Traveling. Packing. It's a love/hate relationship, don't you think? For girls that is and maybe for some of you gentlemen as well. Either you love it. You hate it. Or it's purely love/hate combination. Which is it for you? For me I love it! Truly I do. I love it more so NOW that I have my packing under control. I used to always pack way too much clothes. Always. However, I will say that packing for "me" is a work-in-progress. I constantly strive to pack the essentials and exactly what I need all while looking chic while on vacation. I'm sure some of you are shaking your head, nodding and maybe smiling while reading this post. Seriously, packing can be and is at times a challenge.
When one travels it's important to be prepared. And yes, that involves a little research. Yes, research. Your reading this thinking "is she crazy, research, to travel?" I say this because checking the weather ahead of time and figuring out "what" you will be doing can and will make a huge difference of what you will and won't bring. A few examples: rain, snow, heat. Bringing a rain coat or a warm sweater can make all the difference. Unless, of course you don't mind buying something on vacation? Some of us won't mind this at all. I was very glad I brought my rain coat to Rome however, I did need to buy a hat and boy did they both "help" keep me warm!
It's amazing what a few minutes of weather research and a "rough" itinerary of what you may or may not do can help you streamline what to pack and help you use 1 carry-on suitcase and a great tote bag. For me, this is absolutely crucial. I want to walk off the plane and right to my transportation with no waiting. Plus, I don't want 62+ pounds of luggage. It's ok, you can smirk because it is funny however, it wasn't at the time but, it IS now! A little visual: I walked on cobblestones in Rome for about 45 minutes pulling , yes pulling, that 62+ pound piece of luggage and carrying the "other" two smaller bags to my final destination. Oh, and carried all of the bag separately up about 30 marble steps. It was sooo much fun. Never ever again, never!Here's my Top 10 packing tips:
- Research weather
- Make a rough itinerary to ensure comfortable/warm/cool outfit(s) and shoes (very important)
- Pick a versatile set of jewelry: bracelet, necklace, earrings that matches all outfits
- Wear a chic scarf on travel day instead of that chunky, sexy necklace and wear it later on the trip
- Pick comfy clothes for your flight and layer up (this is key)
- Reading material: download a few books to your phone (I use the Nook feature for Blackberry)
- An IPOD is essential
- Pick 1 pair of versatile dress shoes, wear the comfy shoes on the flight, and pack 1 extra "if" needed
- Makeup (this in itself is a separate post altogether)
- Coordinate your outfits so that you can re-wear the pieces again (trust me, this makes sense)
Most importantly don't forget your tote for the flight with all of your essentials! Below is my standard list of essentials that I bring every time I fly, period. Don't forget your snacks either. I bring dried cranberries, almonds, and Pringles Honey Butter stix. Oh, and you musn't leave out your gum, Tylenol/Advil etc.I hope you enjoyed my guest post and travel tips today! Have a wonderful day. And scroll down to check out "my" tote contents.
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