When it comes to traveling, I think there is one part in particular that stresses us out more than most. Packing. Especially when you are going abroad and not sure what you would be able to find in the stores there, getting out of your comfort zone a bit.

So I thought I would take the time to sit down with you and discuss what I have found to be the best things that I ended up being abroad. What was the most helpful? And of course, what ended up being unnecessary…

Best Things I Brought:

Clothes:

• Puffy
  • Regardless of where you are, it seems to always come in handy. Even just to pack it down into itself and use a pillow, a down jacket is a must.
• Rain Coat
  • Protect yourself from rain, wind or just adding an extra layer for warmth. Even on whitewater trips to use as a quick splash jacket. Versatile and lightweight. Gortex is a good thing to go for.
• Chacos
  • Chacos are life. Summertime on the beach, fall hiking, and mountain wandering, even winter (with some good wool socks on your feet!) they are still easy going companions for nearly everywhere and everything!
• Astral Shoes
  • I got my first pair of Astrals for Stand Up Paddleboarding and quickly learned they were more versatile, bringing them on the slackline and every day wandering. Stylish and active footwear that translates easily from one outfit to another.
• Lulu Lemon Jacket
  • Any comfortable jacket may do, but I lean towards my Lulu Lemon because the quality is impeccable, it is quick drying, yet warm and follows through with the usual Lulu versatility (i.e. there is a hairband on the zipper and hidden pockets).
• Lace Tops
  • Normal bras have been proven to be bad for your boobs health. Plus they are uber uncomfortable. I have found a happy medium between sports bras and regular bras with the gypsy-looking lace tops that are often amazingly comfortable and go well with nearly any occasion, from yoga class to dancing.
• Leggings
  • Comfortable, quick dry and goes well with just about everything. Not much more needs to be said here.
• Long Dress/Skirt
  • It is never a bad idea to have one of these tucked away so as to be able to get a little fancy every now and again!

Gear:

• Scrubba Dry Bag
  • You can shove things into it while packing and when it comes time for laundry, you have your own washing machine! Easily one of my favorite purchases and most used.
• Sleeping bag
  • Honest moment: I have slept in my sleeping bag nearly every night for the past 3 years. It is one of my top 3 favorite possessions. You know you are going to be comfortable, warm and in clean “sheets.” Wherever my bag is, my bed is.
• Mexican Blanket
  • A blanket. A yoga mat. A pillow. A towel. What have I not used it for? Easy to carry on the plane too. I have found it completely necessary on this adventure.
• MacBook Air
  • When it comes to getting work done, having a good computer is hard to beat. And a MacBook Air is light and reliable.
• Universal Charger
  • With TWO USB charging wires! (Just in case)
  • So handy to have, no matter where you are in the World.
• Water Bottle
  • Come on guys, we all should know by now that plastic bottles are bad for the environment and the environment effects ALL of us, no matter where you are. Why not do a small part that is even more convenient to yourself, and bring your own bottle with you? Everywhere. All the time. Hydration is important!
• Steri Pen
  • This helps with the hydration part by making sure you can drink sterile water!
• Buff Wear
  • Headband? Beanie? Neck warmer? SO many ways to wear this thing. Super lightweight. I have used this on nearly every adventure I have been on.
• Headlamp
  • Very useful for reading, hiking, walking, etc. It is a must.
• Alternative Backpack
  • A smaller variation of your traveling bag so you do not have to tote that big ole thing around all over the place!
• Smith Sunglasses
  • Protect your eyes!
• Hat
  • Guard yo face.

Bathroom:

• Wet wipes
• Shampoo Bar
• Wet Brush
• Menstrual Cups
• Microfiber Towel

Randoms:

• Essential Oils
  • Lemon, Peppermint, and Lavender especially. I have found these to be extremely helpful not only for me but for many of the friends I have made as well.
• Extra Ziploc bags
  • You can even pack your clothes in them to help keep your stuff more organized! It never hurts to have a few extra bags just in case.

Things I Wish I’d Brought:

• Tape (duct tape is such a lifesaver)
• Mini Sewing Kit
• Mini First Aid

Worst Things I Brought:

• So many books! I love books, but they take up a lot of weight and a lot of space, quickly. Better to bring one, buy others there or better yet for travel, use a kindle. We can keep our paperback libraries at home.
• So many clothes from home. There are so many beautiful clothing items out there that I hardly cared to wear most of the things I brought! I just wanted to wear the clothes from here. Not only because they are so beautiful and inexpensive, but you blend in a bit more and they are fitting for the environment as well.
• My 75L backpack. As much as I adore my bag, it is unnecessary since I honestly do not need all the space and it cannot be carried on for planes. I would much rather have a bag that does not need to be checked and can stay with me at all times (cutting the chances of it getting lost insurmountably!).

Good Ole Packing Tips:

• Leave room for things to buy there. You will need it.
• Rolling your clothes is the best way to pack them.
• Separating your things into ziplock bags can give you extra bags from the trip and keep your things organized.

I hope this saves some of you fellow travelers out there from making the mistakes I did! My kindle has already been ordered and I fully plan to pack only the essentials upon my return to Thailand (I will fill my closet with their amazing style instead!). I will see you out there my friends, be it in the air, on the water or on a line.

Love & Light