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 Travelnuity

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

I’m Shandos, and I run a blog called Travelnuity. The name is a contraction of Travel + Ingenuity, and I share my travel stories, plus provide tips and advice on travelling. Currently I’m not travelling, but am living in my home-town of Sydney. I’ve just booked my next two international trips to Malaysia and Hawaii!

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

I’m definitely a suitcase person! However, many of my trips these days are shorter, and I usually aim to do carry-on only. I have a gorgeous Manzoni leather overnight bag that is the perfect size.

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

I usually try to pack 2, maybe 3, shoes at most, and ensure they’re all comfortable. My every day shoes depends on the weather – if it’s warm I usually stick to thongs, while if it’s colder or rough terrain I use hiking boots.

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?

On my last trip, I used the Quick Fit 7 Minute Workout app on my iPhone. It’s quick and simple to do in your room or somewhere local each morning.

When you’re traveling, do you pick up beauty & shower products while you go or are there products you can’t live without- what are they?

I’m fairly minimal when it comes to beauty, and happy to get something new on the road if need be.

For those who thing 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?

Again on the topic of beauty and shower products – try and pack as little as possible! I usually only pack small size stuff, and have switched hair products and facial moisturizers based on size. Jeans and woolens in cold weather are also good, as you don’t need to wash them often! A scarf or two and some costume jewelry is also great for dressing up and varying your outfits, for minimal size.

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

Not usually, as I’m 5’10” so rarely wear heals at home. But… I did pack my high heel boots on my first ever trip to Europe when I massively over-packed (and climbed the Eiffel Tower in them – oops!). I also took similar boots on a trip to Europe last Christmas – they were great in the cold weather, except for when it started snowing.

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

If it’s cold, I pack one of two lacey, non-ironing dresses that go great with my boots. Thick stockings are also a must! If it’s summery, I just dress up a summer dress with nice sandals (usually my 3^rd pair of shoes), jewelry and wear make-up.

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

My pet dog Schnitzel, hence why I usually go on shorter trips these days, at least so far…

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 just wear jeans and a lightweight sweater, which I usually pack anywhere. If I was just going to the tropics, and didn’t need them for the rest of the trip, I would still pack them, as I always get cold on planes.

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

I don’t take much – my favorite lipstick, mascara and black kohl.

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

No special routine, as I’m fairly lazy. I find the worse thing for my skin is travelling from Australia to somewhere in the northern hemisphere that’s in the opposite season.

What does your most worn, daily outfit look like while you’re traveling?

If it’s warm, I love to wear shorts from Uniqlo with this gorgeous, flowery, ¾ sleeved top from Zara. (The top dries in about an hour, plus is decent sun protection.)

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

My iPhone – I love to use free wi-fi regularly to post on Facebook, Instagram and keep up to date with the real world.

You can only pick one: iPod or Kindle?

Books all the way! I still haven’t graduated to a Kindle, but sometimes use eBook readers on my iPhone. Often I just take a paperback, usually something second-hand so I don’t feel guilty leaving it behind somewhere.

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!

You always regret more what you didn’t do, not what you’ve managed to achieve!

Shandos is an IT professional and freelance writer, who loves to travel. She has recently put her career on hold to spend more time writing, including her blog Travelnuity, and would love to eventually make a living from writing and consulting. Her other loves are chocolate, wine, sunshine, and her pet dog, Schnitzel. You can follow Shandos on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

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