She models, acts, and shares lifestyle tips on her incredibly popular website—yes, Kentucky-born beauty Molly Sims is steadily building an empire—and having a fabulous time along the way!  Here, she chats with us about her travel rituals, her packing strategy (it involves straws!), and the souvenirs she’s brought back from her adventures around the globe.

How often do you travel?

I travel at least 2-4 times per month depending on where my work takes me and whether or not my husband and I are shooting in different places.

Where are your favorite destinations to travel to?

I love going to Cabo San Lucas, the Hamptons and New York City. I can’t wait to go back to Italy, and I definitely need to take a trip to London and Paris soon.

Where’s your “happy place”?

New York City! It gives me energy and makes me smile. I feel alive the moment I touch down there.

What brand of luggage do you use?

I use Tumi luggage. My first piece of Tumi luggage lasted for 14 years—it finally gave out and broke while I was in Peru, but I definitely felt like I got my money’s worth!

What carry-on bag do you bring?

I have a Goyard monogram bag that I’ve had for the last 7 years.

If it’s a photo-worthy trip, what kind of camera do you bring?

Canon.

Aisle or window?

I always request a window seat! I can prop a pillow against the window and get some sleep—and looking out at the view makes me feel less claustrophobic.

Do you have any travel rituals or superstitions?

I always step onto the plane with my right foot ,while kissing the plane with my right hand. I know it sounds crazy but I do it every time! I also always say a prayer while the plane is taking off and I never fly without my lucky charm necklace.

Preferred in-flight beverage?

Chardonnay. Any type will do!

What are your in-flight travel essentials?

Before flying, I make sure my bag is stocked with plenty of magazines and a great book, and that my iPad is loaded up with movies. I also keep hand sanitizer and moisturizer on me at all times, and I like to wear a scarf because it can double as my blanket when it gets chilly.

How do you entertain yourself at 35,000 feet?

I love flying, especially when I’m alone because it’s the perfect time to unwind and relax. I typically read magazines and watch movies.

What’s on your travel playlist?

Anything that gets me energized and excited for where I’m about to go! Iggy Azalea’s “I’m so fancy” has been my most recent go-to anthem. But I’m always up for listening to anything by Beyonce, Rihanna, Taylor Swift and Arcade Fire.

What’s your go-to uniform for the plane?

I typically wear my Isabel Marant booties, an oversized sweater or boyfriend jacket, a hat, a great black jean or pant, a fun printed scarf, and sunglasses. I try to make sure I’m wearing something that’s comfortable but chic. And the key is to make sure I wear plenty of layers because no matter how hot it is outside, it’s always cold on the plane!

What’s the one item you never leave town without?

My charm necklace. It contains name-plates for my husband, son and dogs. It’s a way for me to keep them close at all times, and I rarely leave the house without it!

How do you deal with jet lag?

I try to sleep on the plane so I’m refreshed when I arrive. If I’m about to fly east, I go to sleep early so that I can get my body clock adjusted to the time zone before I arrive. When I fly West, I do the opposite and stay up really late. I also just read a great article that claims that sucking on a lemon can help you stay awake longer and that altering what you eat can help remedy jet lag…I definitely want to try it!

What’s your overall exercise & health routine when you’re on the road?

I drink lots of water and always make time to work out. If I’m in a hotel I’ll use the gym and go on the treadmill. I’ll walk at a speed of 4.5 or run at 6.2 for 20 minutes, depending on my schedule.  I also try to make time to sit in the sauna and steam room. Sweating helps flush out toxins and makes me feel more refreshed while I’m going about my day.

Favorite items to order from room service?

I always order a hot English breakfast tea with milk and Truvia. And no matter where I am or what I’m doing I always, always, order dessert!

One surprising thing you always pack?

A swimsuit. You never know when you’re going to need one!

What are your must-have beauty essentials when you’re traveling?

I always carry Tom Ford perfume with me—-I wear the Azure Lime scent—it’s my favorite! I also love Benefit Eye Bright eyeliner—I line it on the inside of my lower lid to make my eyes look bigger and more refreshed, which is especially helpful after a long day of travel. Pot Rouge by Bobbi Brown doubles as both a great blush and lip stain—perfect for when you’re trying to pack light.  For my hair, I love using the Sarah Potempa Beachwaver curling iron and travel-sized straightening iron—they’re easy to use and even easier to pack. I also always bring Klorane dry shampoo and Elnett hairspray, which you can find in a great travel-size. For my skin, I love using Caudalie skin oil and natural deodorant. At the end of the day, I use Klorane makeup remover wipes—they’re eco-friendly and gentle on my skin, plus that way I don’t have to worry about carrying liquid remover!

What are your favorite items to pack in your suitcase?

I always bring a scarf  (I love the ones by Theodora and Callum) because it’s an easy way to add dimension to any outfit. I also always pack my Isabel Marant booties—they really go with just about everything and are easy to walk in. And I love the J.Crew printed sweatshirts—they’re really cozy but still chic and fashionable.

Are you an over-packer or under-packer?

I’m definitely an over-packer!

Do you have a packing strategy?

Lists, Lists and more lists.  I put my necklaces in straws to keep from getting tangled.  I also ‘roll’ my clothes. It keeps them wrinkle-free while still allowing me to condense everything together into a small suitcase.

Have you ever had a travel disaster?

Ugh, yes!  One time the airport lost my luggage for 4 days in Turkey.  I had absolutely nothing and had to run out and try to find nearly a weeks worth of clothes. Needless to say, it was a stressful experience!

If your luggage was lost, what are the 5 items you’d buy at the drugstore?

I’d buy the bare essentials—a toothbrush, toothpaste, eyelash curler, deodorant and a hairbrush.

Favorite find/souvenir from your travels?

There are so many! I bought these great chairs from a flea market in Paris that now sit in my Hamptons house as well as some amazing bowls and rugs from Morocco. In London, I bought a leopard coat over 20 years ago that I still wear today, and in Capri I got the most amazing Missoni shoes that I’ve had for six years. In Africa I found a beautiful gold chain and a fertility doll that I still have in my house—and I got my first, and only, Hermes bag in Paris!

Favorite childhood memory of traveling?

Every year my family used to drive from Kentucky to the Florida Keys for vacation. The entire journey, from the road trip up there to the vacation itself, was filled with so many fun and special moments. I’ll remember and cherish the family memories we made on those trips forever!

Travel destinations on your bucket-list?

I want to go back to India and Turkey. I would also love to go visit my best girlfriend in Australia, and I really want to take my mom to Israel to visit all of the religious and historic sites.