Travel is so great for expanding your view of the world. And can also give you a sore back and tennis elbow if your bags are too heavy!

 

The first time you try and drag your roller bag over blocks of cobblestone to get to the quaint hotel in the center of the oldest part of the city, (where cars aren’t allowed), you’ll understand the necessity of packing light. Here are my tips to make that easy.

 

  1. Two colors, and one accent. I like black and white. My friend likes navy and tan. Whatever your color palette, stick to it. Introduce an accent color in your jewelry or a scarf. Once you’re packed. Remove one outfit. Trust me.
  2. Take the time to decide on a few “outfits” before you go. Throwing stuff into a bag and then hoping you feel like any of it looks good will be a huge bummer when you arrive at your destination.
  3. Comfortable shoes. Know what you’re going to be doing. If you aren’t walking a lot, cute shoes that aren’t super comfy are ok… but if you are sight seeing, do yourself a favor and wear shoes that are already comfortable. Day 2 will thank you.
  4. Bring a scarf. No matter where you are going. It can be an extra blanket on the plane, a lumbar support, a pareo on the beach, or a scarf. Pack one. Always.
  5. The most important tip is to have a small bag that you can tuck into the seat pocket in front of you that contains all of the essentials for your flight. It will keep you from constantly digging in your carry-on. In the order of how you might need them: hand-sanitizing wipes, because the person in that seat before you had the flu. Ear buds, because the movies are free, so is the music and your seatmate is a bore. Chapstick. Advil. An eye mask because sleeping is difficult when the guy at the window wants to look at clouds for 8 hours. An inflatable neck pillow because carrying one of those regular neck pillows around on your vacation is a drag. A toothbrush and toothpaste. A comb. A credit card if you aren’t on an international flight so that you can buy alcohol or snacks. A snack you like in case you are GF, Vegan, or allergic to anything else. Anything else you might need to make yourself comfy. Think, essential oils, hand lotion, a photo of your dog…
  6. Unless you are traveling to a 3rd world country, remember that if you’ve forgotten anything, you can probably buy it. They have shampoo in so many countries.
  7. Travel with other women and travel with me. I organize everything so that all you have to do is pack… and I’ve already told you how to do that! J

 

These are my best tips and I hope that they help you have a wonderful trip!