Packing has become a little bit of a ritual to me now. I don’t have to think that much, I pack nearly the same thing every time (switching out a new dress here and there). There are some things you shouldn’t travel without, or at least I wouldn’t, which I”ll share here.

I’d also be curious to know what you can’t travel without. Tell me in the comments! Maybe it’s something I need to add to my list.

things you shouldn’t travel without!

Kindle.

Guide to Unawatuna where to stay

Tips for the Dead Sea in Jordan kempinski I was one of the people who said I needed real books and I could never use a Kindle. I am always on my computer blogging so thought I really shouldn’t get one more device I have to stare at. Ben got me one for Christmas last year (the most [easyazon_link identifier=”B00OQVZDJM” locale=”US” tag=”Hipinhee-20″]basic, no back-light one[/easyazon_link]). I have a little light I attach to the top and it doesn’t have WiFi.

What Not To Pack - Keep These Off Your Backpacking Checklist

What Not To Pack - Keep These Off Your Backpacking ChecklistI’m obsessed with it and I can’t imagine traveling without it now. I read so much more than I ever did and stay a lot more organized. When friends or someone on TV mentions a book I want to read I go ahead and find it on my Kindle and add it to my wish list. I never run out of good books that way. I read even on short 10 minute shuttles at the airport. It’s so much better than refreshing your Facebook newsfeed.  I also have [easyazon_link identifier=”B007MV4BQY” locale=”US” tag=”Hipinhee-20″]Sun Bum[/easyazon_link] sunscreen in this pic, which I am obsessed with.

Headphones.

If I forget my headphones, I buy new ones right away at an airport. I can’t imagine long layovers without them. I usually have my favorite shows on my computer ready to watch during layovers and of course need headphones for that. I also like to listen to music (with my phone on airplane mode) during takeoff and landing on the plane. I have the Spotify app. I keep a list of my “Faves” and download those to be “offline”. It does take space on your phone and unfortunately, you can’t save these to the SD card. (tip, save your images to your SD card instead). I’ve lost my good ones, but want to save up for [easyazon_link identifier=”B00M1NEUA0″ locale=”US” tag=”Hipinhee-20″]Bose noise canceling[/easyazon_link] ones this summer! 

Lightweight breezy dresses.

I pack dresses more than anything else. Instead of mixing and matching shirts with shorts and worrying if I will be looking fat that day and not want to wear such and such outfit, I just take breezy flowy dresses. I think dresses look more put together than shorts and a top anyways.

I shop mostly Free People stuff that’s crazy on sale. I also buy little dresses in Goa or have them made. When I find a dress I love, I get it copied. I can pack my electronics, toiletries, 1 extra pair of shoes (heels for somewhere like Vegas, sneakers for somewhere like Jordan, and boots for London) and 5 favorite dresses of the moment and feel like I’m pretty much done!  It keeps things so simple. 

Sunglasses.

I didn’t even wear sunglasses until about a year into living in Goa. I have terrible eyesight and really should be wearing them in this kind of sun all the time! I finally started and now can’t imagine not having them on a sunny day or while driving. I used to think they were like the equivalent of wearing red lipstick- totally over the top and diva-like… I have no idea why! I always felt too dressed up or something with them on. I’m a weirdo.

Now, I have a pair of [easyazon_link identifier=”B00D5BPAC4″ locale=”US” tag=”Hipinhee-20″]Clubmaster Ray-bans[/easyazon_link] I really love and always take. Sometimes I take another fun pair like oversized Le Specs, or mirrored Sunday Somewhere ones. 

Black Sol Sana sandals.

Camel Rides & Hot Air Balloons in Wadi RumSol Sana shoes & Sunday Somewhere sunnies in both of these pics!

rainbow street ammanI got a pair of black Sol Sana sandals about 6 months ago and have taken them on every single trip I’ve gone on. I always travel with just two pairs of shoes and these are always one. I like that my every day shoe isn’t just a plain flip-flop. These can very easily be dressed up or down and are insanely durable soft leather- hence the price tag.