Bring a Little Bling: A Guide to Traveling with Jewelry

Whether you’re heading to a tropical destination or a historic city, the perfect vacation actually starts before your plane touches down. Every fantastic adventure starts with a well-packed bag. Even though packing isn’t the most glamorous part of travel, it can set you up for a stylish and successful journey. Once you’ve packed your TSA-approved toiletries and universal charging cables, you might be wondering how to check one important item off your packing list: Jewelry.

Bringing elegant earrings or charming suit pocket squares can help women and men look and feel their best on vacation, but it’s normal to feel a bit apprehensive about taking cherished accessories on a trip. Luckily, with a little guidance and stylish, reliable accessories, you can pack for a sleek and smart adventure. Here’s what to know about traveling with jewelry.

Choosing Jewelry for a Trip

Just like the perfect outfit is all about balance, traveling is all about knowing what to bring and what to leave behind. To keep your bags organized and your mind at ease, pick a few key pieces of jewelry to bring that you know you’ll wear, instead of bringing plenty of options that you might not. Here are a few questions that can help you choose which pieces of jewelry to bring on your next trip. 

Where Are You Going?
Can you almost feel the warm, soft sand between your toes? Can you practically smell that piney, crisp, mountain air? Maybe you can almost see storied cobblestone streets stretching out before you. No matter what your dream vacation looks like, your destination determines what ends up in your suitcase, from slacks to sunhats. When choosing jewelry that suits your next adventure, think of which pieces are practical for your destination and complement the scenery. 

If you’re traveling somewhere with a strong French influence, such as New Orleans, wearing Fleur de Lis jewelry can be a stylish and thoughtful nod to the local culture. If you’re heading somewhere humid, be sure to bring jewelry made from durable, tarnish-resistant materials, such as sterling silver. 

What’s on Your Itinerary?
Whether you’re traveling for work or pleasure, a clear itinerary can help you make the most of your trip and pack wisely. While you don’t need to pack a different accessory for every outing, the main events on your itinerary can help you choose the perfect jewelry. 

If you’re traveling to an elegant event, such as a wedding or work gala, choose an eye-catching statement accessory that suits your outfit; men might bring sterling silver or gilded bronze tuxedo pocket squares, while women might bring a coordinating Fleur de Lis jewelry set that features earrings, a bracelet, and a necklace. If you’re planning an active vacation filled with hiking, walking tours, and other outdoor adventures, choose simple accessories, such as stud earrings with strong backs or a simple necklace that suits any outfit. 

How Long Is Your Trip? 
Are you and your spouse planning a romantic weekend getaway? Or are you heading to visit your family for a week? Maybe you’re finally embarking on that multi-week overseas adventure you’ve always dreamed of. However quick or long your trip is, bringing jewelry can help you feel like your most confident, authentic self.

While you might think that you need more jewelry for longer trips, bringing accessories is more about quality than quantity. When you choose a few pieces that have sentimental meaning, such as charm bracelets with crosses that celebrate your faith or necklaces that remind you of home, you can bring what you need to feel settled and stylish without overpacking. 

What Do You Feel Comfortable Traveling With?
In a perfect world, all of our bags end up in the right place at the right time, and it’s easy to keep track of all our belongings while we’re away from home. Even if you’re a seasoned traveler, you know that there’s always a slight chance your bags will take a surprise detour, or that you’ll leave your backpack on a barstool by accident.

When traveling, it’s usually best to leave cherished vintage heirlooms or particularly precious jewelry at home. Instead of bringing solid gold jewelry, bring your favorite gilded bronze pieces; this durable, quality metal has a gold-like finish and a more reasonable price point. If you’re nervous about traveling with your wedding ring, wearing a sterling silver Spanish ring in place of your diamond can give you peace of mind. You’ll thank yourself for preparing for anything when you can enjoy your trip with calm confidence.

Now that we’ve covered how to choose the perfect jewelry for your upcoming trip, let’s explore how to travel with it. 

Tips for Traveling with Jewelry

From packing your accessories for a day of travel to choosing a meaningful souvenir, here’s what to know about each step of traveling with jewelry. 

Packing Jewelry 

A quality jewelry case, pouch, or roll can help you keep your jewelry organized and tangle-free during travel days. Soft materials protect your accessories from scratches, and cushioned containers are best for delicate items. 

Once your accessories are organized in a neat container, pack them in your carry-on or personal item rather than your checked bag. Since you’ll be keeping it on your person, this reduces the risk of your jewelry being lost or stolen during your travel day. 

Storing Accessories 

Once you’ve arrived at your destination, it’s time to make yourself at home. Whether you’re staying in a hotel or a short-term rental, find a secure spot to leave your jewelry while you’re out adventuring. The best way to keep your jewelry and other valuables secure during your trip is to put them in a safe, which most hotels and lodging options provide. 

Whether you’re traveling with sterling silver necklaces adorned with Ethiopian crosses or gilded bronze charm bracelets, store your jewelry in a cool, dark environment away from moisture. A microfiber cleaning cloth can help you keep your jewelry dry, while an airtight container can prevent tarnishing. Storing your jewelry properly, even when you’re away from home, is the best way to keep your accessories beautiful and well-cared for. 

Picking Souveniers 

Locally made jewelry is an incredible souvenir, especially if you love finding keepsakes that celebrate the local culture and history of your destination. Choose jewelry from family-owned businesses that have a deep connection to their region, and pick styles that symbolize your trip. 

If you’re traveling to New Orleans, you might choose Fleur de Lis jewelry that pays homage to this city’s rich history. Jewelry that features coins and doubloons from a region is also a great way to remember your travels. When you’ve already planned to travel safely with jewelry, you can feel more confident when buying a special souvenir. 

Jewelry can help you feel like your best self, so you deserve to bring a little bling on your next vacation. With these tips for traveling with jewelry, you can confidently bring your unique style anywhere. 

About Jose Balli 

For over 30 years, Jose Balli Jewelry has captured the charisma of New Orleans. By designing jewelry that pays homage to the rich culture, storied history, and stunning wildlife of this region, this family-owned company has helped locals and visitors celebrate their love for New Orleans. The lost-wax casting method allows these artists to portray intricate details, perfect for highlighting the beauty of Ethiopian crosses, Fleur de Lis, and other classic iconography. With over 800 online styles and two retail locations, Jose Balli Jewelry makes it easy to find sterling silver or gilded bronze jewelry you’ll cherish for years to come. Whether you want to celebrate your faith with charm bracelets with crosses or surprise your spouse with suit pocket squares that spark conversation, turn to Jose Balli Jewelry.

Planning a trip to New Orleans? Find a Jose Balli Jewelry location at https://joseballi.com/