This one was tough. I spent a lot of time thinking about it, and in the end I also ended up spending quite a bit of money (although the purchases were spread out over a few months which helps to assuage the guilt). The main reason for a hefty investment is that travel gear is expensive – just two pairs of smartwool socks + travel underwear came to $50. I also splurged on a few items that weren’t complete necessities, but are nice to have. In the end I felt that comfort on the road was worth the upfront spending.
The other guiding principle in my packing adventures is that I will not wear anything that makes me look like a tourist (no fleeces / zipoff pants in downtown Moscow) or a commuter (no sneakers with skirts). Living in Washington D.C. for the past 7 years I have seen enough of that. It just looks so bad — and yes, people judge. Now, I am not what I would consider a fashion junky, and I certainly don’t have all the latest. I just like to look nice and be comfortable.
One last bit before we get to the goods. Travel Fashion Girl website – go!!! you can get lost for hours. I have found many items that made it on my final list on this site. Including ipanema sandals — my go to dress shoe, flip flop, and shower shoe, all in one!
Ok, without further ado – my packing list! The * sign indicates that items were purchased specifically for this trip.
Backpack + packing aides
- Eagle creek Flip Switch convertible backpack / rolly carry on suitcase – 28L* – You can get it from Amazon with $70 discount
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- two eagle creek half size packing cubes*
- Baggallini Helsinki Bag
*(not pictured)
The backpack / suitcase was my first big decision — I realize that there will be times when I need to carry a backpack. But most of the time (ok more than 50% of the time) I can roll a suitcase. Which is what I by far prefer. This might not be the right choice for a lot of people, and I might curse this decision later on, but right now I am pretty excited about this guy. And yes, it is comfortable to wear it as a backpack.
The bagallini purse was a late addition to the list. Purchased just last week. I didn’t want an actual travel purse (see above), so for awhile I thought I would just bring one of the many purses I already own. But I didn’t have anything cross-body that could fit my mac book air. So I hemmed and hawed over the price, but decided to treat myself. So far I am happy – although the technology pocket doesn’t fit the air, it does fit in the bag itself – but the real test will be on the road.
7 tops + rain shell
- two t-shirts
- tank top
- sleeveless blouse
- l/s button down*
- long cardigan*
- sweatshirt*
- rain shell*
Everlane has the bestest feeling terrycloth sweatshirts, which look fancy and sweatery enough to wear for casual outing in a city. They are also amazingly comfortable. The sweatshirt is coming with me in my purse where-ever I go.
7 bottoms + LBD
- skinny jeans
- black linen pants — can be used as pj bottoms as well
- travel / hiking pants * (not pictured)
- leggins *
- mini skirt
- shorts
- wrap dress / skirt combo
- LBD *
I would just like to say that I think I might have found the least offensive travel / hiking pants in the world. I have tried on at least 10 different pairs – most looked dreadful. My choices were considerably constricted due to the fact that I refused to go the zip-off route. A friend recommended the PrAna Halle pants — which have so far surpassed any other pant that I tried on that its surprising there is an competition left (now I realize that every body is different, but for me these really work!)
And a note on the LBD — I went with ExOfficio Go-To Women’s Tank dress. The dress covers my knees making it a little more conservative. Its also very comfortable making it a good choice for travel days.
4 Shoes & Accessories
- I-panema gladiator rubber sandals* – to be used as beach/ dress/ shower shoes
- Columbia descender walking / hiking shoes*
- ballet flats*
- bass leather old lady walking shoes
The bass old lady walking shoes are the best! I have flat arches, so shoes with a good arch support are a must. These are amazing – they mould to my feet, and feel better than walking barefoot. The only thing is they wear out pretty fast. I am ok with that though, I figure I can discard and pick items as needed. I used to have Bass Women’s Chrissie Oxford, but these are sold out. My new ones are Bass Women’s Eddie Oxford, which are also difficult to track but doable – I got mine on ebay.
- scarf / shawl
- cashmere hat*
- gloves
- 7 pairs of underwear (including 2 anti-microbial*)
- 3 bras
- 3 socks (2 smart wool – long and short*, long cashmere socks)
- black tights — to wear with my mini skirt and layer for warmth
- bikini
- sunglasses
Toiletries / Medicine
- toothbrush/ toothpaste/ floss
- face wash
- Face Lotion with SPF15
- chapstick
- shampoo + conditioner
- razor/ bar soap
- Lunette cup
- deodorant
- perfume
- nail clipper/ filer
- tweezers and small mirror
- hair brush
- baby wipes
- anti-allergy
- ibuprofen
- imodium
- tummy ache reliever
- pepto bismol chewable
- cipro
- antiseptic cream
- nyquil / dayquil
We will be getting additional medicines in Russia where we will also top off on vaccines in order to save some cash money.
Miscellaneous
- quick dry towel*
- silk sleep sack*
- sink stopper*
- ear plugs*
- sleep mask*
- foldable grocery bag
- bricks foldable tote (I have used this so many times!)
- sporks*
- swiss army knife
- head lamps
- zip-lock bags
- safety whistle
- tsa compatible lock
- card games
- water bottles
- hand sanitizer
- flexo-line clothesline
Documents
- passports
- extra passport photos
- air tickets
- insurance
- driver’s license
- bank card/ credit card
- cash
- pen
- business cards
So this is it. Sergey will be carrying technology: my camera and computer (although sometimes those will be in the bagallini), cords, kindle. All of that forthcoming in his post.
