An Evening on Mt Rubidoux Trail

Ending the month of May in California with friends was a great idea. It was so nice and refreshing to be with long-time friends who are fun and understand you. Celebrating one of them was a perfect occasion to get together. 

Just thought I'd share a few glimpses of an evening walking Mount Rubidoux Trail on Saturday night. Not sure what made me happier: the spectacular views or the fun cacti gardens!

Tricks For Minimalist Packing

It is no secret that I love to travel. After spending years abroad, moving every year consecutively, and travelling a ton, I’ve come to appreciate being able to travel without all the heavy baggage. I’ve talked about how I figured out that I could live a year on everything that fits in two suitcases, and I’ve also figured out that I can travel for a week or more with everything I can fit into a carry-on bag. It is such a liberating feeling walking around with the bare minimum and still having a great time - if you’ve experienced it, you know exactly what I’m talking about.

I had an opportunity for readers to suggest blog topics, and minimalist travelling came up, so this post is for you! Here are some of my tips to enjoy a minimalist travel experience. Fair warning: I am incredibly low maintenance. I don’t wear makeup, and I can wear the same shoes all season long, every single day. As long as I don’t stink, and look more or less put together (I do have hot mess days), I’m satisfied. The good news is that you can make what I will be sharing work for you! Minimalism looks different for everyone.

I’ll explain a little at first, but if you don’t want to do allllllll the reading, scroll down to the bottom for a simple packing list.

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Pack only necessities

Do not, and I repeat, do not bring something just for the sake of having it. Make sure you absolutely need it. This even applies to your wallet! The only things that need to be in your [tiny] wallet are your credit/debit cards (+ an emergency card just in case), your ID, and some cash is good to have. Gift cards to stores you won’t be at don’t need to come. Neither does your library card, other membership cards, or the picture of your boyfriend - you have your phone for that. *wink

Travel-sized

Depending on where you’re going and what you’re doing, you might be able to eliminate a lot of toiletries! You really do not need to be lugging around a hair dryer, straightener AND a curling iron when you’re backpacking across Europe or visiting a friend for the weekend (chances are they have a hairdryer too…) Take only what you need, and take only small amounts of it. You can buy these amazing travel sized bottles to refill your favourite products that may not come in smaller sizes. The travel-sized aisle in Target is amazing - but don’t go overboard (note: though the folding toothbrushes are great, I do opt to bring my bamboo toothbrush everywhere I go [get your own here!]). I will advocate for one amazing piece of travel-sized bliss, however: this amazing razor (since shorts are lighter than pants, right? Haha).

Versatile, Versatile, Versatile!

Make sure the items in your bag can be used more than once! If you’re going to a wedding, that may be a different story, but try to get a lot of use out of everything you pack! When it comes to your clothes, make sure the pieces work together in several different ways to stretch out your outfit possibilities without taking more. I usually travel to places where I do have to look more or less presentable. Having pieces that work both casually and can be dressed up is really helpful!

Light, Light, Light!

This is key! The lighter your necessities are, the easier it is to cart them around. Consider your electronics and shoes especially, as those can get heavy. I usually take one pair of closed-toe shoes (and wear them as I travel) and pack sandals depending on where I’m going and what I’ll be doing. If I travel by plane with a carry-on, I pack a small lightweight bag for day trips.

Don’t pack more than a week’s worth of clothing

If you’re staying longer than a week, that’s okay. Take some quarters for the laundromat, or ask your host if you can borrow their washer. Worst case, use a sink. I’ve done it, you can too. Pack fabrics that dry easily when you choose the hand washing method. I do take 7 pairs of underwear though, despite seeing many people who suggest only 3 or 4 and washing them every day. I just like fresh underwear to last as long as possible, haha. Honestly, no one is going to be bothered if you pack 6 pieces of clothing to wear. They won’t notice!

Quality is important

Herein lies the key! I never knew how important quality was until I stopped looking at the price tag and started looking at pieces that will last. This is especially important for things you’ll be using a lot like shoes and water bottles.

Comfort vs. Luxury

You want to be comfortable! Walking around everywhere for a week is not going to be fun in your highest cutest wedges! You'll also want to be sure to wear comfortable clothing for the same reason. Yes, you will be travelling and there is no reason you shouldn't be able to use everyday items as normal (to be comfortable!), but think about the things you could probably do without. 

Choose Luggage Carefully

Make sure you get quality luggage that is appropriate for your minimalist trip. A backpack might be sufficient for you. I personally like having a carry on size piece with wheels, because it makes getting around airports and train stations easy for me. I do pack a small backpack in this though, for day trips when I don't have to take everything with me. Packing cubes (I like these ones from Amazon) are also really helpful with packing minimal amounts - if they are in your budget.

My Basic Travel Necessities:

Clothing:

• large scarf (perfect for the plane!)

• 3 tops

• 2 bottoms

• 1 dress/skirt (the trick is to make sure they all go together to maximize outfit possibilities and that they are lightweight - easy to wash/dry)

• 1 or 2 pyjama

• undergarments (2 bras + 5-7 pair underwear),

• bathing suit if needed

• jacket/hoodie

• shoes (sneakers + sandals - again depends on what I’ll be doing)

• socks (2-3 pairs)

*these will get you by nicely, but consider the following: commit to doing laundry of some sort, add or subtract depending on the length of your stay, consider sticking to one colour palette, and there really is no need to go out and buy something new. Choose from what you already own - you might be surprised at what is in your own closet :) 

Toiletries (travel sized!):

• bar soap

• Mini razor (seriously life-changing!)

• toothbrush/toothpaste

• deodorant

• shampoo/conditioner (may be optional depending on where you’re going!),

• divacup

• Body lotion

• chapstick

Other Toiletries:

• Contact solution (travel sized, of course)

• Glasses

• Any medication

• Hand Sanitizer/sanitizing wipes

• Tweezers

• Nail Clippers

• A couple band-aids (these come in handy!)

• Peppermint Essential Oil (good for headaches and motion sickness!)

• I don't wear makeup, but you might - choose only essentials

Electronics

• Computer or Tablet

• Phone

• Earbuds/headphones

• Fitbit or Watch

• Any charging cords (if two devices use the same cord, only take one)

• Camera (next level: just use your phone!)

Other:

• Water Bottle (this will save you so much money!)

• Minimalist Wallet - only the essentials: passport, credit cards, cash

• Microfiber Towel (lighter and dries quickly but optional depending on where you’re going)

• Earplugs (optional)

• Extra reusable bag (good for laundry, etc.)

• Packable daypack (so you aren't carting your carry on everywhere)

• I always bring a small Bible, but you could use your phone app

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What are your packing essentials?

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Climb Every Mountain // Austria

Okay, not going to lie, but the title of this post was definitely inspired by The Sound of Music. You'll get it if you've seen it, but how can you NOT think of it when in the Austrian mountains??

I'm really glad I married an Austrian so that I have the perfect excuse to go as often as possible. It's been a year since we were back in Austria (which makes me a little sad), so I thought a little bit of the views from last summer would cheer me (and you?) up a little bit. 

You know a hike is going to be good when it starts out with baby goats. Seriously. We did make a few animal friends along the way...

The views! I so miss this place!

Counting down the months until we get to go back to enjoy mountains, family, and friends!

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Have you ever hiked in Austria?

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Mama Mia! & A Private Beach

The first year I studied abroad, I was able to spend some time in Denmark with family friends of ours. It was a fantastic experience, except for when I wanted to watch television, I couldn't understand a thing. One day, after exploring the city, I was flipping through the channels trying to find something to watch. Suddenly, I heard familiar words - Mama Mia! was on in German. Despite not loving the movie, I was bored and I watched the whole thing, just happy to have something on with words I understood. This last summer, some friends of ours took us to where some scenes from the movie were shot, and it was really spectacular to see- not just because it was filmed there, but because it was so beautiful!

Seeing it almost made me want to watch the movie again, but I haven't seen it since 2010, and I think I'll keep it that way. There were definitely fewer people there than I had expected.

After we were finished at the chapel, we drove and hiked a bit and found a private beach to lay at for the day. Not one soul showed up the entire afternoon and the [long] nap I had and the warm water was glorious. 

Somehow, picnic lunches taste better and naps are sweeter with views like these.

Skopelos

Whenever I thought of Greece, I thought of Santorini because I wanted to see all the pretty white houses and everything that was in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. It's been on my bucket list forever, and when we started planning our Greece trip, I thought I'd be able to cross it off. Well, it's still on my list because we went to Skopelos instead. But I still loved it. As long as I have water, beaches, and my honey, I'll be content. The world has many places to explore. Here are some photos from our trip!

I inherited my grandmother's motion sickness, so I'm never a fan of ferry rides. Sitting inside got me so sick that as I stumbled out into the fresh air, I thought I might tip over the railings. Alas, the fresh air did me good. See? Not everything about travel is glamourous. 

Very cool though: we saw dolphins swimming alongside the ferry. I didn't even bother taking a picture because I was enjoying it far too much. I had never seen them in the wild before.

I was still happy to see white buildings once we reached our destination and could have explored for hours more!

I mean, how cute are these window sills?!? I could have spent more hours walking through these streets!

I'm pretty certain that I photographed every cat I saw in Greece, but I'm sparing you from most of those pictures - be glad. 

I think I was most impressed by how clean Greece was in general! I definitely was not expecting that. We had a fantastic time!