Packing Abroad

While traveling abroad has become quite frequent for me, packing doesn’t always come easy when thinking of my month long stays. I’ll be sharing my packing hacks I’ve picked up along the way and used for my 40 day adventure in Italy!

Is it just me or are toiletries the absolute worst to pack! Luckily in my case, I’ve been on 5 different trips this past month so I’ve pretty much been living out of my Away suitcases. My favorite toiletry bags to date are my pale pink, monogrammed “The Daily Edited” leather pouches. I always have enough toiletries packed 24/7 to make it through about a week or so (for spontaneous trips, am I right?) but for a trip of this grandeur, I needed so much more and had to keep the weight of my bags in mind! I mean, I have to save room for some Italian goodies to bring home. I brought a full sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner; last summer for my internship in Paris I made the mistake of thinking I could just buy everything I needed once I arrived, but couldn’t find anything comparable to what my hair was used to. I also brought an 8oz bottle of my daily face wash, and sealed all three of these liquids in plastic bags for safe travels. As for body wash, I use Method on the daily in the scent “Deep detox” or “Pure Peace” and Target sells this brand in smaller travel bottles, so I loaded up on those. I even had to bring laundry detergent pods for when I move into my Milano apartment next week, so into a ziplock bag those went! A random comfort of home that I brought was a fresh loofah to use once I move into my flat. Makeup wise, I like to keep it simple bringing: mascara and primer, face primer, foundation, concealer, powder, eyeliner, bronzer, highlighter, one neutral eyeshadow palette, two simple lipsticks and two glosses. It might sound like a lot, but compared to my makeup collection at home, this is quite compact. On an average day going to class, I’ll simply throw on some concealer, powder, mascara and a gloss to be presentable. I washed all my makeup brushes and tools right before leaving, so they will stay fresh through the month wearing minimal makeup. Skincare is always packed and ready to jet, including: my Clarisonic and charger, Peter Thomas Roth face mask, Kiehl’s eye cream, Dermalogica exfoliator and my everyday Elmis moisturizer.

This is mostly all I’ve packed in regards to toiletries, along with my vitamin supply, medication, several makeup eraser towels to wash and reuse, and a microfiber hair towel.

Out of the ordinary from my normal packing, this trip I brought a set of bed linens and a bath towel just in case my apartment isn’t adequately supplied for myself and 3 roommates. (Thank goodness I did, the bed sheets and towels we were given are super thin! My roommates actually had to go purchase towels and I bought a pillow, as the ones provided feel like they’re stuffed with cotton balls.)

My abroad fashion seems to be the easiest thing to pack, but I guess that shouldn’t come as a surprise since I am abroad for fashion school. I start to think about what would pack best (avoiding easily wrinkled clothing) and what season I’ll be traveling in. Summer is so simple to pack for, bringing dresses, rompers and jumpsuits covers it all. The best way to store my clothes is the rolling method and even cuts down on any wrinkles that may arise. I always spare a bathing suit or two, even if my itinerary doesn’t call for one. Sensible shoes, and a pair of heels in black and nude for any occasions that may arise help me feel adequately packed up.

Of course there’s always time to go shopping and make my suitcase press the weight limit on the way home!

XOXO,

Kenzie Rae