How Singer-Songwriter Betty Who Travels (and What She Always Packs)

In the final days of Betty Who’s headlining tour across North America — which included shows in Los Angeles, Vancouver, Atlanta, and Orlando — the Australian-born singer-songwriter took time to open up her suitcase for Travel + Leisure.

What's inside? A collection of practical toiletries, a cozy sweatshirt that doubles as a do-not-disturb sign, and even a nostalgic gift that she's never taken out.

Travel + Leisure: Tell us about your suitcase.

Betty Who: “When I was 19, I saw Zoe Saldana in an airport carrying a Louis Vuitton monogrammed weekender roller bag. When I signed my record deal a year or so later, I went and bought myself one. I take it everywhere with me.”

What do you love about it?

“It's a Mary Poppins bag. I have no idea how but it is the perfect size for a four-day trip, no matter where in the world I'm going. It also is a perfect size for my laptop, which never fits in any of my backpacks. [My] best friend gave me an N*SYNC pin of JC Chasez and it's lived in that bag now for three years. It always makes me smile when I open it.”

Window or aisle?

“Window, always.”

What are a few items you always pack in your carry-on bag?

“An oversized scarf (my favorite is the Aritzia Wilfred Mosaic Blanket Scarf). My fiancé makes fun of my blanket scarf collection until he's freezing on a seven-hour plane ride and I can bundle him up.

I'll always pack a pair of Hanky Panky underwear because you never know when you'll get stuck somewhere, and I wear T-shirts on planes because you never know if you'll be sweating or freezing — so I always pack a sweatshirt in my carry-on (I wear my own “Ignore Me” sweatshirt in black a lot on planes because it's so comfortable).

I learned the hard way that you always want to dress in and pack layers when flying. So these items prepare me for getting stuck overnight somewhere unexpectedly [and] the ever-changing temperature on a plane. It's also a great way to travel in between climates.”

What about toiletries?

“I always travel with a small, see-through bag of my face wash and lotion [with SPF], a travel-sized Oribe texturizing spray, a tube of mascara, and a tube of Lucas Papaw Ointment.”

What else do you consider an essential for your carry-on bag?

“I love my iPad Pro. It's the same screen size as a laptop, but weighs nothing and is so easy to use. Perfect for a constant traveler like me. It has a screen protector that also unfolds into a keyboard and I can download endless Netflix shows for long flights.”

You’re really dedicated to wellness — how do you stay fit and healthy on the road?

“My go-to snack is a tub of Fage Greek Yogurt and some walnuts and berries. It's high protein, high in good fats, and is quick and easy but doesn't make me feel awful after. I'll eat this post show most nights on tour.

We also spend about an hour before every show warming up which includes lots of planks, squats, chaturangas, and TRX band rows.”

This tour has brought you all over — do you have a favorite destination you love performing in?

“I always love playing New York City and Los Angeles, of course, because I have so many friends who come out to the shows. But honestly, my favorite cities might be Minneapolis and Chicago. I love playing in the Midwest.”

What destination is at the top of your bucket list?

“I have never been to Amsterdam so I'm dying to go ride bikes and wander around with my soon-to-be husband. We love exploring cities by walking, so that's definitely top of our list.”

When you’re on a plane, what’s playing in your headphones?

“I've recently had a few of my friends make me playlists of their favorite music of all time, so I've been delving deep into those any chance I get. My best friend Sara's [playlist] has a lot of Alison Krauss and Bon Iver, so it's one of my favorites.”

You were born in Australia. Do you visit often?

“I don't visit enough, that's for sure.”

What’s the one travel tip you would give first-time visitors?

“The thing I miss the most is absolutely Australian breakfast. Scrambled eggs, mushrooms, a baked or grilled tomato, baked beans, and toast with butter, vegemite, and avocado. It's the first thing I [eat] when I land in Sydney.”

If you had to spend the rest of your life living in one hotel, which one would you choose?

“The Plaza in New York City, so I could be just like Eloise.”