The following post is written by Juliana Wynkoop, creator and writer for Tourist to Local. Tourist to Local is a travel blog and Youtube series dedicated to offering travel tips, product reviews, and stories. She explores off the beaten path of typical tourist activities and proves you can travel regardless of age or budget.
Juliana from Tourist to Local
Last year I was faced with the very daunting task of packing 8 months worth of clothes into a backpacking backpack. “Take half as many clothes and twice as much money,” the other travel bloggers proclaim. However, being the stubborn girl I am, I attempted to fit every last pair of shoes and accessory into that pack. I walked only 2 minutes towards my driveway before realizing that packing so much was NOT going to work.
Learning how to pack is an incredibly daunting task. You want to look cute enough for your Instagram followers to ooh-and-ahh as you pose effortlessly in front of monuments, but you don’t want to be so weighed down with bags that Delta charges you more than your original ticket costs. Before I left for my 8 months abroad, I made a short list of how to pack for long-term travel. However, there were a few items that I felt stood out amongst the rest. Below is a list of my must-have travel products not matter what the location or length of stay:
These sandals are the most important and versatile shoes to pack when traveling! Since they are made from rubber, they are perfect for wearing to the beach, to a nice dinner, or even….in your hostel’s shower. I’ve had mine for a year and a half and they’ve held up perfectly during my crazy adventures!
2. A sarong
Another travel essential is the ever-so-versatile sarong. It can be a beach towel, a scarf, and shawl, a skirt, a dress, a head scarf, a bag…seriously these things will save your life! Check out ___ for more ideas of how to use a sarong. I suggest getting one in a fun color and print that you can use with any outfit! Check out this website for 101 uses for sarongs!
3. A little black dress
Because the little black dress is a timeless piece that can be used for any occasion.
4. Lush Bar Shampoo
Gone are the days of leaking shampoo in your bag!!! The Lush Bar Shampoo is a travel essential that comes in so many different scents and formulas. To use, take the bar and rub it on your scalp with water, then continue to wash your hair as normal! The lather on this bar is UNREAL, and the bar has lasted me up to 3 months of travel! One tip to keep in mind is that you should let the bar air dry outside of the tin after using it so it doesn’t get mushy!
5. ACCESSORIES
I stick to a versatile statement necklace that goes with everything, and two gold bangles. Adding these helps to polish up your boring v-neck! Bring your favorites from home or browse an artisan market at your destination!
I stick to a versatile statement necklace that goes with everything, and two gold bangles. Adding these helps to polish up your boring v-neck! Bring your favorites from home or browse an artisan market at your destination!
6. Cross-body Satchel
Never, I repeat, NEVER travel with a handbag unless you are just itching to get rid of it–in which case you can always send it to me 😉 Handbags are so easy to steal and pick-pocket from. A cross-body satchel is small enough to hold JUST the items you need, and it’s much harder for someone to pull it off of you. I like this Roxy bag because of the metal clasp and added zipper feature to keep valuables safe!
7. Neutral tone clothing
Don’t bring those colorful bottoms that have only 1 top that matches. Keeping clothing neutral makes things easier. Make sure that every top matches every potential bottom, and use your accessories to add a pop of color!
Don’t bring those colorful bottoms that have only 1 top that matches. Keeping clothing neutral makes things easier. Make sure that every top matches every potential bottom, and use your accessories to add a pop of color!
Hope this tips help for you next big adventure!!! Be sure to check out Olivia’s guest post on my blog on how to pack for a weekend trip!! Happy trails!
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