Travelling is both a very exciting and exhilarating experience, but especially intimidating and stressful when it comes to time for packing. If there's one thing in common with every trip I've taken, it's that feeling of anxiety sitting on the plane thinking I've forgotten to pack an essential.
With a thousand thoughts running your mind per minute in preparation of your trip, it's easy to skip over packing the small but important things such as sunscreen, socks or your deodorant. But small necessities like this can often cost a fortune in a foreign destination or be impossible to find.
Over my past few travels I've been a victim to both overpacking and underpacking, and forgetting something as simple as my toothbrush and underwear. I've kept lists in my phones of travelling essentials to help me through times of major last-minute packing chaos, and I've decided to put all my tips into writing for you.
So this guide will be your little bible of traveling in times of panicked packing and last-minute outfit preparations, to send you on your way to your island getaway, city escape, or European expedition with all the necessities along with your sanity and peace-of-mind.
THE CITY ESCAPE:
Whether it's a weekend away with nothing but a carry-on, or a sight-seeing city venture, think chic and simple yet elegant clothing to suit the cafe-hopping, museum touring and night-life escapades of stylish city life. Channel some major Carrie Bradshaw vibes like you're strutting the streets of NYC, but make sure to keep your outfits comfortable and suitable for what season you're travelling and the appropriate weather conditions.
Comfortable walking shoes are a staple for city trips, because chances are you'll be sightseeing by foot and there's nothing worse than blisters and swollen feet to ruin a holiday. I'm not saying you need ugly bulky comfort runners, but pack a comfortable yet chic pair of sneakers or boots that you can spend a whole day in, yet also be stylish and versatile enough to dress-up for dinners or theatre shows. Keep your number of shoes to a minimum, but I recommend packing a pair of boots or sneakers, casual cute sandals and one pair of heels if you're planning on dressing up.
If you're travelling through winter, like myself about to venture the chilly Christmas season of New York, remember your warm pieces such as a scarf, beanie, gloves, a coat, parka and warm thermal layers to wear under tops and jeans. Bring your favourite pair of jeans to compliment any outfit or occasion, as well as a timeless trench coat that is a winter staple among the fashion blogging crowd.
To instantly upgrade any outfit and have you looking ready for 5th Avenue Breakfast at Tiffany's style; neatly and safely store a few pieces of staple jewellery in your luggage.
Don't forget to pack a handbag, off-the-shoulder bag, or backpack to keep your valuables safe during daily outings. But in the spirit of true city high-fashion, bring your cutest à la mode designer bag that compliments your outfits. Traveling with expensive pieces might be risky, but at least you're blending in with other city locals rather than screaming tourist with your oversized dad bag.
TROPICAL PARADISE GETAWAY:
While it's very easy to under pack seeming that you'll only be needing a suitcase full of bikinis for your exotic tropical trip, there are a few more considerations when packing for paradise.
Remember to be respectful of the culture you're visiting and do your research as to what clothing customs are appropriate. Pack tops that cover your shoulders and a long sarong as an option if you're planning on visiting temples or sacred sights.
You'll need swimmers, sarongs, beach-coverups, casual dresses and maxi's that can also be dressed-up for dinners, and a light jacket or cardigan for cooler nights. Lightweight and breathable fabrics such as cotton and linen are perfect for tops and skirts for tropical travel, and bring a pair of denim shorts and clothing suited to any adventurous activities and exploring.
A hat, sunglasses and small sanitiser are essential to keep in your bag, and footwear to pack includes thongs (flip-flops), sandals and comfortable walking shoes. You won't need to fill up your suitcase by bringing along a beach towel, as most decent accomodations will generally provide one for you.
Sunscreen is essential, along with aloe-vera gel if you're prone to sunburn, moisturising lip balm, and coconut oil or tanning oil with SPF is perfect to help build your vacation tan.
EUROPEAN EXPEDITION:
Travelling across countries on several flights, train rides and buses on a fast-paced European escape, the last thing you want is to be hauling an overweight 30kg suitcase across cobblestone alleyways and up the steep stairs of Greece.
To avoid a case of squeezing your entire wardrobe into a small rectangle, preparation is key for these long, adventurous trips. Know the climate of the countries your travelling to and pack for unforeseen weather conditions.
Plan your outfits while packing and try on everything to ensure it suits other pieces to be reworn throughout the trip. Consider your travel plans and set specific outfits to wear for certain activities. To remember your outfit plans, take flatly photos to refer to on your trip.
Choose a clothing colour scheme - so not only will your outfits match, but so will your Instagram theme with all your glamorous travel photos to follow.
Pack comfortable clothing that is both stylish and practical, such as linen shirts, and athletic clothing and sneakers for hikes and adventurous activities. Skip the heels, they take up too much precious luggage space and don't work well with cobbled streets. Pack some, but not all, boujee outfits to flaunt through the chic capital of Paris, and bring flowy dresses and swimwear if you're setting foot through Greece or Amalfi Coast of Italy.
ESSENTIALS FOR ALL TRIPS:
- Pyjamas
- Correlating number of underwear and socks to number of days, plus spares!
- Appropriate bras to suit your outfits
- Stretchy black leggings- the perfect comfort pants for the flight, for exercise on your trip, or to layer up during winter
- Sunglasses & accessories such as belts if needed
- Daily bag - backpack, handbag or shoulder bag
- Bandaids - just incase the 'comfy' shoes you brought leave you with blisters
CARRY ON BAG:
- Passport, travel visa, identification
- Plane ticket information, printed travel itinerary, and insurance details
- Debit cards, travel money cards, currency to exchange
- Mobile phone, plus charger, international sim card, and headphones
- Electrical converter adaptor
- A good book, journal and pen
- Plane snacks and gum for helping your ears pop
- Lip balm
- Something warm (cardigan, scarf)
- Any electronics and chargers (laptop/tablet, digital camera, go-pro)
TOILETRY BAG: (remember that TSA flying guidelines limit liquids and aerosols to 100ml)
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- Hairbrush, hair ties and bobby pins (or hair gel/hairspray if you have more luggage space)
- Deoderant and perfume (small sized)
- Small shampoo and conditioner
- Sunscreen and aloe-vera if you're prone to sunburn
- Face wash and moisturiser
- Essential makeup
- Any prescription medication
- Feminine hygiene products
- Razor
- Tweezers - eyebrows must be on point always
Cut down your liquids by skipping on body wash and soap, and only taking miniature shampoo and conditioners as most hotels and accomodation will provide these.
MY ESSENTIAL TRAVEL MAKEUP:
- Primer (or use moisturiser as a substitute)
- Small staple foundation and concealer
- Beauty blender and makeup brushes - try to bring ones that are multi-use
- Travel sized bronzer and blush
- Eyebrow gel/powder and spooly brush
- Mascara - waterproof for beachy holidays (I skip the lash curler on holidays)
- Highlighter - which can also be substituted for eyeshadow
- Miniature eyeshadow palate with 2-3 neutral shades
- Nude lip liner and staple nude lipstick - plus maybe one red shade for special outings
- Small setting spray (if my cosmetic bag isn't overflowing by this stage)
my travel bag favourites:
TRIP TIPS:
- Know your luggage weight limit and keep it a few kgs under on the trip over if you're a shopaholic and avid souvenir buyer like me. The last thing you want is paying an extra $100 at the end of your trip just to get your belongings home again.
- If you're worried your luggage is on the heavy spectrum on the way home, load up your carry on bag with heavy items and wear your bulkiest clothing such as sneakers and jackets. Most airlines allow 2 carry on items, so take advantage of filling up another bag for the plane.
- Make sure your luggage is recognisable and unique. I couldn't imagine anything worse than getting off a long flight standing at the luggage carousel being unable to pick your bag among 20 other plain black suitcases. Or even worse - coming home with the wrong one..
- Add your name and phone number to a travel tag and tie a ribbon or key chain to your suitcase so you will recognise it. For extra safety, it's worthwhile using a luggage lock as well, or paying for plastic bag wrapping at the airport to prevent theft, smuggling or any damage to your suitcase.
- Before heading overseas, download a currency conversion app for your phone as well as language conversion apps that might come in handy.
- Make printed and photograph copies of your documents and identification, and email it to yourself and a relative. Also inform your bank before travelling overseas to prevent having your cards declined.
So whether you're travelling for a few nights or a few months, there's no need to take your whole wardrobe half way around the world. Pack a few nights in advance so you have time to make any last minute purchases, and keep a checklist as you go.
I hope my little travel packing guide will come in handy for preparing your next travel adventures. xxx