Ruwaida Abela Northen is a Dubai-based PR specialist and luxury hotel insider who has spent two decades hopping across continents for work and play.
The mother of four is the founder and CEO of JRN Consultancy, a boutique PR and Communications agency specialising in luxury travel and hospitality, she is a columnist, public speaker and the woman who will tell you exactly which five-star hotel slippers are worth sneaking into your suitcase.
One thing to note is that the contents of Ruwaida's chic Louis Vuitton Horizon carry-on is always edited, elevated, and unapologetically extra.
These are my 10 travel essentials
Hermès New Libra cashmere stole
Airplane cabins are freezing, hotels colder, and this cashmere wrap is my shield. It doubles as scarf, blanket, even makeshift pillow, but mostly it signals I travel prepared and in style.
From SAR 5100
Buy yours here
Louis Vuitton Horizon Light Up Earphones - Pink
Noise-cancelling perfection, yes, but also the monogram glow that politely screams don’t talk to me.
SAR6550
Buy yours here
Dior L'Or de Vie La Crème Contour Yeux et Lèvres (Eye & Lip Cream)
Jet lag shows up first around the eyes, and this cream is the antidote. It’s outrageous and effective like a golden hour filter in a jar. (This is only available directly from Dior Boutiques and spas.) For a quick fix me up before landing I also love the Dior Eye Patches.
SAR3690 for 15ml
Buy yours here
A travel adapter - that actually works
Hotel front desk adapters are an electrical gamble. Mine handles every plug worldwide and keeps my Dyson styler safe from spontaneous combustion.
SAR300
Buy yours here
My own toothpaste
Those chalky “eco” tubes hotels push as sustainable are just cheap. I always pack my own because my high standards don’t stop at oral hygiene.
Adjustable Foldable Mobile Holder / Stand
A tiny foldable stand for my phone or Kindle, perfect on a tray table, propped on a nightstand, or balancing mid-flight for a hands-free Netflix binge.
From SAR65
Buy yours here
A Rimowa packing cube for emergencies
Safety pins, double-sided tape, sanitizing spray, top three over the counter medications, extra charger, hair pins, extra deodorant, nail clippers and files, you get the gist. Because everything that can go wrong will go wrong.
From SAR600
Buy yours here
Loro Piana Cashmere Socks
Slippers are hotel-standard; these are my ritual. Slip them on, and it’s like my feet are being hugged by a llama.
SAR660
Buy yours here
Slip Contour Sleep Mask in Pure Silk - perfect for lash extensions
Ordinary eye masks crush lashes like collateral damage. This one protects the investment and ensures I land looking like I slept in a Super King-sized bed. Available from Ounass.
From SAR285
Buy yours here
LOEWE+ ON Cloudtilt stretch recycled-knit sneakers
I refuse to travel in joggers or at leisure wear, those belong in the gym. However airport style lives and dies by the shoes, they must be easy to slip on and off while still being fashionable. These are as comfortable as running trainers but with Loewe’s design edge, which means I can sprint through the airport and still look like I planned the outfit (because I did). My favorites are the “Dark Sand" sneakers.
SAR1800
Buy yours here
Keep up with Ruwaida's internationals travels on Instagram @ruwaidaabela
jrnconsultancy.com
@jrnconsultancy
