Catriona Rowntree reveals $7 travel buy she’s ‘never without’ after 30 years on Getaway
Having spent three decades as a travel reporter, Catriona Rowntree has revealed the one thing she refuses to fly without.
The Getaway host shared a new Instagram video giving fans a rare peek inside her carry-on, including the budget-friendly item she swears by – and first discovered when starting out on TV.
Catriona Rowntree shares her carry-on must-haves after 30 years of travelling the world. "Thank me later," she says. Instagram/@catrionarowntree
“I don’t do jet lag,” the veteran reporter began. “But I do take a few things on board for a long haul flight, that don’t cost much, avoid frustration and can be bought universally.”
One of those things are antibacterial hand wipes, which retail at major Australian supermarkets for $7.
“Trust me,” said Catriona as she pulled a packet of wet wipes out of her bag mid-flight.
“A stylist gave me these when I first started in TV to take out clothing stains, you may like to disinfect your seat and apparently they’re pretty good for wiping your hands. I’m never without these!”
The video, filmed during her latest long-haul flight, includes other tried-and-tested packing essentials including electrolytes, which according to Catriona, can help fight jet-lag.
“Pop one in your water the day before you fly, on board, maybe one post-trip,” she suggested. “These do seem to help me avoid jet lag. If you’re like me and have to work as soon as you land, it’s worth a whirl.”
Your skin needs hydration too, said Catriona, especially on a long-haul flight. Which is why she recommends packing a hydration spray.
Catriona Rowntree is glowing and hydrated. Nine
“Some kind of moisture spray,” she explained. “Don’t worry about the brand – make your own water spritzer, but it does help to give your skin a drink during and post-flight.”
Other things you can “BYO” include your own pen.
“You can never find a pen when they hand out those immigration cards, or when a bright idea sparks (hello John Lennon and Jane Birkin),” Catriona pointed out. “Hosties [travel hosts] loathe lending them, so BYO.”
When you've travelled the globe as much as Catriona, you pick up a few tips along the way. Nine
She also revealed a nail file is one of her non-negotiables as she explained: “[There’s] nothing more annoying than a scratchy nail on a 14 hour flight”.
And, when it comes to protecting your passport, the Getaway host revealed the one thing you should absolutely invest in – a passport cover.
“[But] never in black, you want to see it when it drops to the bottom of your bag,” she advised.
They make great gifts too, “as someone who had their passport confiscated at an airport for a tiny bit of wear” she admitted.
