5 PACKING TIPS + TRAVEL OOTD

Hey y'all!

So one of my goals for the blog this year is to include more lifestyle content and give life to my everyday outfit posts. I want to share more about me and write more in my posts, so I have been brainstorming different ways in which I wanted to make that happen in my editorial calendar.

With Spring Break on the horizon if you're a college student (and the travel/vacation season if not!) I thought it would be a great time to do some travel related posts. I always love reading about people's travels, and the ways people go about organizing for travel. I am a neat-freak and very organized, so I have found a systematic way to stay organized. I am also a major overpacker, so I have some tips on combating that!

Tip #1: Plan outfits ahead of time.

When I was packing, sometimes it felt like I was just throwing random stuff into my suitcase, and then I would struggle to come up with outfits to wear once I reach my destination. Now, I am more strategic about what I pack, which really helps to cut down on the overpacking. Make a list or lay out the outfits you want to wear and take pictures of them. Then, only pack the things you need to make those outfits. It means you can't change your mind with what you wear, but its better for the suitcase! I find that knowing what I have planned to wear each day eliminates sooo much unnecessary items in my suitcase.

Tip #2: Roll your clothes.

I find that rolling them, rather than folding, preserves the garments so much better. I think it also saves space in your suitcase! Nothing is worse than pulling out something to wear, only to find that it is so wrinkly you can't wear it. I don't usually travel with an iron/my steamer, so I like to try and prevent wrinkles as much as possible!

Tip #3: Travel with a backpack.

I always want to be that girl that walks fluidly through the airport with a simple tote bag and rolling suitcase in hand...but being that I am an overpacker, I always feel like tote bags don't fit what I need, and they get super heavy. I like to use a backpack when I travel because they are so much more comfortable, and can fit so much more. I love Patagonia backpacks especially!

Tip #4: Stuff fragile pieces to preserve shape.

Nothing is worse than opening your suitcase to find that your favorite hat, shoes, or bag was crushed in your suitcase. To prevent this, I like to stuff my fragile pieces! You can use newspapers, magazines, or your socks/undergarments to do so, which frees up even more space because you don't have to pack them elsewhere.

Tip #5: Make a packing list.

If you know what you will be doing on your travels, then it will be easier to make a plan of exactly what you need to bring, wear, and will use during your time away. I like to write everything down, even to the smallest things like contact solution, deodorant, and socks. Once it goes into your suitcase, cross it off -- that is my foolproof way to never forget anything! Personally, if I don't write it down, I will forget so this is my saving grace!

As for my travel outfit -- I always opt for something comfy. If you saw in my Spring Break Essentials post, you would know that I have a basic uniform when it comes to traveling. Here in this look, I am wearing a simple t-shirt dress, a classic denim jacket tied around my waist, and a pair of comfy sneakers. These are all basics that everyone has in their wardrobe, paired together for a simple, comfy look! This is my go-to because it looks put together but dresses are so comfortable and perfect for being on the move while traveling. 

dress (similar -- under $13!!) | dress (similar) | dress (similar) | jacket | bag | sneakers (similar)

I will definitely be utilizing these tips on my upcoming travels -- over Spring Break I am roadtripping to Texas with my bestie, Shelby. If you have any recommendations for must sees or stops we should make, leave a comment down below! And don't forget to include any other packing tips you have down below as well.

Thanks for reading!

"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us" Ephesians 3:20