Texas’ Most Fabulous Women Reveal Their Jet-Setting Secrets: How the Other (Chic) Half Travels

Oh, how we love traveling, and how we abhor certain aspects of le voyage! With travel stress in mind, PaperCity reached out to nine glamorous and active jet-setters and asked for their take on long-distance travel.

Jetting to Europe (Italy is our choice), the Far East (don’t miss Shanghai) or the Middle East (love Dubai) requires a certain sensibility. Dealing with airline seating, dry air, luggage choices, and jet lag are challenges for even the most sophisticated traveler.

Herewith, the travel methods of some of our favorite sky travelers.

Carla McDonald of Austin, founder and editor in chief of The Salonnière

Travel style: I always wear a pair of comfortable stretch-denim jeans and flats. On top, I wear a lightweight, loose-fitting cashmere pullover because it’s soft, keeps me warm (I’m always cold on airplanes), and tends to work well in whatever climate I’m flying to.

Beauty regimen: The night before a long flight, I use La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Sleep Mask, which is very moisturizing, on my face and hands. In the morning, I rinse my face, pat it dry, and put on La Mer The Revitalizing Hydrating Serum to lock in the moisture. Then I apply eye cream, a tinted moisturizer with SPF, concealer, some blush, and a coat of waterproof mascara to withstand napping.

Preferred luggage: Last summer, we spent nearly four weeks traveling through Europe with carry-on luggage only. I spent months researching and testing overhead and under-the-seat carry-on bags to find the ones that would fit the most stuff. Briggs & Riley has a roll-on bag with a compression feature that allows you to pack a third more than you can pack in similar bags. It’s truly amazing.

My carry-on includes: A cashmere wrap (the lightweight ones from Hermès are my favorites because they’re warm but thin so they don’t take up a lot of space); my iPad Pro for watching movies, reading magazines, and working (the smart keyboard allows it to double as a laptop); my iPhone; noise-canceling Bose headphones; the book I’m currently reading; Emergen-C packets; Purell; half an Ambien pill to ensure that I get some sleep on the flight; a pen for customs forms; and my passport.

Eat, drink & wheels up: While on board, I try to drink lots of bottled water, and I’ll eat a light gluten-free meal before going to sleep.

Essentials: Half an Ambien.

Estela Cockrell, founder of switch2pure.com

Travel style: Usually stretchy jeans, a silky tank, and a blazer. I keep socks, comfy shirt, yoga pants in my carry on to change into if it’s an overnight flight.

Beauty regimen: I always exfoliate the night before, and wash with my foaming cleanser and follow up with my serum before flight, top off with penetrating anti-aging oil — all available at switch2pure.com.

Preferred luggage: Hands down, my Rimowa — so great for international travel (not safari) — and always my trusty Louis Vuitton roller and my Chanel patent-leather tote. For the countryside, Filson. For fishing, boating, and river trips, Over-Board, a UK-based dry bag brand.

My carry-on includes: Laptop, back stock of magazines, Master & Dynamic headphones, to-do list, an organic sheet mask, hand sanitizer, coconut-oil chapstick, body butter, cleansing wipes, makeup kit.

Eat, drink & wheels up: I have food allergies, so I pack a lot of my own healthy treats including veggies, hummus, jerky, fruit, and nuts, because I sometimes forget to sign up for my gluten- and dairy-free meals.

Essentials: A hat and bright nontoxic lipstick.

Janet Gurwitch, Laura Mercier cosmetics founder, operating partner with Castanea

Travel style: Jeans and a cotton T-shirt, comfortable flat shoes.

Beauty regimen: Minimal makeup, no mascara in order to wear the eye mask and sleep.

Preferred luggage: Rimowa is the most brilliantly engineered luggage, and lightweight.

My carry-on includes: A great book and iPad; a seater and cashmere scarf in case the plane is chilly.

Eat, drink & wheels up: I try to eat lightly and drink lots of water. I admit to enjoying the hot-fudge sundaes served on United business.

Essentials: Lunesta sleep aid.

Sheridan Williams

Travel Style: Long exercise pants that are comfortable to sleep in. A jacket I can throw on with the exercise pants to look pulled together. No changing clothes in flight for this one.

Beauty regimen: Drink lots of water and sleep, particularly when traveling east.

Preferred luggage: Tumi in black. I put clothes on hangers, put in a plastic bag and roll them into the suitcase so they don’t wrinkle. I don’t use hanging bags because clothes wrinkle more. This way clothes are ready to hang up when unpacking.

My carry-on includes: Minimal makeup, toothbrush, phone charger, and Kindle for reading and watching my downloaded shows and movies. I find that my Kindle has a better sound and picture than iPad.

Eat, drink & wheels up: Lots of water and less solid food. Two Advil PM when I have at least five hours before arrival.

Essentials: Being organized and taking less so I know where things are.

Lora Clemmons

Travel style: Missoni long-sleeved jackets and slacks so that I’m not wrinkled upon arrival.

Beauty regimen: To keep the face and body hydrated, two days before traveling, I get a hydrating facial and body scrub. If the flight is in the pm, on the face and neck I use La Prairie Caviar skin luxe over Chanel serum. If the flight is in the am, I wear Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer with Bobbi Brown blush and Chanel lip gloss. Upon arrival, I use MAC loose powder to set the blush and MAC eyeliner to make eyes look larger.

Preferred luggage: Louis Vuitton — sturdy vinyl that doesn’t show scratches

My carry-on includes: Two complete changes of clothes in case the checked luggage is lost.

Eat, drink & wheels up: I eat salads and fruit and drink sparkling wager for hydration.

Essentials: My Kindle.

Becca Cason Thrash 

Travel style: I wear a chic outfit: roomy pants, a comfy bra, and T-shirt with a pullover knit top, comfy shoes, an all-weather trench, and a cashmere scarf, as the flight is first cold, then remove [layers] as you warm up.

Beauty regimen: I remove makeup on the flight and douse myself with moisturizer.

Preferred luggage: Lipault — lightweight, four rollers, practically moves on its own.

Eat, drink & wheels up: I try not to eat too much. Do not drink alcohol. Fresh ginger always helps with jet lag.

Essentials: A sleeping aid. Then I do not nap the first day. Jamias!

Carrie Brandsberg-Dahl

Travel style: Black opaque tights, leather shorts, lightweight T-shirt, thin scarf, soft blazer for over my shoulders, sweater in my carry-on, stackable bracelets that don’t set off the detector, and ankle boots with a chunky heel.

Beauty regimen: I love Arcona’s Triad Toner Pads, I use them on the plane; they’re easy to pack and smell delicious. I always bring LaMer moisturizing cream; it hydrates and doesn’t inflame my skin. Elta MD sunscreen, the 1.7-ounce is the perfect travel size, and MAC mineralize skin finish gives the perfect amount of coverage to make it to the next stop.

Preferred luggage: Tumi. They take a beating, and the company will repair any mishaps. Rimowa carry-on.

Eat, drink & wheels up: A glass of champagne makes my world a happier place. I don’t eat red meat, so I lean towards the healthier options for meals.

Essentials: All of the above.

Gina Bhatia

Travel style: On long flights, I wear all black, stylish, and comfortable pants such as Derek Lam or Hudson; a fitted and comfy top; and my favorite big Burberry wrap. I always have a big wrap, as I prefer that to be my “blanket.”

Beauty regimen: My long-flight beauty regimen includes definitely drinking lots of water. If it’s an overnight flight, I use lip balm, Eminence 3 in 1 Cleansing Water, followed by Eminence Calm Skin Chamomile Moisturizer. Both very refreshing and lite.

Preferred luggage: Louis Vuitton.

My carry-on includes: Dior lip gloss, USA Today newspaper, my Bible, a tiny 1.7-ounce Evian spray, chocolate-covered pretzels, a small bag of cashews, and a bottle of water. For overnight flights: facial cleansers, toothbrush, and hairbrush.

Eat, drink & wheels up: I drink lots of water, as well as a glass or two of champagne or white wine.

Essentials: Sitting in First Class. Being comfy and getting good sleep is key.

Valerie Dieterich

Travel style: In the summer, I have an Ulla Johnson maxi dress that I actually bought just to wear on long flights and Gucci sneakers. I always bring a sweater and compression socks to put on on the plane.

Beauty regimen: No makeup, lots of moisturizer. I use SK-II essence, eye cream, and moisturizer. Before I land, I typically use the Skyn Iceland eye patches so my eyes are not so puffy.

Preferred luggage: Tumi for my checked luggage. I also have an expandable Longchamp duffel for carry-on and an extra Longchamp duffel I pack in my suitcase to hold whatever I purchase on our trip, and then I check it on the way home.”

My carry-on includes: Makeup, books, jewelry, clutches for the evening, and iPad.

Eat, drink & wheels up: Whatever United is serving.