TRAVEL WEAR : Slightly Morbid Confessions & Carry On Lessons

I’ll be the first to admit it, this past trip to Seattle and Portland and back was ridiculously fun, but also quite draining. I feel like I’m still recovering. I haven’t done a great job taking my own advice. Or the advice of travel articles I often nerd out over.

I can’t seem to get a grip with how to pack efficiently.
Especially when all my camera gear & laptop are involved.
And differing climates & occasions are experienced.

But…
When I’m not backpacking & hiking mountains, I do have a few go-to mentalities.

(Photos by Betsy, edited by me)

Because let’s be honest, my satchels and bags and things that I travel with are more out of, “it’s what I have,” than a, “omg, I have the best items that make traveling a breeeeeeze.” So, I’ve had to adjust my mentality. For my own sanity & happiness.

You with me?

• I don’t travel looking like a bum. Most of the time. –> I find that my attitude, productivity during flight (reading a book or working), and emotional state lags. That being said, comfy clothes are a must.
  • Other musts: hair-ties and bobby pins. Cardigan. Phone charger IN my carry on.
  • Recently, I traveled in my new tennis shoes. That was a #win.
     
• Wear the hair DOWN –> makes for easy fixing if you go out to dinner upon arrival or easy next-day options without a ponytail indent.
  • Security: I’ve learned my lesson with too many bobby pins & hair-pat-downs. If you can’t handle it all down, pin back just a section.

• Accessories should be minimal while still making you feel boss –> you’re welcome.
  • Security: Did you know you don’t have to take off your necklaces? Just flip them over your shoulder to the back and walk through.
     
  • Confession: I make sure any jewelry I wear on travel days are things that have personal significance to me. Why? Well. Call me morbid, but I would rather die with my favorite jewelry on (*cough, anything from the bae or momma) than to have it stolen or left behind to be given to them at my funeral (how SAD!)….

    Ohhhhhhkay now that you’re in my head, let’s move on.

• My most recent carry-on lessons are quite simple –> though grievously discovered.
  • A crunchy snack, A.K.A. Kettle baked chips, are always a good idea.
  • NEVER again will I buy a yogurt parfait – last two have been sour. Read: rotten. Read: anger.
     
  • A new book or two you’ve either just begun or will finish on your trip home.
    Read: I may or may not have had nothing to read coming home from Portland. Yeahhhhhh.
     
  • Lotion & refillable water bottle : Can make any girl feel like a million & refreshed, pronto!

Resources:

• Weekend Wear: How To Pack in a Carry On
• Weekend Wear : Confidence & Packing Tips
• Weekend Wear: Organizing Your Closet (helps with packing)
• Newfound Article: How To Pack Like A Minimalist

What are some of your travel tips? Any bags or accessories you just can’t get enough of? Drop me a note in the comments!

|| Floral Pants: Hand-Me-Down. Tank & Cardigan: H&M, clearanced. Shoes: Can’t remember. Satchel: Gifted. Necklace & Rings: Gifted & Rummage. Location: Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. ||

Always,
–Tara M.