After traveling to some pretty remote spots around the world over the last decade, I’ve learned what I can and cannot live without. Here’s to hoping you’ll heed my advice and take these 10 items on your next trip!
1. Osprey Farpoint 55 Travel Pack
This backpack has been with me through so much and I love it (shoutout to TravelFashionGirl for the recommendation 3 years ago)! The S/M is the perfect size for petite women, it easily fits in the overhead compartment of an airplane, and it has a neat zip-off pack for day trips.
2. Money belt
Ok, I know you’re thinking that you wouldn’t be caught dead wearing one of these but the trick is – no one has to know! I keep my passport and any essential documents or credit cards in here, tuck it underneath my jeans, and all is safe.
3. Comfortable shoes
Comfortable shoes are a must. No matter how cute your strappy stilettos may be, leave them at home and pack shoes that won’t destroy your feet after 12 hours of walking. Clarks are a great go-to or Superga sneakers if you want to look like a local in Europe. I also recommend rubbing any sensitive areas with Band-aid Friction Block as a preventative measure.
4. Credit card with no international fees
Those fees may seem small but they add up fast! All of my jet-setting friends are currently raving about the Chase Sapphire Preferred. NerdWallet is a great resource to find the best credit card to fit your needs. Here’s their list of the best travel cards of 2017.
5. Sunscreen
I’ve made the mistake of thinking I could buy this once I got to my destination but many places don’t sell sunscreen or they charge an arm and a leg for it. I always carry a bottle of Oil Free Faces sunscreen that I can use on my entire body if I’m in a pinch. Nothing’s worse than falling asleep on the beach and getting a 2nd degree burn on your eyelids on the first day of vacation (true story).
6. Neutral sweater
Even if you’re headed somewhere warm, it’s always a good idea to pack a sweater for overpowering a/c or chilly nights. I suggest a dark, neutral color that matches the rest of your ensemble and won’t show stains so you can wear it more than once. This Eddie Bauer cardigan is a great lightweight option.
7. Imodium
This stuff has seriously saved me a time or two (once before a scuba diving excursion and during many long bus rides). It hardly takes up any space in your toiletry bag and it’s the one item you’ll be glad if you don’t have to use.
Airports always charge a ridiculous amount for bottled water. Save a few bucks and bring your own bottle to fill up at a water fountain once you pass through security.
9. Multi-purpose soap
More than once I have failed to pack enough underwear for my entire trip. Even if you’re not going camping, instead of paying to have your laundry done, you can buy a tiny bottle of biodegradable Super Concentrated Wilderness Wash at REI that can act as laundry detergent, body wash, and shampoo all in one.
10. Packing cubes
I didn’t know what I was missing until I purchased these Shack Pak cubes. If you’re using a backpack, these are essential to keeping your clothes organized and easy to access. They’re also super convenient when my husband and I are sharing a suitcase.
Now get to packing!