MUJI to GO! [+ Giveaway!]

[THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED]

Exactly a week ago, I had the pleasure of attending an intimate Open House at the MUJI Canada HQ in Toronto. Imagine my excitement to get a behind-the-scenes look at where the busy bees make MUJI happen! And how timely, since I’d just visited MUJI in Japan, the mothership! 😀
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The Open House was focused on introducing us to the MUJI to GO concept, which is all about travel essentials. Myself, along with 4 other Toronto bloggers and YouTubers, were given a hands-on demonstration of the MUJI to GO products.

Before the demo though, we had an interactive session with MUJI Canada President, Toru Akita. He embodies the MUJI brand. If you hadn’t known he was the President, you’d think he was part of the product development team – his passion for MUJI products is apparent. We were asked to bring an item that we always take when we go travelling. Mr. Akita, being a frequent traveller who prides himself on packing lightly, showed us his item: a small leather folio with room to hold his passport, a slim notebook, and some business cards – all  secured by a pen in slot mechanism. Sadly, MUJI no longer sells this model, your best option is the Passport Case.  For my item, I showed my BAGGU bag, which I dutifully carry with me on every trip so I can carry all of my haulage securely. 😉
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Then it was onto the product demonstration. The philosophy behind MUJI to GO is simple: the products are compact, comfortable, and useful. The first item shown was the Neck Cushion, which feature a removable (washable!) cover made of soft cotton jersey material. Fun fact: each neck rolls contains 5 million microbeads (give or take a few 😛 ) for a mouldable, almost memory foam-like, feel. Another neat feature is that the cushion has a clasp that can be closed to secure around the neck, or left undone and used as a regular pillow.  Side note, I sat on MUJI’s Body Fit Cushion during the interactive session and I could not get over how comfortable it was! It uses the same microbeads as the neck pillow – I’ve sat on many bean bag chairs in my life and truly, theirs had the best mix of malleability and support. Apparently, a Body Fit Cushion contains 100 million microbeads (give or take a few!).
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Next was a demo of the Valise Hard Carry Travel Suitcase, which is available in 3 sizes (33L, 60L, and 85L), and 4 colours (black, navy, beige and red). This case features a wheel locking mechanism (to prevent accidental rolling), and a built-in security lock (I love this feature! Another question that was asked at the session was what travelling mishaps we’ve encountered – mine was when I lost my beloved TUMI combination lock… I think some airport security personnel must have opened my suitcase and failed to re-attach my lock. Having the built-in lock means this would never happen!).
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What I also appreciate about this case is how lightweight it is – the exterior is a semi-hard material, providing protection from rough handling, but also allows some flex.
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The rest of the MUJI to GO range include travel bottles, foldable lightweight backpack, zippered garment bags, eye mask, slippers, portable washing board and clothespins for in-hotel room laundering (how sugoi!!!), travel size skincare, and shrink wrapped towel / t-shirt and dress (I’ll write more about these in another post! 😉 )

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The shrink wrapped t-shirt and dress are in those square cubes! 😮

Amazingly, MUJI Canada gave each of the Open House participants a carry-on suitcase with a neck roll:

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Of course I chose a RED case! I love colourful accessories. 😛

Plus, contained inside the suitcase were a variety of MUJI to GO products:
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• Assortment of refillable travel bottles andlabels inside clear pouch
• Foldable Garment Bags in M and L sizes
• Eye sleep mask
• Aluminum Bag Hanger (purse hook)
• Portable Garment Cleaner (lint roller)

Thank you very much, MUJI Canada, for the opportunity to learn about the MUJI to GO concept and the chance to use these products! They will certainly come in handy when I go on our Mediterranean cruise later this year! 🙂

It was also fantastic to meet other Toronto bloggers / YouTubers. Please go check them out:
Petite Pear Style
Alisha’s Guide
For The Love Of The City
Chic Sophistic

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Taken at the MUJI Atrium location.

In Canada, MUJI is available online and at the following store locations:
• Toronto: MUJI Atrium, across from the Eaton Centre
• Mississauga: MUJI Square One


GIVEAWAY ❤

And since MUJI Canada was so generous to me, I’ve decided to pay it forward to you!  I went to MUJI this weekend and picked up some MUJI to GO items just for YOU.
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Here’s what I’m giving away:
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• Eye Mask
Cotton buds with ear pick
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• Passport Notebook in red
Smooth Ballpoint Pen in black
Aluminum Bag Hanger (purse hook)
• PP Refill Tool Set (contains a funnel, dropper and spatula)
Travel eyelash curler (mine went to Japan with me!)
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Cleansing Sheets
PET Cylinder Spray Bottle
PP Pill & Tablet Case
Facial Blotting Paper
Oil Cleansing for Sensitive Skin – travel size 50ml (my favourite!)

BONUS

Well I can’t have a beauty blog without giving away a makeup item, so I’m also including a MUJI blush that I bought in Japan, straight from the Shinjuku MUJI store:

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Cheek Color Mix Type in Pink.

To enter, do this:

• Follow me on WordPress or via email
• Like this post and leave a comment below to answer either (or both) of these same questions that MUJI asked us:
1) What item do you always carry with you when you travel?
2) Have you had any travelling mishaps? Story time!

Do this too, if you like:

• Follow MUJI Canada on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook
• Follow me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

Read this:

• Open until midnight Sunday, July 10, 2016 (EST)
• Open internationally
• Must be over 18 years old
• One winner will be chosen
• Winner will be announced on Monday, July 11, 2016

This post contains products which were provided to me by MUJI Canada free of charge. I wrote this entry out of my own freewill because I love MUJI products! This giveaway is not sponsored by MUJI – I bought the items because I think you guys are swell. 😉 Good luck!

75 thoughts on “MUJI to GO! [+ Giveaway!]

  1. That suitcase is such a clever idea! I love how the zips click into place at the side! Clever way to do something with out it becoming bulky!
    Those Skrink wrap t-shirts are insane – they’d be great for backpacking so you know you’d always have an emergency clean top if needed!
    I always carry face wipes when I travel – the only time I tend to have them! You can use them for taking your makeup off on planes and cleaning any grubby surfaces like the plane tables!
    The closest I’ve had to a travel disaster was on our last day in new york as we were literally having to run back to the hotel as we needed to catch our plane, I ran onto a subway and Ben didn’t follow. Thank god he realised I would get off at the next stop and wait for him! We just made it to check in in the knick of time!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Isn’t the suitcase design so clever?! They really thought about the user experience.
      And yes, the shrink wrap clothes are great – I have a t-shirt and most recent (spoiler alert) picked up the dress. We’re doing a Mediterranean cruise in Sept so those will be handy to take with us.
      You know, I had every intention of taking a face wipe on flight with me but I completely forgot. I’m going to remember that for next time.
      Rushing for flights is my biggest fear! I’ve nearly missed 2 flights due to miscommunications – one time they were JUST about to close the doors to the plane… I was THAT passenger who had to sheepishly get on the flight while everyone glared at me. 😛

      Liked by 1 person

  2. It sounds like you had an amazing time at Muji To Go! I’m super jealous of that suitcase and may have to look into getting one myself. So sleek, efficient, and beautiful!

    I’ve only travelled internationally once so my experiences are more domestic travel, but I always have a couple of sheet masks (my skin HATES travelling) and a bottle of water. Water helps keep me hydrated, from feeling sick, and overall feeling less… cruddy (haha) than I would.

    My mishap while travelling is probably my first flight which was from Atlanta to Mexico. I had never been on a plane and found out while on the plane (ugh) that I get motion sickness. No Dramamine or anything. I was sick off and on for almost the whole trip because it just threw off everything. =( I’ll know for next time, though!!! hahaha

    Of course, I’m following you here and on Twitter. On the wildly off chance that I win, will you be announcing on Twitter as well? I don’t get on WP so much anymore since I mostly use the app and my phone has been kind of wonky lately. =/

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Yes I’ll most definitely announce the winner on all social media, don’t worry!
      The suitcase is so lightweight yet sturdy – I’ve seen some really lightweight suitcases but they often feel like they’re made of paper. 😛
      WATER – yes, that’s my #1 in-flight essential. My skin gets super parched from the cabin air. I’ve never done a sheet mask in-flight though, might have to try it out some time! 😆
      Aw motion sickness is no fun! I guess you’re not taking a cruise any time soon?

      Liked by 1 person

  3. I always have a book, lip balm, and eye drops in my carry on.

    I forgot to check out the Muji store when I was in Toronto! I’ll definitely have to go next time!

    As for travel disasters – flying on Christmas Eve a few years ago. Not only were our flights majorly delayed, I got hit with a gastro bug and was so scared that I’d vomit in my seat and trigger the entire plane to get sick as well! Thankfully I made it to the washroom every time, but it was stressful.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Oh you must go visit MUJI next time you’re in town! I wonder if they have any plans to open a store in Montreal?
      Yikes, your story sounds like that scene from Stand by Me with the pie eating contest!!! Horrific and somewhat comical at the same time…

      Liked by 1 person

  4. How super cool is that!?! So let’s see, I always take my Clarisonic where ever I travel because my face gets especially icky while on a plane or train or automobile! As for a travel mishap? Well the most recent was when I went to Disney World and our flight gate was changed so instead of figuring that out in a timely manner I sat there for AN HOUR then almost missed my actual flight. Eck!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. That happened to me toooooo! They changed the gate and I had to rush to the other gate which required me to take SHUTTLE BUS to the other gate. Ugh, I feel you. Glad you made it though!
      Do you have a separate small portable Clarisonic that you take with you?

      Like

  5. How awesome that you got to attend this event, and all the loot they gave you guys is so great! The built-in security lock on the suitcase is so handy(not sure if you would know this, but how would airport security open it if they wanted to look in your suitcase?) I also need one of those neck rolls, even though the thought of hauling around one extra thing while on vacation has stopped me from getting one every time.

    I actually have never had any travel mishaps yet! Knock on wood. The airport is stressful enough as it is, ain’t nobody got time for things going wrong!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It was really awesome to attend this event and receive the items! 😮 The TFSA agents have a universal key that can unlock all luggage locks. That’s why you have to use a TFSA approved one that has a symbol like this:

      I like that the neck roll can be unclasp so you can stuff it in your suitcase if you want, or you can secure it around the handle of the carry-on. Most of the other neck rolls I see are U-shaped and they don’t clasp shut. Smart of MUJI to think of that feature – so simple.
      You’re lucky you haven’t had any travel mishaps! Yes, KNOCK ON WOOD!
      Hey, have you talked about where you’re going for your honeymoon yet?

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Haha, I knew about the TFSA approved locks/universal keys, but I don’t know why it never occurred to me that MUJI would use a TFSA approved lock on their suitcase! 😛
        Yes, the U-shaped neck rolls take up too much space so I keep holding off on getting one (and my neck suffers because of it). The MUJI one sounds so much handier!
        Ahhh, it’s been so hard deciding where we want to go for our honeymoon. We haven’t had many opportunities to travel outside of North America together, and would like to do so for our honeymoon, so the possibilities are endless. I think our top contender right now is Italy and France. But we were also thinking Greece. Or possibly Southeast Asia (Thailand? Malaysia? Bali?) We want a mix of relaxing and adventurous/sightseeing, and I feel like all of these places offer that. It’s a struggle!

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Those MUJI peeps are so smart! 😛
          Oooh you should go to Thailand! I’ve heard such great things about it. And it’s super cheap. I’ve not been but my SO has. And a few of my friends went there – one couple chose that as their honeymoon destination which included Vietnam as well.
          Hmm I have mixed feelings about Italy and France as a tourist. I just feel like the locals don’t want tourists there… that’s just my personal observation though!

          Liked by 1 person

          1. Oooh, how nice! One of the biggest draws to Thailand for us is how cheap it would be. One of my friends was saying how we could stay at a five-star hotel as a honeymoon treat, for essentially the price of a regular hotel anywhere else. Ah!
            I haven’t been to Italy but have been to France way back in high school. I absolutely LOVED Paris and have always wanted to go back with my fiancé (who has never been) to visit other places in France as well. Obviously can’t say for Italy, but I didn’t feel that locals in Paris were aloof…but I have heard similar sentiments as you about both places from others, so it’s not an uncommon observation. Oooh, now I don’t know! Regardless, if we didn’t end up going to Italy and France for our honeymoon, we would end up going some other time – it’s on our bucket list!

            Liked by 1 person

            1. I didn’t love Paris… maybe I’m just so cynical? I liked the food but I found the Parisians sometimes downright rude.
              So many places to visit… my list grows daily! I have my eye on Norway, South Korea, Singapore, Peru…

              Like

  6. You must have known that I’m already following your wordpress, twitter and Instagram and I’m planning to answer the first question: I always carry makeup and toiletries along with clothes, shoes, laundry bag, shoe bag, magazines and hand sanitiser.

    Liked by 1 person

  7. I’ve only visited a Muji location once, but I will have to return to grab their neck pillow for my cruise in September. My one travel essential is hand sanitizer. You just don’t know how many hands have been on common surfaces. As for travel mishaps, I tend to always forget at least one thing. Luckily there’s usually a Target or drug store within the area where I’m staying for me to do a quick pick up.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hey I’m going a cruise in Sept too! Where are you going? We’re going to eastern Mediterranean area.
      Funny you mention hand sanitizer. For the Japan trip, I specifically bought some small ones to take with us… but I forgot to pack them!
      I have a huge fear about forgetting to pack things that I can’t replace, like my night guard or prescriptions! That’s why I do lists.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I’ll be going to Alaska and Victoria BC. I’d love to do a Mediterranean or European cruise next. I have to make a list if the trip is longer than 4 days. Got one coming up soon. Hopefully I don’t forget anything!

        Liked by 1 person

  8. That suitcase is super cute! 😀 I would have picked the red one too.

    1) What item do you always carry with you when you travel?
    I always have my cross-body purse!
    2) Have you had any travelling mishaps? Story time!
    Yesssss… once I was at the wrong gate for my bus and completely missed it. @_@ I had to wait hours for the next one going to the right location.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I was the only one who picked the red, everyone else chose either the black or beige!
      Where did you buy your crossbody purse? I want one but I can’t find a style I like.
      Oh no, that’s terrible you missed your bux and had to wait for hours – I hate that!
      Thanks for entering – good luck! 🙂

      Like

      1. Really?! My suitcase is black but I wish it was red to be honest. XD (Red is my favorite color~)

        I got mine from Marshall’s or TJMaxx I think! It’s from the brand lesportsac. It’s a great crossbody purse; very durable! I’ve had it for over 4 years, and it is still in fantastic condition. Every year, I throw it in the washing machine so it can be clean. The machine washable aspect is great! 😀 (It doesn’t look like a “professional” bag though, so depending on if you have a dress code somewhere or not, this purse may not be practical.) It’s really roomy and fits lots of things, and I love the multiple pockets!

        You’re welcome~ And thanks for running this 😀

        Liked by 1 person

        1. oh I LOVE Lesportsac! I did a post about my collection:

          National Handbag Day: LeSportsac


          I haven’t bought one in ages – I gave a lot of mine away. When I was in Japan I went into a Lesportsac store but none of the prints appealed to me unfortunately. I agree, they don’t look professional but oh they’re so fun and durable!

          Like

          1. That’s awesome! I’ll check out your blog post now. 😀 I love my lesportsac crossbody purse ❤ it has been through so much but I still carry it every day and it's just fine~ (except for job interviews haha)

            Liked by 1 person

  9. cool, i’ll check ’em out. I’m in the market for new luggage 🙂

    1) What item do you always carry with you when you travel? Evian water spray! i’m a nerd about keeping my face cool 😛
    2) Have you had any travelling mishaps? Story time! Umm… the time I was travelling for work with a colleague & we had a meal at the Dubuque (sp?) airport on the way home to Toronto. [mind you, this was WAY before the proliferation of crackberries] We both made a pitstop to freshen up b4 getting on the plane, but somehow our meeting point was confused. I waited outside the resto for him to show up & he made his way to the gate. I missed hearing the boarding announcement & ended up missing my flight! Not sure he even noticed until he deplaned… papadopoulos!!?!! Ended up staying overnight until I could catch the next flight home… Now I’m all OC about getting to the gate on time 😛

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Evian water spray is a good one! Do you take this on the flight with you? I always worry about compressed cans in-flight…
      Oh noooo, that story sounds like a scene from a comedy show… only less funny when it happens to you in real life! I guess now with smartphones the situation won’t happen…

      Like

  10. I always travel with a magnifying mirror and tweezers. As for travelling mishaps – I had a small case stolen while in the airport in Milan; it was classic, a well-dressed man asked me a question about directions, and while I was distracted, his companion lifted my bag. Luckily nothing too important was in it.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. A magnifying mirror! I never thought of that… the hotels always have a magnifying mirror in the washrooms and they’re scary to look at! 😛
      Oh no, that’s terrible about being mugged in Milan! I’ve heard many stories of well organized groups who target tourists. My colleague had his wallet lifted out of his back pocket, all the money taken out and then the wallet tossed back at him as they ran off! Yikes.
      Thanks for entering the giveaway – good luck!

      Like

  11. Sounds like this was a great event to attend! Regarding your question, I always wear a specific crossbody bag with zippered pockets for essentials like my ID and boarding pass (which I once lost on the way to boarding a plane; luckily, someone found it).

    Liked by 1 person

    1. This is the 2nd response I’ve gotten about bringing a crossbody bag. May I ask where you got yours? Seems very handy!
      I always live in fear of losing my Passport while travelling! Glad someone found your documents.

      Like

        1. Oh LUG! Yes I know them. I have a convertible backpack / tote bag from them! Duh, I completely forgot about them. Thanks for the reminder! 🙂

          Like

  12. Those are some genius products! I´m so excited that you´re doing this! I just recently found your blog because of the No-buy posts, and I have been enjoying it so much!
    I´ve been on a No-buy couple of years, but for totally different reasons, but I was having such a hard time with “shopper withdrawal” lol! so I found your posts very relatable!
    on to your questions…

    1) What item do you always carry with you when you travel?
    I tend to pack pretty heavily when I travel, even if just for a day or two, but I could never be without a book when traveling!
    2) Have you had any travelling mishaps? Story time!
    Not really… I´ve had a couple of pretty awkward episodes of getting car sick, but you don´t want to hear about those! lol!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks so much! I’m glad you found my no / low buy challenges relatable! 🙂
      My SO is big on reading books – me, not so much. I’d rather read online articles or blogs. On our Japan trip he brought 3 books and finished 2 – he also prefers real books whereas I have an e-reader. I started reading Mindy Kaling’s “Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?” and I’m not even halfway through…
      Motion sickness is no fun! Good luck in the giveaway!

      Like

  13. What a nice giveaway! I’ve actually never heard of MUJI before, but they seem to have some awesome products! I love the suitcase with the built-in lock – genius!

    Oh gosh – my biggest travel mishap…where do I start? The time I puked in the ocean in front of everyone on a snorkeling trip on our honeymoon? When D and I did got lost in Orlando and did an involuntary city bus tour of the ghettos? Or when I left my purse on a Disney shuttle bus in Orlando? We’ve actually had lots of mishaps in Orlando, we should probably stay away from there. 😏

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I first heard about MUJI when I lived in Dublin for a bit. Of all places!
      Then I visited the stores in NYC and Hong Kong and finally when Toronto got one, I was super excited!
      Oh my gosh! Your mishaps sound traumatic! Hmmm, it sounds like Orlanda and you are not meant to mix. 😛
      Good luck in the giveaway!

      Liked by 1 person

  14. I’ve been eyeing their suitcase for.. forever (the red is gorgeous!) but I have a thing against 4-wheeLs roLLer suitcase, so I’m stiLL hoLding back.. But I wouLd never traveL without my Muji foLdabLe garment bags (I have aLL sizes) and the TPU cLear case, and of course the LittLe bottLes. They’re Lifesavers ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Haha, crazy how much we have in common! 😀 I have some MUJI to Go stuff before this event but it was neat to learn about the garment bags (so smart – normally I just stack everything inside the suitcase, now I can compartmentalize them). Their HQ is just like what you’d imagine to look like – white walls, loft style, airy – filled with all MUJI stuff, of course.

      Liked by 1 person

  15. I am loving the Muji facial cottons!!!
    I carry my MAC Studio Fix compact EVERYWHERE!
    I used to wrap my body and hair shampoos in a plastic bag and they would always ALWAYS spill! It’s a mess! So I got a little smarter and transferred my shampoos into a bottle with pump (my Biore Cleansing Water bottle) which has a pump guard. Problem SOLVED!!! No mishap since!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I used to use the MAC Studio Fix compact too – very handy and gives a nice full coverage.
      Ooh smart solution on the leaking bottles. I live in fear of my stuff leaking too! I put every single bottle into its own ziplock baggie just in case.

      Liked by 1 person

  16. I carry a separate baggie of underwear in my purse and lipstick,The lipstick is for beauty of course the undies in my handbag is because of travel lesson. My ex husband and I took a trip to Ghana and they lost our luggage for a week. I had to wear my mother in law’s fresh never worn underwear , however they were a size too small. very uncomfortable. this was on top of a 24 hour journey of driving to nyc , delays and sitting on the tarmac and changing planes and stinking to high heaven. Do you know how much a good bath and clean undies mean when you feel like crap?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Haha! Yes I also carry backup undies just in case! 😛
      Losing luggage is a big fear of mine when travelling, I really hope I don’t ever experience that! I’m sorry you lived through that – yikes!

      Liked by 1 person

  17. Uhhmmm can I triple like this post? I love the suitcase!!! Awesome giveaway and I’m super jelly that I missed the blogger meet in Canada.
    The one item I can’t travel without is lip balm, everything else i can live without. I just can’t live with jacked up dry lips.
    I once set off the security scanner at the airport because I was wearing clip in hair and they made me remove it on the spot (holding up the enormous line)….Embarrassing!!
    This past weekend I went on a 6 mile canoe trip and spent 30 minutes docked along the river with a ton of dead fish because of a thunder storm…..yuck! I was debating how bad it would be to be struck by lightning versus the dead fish.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I so agree with you on the lip balm. I usually like to carry more than one!
      Aww those security lines are never a pleasant experience. I always hold my breath that I don’t set the alarm off.
      Oooh now that’s a different kind of travel horror story – dead fish surrounding your canoe! YUCK.

      Liked by 1 person

  18. What an amazing travel goodies Muji has! Love that suitcase: blocking wheels is a amazing idea.
    Can’t believe you are doing such a great giveaway as well: thanks! Love your questions, reading the other comments has been amazing.

    My own biggest travel mishap ever happened when I arrived in Cuba. I had flown a small local airline into the country from the Dominican Republic and on arrival found someone had cut open my bag. The only thing missing were two small bits of jewelry I had bought as gifts, yet I had been gifted a male pair of swimming truncks!

    xo Anne – Doves & Roses

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Oh my gosh! Your story is the most bizarre! Not the theft (sorry that you lost the jewellery) but why did they put in a pair of men’s swimming trunks? That’s crazy! 😛
      Good luck with the giveaway! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  19. I love how everything is designed to be travel-efficient. Simple and straightforward.
    I don’t have too many must-have travel items, but if I did it would be a neck rest. The only one I have is a pink piggy pillow straight out of some kid’s cartoon series, and somehow I always forget to bring it. Usually this gets me into awkward situations. One time I was on a plane with my uncle, and he actually recorded a video of me head-bobbing for 5 minutes straight. Oh well lol.

    Like

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