It feels like just yesterday I was saying it was 40 days until I leave, and here we are..12 days away! (Holy shit!!!!!)

Now that we’re getting down to the wire, I suppose I should start laying out and deciding what I should be packing for my 4 months abroad right?

It should be noted, that I’ve very much dislike packing. Which is ironic considering how much I love to travel. But packing has, and always will be my least favorite travel activity.

I’m also a chronic overpacker. I’m your typical “Well I don’t know what I’m going to want to wear” girl when it comes to packing. That, in turn means I usually have a giant suitcase full of clothes, half of which I probably won’t even pull out on my trip.

This however, is a very different trip, with a substantially smaller suitcase, so I am being much more strategic in the packing choices I’m making.

I mentioned before that I’m a very organized person and a planner so, of course, I made a list to help with my packing situation.

I should point out that this is page 1 of 2, however, page 2 consists mostly of first aid kit supplies and electronics. At this point, I’m more concerned with clothing.

I have read several blogs about how to pack for long trips, and talked to my girl Shay about what are some of the important things I should be taking. I think it’s definitely good to get an idea of what you should pack, but in the end, it’s your trip, and everyone is different, so the above list is what I believe will be what I need for where I’m going. Ask me in 4 months if I made the right choices though!

Now, I’m going to be going to two different climates throughout my trip so Shay’s first suggestion was versatility, and to be sure to take something I won’t be heart broken to leave behind. For example, take a cheap cardigan I am okay with leaving somewhere in Europe as I likely won’t need it when I’m in Abu Dhabi or Thailand. And take tops that can double as club tops, etc. Space in my bag is prime real estate, so I’m trying my best to downsize, downsize, downsize.

I went on a shopping trip with my beautiful Mama yesterday, and below is a picture of the haul! Believe it or not, I still don’t have all the clothes I need! I don’t have much left however. A pair of runners, a pair of fancier flip flops, a pair of jeans, one more pair of pants, a black cardigan, a black pair of shorts, a couple t-shirts, one sweater, 2 more pairs of capris, socks, and underwear! Soooo, maybe I have to get more than I thought. But overall, I think I did pretty well.

I’ve come to terms with the fact that no matter how prepared you are, no matter how much planning you do, you are always going to have that feeling like you’re forgetting something. That’s okay though, cause honestly I can buy it if I need it right? It just sucks having to spend the money.

Now comes the task of fitting it all in my bag. Hopefully the packing fairies will be on my side for that one!

‘Till later…
Ciao!

Alysha ❤