As the Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Mexico & Latin America, Kelly Talamas leads a pretty glamorous life.  Here she talks to us about her travel-essentials, her favorite in-flight drink and the items she collects along the way.

How often do you travel?

Minimum, twice a month.

Number of countries visited?

25

Aisle or window?

Definitely aisle. I find it so uncomfortable having to jump over people each time I need to get up.

Favorite Airline?

AirFrance or British Airways for Europe, LAN for Latin America

What brand of luggage do you use?

Samsonite.  I have three sizes depending how far or long I’m going.

What carry-on bag do you take?

Tumi Voyageur

What are your must-have travel essentials?

Moisturizer, a comfortable sweater, my MacBook Air, a camera, a bottle of water, my glasses and a good book.

One surprising thing you always pack?

I mostly pack standard items, but I do tend to over pack on random things, for example I tend to exaggerate on the pairs of contact lenses I pack because I’m always scared of losing them. I bring them in my carry on and also in my luggage. Also, I always bring a small candle to make my hotel room feel like home.

What’s your travel uniform?

All black. Typically jeans and a blazer or leather jacket, and comfortable flats or boots if I’m going to a cooler destination.

Airplane food or bring your own?

Airplane food, unless it’s a short flight, then I’ll eat before or once I’m at my destination.

In-flight drink?

Water, water, water. Sometimes I’ll have a glass of white wine to relax and help me sleep a bit.

In-flight music on your iPod?

I have an airplane playlist with my more chill music comprised of favorites such as Modest Mouse, the XX, Arcade Fire, Bon Iver, Au Revoir Simone, etc.

Preferred in-flight entertainment?

Long flights are my favorite time to catch up on movies I haven’t seen, which also help make the time pass more quickly.  It’s also a good time for editing or writing my articles or editor’s letter if I’m travelling during closing dates. Sleep of course is also always ideal.

Gadget you can’t leave home without?

My iPhone for Instagram (I’m addicted!) and my MacBook Air. For personal trips, my camera. I have a G13 that’s been my travel buddy over the years.

Do you use any travel apps?

Not really, I have the AirFrance and American Airlines apps, but that’s about it. I did discover recently AirFrance’s Music In the Sky app, which is really cool and I’ve picked up some cool tunes from it.

How do you deal with jetlag?

Most of my travels are work-related and therefore, usually quick 2-4 day visits with nonstop schedules. Coffee is always needed, a good meal, and lots of water. If I have time, a quick visit to the salon for a blow out always helps. It’s a nice break in the day where I can close my eyes for 30 minutes and not look at my phone.  When back home from any trip, I always make it a point to have one or two days of good rest to make sure I have energy for the week or for my next journey.

What’s your exercise routine when traveling?

I rarely have time for exercise while traveling. Between sleep and exercise, I always choose the former, although, I’m guilty of often bringing my sneakers in tow “just in case”. For me, the real exercise comes from long walks through huge airports carrying my often over-packed suitcase…

Do you have any travel advice?

Pack light. I often struggle with this, but when I manage to pack correctly and concisely, it is always so much better. It just makes the whole traveling process so much easier.

Worst travel experience?

On a flight back to Miami a few years ago, American Airlines lost my luggage. We had arrived just a few days after a hurricane had hit Miami so our neighborhood was out of electricity for a week or so. Most stores were closed or half-stocked. My luggage didn’t arrive until 3 days later, but it felt like an eternity being without any of my clothes, toiletries, etc. Lost luggage is my worst nightmare, but this experience was like something out of a movie.

Do you have any travel rituals or superstitions?

I always say a little prayer before I take off, just in case…

Where are your favorite places to travel to?

Anywhere on the beach! I love a quick escape to Tulum or any of the beautiful beaches in Mexico. It requires very little packing, just a few swimsuits, cover-ups and a pair of sandals. So easy with little thought involved, as opposed to packing for fashion week, which is a whole other story.

Where haven’t you been to yet that you’d like to visit?

The list seems endless, but more immediately I’d say India, Turkey or Australia.

Favorite purchase/souvenir from your travels?

Though I didn’t purchase it, I’d have to say a Colombian Wayuu mochila that the First Lady of Colombia gave me when we shot her for the magazine. As far as purchases, when I travel, I always look for pieces that are very unique to the city or country I’m in. International brands you can find everywhere, but I love searching for boutiques with local designers. Recently I found an amazing three-story store in Shanghai with young, emerging Chinese designers and I bought a few special pieces. Also, this is very random, but I like to collect postcards from every destination I travel to. For the moment I keep them in a box I have, but someday I’ll do something neat with them.