Tag: packing tips

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You Don’t Need to be Rich to Travel Well this Summer

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

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Carry-On MVPs That No One Tells You About

Let’s cut to the chase: you don’t need a lot, but you do need the right stuff.

Here’s what’s actually earned a permanent spot in my carry-on—after years of trial and error, broken zippers, and impulsive duty-free regrets.

1. The Sleep Mask That Feels Like a Hug for Your Eyes
➝ This one blocks out everything. Midnight hostel hallway lights? Screaming babies on flights? Gone. It’s cushy, contoured, and doesn’t smear my face balm. Bless.

2. My Favorite Luggage Scale (Because Ryanair Trauma Is Real)
➝ This lil guy is tiny, digital, and prevents the dreaded airport shuffle of “wearing all your clothes to make weight.” Only $10 to feel confident and prepared.

3. The Noise Machine That Got Me Through 3AM Bangkok Street Karaoke
➝ Portable, rechargeable, and sanity-saving. I swear by it.

4. This Bag Organizer Changed My Life
➝ Everything has a home. No more digging through cables, tampons, and passport crumbs. I pack pretty light for tech so a cable organizer isn’t in my luggage rotation. These compression cubes are perfect for combining different kinds of items or just clothing.

If I had to Marie Kondo my whole kit, these would stay. ✨

I hope these items completely transform how you pack and travel on your next destination!

– Cindy, the nomad in nomad’s nook