As a girly girl with a fashion degree and an unhealthy attachment to my straighteners, my first experience of backpacking was a little daunting. I read countless books and threads about packing lists and things not to take, and the advice was the same all round: leave the heels at home, you don’t need make-up, you won’t ever use a hairdryer let alone hair straighteners. I was afraid, very afraid. Obviously I was also anxious about travelling the world solo and leaving the safety of home behind, but why does that mean I have to have frizzy hair and wear flip flops on nights out? I threw caution to the wind and took my home comforts with me anyway. Don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t one of those girls with the 30kg suitcase who arrive at a quaint guesthouse and expect there to be a lift. When I set off on my first adventure, my backpack was 18kg and I could easily carry it around on my back. ‘So suck it Lonely Planet’ I thought. I can do this my way.
And I did. The girly and (mostly) stylish way.
I have since travelled Southeast Asia, Australia, the United States and parts of Europe. And I always carry heels in my backpack.
So that leads me to this little blog thing I’ve got going on here. I wish there had been someone out there to give me advice catered to me and my particular branch of backpacking. Not necessarily flashpacking, but backpacking with a bit of style at least. So I’m stepping up to the plate. Sharing my experiences of travelling and dishing out some (hopefully) helpful tips for how you can do it and still be awesome.
Well that’s the plan anyway. Let me know what you think.
– Kara
umm.. that’s great that you do that! … I have always brought my heels with me around the world…. however traveling in REAL Africa in heels is kinda wacky … but you can try traveling by local transport in Kenya in heels … Although I would love to see a picture of any gal all stylish while getting in a local Matatu in Nairobi … : )
Ahhh yeah I haven’t done Kenya yet! I guess that would be a challenge! Although I did travel Morocco in heels if that counts?! Thanks for checking out my blog 🙂 x
Can’t wait to hear more about travelling in heels! I am so so so struggling with what to take at the moment. I think part of my problem is I need to take for every weather as I’ll be in Canada for a year going from working in summer camps to ski resorts. (I don’t think my shorts will suffice in Whistler!) and its going to be a killer only having 3 pairs of shoes!
I have a similar attidute as you when it comes to toiletries though. I’ve read so many blogs about how you don’t need lots of tolietries….take those god aweful 2in1 shampoos (Or even worst…travel wash!) then it can double up as shower gel/washing up liquid/soap ect….Not for me thanks. I will be taking my Treseme along with all my other lotions and potions. I am a back packer not a hippie!
Ahh yeah I haven’t had to tackle ski wear yet! I did have to have clothes for cold weather too though (Australian winters are pretty damn cold believe it or not) and I found layering is key. So some of your summer stuff can be the inner layers of your winter wardrobe. I completely agree toiletries-wise, not a chance I’m putting 2in1 in my hair! I had my Aussie Shampoo and Conditioner in tow! Haha! Happy travels! x