The “How” Part 2: Packing

I don’t consider myself to be an expert in much, but I can confidently say I am an expert-level packer. Frequent trips coupled with my disdain for airport lines and checked bags have forced me to become pretty creative over the years; although I travel light by most standards, I’m still an over-packer!

I’m often asked how I manage to travel overseas (and change outfits an excessive amount of times) with just a backpack. While my bag of choice is pretty big (find it here on Amazon), I’ll usually try to condense my carry-on further (Marshalls, I love you for this one). How I do it is simple: I fold my clothes so they’re as tiny as possible, then stuff them into packing cubes to maximize the small amount of space I have. When I say “stuff”, I really mean it – think a pair of Spanx so tight you fit into a dress half your normal size stuffed.

More on how (and how much) in the video above. 🙂

2017 Travel Recap

If I had to sum up 2017 in one word, it would be rollercoaster. Between job changes, weekend trips, a health scare, a bittersweet move (miss you terribly, Westmill </3), countless virtual chair travel programs, a CALA certification, and everything in between, I feel thankful yet so happy to be leaving this year behind. It’s insane to see how much change 12 short months can bring. 2018, please be gentle.

Below is a recap of my 2017 weekend getaways. Here’s to bigger dreams and more bucket list cross-offs.  ❤

January: Philippines for LIG Marian Rose Mission Trip

February: Weekend in the Veneto Region of Italy

March: Weekend in Denmark & Sweden

April: Toms River, New Jersey, perhaps my most important *trip* of the year as my April weekends were spent earning the title of Certified Assisted Living Administrator

May: Weekend on Lake Como, Italy

June: Weekend in Scotland

July: Weekend in Puglia, Italy

August: Weekend in Vittorio Veneto, Italy for my 3 year anniversary (already?!)

September: Weekend in Sicily and on the Amalfi Coast, Italy

October: Weekend in Cuba

November – December: Landed in Italy for the 30th time on my 30th birthday.

#30for30!

2016 Travel Recap

Honestly, I can’t say I’m sad to see 2016 go. I don’t remember ever hearing so many people talk about how awful an entire year was. For numerous reasons, I think it’s safe to say the world is looking forward to starting anew in 2017.

This year’s travels have been extra special to me. In the spring, I decided to make videos after each trip and take my loves on monthly digital vacations. The response has been overwhelming and as cliche as it sounds, I’m so thankful to be able to share my journeys with them.

Below is a recap of my 2016 weekend getaways. 2017 is already filling up, and I’m ecstatic for all that is to come. ❤

January: Philippines for LIG Marian Rose Mission Trip

February: Weekend in Rome

April: Weekend on Lake Como

June: Weekend in Peru to visit Machu Picchu

July: 24 short hours on the Amalfi Coast

August: Weekend in Norway and VV for my 2 year anniversary

September (trip 1 of 2): Weekend on the island of Ischia

September (trip 2 of 2): Weekend in Portugal

October: Weekend in Rome and Stockholm

November: Weekend in South Africa for a Kruger National Park safari

December: Weekend in Sweden and Poland for Christmas Markets