Welcome to Backpacker’s Boutique. Every Sunday, this spot will feature a new travel blogger. Some weeks it will be a really fun interview about packing, fashion, and fitness so you can snoop inside their bags & lives a little bit and other weeks it’ll be a detailed luxury guide to a city the featured blogger/expat knows very well. I’m looking for more participants, so e-mail me if you’d like to be featured.

An interview with packing tips from Flirting with the Globe

Tell us a little about who you are, what your blog is called, and where you’re traveling now.

Hi, I’m Karisa Klee of Flirting with the Globe.  I was born and raised in the land of beer and cheese (Milwaukee, WI), but currently live in Atlanta, GA.  I’m a full time attorney with a serious case of wanderlust.  Because I’m not a full-time traveler like many bloggers, my site caters to the travel-obsessed souls who are forced to work within their two, three, four weeks of vacation annually by “flirting” with destinations – making the most of your limited time in a city or country. 

I recently got back from Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Finland.  Up next is Mexico, Seattle, England and Ireland.  You can read more about the places I’ve traveled here.

Do you use a backpack or rolley suitcase for long-term travel?

Both!  I refuse to check luggage unless absolutely necessary, so typically I travel with a rolling carryon suitcase and a small backpack. 

What shoes are your every day walking around, sightseeing shoes? 

My go-to shoes are a pair of leather Rainbow flip flops.  They last forever, are super comfy and I can walk for miles in them.  Despite not exactly being “low maintenance, I try not to pack more than two pairs of shoes. 

When you’re pigging out trying new foods, other than typical walking & sightseeing in towns- what do you do to keep away the love-handles?

Sadly, not much!  (This questions makes me think that I need to start to though)!  I love exploring a new city by foot, so I prefer to walk whenever possible.  Plus, I’m a sucker for views, so I find myself climbing up lots of stairs and hills in an attempt to get a great photo.

When you’re traveling, are there products you can’t live without?

Yes – I absolutely love my Bumble and Bumble Pret A Powder, which is equal parts dry shampoo, style extender and volumizer.   My itineraries are usually quite jam packed with plenty of early mornings (despite being far from a “morning person”).   This product saves me a ton of time (meaning more time to sleep in)!

For those who think living out of a backpack is impossible, what tips do you have for saving space or what things have you learned you actually don’t need to pack?

You really don’t need nearly as many clothes as you think you do!  Throughout the years, I’ve become a pretty good packer, but (especially for females), there is an art to it.  I make sure that my clothes all mix and match and that many can be used to layer and create another look.  I also use packing cubes to maximize space and keep everything organized.

The Hippie in Heels has to ask, would you ever pack heels on a backpacking trip?

In my younger days, I wouldn’t be caught dead without a pair of heels!  Now, I only pack them if they are absolutely necessary.  For example, during my upcoming trip to Ireland I’ll be attending a formal dinner in a castle – unfortunately, I don’t think my go-to flip flops will cut it!

What type of outfit do you take in case of a night out clubbing or going to a fancy bar/hotel?

You can never go wrong with a dress!  A solid color cotton dress is especially versatile and doesn’t take up much space.  You can dress it down with sandals and a scarf for daytime, and then dress it up with heels and jewelry for the evening.

What is the one thing you miss most from home while you’re roughin’ it abroad?

Eating McDonalds!  Isn’t that terrible?  When I’m in a foreign country I am all about eating the local fare.  But, when I arrive back to the States, I can’t wait to sink my teeth into a McDonald’s cheeseburger.

*editor’s note… she is a girl after my own heart ;)

Airport style: love looking LA paparazzi ready or could care less? Do you pack “plane” or “relaxing” clothes for a long-term backpacking trip or would it take up too much space?

I have to be comfortable while flying!  Typically, I will pack “comfy” clothes that I’ll actually wear again (like leggings and a slouchy sweater).

And for the girls, what are your absolute favorite make up products you take with you on a trip?

I can’t travel without my urban decay eyeshadows, Estee Lauder bronze goddess powder and Cynthia Rowley lip stains in an array of fun, bright colors. 

Do you have a special skin care routine on the road to prevent breakouts from the stress, sweat, and humidity?

For me, simplicity has always worked best.  I’ll wash my face morning and night with Cetaphil cleanser, moisturize with Oil of Olay and use Arbonne night cream before bed. 

What does your most worn, daily outfit look like (for example mine is high waisted jeans short or a maxi skirt with a crop top!) while you’re traveling?

My go-to for warm weather is a colorful sundress paired with a layered necklaces or fun earrings.  In cooler climates, you’ll usually find me in skinny jeans and a leather jacket. 

Tell us the ONE thing you pack for a long backpacking trip & would never leave behind.

My laptop – if there is a wifi signal I’ll be using it to blog and work during my downtime.

You can only pick one: iPod or Kindle? 

A Kindle – I can’t handle a long bus or plane ride without reading material!

Thank you for interviewing on Hippie in Heels, before you go can you tell readers that may be on the fence about taking a trip why YOU think they should go for it!

Traveling is one of the most amazing, eye-opening and life changing experiences a person can have!  If you have yet to visit a foreign country, take the plunge and do it!  It may push you outside your comfort zone, but you’ll learn a lot about another culture… and yourself!

 Karisa Klee is a full-time attorney (and part-time adventuress) who resides in Atlanta, Georgia.  Despite working a demanding job, she’s found time to travel to nearly 40 countries.  Her blog, Flirting with the Globe, is filled with travel tips and itineraries to encourage other busy professionals to make travel a priority and to help others make the most of their limited and precious vacation time in a city or country.  Check out Flirting with the Globe to learn more about Karisa and the places she’s traveled. Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.

Shop Karisa’s Faves!

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