Packing is definitely an art. To start with, 20 kilo luggage allowances? How many shoes does that give us – let alone digital toys, trashy novels and party frocks? Then comes some other curly questions – just how does one pack in if you’re traveling across the globe, love to record the day’s events or want to look good. Here’s some of my answers!
PACKING… FOR THE HEMISPHERE FLIPPER:
Traveling to the other side of the world and being greeted with the opposite season can feel like hitting a brick wall. Fear not! With a few teeny adjustments you’ll be hitting your stride.
- If you’re going to a hot zone, it’s easy! Simply pair t-shirts with shorts and skirts, chuck on your usual dresses without tights. It’s also great to keep a light cotton scarf handy. Use scarves to wrap your hair up when the heat is prickling your neck, or to shade your limbs from the sun. I often also knot both ends of my scarf together, creating an impromptu water bottle holder that keeps my hands free.
- Cold places aren’t that bad either if you know what you’re doing. Layering is the key here, adding leggings, merino long sleeved tops and cute vests. For example, the frock above could be worn gleefully with the addition of a long (thigh length) pocket covered cardigan. Pockets mean more places to shove your icy fingers! In my bag for the UK I have a lot of lightweight wool and thick socks to ensure no matter what shoes I wear my tootsies will be warm.
PACKING… FOR THE DIGITAL NOMAD:
We all like to be in touch, don’t we? In today’s world of “I want my memories now”, here are some handy tips for bloggers, photographers and tweeters on the on the road:
- Tech wise, write a check list to make sure you have all the essentials you need. Do you have extra batteries for all your gear? Power adapters if you are going to a different country? Enough digital storage for all the happy snaps? Remember to always save your images at a high enough resolution to print – you never know when the perfect shot will appear.
- That’s my kit below! I’ll be toting my HP Mini 1000 and a Canon 400D with 3 lenses (I can’t wait to be live blogging from the van). With this much gear on you, it’s better to be discrete. So rather than a geeky satchel, I recommend a big roomy tote with lots of pockets. Look good and have all your tools close to hand.
PACKING… FOR THE LOW MAINTENANCE BEAUTY:
When you’re traveling, you still want to look good. A pared down version of your daily routine can still be maintained – whether on journeying by train through Russia or partying in Sao Paulo. Here’s a couple of tips to stay fresh and cute!
- On the road with showers few and far between? Pack a few scarves and hats – they’ll be your saviors. Make a turban, slap on a cap and voila! Protected from the elements, your hair will stay cleaner, longer. After a few days without washing your hair, you’ll find hats a good disguise – no one will be the wiser about your greasy locks. Bonus – in conservative countries cover up your head will draw less attention and make it easier for gals to get around freely.
- When you do get to a shower, grab the bar of solid shampoo stashed in your bag – these bars, never spill and are more compact than bottles… Leaving more room for a few cheeky souvenirs!
photo by orangeacid
- Essentials for your beauty kit include: mascara, vaseline (it has loads of uses), a cleanser and wipes. For your make up go multipurpose and save space with a bronzer – you can use it for lips, eyeshadow and on your cheeks.
Do you have any packing tips to share? Please let us know in the comments. I seriously need all the help I can get, as the next few months are journey packed. Bon voyage!
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I wish you were around with these tips two weeks ago when I need them!!!!
Wicked piece! might I also suggest multiple layered hats? A hat inside a hat? Good fro minus 18 conditions, and also bring your swimming togs because a dip in a heated pool does wonders when you are freezing.
How about the good old Pashmina. I know they were thrashed during the late 90s but I still have my black one and take it on all my trips. Great on the plane to keep you warm when the AC gets too chilly and easier to take off than a jumper and less scratchy than plane blankets. Also makes a great scarf when its cold and its big enough to snuggle your cold nose into on a chilly outing!
Have a blast on your trip!!
Happy travels! Can’t wait to read your updates.
P.S thank you for the packing advice!
Nervous yet?
Oh no, you have probably left already! I always roll my shirts instead of fold them – much easier to squeeze into nooks and crannies of my suitcases :) less wrinkles too. I also always pack lots of stuff that doesn’t wrinkle easily. And always an extra bag (the kinds that roll up into themselves are good) for dirty laundry.
Hope you’re having a ball! I liked the term “happy snaps.”
Great post! I’m a terrible packer – I always leave it right til the last minute, take waaaay too much and still forget something really important!
i found this really interesting because i love to travel and i mostly i don’t know what to wear <3 *