Vacation, racecation. Give me a vacation with a race in it and I’m one happy runner! Last time I looked, the Berlin Marathon was sneaking up in less than a month. Yes, it’s freakout time.
Here are my racecation travel essentials
Inflatable Neck Pillow. Since we’re heading overseas, the flight is long. I’m bringing my inflatable neck pillow, in the unlikely event I’ll actually sleep. One can try, right? Love that it’s inflatable so it won’t take up space or add extra weight when not in use.
Accordion Wallet.Β When I travel I like to carry a small purse that easily fits IN my carry-on. A small purse needs a small wallet. This Accordion Wallet from Kinzd fits the bill. Its compact size (4.53″x3.46″x1.38″) fits nicely in my hand yet it’s packed with features: There’s a zippered compartment with 10 accordion folds, ID window, 5 card slots and a cash compartment.
Made of high-quality, genuine leather, this wallet blocks RFID (radio-frequency identification) so your credit cards/ID etc. are protected from identity thieves and electronic pickpocketing. Perfect for travel.
Toiletry/Cosmetics Bag. This roomy bag from Kinzd is made of heavy-duty, waterproof nylon with sleek, genuine leather trim. A spacious upper compartment accommodates makeup, Body Glide and other personal care items.
The lower zip compartment has pockets for makeup brushes and tools as well as a transparent, snap-out organizer. I’ll definitely be taking this bag to Berlin…and Las Vegas…and Florida….and…
Chill Insulated Water bottle.Β When I’m flying to a race, especially overseas, the last thing I wanna do is get dehydrated. A water bottle is a must-have. I already told you about my new fave, the Chill from Refresh2Go here. It’s insulated to keep drinks cold and has its own filter to keep out lead, chlorine and bad taste.
Eagle Creek Tote and Pack-Its. My rule of thumb when traveling for a racecation is to carry on whatever you CANNOT RISK LOSING. My race gear falls firmly in that category. Pack-Its from Eagle Creek are the perfect way to organize and pack race gear. There’s a pack for shoes, clothes, even a waterproof one for sweaty apres-race stuff. The bright color helps when I’m rummaging for my stuff in a dark hotel room in the wee, pre-race hours. The tote is large and super lightweight so it folds up to almost nothing. Perfect for tucking under an airplane seat.
WIN IT! 2 lucky winners have their choice of the Toiletry Bag or Accordion Wallet from Kinzd.
Have any racecations coming up? What essentials do you like to travel with?
Upcoming Tuesdays on the Run Linkup Topics
- Sept. 6 Will your training schedule change for fall? How?
- Sept. 13 Best/Worst of Summer
- Sept. 20 Fall race schedule
- Sept. 27 Rate your month/year so far
- Oct. 4 favorite thing about fall running
- Oct. 11 If I didn’t run… (finish the sentence however you want)
- Oct. 18 Favorite new running product
- Oct. 25 Rate your month
MCM Mama Runs says
Your race is so close!
I have a backpack that I use for carry on that has so many different compartments, including one designed for running shoes. I always carry on my race stuff in that.
Coco says
Well, I’ve only done 2 racecations, but out of them NYC was my favorite. I can never figure out how to use those neck pillows!
Renata says
I love the scenic, fun and magical routes of Disney as a run excursion destination!
Mary BEth Jackson says
Oh my gosh! Where did the summer go! I can’t believe your race is SO close! Love, love the wallet and those bright colored bags! You know I love a race cation- see you in Vegas!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says
If anyone knows about racecations, it is you! Love that wallet. I need a new one. I’ll have to check them out.
Jenny says
I leave in 2 days for the Disneyland Half! A racecation without kids! π
Rachel Frutkin says
I can’t believe Berlin is coming up so quickly! It seems like just yesterday when you started training!!
Packing for a racecation stresses me out so much unless I’m driving. Then it’s not a big deal bc I can put whatever I want in the car. π
Kimberly Hatting says
My next racecation is Vegas with a few of my fun-runner tribe π Florida is still on standby, awaiting my lab results and further assessment of my prognosis…..Stay tuned…
Kimberly G says
Ny next racecation is RnR Philly but I’m taking train there. The following week I’m flying to Montreal for the RnR race there and no doubt I’ll have all the travel essentials you mentioned!
Marcia says
Kim RnR Montreal has been on my bucket list for years but there’s always a conflict. Have so much fun!
Becca says
I never thought of a neck pillow, but that’s genius!
Lesley says
I haven’t traveled for an international race, but I know I’d have to go with enough time to get over the jet lag. I cannot sleep on planes, and when I flew to Italy 10 years ago, I got a whopping 1 hour of sleep on the flight. I need time to recover from that.
Melissa says
I’ve never done an international race, but I’ve done a few throughout the US. Racecations are great – but I haven’t done one in ages! I did Savannah rock and roll half, which was great and tons of a fun – a perfect racecation city! Good luck with the race and travel! You’re so close!
HoHo Runs says
I need a new wallet! It’s too hard to pick one favorite racecation destination. It depends on where my friends will be! π LV and PCB are shaping up to be a #holottafun.
Mary says
You’re so organized! I have a few of the packing organizers from Eagle Creek. They fold over and velcro shut to make packets full of clothes. I use them every time I travel. Good luck getting ready for that marathon, and what a great reason to get yourself to Europe. Hope you built in time to enjoy the place!
Tricia@MissSippiPiddlin.com says
Since I mostly travel in my RV I can really load that thing up, but come November I’m going to be looking for travel/flights and packing advice!
I’d sure use that wallet other places like New Orleans when you don’t want to carry around a huge bag!
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says
That travel wallet does look great! I’ve been wondering about the Eagle Creek bags for shoes
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy says
I always want to put my purse in my carryon — and it’s small — but it rarely actually happens. I’m usually hiding it under something so the mean flight attendants don’t get in my face.
I have a couple of backpacks that I love — my insulated one works great for bringing food (because of course I always do) and my GeniusPack one is just sooooo comfy & well organized.
Lindsey @ livinglovingrunner says
I have not taken a racecation…but I have traveled a good distance for a race…
Jody - Fit at 59 says
I don’t race but I love those giveaway gifts & need them so… π
Teresa says
Ahhhh, an inflatable neck pillow …that is what I need! While I love having mine during flights, I do hate lugging them around to and from the airport. Great idea! Pretty obvious this isn’t your first rodeo π
I’m loving that cosmetic bag and wallet too, so let me go catch the rafflecopter!
Jennifer says
I have never taken a racecation but it sounds like a fun idea! Visting any new location would be interesting.
Meranda@Fairytalesandfitness says
I do have one race-cation coming up in the fall! I got a taste of what a vacation was like this summer without having a race and I admit I kind of of liked it!
Annmarie says
I LOVE my Eagle Creek gear and that cosmetic bag is awesome! Will definitely be checking it out!
Debbie says
It’s so hard to choose a favorite, but I guess I have to say Paris. I’ve done the Paris Marathon twice and it was an amazing experience. I’d go back in an instant, even though I don’t feel a big pull to do a marathon at the moment.
I love my Eagle Creek gear too and I use it all the time!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets says
I can’t believe that the marathon is so close! I actually own an inflatable neck pillow but never use it…go figure! My only real racecation was in Disney, and my sister and I had a great time! The toiletry bag looks really nice!
Beth says
Agree 100% about the water bottle! It’s so important to stay hydrated while traveling, especially when you’re going to be racing, too. My other racecation must-have is a pair of compression socks, for both before and after the race.
Tessa says
I’m heading to Chicago next month for a racecation. My favorite marathon!!
Kyle Kranz says
My wife and I were in Panama City, Panama for a housesit and there happened to be the Panama International Half Marathon, what a cool experience that was!
Lisa Closson says
You are always so inspiring to read! Gearing up for a 15K in 9 weeks!
steph says
I’m eyeing the Flying Pig!
Karen Bayne says
You are so right! Race gear is essential, I would want to keep it with me just in case!! I love the pack it zip ups.
That is a great make up case, keeps your brushes from getting messed up π
This is going to be a long trip but so worth it!
Zenaida says
When I went to Alaska, my friend took a few Eagle Creek items. I loved how everything was organized for her. I ended buying a few things for myself too. I have a sac bag that I use to take papers to and from school. Love it!
Julie G says
I enjoy traveling to disney for races…
Amie says
I don’t have any racecations coming up, but some of my previous favorites are NYC and DC!
melanie huttner says
Disney World! I love racing there π
Barrie says
I have never actually done a race-cation! I have always sort of wanted to,but never have!
Ann says
I’ve never been but would love to win for my husband who would LOVE it.
Shiduna Townsend says
I’ve never done a racecation, but it is on my bucket list though!
Vilmaris Conigliaro says
I’d love to racecation in Las Vegas
Caroline says
I can’t say I’ve ever done one, but I do make an effort to run wherever i travel!