If there’s one thing that’s overwhelming about taking a trip, it’s packing. It’s hard to know where to begin, especially when you’ve got a closet overflowing with #GirlBoss style. So we caught up with Chicago-based travel blogger and Conde Nast Traveler contributor Lauren Kilberg to get her pro packing tips. Lauren writes about the intersection of travel and design on her blog, Double Takes, so you can bet she knows how to travel in style.
One of the toughest parts about packing is eliminating, but it’s a necessary evil. (Unless you plan on traveling with an entourage to carry your luggage.) “If left to my own devices, I’m a chronic over-packer. So, my packing mantra is this: let go and leave behind,” says Lauren. “No matter what you think has to make it in the suitcase, the success of your travels will rarely, if ever, depend on whether that one pair of pants or extra set of shoes actually make it along.” Consider packing convertible items like the Bootie Pack, which conserve valuable packing space and allow for multiple looks.
Don’t Forget the Perfume
We know what you’re thinking. “I thought I was sticking to the essentials.” But trust us, perfume is a necessity. “After a day exploring temples in the sun or getting off a long transcontinental flight,” says Lauren, “a quick spritz of perfume can go a long way in making me feel like myself again.” The green, floral notes of The Good Earth by Atelier De Geste are just the kind of scents you need when globetrotting the world.
Pack That Scarf
Even if you don’t think you need it, you’ll be happy you brought your favorite scarf. Lauren swears by her oversized scarf, saying, “I pretty much wear it at all times between November and March.” Even if your destination is the beach, the recycled air in the plane is usually pretty chilly, and there’s nothing worse than shivering for hours during a flight. An oversized snood usually does the trick.
Play It Safe, Pack a Hat
Lauren is proud of her freckles, but she makes sure to protect her skin. Whether it’s summer or winter, you’re likely going to be spending a lot of time outside exploring your surroundings. Wear a hat like one of the cuties from Wax and Cruz to keep your freckles from multiplying. Lauren says, “If there was ever a hat for protecting a Midwestern girl’s freckled face from the sun, it’s this one.”
Travel in Comfort
If you’re terrified of flying like Lauren is, it’s important to make sure you bring along whatever will make you comfortable on your flight. Lauren says, “Being comfortable and keeping my mind on the travels ahead are both crucial in keeping me from breathing into a paper bag during the flight.” Whether you swear by your hoodie pillow or you can’t go anywhere without your iPad and headphones, it’s all worth the extra carry-on space it takes to get you where you want to go safely and happily.
Do you have any packing tips to share? Let us know in the comments!
