Packing is normally a stressful task. I’m attempting to glamorize the process and hoping I don’t forget anything essential. It’s a challenge to boil down my necessities into a bag I am willing to shoulder over the span of a continent. There is comfort in knowing anything I leave behind can be easily replaced (minus my passport) but I’m a “just in case” kind of gal. Alright, here’s how I plan to travel in style!

Fossil Preston Backpack in Espresso   I chose this bag for several reasons, mainly because it is made to fit an iPad Air and also has buttons and a zipper to expand the main and outside pockets. According to reviews, the downside of this bag is that it doesn’t have an easily accessible outside pouch for your phone, which I decided is probably for the best when using subways & trains as transportation. Everything is tucked away and out of view.

Anker iPad Case & keyboard

I plan to do quite a bit of blogging and work during the trip, but knew my 15-inch laptop was unrealistic to bring. I wanted an iPad case that offered protection and a Bluetooth keyboard that was thin and durable. After ordering and returning a case that was for an iPad Air 2 (when I apparently have the original) I got it sorted it out and am very happy with my Anker case.

Fossil Passport case

I own an impressive amount of Fossil. I also love any combination of black and gold (navy is shown above) so when I saw it in store, it was a must. I like that this case has slots for credit cards and a pouch for any foreign coins I accumulate.

Selfie-Stick

I was initially against its invention, but I’m beginning to see its purpose. I want lots of pictures and if it came to having to ask someone else to take Nic and I’s picture or forgo it altogether, we’d choose the latter 9 times out of 10. I purchased one from Target with a plug-in option just in case Bluetooth fails. You know…just in case.

Journal

What if our electronics are dead and I don’t know the address of our next hostel!? My journal will serve two purposes: as a hard-copy of our itinerary and the place where my hopes and dreams reside. Just kidding, but I do want to have it on hand when inspiration hits. I believe I picked up this one (see image above) at Marshall’s, which seriously have the best options.

Make-up

I’m a minimalist when it comes to my beauty routine. Most days I skip make-up altogether. My tinted moisturizer (Laura Mercier) and chapstick (Burt’s Bees in Red Dahlia) make me feel a bit more put together. Plus, the moisturizer has SPF in it, and as a 24-year-old I’m attempting to be preventative about wrinkles and skin cancer and all those adult concerns. .

Sunglasses

I’m a loyal Ray-ban fan. These are the “Erika.” Their lenses practically encourage me to look straight into the sun (but I know I shouldn’t because it’s bad for my eyes). Oh, they look pretty sweet on me too.

Next week I’ll be documenting what I selected for my toiletry bag – which includes a lot of S.W. Basics, a brand that I’m really excited about trying out.

I’m limited in what I can bring, but I don’t want to arrive wishing I had  _______.
Comment below with anything you consider a “must-have” while traveling!