Just well packed!
I used to think “traveling light” was a flex. (Spoiler: it’s not if your back hurts and you forgot your razor.)
Now? I aim for intentional minimalism—which is just a fancy way of saying I don’t pack dumb stuff anymore.
Here are the things that earn their weight for summer:
✨ A Rechargeable, Whisper-Quiet Fan
I bought this one thinking it’d be a throwaway summer item, but it’s now a must. Night train in Vietnam? Power outage in Medellín? No problem. It even has the option to stand so I don’t have to awkwardly fan myself mid-heatwave like a flustered Victorian widow.
🧼 Compression Packing Cubes
These babies compress clothes without wrinkling them into oblivion. Bonus: they’re like built-in boundaries for overpackers. “If it doesn’t fit, it doesn’t go.”
👙A Way to Go Braless
Under boob sweat and summer just don’t go together. This bra replacement has saved me from tank top lumps and dark smiley faces that show up after an hour outside. The locals at your European destination with thank you for this one.
🎧 A Travel-Size Sound Machine
Forget AirPods—this thing drowns out snorers, street noise, and existential dread. I’ve literally used it in an airport bathroom stall when I needed a cry nap. I used to think this was excessive but sometimes you need a little help with sleep so you’re recharged for your next day’s itinerary. No regrets.
💳 Credit Card with Travel Perks That Actually Matter
You don’t need to be bougie to earn points like one. My go-to card gave me 75,000 bonus points, travel protection on both my flight and my car rentals, and insane points on flights, even when I’m booking budget airlines.
If you’re going to travel, travel smart. And maybe don’t bring four pairs of shoes. (Just me..?)
Lots of love until the next one,
– Cindy