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In our latest issue, the Expert Edit, we interview experts in their fields about the products they trust. In our latest issue, we spoke to TV host, travel influencer, and content creator Oneika Raymond about her packing essentials and everyday travel recommendations.
Oneika Raymond left her career as a middle and high school international language teacher in 2016 to pursue journalism. She now works as a travel storyteller and “experience connoisseur,” visiting more than 120 countries. In other words, she's got a proven expertise in the field of vacation packing. Born and raised in Toronto, she launched her blog, Oneika The Traveler, and has since slowly built a following and earned herself some press opportunities.
Since then, she has created a ton of content for brands like Travel Channel, Expedia, Marriott, Greyhound, Alamo, and more, all with a consistently unique and versatile perspective—all in line with her personal aesthetic, of course. It's hard not to get your wanderlust in when scrolling through Raymond's feed and catching glimpses of her enjoying crystal clear waters or visiting the world's architectural wonders.
But Raymond's adventures aren't all pretense. “One of my biggest learnings in the travel industry is to prioritize creating content that caters to the diverse needs of your audience,” she tells PS. “My most successful pieces have been content that answers a question or solves a problem for my audience.” To make this process even smoother, she's partnered with Expedia to launch a travel shop, where she shares her favorite vacation spots, hotels, and experiences with her followers.
The site also features handpicked collections, such as “Built-in Hotels,” compiled by Raymond. On her list of favorites is Chalet Al Foss in Italy ($751 a night). “I've been to Italy nearly 30 times and never get bored of the culture, food and architecture,” says Raymond. “The Dolomite mountain range is especially beautiful.” She cites the Chalet Al Foss hotel's “incredible alpine views and floating breakfast in the hotel's infinity pool” as reasons for frequenting the hotel.
Raymond lists Grenada as another bucket list destination. “I visited the Caribbean island of Grenada a few years ago and was blown away by the blue waters and lush rainforest,” she says, calling Silver Sands Grenada (prices vary depending on dates) “one of the most luxurious hotels I've ever visited.” “If you can't stay there, at least book a treatment at their beautiful spa,” she says.
Below, Raymond presents his handpicked list of must-have items, ranging from portable devices you didn't know existed to the paper straws and wine corks he actually uses to organize his jewelry. Scroll through Raymond's foolproof packing list to ensure you're fully prepared for your next getaway.
Experts featured in this article
Oneika Raymond is an Emmy Award-winning New York Live TV correspondent based in New York and Miami, and the host and producer of the podcast “About the Journey.”
