7 Tips for packing from a terrible packer

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I might be the worst packer of all time when it comes to estimating how much clothing and shoes I need. A girl needs options, right? But there are other packing tips I can share that can save a serious headache, particularly for international travel.

  1. Photocopy your passport, credit cards, and other important documents and keep these separate from the originals. Should you lose anything, you can quickly cancel your cards and make your trip to the U.S. embassy MUCH quicker. Leave copies in the safe of your hotel.
  2. Bring a large scarf or wrap on the plane. Even when traveling to a warm destination, you really never know whether it’s going to be cold or warm up there. Bonus: you can roll it and use as a soft (and clean) pillow.
  3. Pack your most cherished jewelry in the carry on. Or don’t bring it at all!  I super love my jewelry and can’t travel without it. Since the pieces are so unique and special to me, it would be hard to replace if lost. I usually pack it all in a jewelry case and stick it in my boyfriend’s carry on.
  4. Flying makes our skin dry AF. Pack a carry-on mini of your favorite face oil, hand cream and Lucas’ Papaw ointment which is essentially a catch all. Leave the face mists at home: if they have any alcohol in them (most do), it will only end of drying you out more.
  5. Planes are gross. I bring antibacterial wipes and wipe down the pillow, armrests, and tray table immediately. Basically any wipeable surface. It might seem neurotic, but it gives me piece of mind.
  6. When I was 10 or 11, I went to Jamaica with my mom and sister and my luggage was lost for the entire trip. Ever since then, I always pack one of each: bathing suit, underwear, flip flops, and a simple dress in carry on for my beach trips. Nothing like having to buy a gift-shop bathing suit to spoil your vacation.
  7. If you’re going on a beach trip and expect to get your tan on, plan your makeup accordingly. We always remember to pack the right clothing for the weather, but your makeup and skincare change too! For me, this means swapping my super dark lipsticks, eyeliners, and shadows for gold, bronze, brown colors and highlighting products.

Now, back to my shoes.