
• Sarong for easy covering up for temples or at the beach (you can also buy this on the road)
• Headlamp for camping, digging in your bag after dark in dorms without waking everyone up, and as a personal flashlight at night

Female Packing List Tip #4: Products to Keep You (and Your Stuff) Safe

If you’re traveling with anything of value — which most travelers are — the next most important things to pack are locks and items that can keep your electronics and your person safe.

In my nearly six years of traveling, I’ve never had anything major stolen. I credit this to watching my belongings like a hawk, always carrying the important stuff on my person, and using thief-safe travel products. These are the items I swear by that I always pack with me:

• Pacsafe messenger bag as a day bag, especially for towns like Phnom Penh or Ho Chi Minh City, where drive-by motorbike thieves and bag-slashers are a constant threat; or in much of Europe or South America, where people try to unzip your purse when you’re distracted. There is a wire running through the strap, the colors are not flashy, and it is equipped with hidden pockets that block RFID readers from scanning passport and credit card information. Plus, the zippers lock.
• If carrying large cameras and a computer, I bring a locking electronics backpack with locking zippers, which I wear in the front.
• The Pacsafe backpack and bag protector is a wire mesh bag that protects valuables if you’re in a place without lockers or a safe. Whether in dorms, private rooms, bamboo bungalows, the trunk of a rental car, or wooden huts, it is a huge contributor to peace of mind and takes up very little space. Slip on the bag’s rain jacket, wrap the bag in the Pacsafe bag protector, then use an additional lock to secure it to a bunk bed bedpost or any other object in the room that is fixed to the floor or wall and would be difficult to remove.
• A personal safety alarm is a good item to bring along instead of mace or pepper spray, which is illegal in many countries and sometimes not allowed even in checked baggage. It’s small and easy to walk around with, and it makes a very loud noise if you press it in an emergency
• A lock so that you can secure lockers, doors, and your belongings when needed.

>>> Note: Before your trip, learn all of Kristin’s solo female travel advice here.

Usless Things You Don’t Need to Pack

• Mosquito nets: In almost every country where I needed a mosquito net, there was already one hanging over the bed. It almost never made sense for me to bring my own. I also have found very little need for jeans unless in Europe or North America. Hot and humid countries are not a good place for such thick clothing.
• Money belts: Thieves know to look for them, and I find a much better alternative is the dummy wallet – a wallet with a few canceled cards and some petty cash inside. The rest, I stash in my shoe, bra, or a back, buttoning pocket. If a thief mugs me, I can hand over the dummy purse or wallet without a fight and we both walk away happy.
• Your own bedding: If you’re afraid of encountering dirty bedding during your travels or just want to be sure that you always have something clean to sleep in, bring along a thin, small sleeping bag liner.
• A suitcase with wheels: In most parts of the world, a suitcase with wheels is just an annoyance. The wheels get stuck in the dirt in Southeast Asia, where there aren’t often sidewalks. In Europe when traveling via train you’ll have to constantly drag it up and down stairs and over cobblestone. Go for a backpack. Matt has a helpful guide to picking the right one here.
• Jewelry: Think twice about being flashy. It’s akin to wearing a “rob me” sign in a lot of the world. I usually leave any expensive or designer jewelry and sunglasses I have at home and bring along something cheap that I don’t mind losing. Plus, it’s fun to buy local jewelry on the road and bring it home. It makes the best souvenir!

***

After almost six years, these are the staples I pack with me. Even with all that, it’s still possible to pack light, travel with just one big bag, and keep your stuff safe and yourself comfortable. It’s all about having the right essentials and leaving the stuff at home that doesn’t serve a purpose during your trip. I suggest you write down what you think you need and then cut it in half. You never need as much as you think and writing down your list and thinking about it will help you remove what you don’t need and keep your bag light on your travels. Use this packing list as your starting guide!

Kristin Addis is a solo female travel expert who inspires women to travel the world in an authentic and adventurous way. A former investment banker who sold all of her belongings and left California in 2012, Kristin has solo traveled the world for over four years, covering every continent (except for Antarctica, but it’s on her list). There’s almost nothing she won’t try and almost nowhere she won’t explore. You can find more of her musings at Be My Travel Muse or on Instagram and Facebook.

Get the Complete Solo Female Travel Guide!

For a complete A-to-Z guide on solo female travel, check out Kristin’s new book, Conquering Mountains. Besides discussing many of the practical tips of preparing and planning your trip, this book addresses the fears, safety, and emotional concerns women have about traveling the world and will help you becaome the traveler you want to be. It features over twenty interviews with other female travel writers and travelers to help you plan better and see more for less.
>>> Click here to download the book <<<

 

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the most comprehensive inventory. If you want to stay elsewhere, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them all the time.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• World Nomads (for everyone below 70)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)

Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and I think will help you too!

Photo Credit: 3

Packing Tips

Throwing a suitcase together may sound like a no-brainer, but Travel + Leisure’s signature packing tips—culled from the combined wisdom of its well-traveled writers and editors—can always offer a few pointers to make the whole process better.

We keep tabs on the latest in packing innovations (like machines that pack your suitcase for you), tips (like how to get your Thanksgiving dinner past airport security), and news (remember the time that man wore all his clothes at once to avoid a checked bag fee…and then passed out from the heat under all those layers?).

Often the best packers are only as good as their luggage, so we also evaluate the newest carry-ons, checked luggage, backpacks, and laptop bags for style, sturdiness, and safety. We love dust bags for storing shoes and separating delicate items of clothing. Travel-sized jewelry holders help make sure necklaces don’t get tangled and rings don’t get lost. And new, high-tech suitcases have charging ports, GPS trackers, and other innovations to make packing less of a chore.

Packing Hacks

With additional fees for checked bags, most travelers aim to fit everything they need into a single carry-on bag. The best way to accomplish this is simply to pack light. By choosing clothes that all share the same color palette, you can mix and match garments to create new outfits with ease. Of course, there are a few tried-and-true methods of cramming everything you want into that one bag. Roll, don’t fold. And skip the bulky platform heels and extra jacket. (Or, if you must, wear them on the plane.) Stick to fabrics that won’t wrinkle. And limit yourself to just two pairs of shoes: one formal, one comfortable.

T+L editors have also been known to layer dryer sheets in between items to ensure their freshness over longer journeys. For heavy bags, we like to put the weightiest objects on the bottom-end of a wheeled suitcase, which makes it easier to maneuver. Dry shampoo, of course, is a life saver.