travel

What's in my carry-on bag

What’s in My Carry-On Bag: Wellness Edition

I’m often asked what I pack in my carry-on when I travel—and honestly, it’s become a mini treasure trove of wellness must-haves. I don’t just throw things in a bag and hope for the best. Every item earns its spot because bag space is precious, supporting my comfort and well being while I’m on the go. Whether you're gearing up for a long-haul flight or just want to elevate your travel routine, here’s a peek inside my bag:

1. Pocket Coffee

Let’s get one thing straight: I do not drink coffee on airplanes. If you’ve ever seen the posts about the water they use onboard, you already know why—no thank you. But I still need my caffeine kick, especially when I'm hopping time zones. Enter: pocket coffee. It’s compact, convenient, and gives me that energy boost without relying on mystery water. Game-changer.

2. Bontanny Red Light

My love for red light therapy is no secret. I’ve been using it for years to help with skin health, energy, and even mood. Now that I have the travel size Bontanny red light device, I can take those benefits with me wherever I go. Some of the biggest perks of red light therapy? It supports collagen production, reduces inflammation, and can even help with circadian rhythm regulation—perfect for jet lag.

3. EMF Protection

Airplanes are literal flying metal boxes filled with radiation and electromagnetic frequencies. Not ideal. That’s why I always bring EMF protection—whether it’s a wearable device or a small grounding tool I keep in my bag. Our bodies are sensitive to EMFs, and long-term exposure (especially while flying) can contribute to fatigue, brain fog, and sleep issues. No thank you. Save 25% off with code: JESSICA25

4. Electrolyte Spray

Dehydration hits hard when you're flying. The air in airplanes is incredibly dry, and I used to suffer from headaches and leg cramps mid-flight. Not anymore. This tiny electrolyte and mineral spray is a lifesaver. I just spritz it wherever I have pain and instantly feel more balanced.

5. Tallow Balm

Yes, I’m that person who always has a small jar of tallow balm in her bag. If you haven’t tried it, tallow is incredibly nourishing for the skin—it’s rich in fat-soluble vitamins and fatty acids that support barrier repair and deep hydration. I tried making my own once, but the smell was... let’s just say “earthy” in the worst way. This one smells amazing and is just the right size for travel. 10% off with code: JESSICAREY

6. Organic Cotton Travel Scarf

This is one of my favorite travel hacks. My organic cotton scarf doubles as a blanket, shawl, or even a pillow in a pinch. Organic cotton resonates at the perfect frequency for our bodies (look it up—it’s fascinating), and it’s so soft and breathable. I love how versatile it is, especially when airplane cabins feel like meat lockers. It's a perfect shoulder cover for entering sacred spaces with dress codes, too.

7. Tension Relief Ball

Sometimes your body just needs a little help. I always pack a small tension relief ball for rolling out my neck, back, or even the bottoms of my feet during long layovers. But here’s a pro tip: use it to gently release your psoas muscle. This deep core muscle is directly linked to back pain, posture issues, and even emotional tension (yes, really). If your lower back feels locked up after a flight, a few minutes with this ball can make a world of difference. It’s like bringing your own mini bodyworker on board.

Carry-on bags must adhere to size and weight restrictions, so every item in my carry-on is chosen with intention—to make traveling easier on my body, wherever I am in the world. What’s your go-to travel essential?

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travel

8 of the best hot springs around the world

Natural hot springs have long been revered for their healing properties and therapeutic benefits. Soaking in mineral-rich waters can improve circulation, relieve stress, and promote relaxation, making them a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The warm temperatures can soothe aching muscles and joints, while the minerals found in these springs—like magnesium, calcium, and sulfur—can aid in detoxification and skin health. Whether you’re seeking relief from chronic pain or simply a serene place to unwind, visiting a hot spring can rejuvenate both body and mind.

8 Must-Visit Hot Springs Around the World

1. Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas, USA
Nestled in the Ouachita Mountains, this park is famous for its naturally flowing hot springs. Visitors can soak in historic bathhouses for around $30–$50, depending on the services you choose. Fall is particularly beautiful here, with colorful foliage complementing the soothing waters.

2. Chena Hot Springs, Alaska, USA
Located near Fairbanks, Chena Hot Springs is renowned for its natural hot springs and stunning views of the Northern Lights. A day pass costs about $15, with additional fees for spa services. The best time to visit is during the winter months when you can soak under the auroras.

3. Banff Upper Hot Springs, Canada
Situated in the stunning Banff National Park in Alberta, these hot springs provide a breathtaking mountain backdrop. Admission is approximately CAD $8.50. The mineral waters are said to help with respiratory issues and skin conditions, making winter visits particularly enchanting.

4. Bagno San Filippo, Italy
Tucked away in Tuscany, Bagno San Filippo is known for its stunning natural thermal pools. While access to the public pools is free, you will pay for street parking. The waters are rich in sulfur and minerals, ideal for relaxation. Visit in the spring or fall to avoid the summer crowds.

5. Arenal Hot Springs, Costa Rica
Near the Arenal Volcano, these hot springs are surrounded by lush rainforest. Entrance fees vary by location, typically ranging from $35 to $75, which often includes additional amenities. The best time to visit is during the dry season from December to April.

6. Haukadalur Geothermal Area, Iceland
Home to the famous Geysir and nearby hot springs, Haukadalur offers a unique geothermal experience. The entrance fee is about ISK 4,000 (approximately $30). Late spring to early fall is ideal for good weather and beautiful scenery.

7. Termas Geométricas, Chile
Nestled in Villarrica National Park, these hot springs have an entrance fee of about CLP 18,000 (around $24). The stunning red geometric walkways lead to a series of natural pools rich in minerals. Visit during the summer months for the warmest weather.

8. Terme di Saturnia, Italy
Located in Tuscany, Terme di Saturnia offers natural thermal waterfalls with free access, but spa services cost around €20–€40. The waters are rich in sulfur, believed to have healing properties. Spring and fall are the best times to visit for pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists.

As you plan your travels to these amazing hot springs, don’t forget to pack your Jessica Rey swimsuit! Whether you’re soaking in the soothing waters or lounging in the sun, you’ll feel fabulous and confident in a stylish swim dress, one-piece, or tankini. Have fun exploring and rejuvenating your mind and body!

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Inspiration - Blue tiles of Portugal

The Timeless Beauty of Blue Azulejos Tiles in Portugal

I had the opportunity to take my daughter with me to Portugal this past summer and we were absolutely enamored by the gorgeous azulejos tiles that the country is famous for. They were everywhere- outside and inside of churches, at the train station, restaurants, hotels, and even on the sidewalks. We took a wonderful tile painting class with Domus Arte in Porto and learned all about the history of azulejos.

Azulejos, the iconic blue ceramic tiles that adorn the buildings of Portugal, have a history as rich and diverse as the patterns that grace the facades of the country's structures. Originating from the Arabic word "az-zulayj," meaning "polished stone," these tiles have been an integral part of Portuguese culture since the 15th century. Introduced by the Moors, azulejos initially drew inspiration from Islamic geometric patterns. Over the centuries, they evolved, incorporating influences from various cultures, and became a distinctive feature of Portuguese architecture. With vibrant colors, intricate designs, and a dedication to craftsmanship, azulejos tell the story of Portugal's artistic and cultural evolution.

Where to Encounter the Best Azulejos in Porto and Lisbon

To truly appreciate the mesmerizing beauty of blue azulejos, one must embark on a journey through the streets of Porto and Lisbon, where some of the finest examples of these tiles can be found. In Porto, our favorites were Igreja do Carmo and São Bento Railway Station (a testament to the grandeur of azulejos. Its walls are adorned with over 20,000 hand-painted tiles, illustrating scenes from Portugal's history, rural life, and transportation).

Lisbon, the capital city, is another treasure trove of azulejo wonders. The National Azulejo Museum showcases an extensive collection that spans several centuries, providing insight into the evolution of this traditional art form. One cannot miss the façade of the Church of São Vicente de Fora, where blue azulejos depict biblical scenes and historical events. Wander through the Alfama district, and you'll discover charming corners adorned with these stunning tiles, turning an ordinary stroll into a cultural immersion.

For a more immersive experience, visit the Convent of Christ in Tomar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where azulejos narrate tales of Portugal's maritime history. The Capela das Almas in Porto is another hidden gem, where a small chapel is entirely covered in blue azulejos, creating an ethereal atmosphere that captivates visitors.

When I told my daughter that I wanted to create a print inspired by the azulejos that we saw in Portugal, she got to work right away to help me. She's a true artist! Here she is in front of the Igreja do Carmo in Porto, finishing a piece she started on the airplane.

Coming soon, our newest print "Azul" will be available in the Marie swim dress and. Elizabeth tankini top. Stay tuned!

travel

The best of Sibenik, Croatia 🇭🇷

If you follow me on Instagram, then you already know all about my love for Croatia. It is an absolutely stunning country full of natural beauty, delicious food, and some of the kindest people you will ever meet. Croatia is the perfect destination for a family-friendly vacation and I definitely recommend you add it to your bucket list. In the past three years, we have traveled throughout almost the entire country, so I'm going to write about each area in separate blog posts. Today, I'm featuring Šibenik.

History

Šibenik was first mentioned in history in the 11th century, but evidence shows that humans had been there since the Neolithic period. The city has been ruled by Hungarian-Croatians, Byzantines, and Venetians. It is the oldest city along the Dalmatian coast and one of the only cities in the world with two World Heritage UNESCO sites (fortress of St. Nicholas and St James Cathedral). It was also one of the first Dalmatian towns to have electricity (from the Krka waterfalls).

We loved wandering throughout the old town while we learned about the city's history with our guide, Sandra. A walking tour is the perfect way to learn about Šibenik-- we got all the tips on where to eat and how to spend our week. The tour ended with a wine and charcuterie tasting with yummy locally made wines and food + a view of the sunset.

If you want to learn more about the history of Šibenik, the interpretation center of St. James Cathedral is a fun place to explore- full of artifacts, paintings, a short film that made me cry, and even video games.

Sea

The sea surrounding Šibenik is crystal clear and perfect for swimming. We took a half day tour to three islands-- Zlarin, Privic and Tijat. Zlarin is known for it's beautiful red coral-- you can visit the museum on the island. Privic has one of the prettiest beaches we have seen in Croatia. And Tijat was the best place to end the tour-- an uninhabited island where we swam and enjoyed the views while treating ourselves to afternoon ice cream and coffee.

If you are a seafood lover, you can't miss the panoramic boat tour in St. Anthony's canal, complete with champagne and oyster/mussels tasting. Croatia is known for it's fresh and delicious seafood and it doesn't get any fresher than this! We enjoyed tasting these delicacies straight out of the Adriatic Sea and then cruising past St. Nicholas fortress.

Krka

You cannot visit Šibenik without a trip to Krka national park. As it can get quite crowded, we suggest booking a private van to take you straight to the entrance without having to park a car and wait in line for the shuttle buses. Krka is full of natural beauty and waterfalls- the biggest being Skradinski Buk. It's a fairly easy hike and the kids had fun spotting all of the birds, insects, and frogs along the way.

We ordered lunch here and then found a quiet spot to picnic near the waterfall and away from the restaurant crowds.

If you're looking for a place to stay, Visit Šibenik has the perfect apartment rental across the street from the old town-- it was away from the hustle and bustle and we only had to cross the street to explore. Bonus: there is a coffee shop right outside the front door, so you don't have to go far for your morning caffeine fix.

We've now visited Šibenik twice and will certainly be back on another trip. It's a great home base to see Krka, Plitvice, Kornati, and even Split is only one hour away. Buon viaggio!

travel

Pack like a Pro

Do you ever go to the grocery store for 2 things and then come back with 12 (or more) unnecessary things? Making a list usually helps to prevent this— the same applies to packing! My number one tip for packing like a pro is to MAKE A LIST! If you make a list at least a month (yes, a month) before you leave, you will only pack things that you need AND you will also have time to buy whatever is lacking.

The last time we checked bags was for our 10 year anniversary trip to Italy (I’m laughing out loud looking at this photo because so much of what’s inside of those suitcases was unused PLUS the airline lost our checked bag). Now, even when we vacation for more than a month, we only use carry-on bags. "I have an Apple AirTag," you say. My friend, Christy, also had an AirTag. She landed in Los Angeles and saw that her bag was in Amsterdam (even if she didn't fly through there). She called the airline to deliver her bag-- they told her she had to get and get it 😩 Los baggage can totally ruin your vacation, so pack smart and carry-on.

Tips for packing like a pro:

1. Make a list at least one month before leaving.

Pull out everything on the list to see if anything needs to be dry-cleaned, washed, repaired, etc. Start shopping for things you need and don't already have-- making this list a month in advance will reduce any impulse buys and the need to pay for rush shipping.

2. Consider buying hard to pack items at your destination.

If you're not checking a bag, toiletries must be in 3.4 oz containers (or smaller) and all fit into a 1 quart size bag. This can be tricky if you are going away for an extended period of time. Transferring toiletries into these little bottles is also a pain, so I only do this for my "must-have" items like my face wash and face cream. Since I am not too particular about my shampoo or the kids' body wash (besides being free of harsh chemicals), I just buy these items at our destination. If you are traveling with a baby, don't use an entire suitcase to bring two week's worth of diapers! Pack what you need for the travel day (plus a few extra) and buy the rest when you arrive.

3. Pack a capsule wardrobe (aka multi-use pieces).

I plan my outfits around my shoes. That may sound strange, but shoes take up a lot of room in my carry-on, so I usually bring 3 pairs of shoes maximum. I think about what types of shoes will be required for the activities we have planned (if we're hiking, I need sneakers. If we're walking through snow, I need snow boots. If we're going to pebble beaches, I probably want water shoes etc etc). I usually wear the bulkiest pair onto the airplane. I plan my outfits around these 3 pairs of shoes (or 4 including the pair I wear during travel). If it doesn't match my chosen pairs of shoes, it doesn't go into my suitcase. Choose pieces that can be worn multiple ways. For example, our Eliza swim dress can be worn as a swimsuit to the beach or as a top under your favorite skirt for dinner. A button-down white shirt can be used as a cover-up, paired with shorts for a stroll down the boardwalk, or to cover your shoulders when entering a sacred space. Our cover-up/wrap dress can be worn over a swimsuit at the pool, as a dress (forwards or backwards!), or under a sweater to look like a skirt. It's incredible how many different outfits you can create with just a handful of pieces.

And we can't forget, our two-piece dress that can be worn multiple ways and is the perfect set for your spring/summer travels.

4. Organize and minimize with packing cubes and bags.

These packing cubes saved us on our winter trip to Europe a couple of years ago. I honestly didn't know if we'd be able to avoid checking bags because of all the layers and socks we needed to keep warm, but we did it! We planned on skiing/sledding, so we used these vacuum bags to squeeze all of the air out of our snow bibs- it's amazing how small you can get them! For this upcoming summer trip, I am using Packdup bags to organize the kids' clothes in their suitcases and we'll also use them for wet clothes on beach days.

5. Wear bulky items onto the airplane.

We usually wear our coats or sweaters onto the airplane. We pack them into this foldable tote as we walk (or sometimes run) through the stuffy airport (believe me, you don't want to hear the sound of kids complaining about being hot or not being able to carry their coats while running through a crowded airport to catch a flight that started boarding 30 minutes prior. The tote is a lifesaver for this type of situation). Before boarding the plane, we put them on (because we each already have the max carry-on and personal item, so the tote won't be allowed). The tote easily folds away into its own little pouch and the coats or sweaters are perfect for staying warm on cold airplanes. Hats can also be impossible to pack without crushing, so I usually strap my beach hat to my bag in the airport instead of squishing it into my suitcase (unless it is one of our crushable hats that can be packed... coming back into stock soon!)

6. Consider staying at a vacation rental.

If you're vacationing for an extended period of time, consider a vacation rental that has a washer/dryer instead of a hotel. For month+ long trips, we usually bring enough clothes for one week and do laundry. (yes, my kids still do chores on vacation). So instead of packing clothes for a month, you'd really just be packing for a week, which makes using only a carry-on bag a breeze.

If you're traveling this summer, I wish you a safe and happy journey! Buon viaggio!

travel

Best of Hilton Head Island

When international travel was halted in 2020, we spent more time exploring the beautiful USA with several cross-country roadtrips from California. Driving across the state line from Georgia to South Carolina instantly felt like vacation. It was suddenly greener with palm trees and golf courses every which way. The sun seemed to shine even brighter when we crossed the bridge onto Hilton Head island and as soon as we arrived at our vacation rental, we were ready to unpack and head to the beach.

The best way to get around Hilton Head is by bicycle. We reserved some online at Pedals Bicycle ($30 for the week, at the time of rental). It is nice that they have two different sized bikes for adults and kids along with child seats, pull carts, and tandem bikes-- plenty to choose from. If you're going during busy season, I suggest reserving before you arrive. Make sure you get baskets and locks if you need them. The best part is that they offer free delivery, so our bikes were waiting for us when we arrived.

Having lived in California almost my entire life, beaches never tend to impress me too much but there are two things we loved about the beach in Hilton Head:

1. The waves were not huge, making it more kid-friendly and

2. You can ride your bike on the beach-- yes, on the sand! It was so much fun and totally new for us.

A couple of things to keep in mind-- we saw lots of jellyfish (both dead and alive), many stingrays (especially in the evening), and a fisherman nearby accidentally caught a baby shark (he threw it back). Swim at your own risk! (My kids swam all day everyday and they were fine) 🙃

Restaurants

For breakfast, we loved Nectar Farm Kitchen. They source all of their ingredients locally and change the menu often. The biscuits are absolutely amazing, as are the chicken and waffles.

For lunch, we usually brought food with us to the beach, but I absolutely love She Crab soup and I may or may not have snuck off to eat some at Watusi Cafe three days in a row 🙈 For those who don't like soup in the summer (I know, I'm weird), try an açai bowl or poké bowl at Al's Aloha Kitchen.

If you love seafood but want to keep it casual, I would definitely recommend Slapfish. The traditional lobster roll, epic shrimp burrito, and shrimp bowl are all mouth-wateringly delicious.

For dinner with a view, the Old Oyster Factory will not disappoint. Just look at this view of Broad Creek-- it's like being in a painting.

And last but not least, we all know that the best thing to eat on a hot summer day is ice cream! There are endless choices at The Ice Cream Cone in Coligny Plaza. Sea Turtle and Pralines & Cream were our kids' favorites.

To Do

If you are not a 'sit at the beach all day' person, do not fear! There is still plenty to do in Hilton Head besides going to the beach.

Vanishing Island Tour: My kids still talk about our private boat out to the vanishing island. The tour leaves from the Old Oyster Factory dock, where we were able to bird watch for a bit- there was an anhinga just sitting on a stump (we had never seen one before). Captain Robert was quite knowledgable and he pointed out all the points of interest as we drove along through the Lowcountry Salt Marsh-- truly a wonderful science expedition. He knew where to stop to see all the dolphins, too and wow-- we saw a lot of them! The vanishing island is a large sandbar that's only exposed at low tide each day. It was FULL of starfish, shells, and sand dollars. My son even found a shark's tooth!

Alligator Tour: My kids are fascinated by alligators, as they are foreign creatures to us Californians. We booked the alligator tour at Sea Pines Resort. There is a fee for cars to enter the resort and the tour was $22/adult and $19/child. We saw a few baby alligators while on the boat, but saw a lot more as we drove away from the parking area-- just basking in the sun near the water. Be careful and don't get too close!

Harbour Town Lighthouse Museum: While we were at Sea Pines, we decided to climb the 114 steps to the top of the lighthouse. It's set up like a museum, so don't worry about stopping along the way to rest and read up on Civil War history.

We've visited Hilton Head Island many times since 2020 and we keep going back because we discover new things to do (and eat) each time we go. It's the perfect family friendly beach vacation destination.