Getting ready for a trip and not sure what to pack? Ive got you covered. Using my extensive travel packing knowledge, I’ve curated a list to help seasoned travelers and first timers alike.
Lightweight Meets Luxury
There are two main schools of thought when it comes to packing:
- Everything weighs something.
- The weight of not having everything is the heaviest burden of them all.
Within this article you’ll find the healthy medium between these two philosophies. The first mindset is actually a quote from my dad, who is an ultra-lite through hiker. And the second mindset is sometimes how I feel when I’m getting ready to go somewhere for a long time. I’ve found a happy meeting place for luxury, and weight conscious packing that will help your trip be the most enjoyable.
When I was a kid, I would go for a week backpacking trip with my dad every summer. He would prepare an excel spreadsheet with every single item that would be packed, even down to the exact quantities and weights. Before we left for the trailhead, we would review the list with a ball point pen and ensure that everything made it in our packs.
I didn’t realize the gravity of the situation until we were out in the forest, hundreds of miles from the nearest store, no cell phone reception, and I thought about what it would be like to not have some of these things… So packing is serious business for my family.
When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money.
Susan Heller – New York Painter
Now Im sure you remembered undies and socks. But did you remember your most used supplement or that hard-to-find emergency medicine? You know that one that you hardly ever need but when you do, you really need it.
Or how about something to feel cozy – like home – but without taking up too much weight or space?
My Favorite Travel Additions
- Headlamp
- With red light feature so you don’t make any enemies. This was a lifesaver when the power went out in my jungalo (jungle bungalow) during a heavy storm.
- Candle
- All the comforts of home in only a few ounces. When you cant take your favorite blanket or stuffie, this is the next best thing.
- Blue light glasses
- Your eyes will thank you!
- Natural glitter balm
- Perfect for nights out or special occasions. Low weight and less environmentally impactful alternative to traditional makeup/glitter.
- CBD salve
- Often not able to buy in other countries and will help you recover after the activities of travel.
- Mini manicure kit
- Clippers, file, tweezers, mini scissors.
- However, make sure to either put in your checked baggage or confirm with TSA of the country you’re traveling. Guatemala confiscated my heirloom manicure set because they don’t allow scissors of any kind – this led to many tears and an expensive detour for me.
- Supplements, emergency medicine, chia seeds…
- Travel can mess ya up. From explosive diarrhea, jungle poison ivy, 1 week long constipation, international travel ain’t no walk in the park. (All of these are from personal experience…)
- Bring your drugs. And by drugs, I do mean pepto bismal, Mylanta, trifal, acetaminophen, ibuphropen, charcoal pills, probiotics, mint oil, oregano oil – or whatever holistic remedy you like to use when you feel like Le Gran Poo Poo.
- Enough said… oh Ditto to Neosporin, band aids, and maybe athletic tape – depends how wild y’all get.
- Journal and your favorite pens
- I don’t know about you, but the best pens make for the greatest journal sessions. And traveling’s highest gift is in providing us with new perspectives. So don’t forget to take notes!!!
- Teas!!
- Ah my life force givers. I bring copious amounts of my faves. Bring a few, they can really help those long flights or lonely layovers. Not to mention if you start feeling cold germs during transit. Also electrolytes, vitamin c packets, and bouillon cubes are always in my carry on. Thank you to the homies who taught me about these; you know who you are… And for my coffee addicts, throw some instant cappuccinos in there.
- Trusty travel scarf
- It’s a dress, it’s a towel, it’s sun protection, it’s a fashion statement. What can’t a lovely scarf do for you?
And there you have it! 10 travel accessories that will help you have the most fabulous time on your next adventure. I hope you think of me while packing! Drop any questions or comments below.
Other items not to forget
- Floss
- Hand sanitizer
- Chapstick
- Eye drops
- Sunglasses
- Bug repellent
- Mini Hair oil/gel
- Earplugs
- Phone charger
- Back up battery
- Electrical adapter