My Favorite Things With Nina Reeder
Photo courtesy of Nina Reeder
I am pleased to be bringing back the “My Favorite Things” series which features fascinating and talented womxn talking about their travel experiences and sharing some of their favorite travel items and must-haves.
Today I am excited to introduce you all to Nina Reeder! Nina is a nationally published journalist and media strategist who has contributed for companies such as Essence magazine, Marriott Hotels, Ebony magazine, Upscale magazine, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and more.
Nina lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and two children -- who, by the way, kept me wildly entertained and inspired during quarantine with their Instagram videos of dancing, family olympics, and homemade restaurants.
I met Nina while I was in Champagne last September, with a handful of other journalists, learning about the Champagne Harvest. Nina was friendly and kind (always appreciated on a work trip with strangers!) but also stood out because she seems to have mastered the art of laid back travel while maintaining killer style -- something I still haven’t figured out. With this in mind, I thought Nina would be a perfect person to include in this series.
Photo courtesy of Nina Reeder
My Favorite Piece of Travel Advice is…
Walk the city as opposed to taking cabs or rideshares (if it's possible). Staying active while you’re away helps you balance out the food splurges. But it's also the best way to really get to know a place.
My Favorite Thing About Solo Travel…
You don’t have to please anyone else; you can do what you want to do, when you want to do it. So if I feel like just eating French fries for dinner, then that's what I do. Whether I want to go do something cheesy, touristy or high-brow, I'm free to do it without pressure.
My Favorite Solo Trip Was When…
I was in Paris, and I walked the city until my shins hurt. I people-watched in the parks, got lost, did touristy things and tried out random stores without any judgement.
Photo courtesy of Nina Reeder
Nina’s Favorite Travel Items
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Favorite Travel Item #1: Essential Oil
I use a multi-purpose essential oil blend. I usually mix a little oil with water to put on my clothes (which is very useful when I need to freshen up pieces of clothes that I have to repeat on trips). But I also use a little oil on my hair and skin—and even as aromatherapy on my pillows.
Favorite Travel Item #2: LuluLemon Yoga Pants
They're comfy so they are great for long travel days. And they have lots of handy pockets where you can securely store your phone, airline ticket, passport, etc., for easy access. Plus, they dry quickly, so you can hand wash them after workouts and they'll be ready to wear by the next morning.
Favorite Travel Item #3: Adidas Stan Smiths
Right now, these are my go-to travel shoes because they pair well with most of my outfits.
Favorite Travel Item #4: My Afro Soca Love Africa T-shirt
It usually sparks conversations everywhere I go. Plus, it's another opportunity to celebrate and connect with the African Diaspora no matter where you are in the world.
Favorite Travel Item #5: My Phone (Google Pixel)
Don't want to sound shallow, but I don't know how I would function without it. I rely on my phone for directions, translations, etc. But I also love capturing moments, so my friends and family can follow my adventures too, so the camera feature is a big favorite.
Photo Courtesy of Nina Reeder
If you’d like to check out more of Nina’s work you can connect with her on Instagram or visit her website ReederAndAWriter.com.
