By the end of this week I’ll take a break from the city that never sleeps, A.K.A. New York City, and head back home to Southern California, where it’s 75 and sunny year-round. As I packed my backpack for the trip, I realized that I always put the same items in. Everyone has their own likes and dislikes, but I’d like to think that with all of my experience traveling, I have perfected the decision-making process of what to carry with me. But my most important tip is the lighter the backpack, the better; you’ll be doing yourself a huge favor. Here are the items that you would find if you were traveling with me:
- Backpack:
My backpack is directly exposed to all of the elements and needs to be very durable; a weather resistant bag is the best investment, in my opinion. My brand of choice has been Herschel for the last few years, and during that time, Herschel has grown tremendously in popularity, but at the same time, has kept making quality products. I currently have the Jasper backpack and it has been great for me for over a year. It has a protective pocket for my computer, which I love because I don’t have to worry about being very careful with my bag.
- MacBook Pro:
I have two MacBook Pros, but I like to travel with my smaller 13-inch Pro because it’s much lighter in comparison. I love listening to music, and my entire library is carried on my MacBook, so I need it nearby at all times. As of recently, I’ve had to start writing blog posts, so keeping my computer close by allows me to write as soon as an idea pops into my head.
- iPad Mini:
This is my favorite item that I always carry, because it is so versatile and convenient! I love to read but I can’t carry all of my books with me, so it’s great to have them all in one place. I need to teach Maddy the art of using her iPad Mini rather than carrying all her books, but that’s a different story. I love philosophy, and I’m currently reading Beyond Good and Evil by Friedrich Nietzsche. To keep my iPad safe while traveling, I use my awesome Tuscan leather iPad sleeve that I picked up in Florence this summer.
P.S. Let me know if you guys recommend any good books!
- Camera:
You all know that a camera is a must whenever you’re on a trip, but it’s still worth mentioning! There’s nothing more important than capturing your travel memories so that you can look back at all the amazing times you’ve had around the world. Right now Maddy and I are in the market for a new DSLR camera that can do it all. Any Suggestions?
- Beats:
My Beats by Dre are also an absolute necessity! They help bring me peace of mind as they tune out all the people on the various trains and planes we take. I love spending time around people, but occasionally, I enjoy my solo time, and these headphones help me out a lot.
- The Best of the Rest:
The rest of the things that I carry on me are small items: iPhone, wallet, extra cash, Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses (to block the haters… just kidding haha), my Supreme hat that I’ve had for a couple of years, my booklet with pictures of my family, and of course my passport!
- Alternative Item:
I love basketball, and ever since I was little, it has been a big part of my life. For that reason, I like to keep a pair of basketball shoes in my backpack just in case. My shoes of choice these days are the Kobe 9 because they’re THE BEST shoes out right now. Let me know if you feel differently down below.
These are my essential items that have consistently stayed in my rotation as I’ve traveled for the last few months. What are the things that you’d never travel without? Am I missing anything? Let me know in the comments below!
If you’re going to be on off trains, you’ll be haepipst with a medium sized duffel or suitcase with wheels. Pack what you think you’ll need, then take half of it out. Use a laundromat once a week-10 days.Many people bring backpacks, but I’m a big fan of the wheels.A guide: Fot all of this, pick brown or black as your base color, then add other neutrals in cream, navy, red or blue, that all coordinate. Bring 2-3 shirts, 1 sweater, maybe a blazer, 1 pair nice pants (or skirt if you’re a girl), 7 pair underpants and socks, in a material that dries fast and wash in the sink. If it’s summer bring 2 pr shorts (or skirts) and one pr jeans, otherwise, 1-2 pr of jeans. For shoes, bring low heeled black or brown shoes (whichever color scheme you decide to go with) and/or sandals that you can walk in all the time and look ok with most of your clothes. Spare no expense on your shoes! and a maybe pair of sneakers. Wear one of the two on the plane. Bring a black rain jacket with a hood. Bring small shampoos/soaps, and buy replacements at local stores.Have a great time! That’s the most important thing!