High Maintenance and Need to Pack for International Travel? I got you!
I have a lot of experience traveling so you would think I would be good at this whole packing thing by now. I finally figured some major things out after traveling abroad when I only used about 70% of what I packed! My suitcase zippers ripped at the seams for what? 2 extra pairs of shoes I won’t wear but I have to bring “just in case”.
Well girl, I got news for you, traveling is way easier when you aren’t sweating trying to get that carry on through the airport. Going through my suitcases after Spain, I set aside what was ABSOLUTELY necessary and what I could live without.
The phrase I catch myself using while packing is “what if…?” If you say this too, STOP IT. STOP IT RIGHT NOW. I promise you that you don’t need that 6th pair of shoes, you don’t need 3 extra tops because you can’t decide what mood you’ll be in when you wear the outfit and you sure as heck don’t need to bring your entire jewelry collection.
No matter how long your trip is, here are some tips to help you pack before you travel as a “high maintenance girl”.
CLOThES
Be realistic. Don’t try to wear a new outfit, chances are you will be uncomfortable and will want to change. If you want to be trendy, try out that outfit for a half day back home, if it sucks, mix it with an old reliable piece.
Mood. Don’t pack 3 extra tops because you might feel edgy that night or maybe it will be chilly. Decide on that outfit and rock it with confidence.
Weather. If you are going somewhere warmer than you’re used to, you’re in luck. The clothes are smaller, but that doesn’t mean over pack! If it’s a place that will occasionally get a breeze, pack a universal cardigan, that’s it, no other sweaters.
Just do you. If you want to flex for the gram, do it. You don’t have to wear clothes you’ve never worn before, pack extra pieces or be uncomfortable. No one knows that you’ve had that sweater for 4 years or that your earrings are nearly broken.
Shop. If you have the time and a little spending money, you can always shop a bit. It’s fun to buy something from the area you are visiting because every time you wear it and someone asks where you got it, you get a chance to talk about your travels! Plus, depending on where you are from and where you are visiting, trends may be ahead of the game a bit, so you can add to your wardrobe in a way that might not be possible back home. Fight the urge to over-shop though, you still have to pack to get home! Sometimes you can find great deals depending on where you are, in Barcelona I got two pairs of super cute and trendy pants for the equivalent of $7/each!
JEWELRY
Minimal is millennial. Hoops are in and no matter the size, they are almost always cute. It’s okay to pack a few pairs of earrings and a few staple bracelets (I wear my Alex & Ani bracelets on the daily). Just don’t take every pair you own. This is much like taking 3 extra tops because “who knows?”
shoes
Comfort. Something I often ignore on the daily, but when you visit Europe (or even most major American cities) you’ll soon find that walking is the major mode of transportation. I packed about 3 pairs of sandals and never wore them because my feet needed support.
Versatility. I bought Steve Madden “tennis shoes” to replace a regular pair of runners, but when it came to my hike in Italy, they wouldn’t have lasted 30 minutes. I wore Adidas NMD – R1 and they are cute and casual, a sacrifice I was willing to make!
Practicality. Bring neutral colored shoes. One dressy pair, and one that is comfortable enough to walk 5+ miles a day in.
EXTRA AF
Purses. I didn’t realize how easy it is to be pickpocketed until it happens. Use a small crossbody purse that can’t fit much. Not only will it be harder to steal from, it will save you from a world of annoyance and extra heavy weight!
Make up. I love to be full glam all the time. This really depends on where you’re going. If it is somewhere hot, wear sunscreen and only what makes you comfortable. In Spain I wore sunscreen, filled in my eyebrows a bit and mascara only on my top lashes! If it is somewhere like NYC and full glam is necessary, try to find smaller versions of your current make up!
Don’t stress over what to take. Traveling is about the experiences not the things.
