A new collaboration series with some fellow bloggers. It’s called “What’s in your Suitcase?” and we’re talking travel tips and packing ideas.
today’s featured blogger is tasha from the boozy backpacker.
how did you get started traveling?
We went a lot of places when I was a kid- Disneyland, Yellowstone, Banff, the Southwest. There’s so much natural beauty in the PNW and Canada is basically in the backyard. I cut my teeth on interstate road trips and my Lola’s stories of the Philippines – my mom’s family moved to America from Manila when she was a teenager. She grew up to be a realtor. Lots of driving. And I was a fearless little kid too, who had a head full of big stories and never really got sold on the idea of rules or doing what everyone else is doing just because. When I was about 7 or 8, we were at a BBQ at a ranch way out of town near the country border, and I wanted to go home because I was bored. I didn’t want to wait anymore so I just started walking. I got about 2 or 3 miles down the highway before someone spotted me. So I think maybe I was always built for this kind of a life, this constant chasing of a faraway thing. I’ve never been afraid of leaving.
when you travel, how do you pack? what do you like best about it? have you ever used another style of luggage?
I’ve tried every sort of luggage and I hate them all. I can’t stand dragging around a heavy bag. Now though, I’m to where I just have one small backpack…okay so it’s more like a knapsack, I got it at Walmart for $20…and a crossbody purse. I also have this elephant print hobo bag that rolls up really small but I can actually fit all of my clothes in it, I use it as a laundry bag or the beach.
what one item you cannot leave the house without?
Eyebrow kit. I’m obsessed, I don’t care. Don’t worry about me, worry about you eyebrows. Oh and dog treats. Because you just never know when you’re going to need to feed a starving pack of cuddle monsters.
what are your carry-on must haves?
Technically, everything I travel with fits in my carry-on a.k.a “kid’s fashion backpack”. But if we pretend I check my backpack and only have my purse… Snacks. Snacks or I will die. Sleep mask & pillow. Also a book, phone/iPod/ something you can play music on if there’s no movie, snacks, and depending on how long the flight is, a basic toiletries kit with a toothbrush/toothpaste or mouthwash, deodorant, baby wipes, and moisturizer. And snacks. Oh the flight’s only 3 hours? Just like 3 sandwiches, an apple, a box of Teddy Grahams, a medium sized brick of cheese…
do you swear by any particular toiletry products for in-transit travel?
Flying wrecks your skin pretty much no matter what complexion you have. For me, my skin gets really dry then really oily. Oh and I’m also prone to break out if oxygen touches me. Yay, best of both world’s. I always bring argan oil, because I can use it as a facial moisturizer & also hand/hair moisturizer too. Once, on an overnight flight from LA to Brisbane, I broke out with a horrible rash on my face- still don’t know what caused it, likely whatever detergent the blanket had been washed in, and argan oil basically saved my life. I still showed up at my destination looking like I just walked out of a horror movie, but it would’ve been a lot worse without.
what is your go-to packing tip, when people ask?
We all want and love our comforts, but when it really comes down to it, you do not need anything that you think you need. (‘Cept maybe an eyebrow kit….)
what is the oddest things you’ve seen someone traveling with?
Probably me with my eyebrow kit and freaky flesh-eating zombie-rash face
You can follow Tasha on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Pinterest. She’s also on Snapchat @tashatuesday! thanks for sharing, Tasha!