Travel packing tips

Ciao!

Firstly, there's some catching up to do!

My greeting and this post's theme are not a coincidence, and I'm actually going for a vacation. Where? Probably you have already guessed, Italy!

Oh man, this country really has a lot to offer. It is going to be my forth time here, and I have seen only a tiny bit of its' true beauty. Honestly, there's no other place like Italy. The atmosphere, warm and cheerful people, delicious food (unforgetable ;) I'm already picturing a bowl of pasta with some meatballs, haha) always atract and call to come back.

It feels like home there!

Coming back to me, I'm going to spend 11 days here. During that time, I'm most likely to not upload any posts due to the lack of time (I truly want to post my best!) and that would require me to bring a looot of heavy stuff, though I promise to work hard and pay off with amazing content from my travel when I get back. Btw, a bunch of stuff for collaborations has already started to pile, I can not hold my excitement for my future posts, stay tuned!

Now, it would be just the time to get into the main topic, huh

Since I'm already counting hours until my departure, I thought it would be nice to share a few tips (which I'll definitely use myself) for packing. If you are not familiar with any packing strategies, it can get hectic and chaotic. If you don't have many time left, or just couldn't make yourself pack earlier, throwing random things into your luggage and wishing for the best can seem like the easiest way to go. How many times have you packed things which you didn't need, and didn't think about the most needed ones? Let me help you to make sure this won't happen as much!

Decide what you're taking

According to the weather conditions of the place you're headed, quickly think through what clothing items would be necessary. Even though if you're visit a warm weather country, don't forget something to throw on.

Follow a simple formula

For one pair of bottoms, pack three tops. Jeans, skirts or shorts take more space than tops, and you can wear them multiple times.

Plan the outfits

The best way to avoid over-packing is by planning what you're going to wear before. Think of an outfit for every day and add some extra ones in case you need to change or the weather conditions change.

Stick to a color scheme

Start with two neutral colors for your core basics and add two to three fun shades that complement each other. Make sure the colors go well with your shoes. 

Be a lightweight

Not all the clothes are worth their weight! Leave behind any bulky and heavy clothing pieces. Control the temperature with layers! You will save space by bringing clothes that are easy to layer instead of thick sweaters and hefty jackets. Also, choose strechy jeans or jeggings instead of regular denim. Lighten your load even more with multitaskers - add pieces that you can easily dress up or down, use for both day and night.

Embrace the accents

When packing, it is important to stay practical. Rather than bringing a huge variety of clothing - pick some accessories. Maybe add a belt, a piece of chunky and bold jewelry or a printed scarf that draw the eye, this way people wouldn't focus on your clothes.

Choose fabrics wisely

The longer clothes stay stashed, the worse creases get. Blends of nylon, polyester or elastane nicely resists wrinkling. If you prefer something more natural, you should try modal, lyocell or wool. Mixes with cotton hold up better than 100 percent cotton.

Roll 'em!

You will be surprised how much more you can fit this way! Instead of folding, roll your clothes. Rolling can also help to prevent your clothes from wrinkling.

Some helpful packing hacks:

• To protect powder makeup from breaking, add a cotton pad inside the compact before putting it into your makeup bag.
• Instead of bringing big bottles of your makeup (foundation, cream, lotion, you name it...) pour a small amount in a contact lenses case!
• Stick your hairbands, hairpins, any small items inside an empty mint container (ex. Tic Tac) to easily keep track of them.
• Protect breakables like glass perfume bottles and stick them into your socks!
• Don't worry about your shoes leaving any marks by sticking them into a shower cap.
• Lay the clothing flat inside a dry-cleaning bag and fold them to avoid wrinkling.
• Use your shoes as packing cubes! Save space and slip in anything from phone chargers to underwear.
• Use rubber bands to bundle cords from electronic devices and their chargers.
• Get a vacuum bag to fit your clothes very compactly.
• Keep track of small earrings by adding their sets trough the holes of buttons before you add them into your jewelry bag.
• Use old lip balm containers or pill case compartments to organize your small accessories.
• Cut a straw in half and string the ends of a dainty necklaces to prevent the chain from tangling.
• Store makeup brushes in a sunglasses case.
• To avoid leaks and spills place a square of plastic wrap over the bottles before closing the cap.
• Change the heavy books and magazines with their digital versions on your tablet or smart phone.

I hope that you are going to find these tips useful,

Kisses, Gabby.