That Extra Stuff I Can’t Travel Without

For me, one of the toughest things when backpacking around the world is having to resist the temptation of buying every pretty and new thing I see.

There have been so many things I have wanted to buy, but since I don’t have much space for it in my 40L backpack and honestly the PAIN from having to carry it around outweighs the PLEASURE – I simply promise that I will return one day and buy it.

When you settle down for a while, you really get used to having an abundance of choice to wear ANY clothes, and as much make up and jewelry as you want.

But when out traveling you are really forced to learn how to live with only a few important things.

I’ve done pretty well I think, but there are still a few things that I simply won’t travel without:

1. Hair Ties

I always, ALWAYS have a few of these on my wrist, because even if I don’t need one now, I know that at some point during the day it will come in handy. The worst thing I know is having your hair sticking to your sweaty back…. yuck! Hair ties are also useful for so many other things, it’s amazing how many things you can tie together to save space and when organizing stuff.

2. Ear Rings

I know I don’t need them, but wearing long dangling colorful ear rings is my way of making myself feel extra pretty on those ‘bad’ days.

Also they seem to just make any boring old travel outfit that much nicer!

3. Concealer

Using concealer is pretty much the only make up I wear or take when traveling. It is great to touch up a few random spots etc.

4. A Gift From Home

For me this is about having that little bit of certainty – I like having something from home, a letter from a close friend or something I bring with me which I can look at and feel that warmth and safety, remember that there is always a place I can go back to where people miss me, and feels like home.

5. A Good Face Wash Product

Yes, another face product. But for me the skin is really important, and when traveling you often travel under pressure, stress and in so many different climates.

All of this can cause bad skin, so using a good face wash/soap is a must for me. It’s better to prevent than treat.

6. A Tester Sized Perfume

I don’t use perfume very often when traveling, but I like to have it there in case. Have you ever sniffed that ugly smell only to realize it’s your own shirt that smells? That’s what this is for – a quick spray and the shirt is like new again…!

I know many of these things are very girlie – so today’s post is really for all the girls out there.

I tried to ask Nathan what extra stuff he can’t travel without, but he doesn’t have anything – maybe that is just guys… :p

What are some unnecessary things you can’t travel without? even you guys out there!