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In recent years, I\u2019ve started traveling by myself more and more. When you\u2019re traveling alone, you really need to be able to manage your stuff. It helps you stay safe in a hostel, it makes you more mobile\/adaptable to unexpected changes, and it\u2019s easier to pick up your stuff when you have to go to the bathroom in an airport (remember, you can\u2019t leave your bag unattended!) I swear by minimalist traveling, which for me means traveling with one carry on sized back (no matter how long the trip will be). In reality, all you need is a ticket, a passport, and a backpack. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Having the right bag is extremely important. I\u2019ve used a carry on sized duffle, a roller bag, and I\u2019ve tried a couple of different backpack models and styles. In the end, I\u2019ve fallen in LOVE with my Kelty Redwing 44 Backpack<\/a>*.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are several great features to this bag, but I will highlight the best two. First of all, it is the largest carry on sized backpack you can have. It fits PERFECTLY into the overhead bin or tightly under the seat in front of you. Secondly, it has the U-shaped zipper. This feature has changed my life! It allows me to be able to get to everything in my bag without having to unpack it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now that you have the right bag to carry everything, consider having a day pack. When you\u2019re wandering around a new city or leaving your campsite, you don\u2019t want to have to carry your whole pack. Therefore I recommend taking an Outlander Packable Daypack<\/a>*. This bag packs down into a small pouch and unfolds into a 20L bag. It\u2019s not meant for heavy usage, but if you\u2019re taking a day hike or a stroll around the city that will require more than you could reasonably fit into your purse, this bag will definitely do the trick!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, always carry a water bottle with some type of handle. You never know when you\u2019ll need a water bottle and the handle makes it possible to clip onto your bag to free up your hands when running around the airport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s be real: when you\u2019re planning a 2-3 week trip, a travel-size bottle of shampoo isn\u2019t going to cut it. Below are my tricks to limiting the liquids in my bag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At this point, the only liquids I travel with are contact solution and Downy wrinkle release spray<\/p>\n\n\n\n One way to limit your packing is to consider using Exficio Underwear<\/a>. I swear by this product. You can wash your underwear in the sink and it\u2019ll dry within a couple of hours ready for you to wear the next day. Another way to limit your packing is to accept the fact that you can wear the same thing more than once. When you\u2019re traveling, no one will know if you wear the same outfit twice! I like to plan outfits that can mix and match. I also plan around my shoes. I pack one pair of cute, comfortable ballet flats that I can use to walk around the city and also look nice with a sundress. I also wear my hiking boots on the plane (I like outdoor travel). Though if you\u2019re not looking to hike, wear whichever pair of shoes takes up the most space. Also, a personal packing tip, if you have feet that sweat like mine, I recommend packing your shoes in a plastic bag and throwing a dryer sheet in there with it. It\u2019ll keep your shoes from making everything in your bag smell like feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Below is my go-to packing list. This fits comfortably in my Kelty Redwing 44. I\u2019ve taken this pack on trips as short at 1 week and as long as 2 months. When packing your bag, be sure to roll your clothes to maximize space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Toothpaste dots<\/p>\n\n\n\n Toothbrush<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lush Shampoo Bar and Conditioner<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hairbrush, hair ties (bring a few extras just in case)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lotion wipes<\/p>\n\n\n\n Face wipes<\/p>\n\n\n\n Neutrogena Sunscreen Stick<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cutters All Family bug repellent wipes (if hiking)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Contact solution<\/p>\n\n\n\n Deodorant<\/p>\n\n\n\n Travel size bottle of Downy wrinkle release spray<\/p>\n\n\n\n Feminine Hygiene products<\/p>\n\n\n\n Medications<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bar of soap<\/p>\n\n\n\n Basic make-up (foundation, mascara, lip tint)<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2 pairs of Exficio underwear<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 2-3 bras<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5 tank tops<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2-3 pairs of leggings<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2 pairs of jeans<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4 pairs of socks<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1 lightweight jacket (NEVER FORGET A JACKET)<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2-3 nice tops\/sweaters (depending on the weather)<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1-2 t-shirts (that can be disposed of it need be)<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1 pair of shorts (for sleeping)<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1 lock (for hostels)<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1-2 sundresses<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1 pair ballet flats<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1 pair hiking boots<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Equipment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Handy tips and tricks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Liquids<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How to limit your packing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The almighty packing list<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Packing List<\/h3>\n\n\n\n