Let me start by saying that I would not exactly call myself "low-maintenance"- usually when I go on holiday in the states I take a bag that weighs about as much as I do filled with all the comforts of home which I subsequently set up in the room of whatever resort I'm staying in. Not exactly roughing it. The difference now is that I am traveling Europe on a tight budget- staying in hostels rather than hotels. There are no private bathrooms to arrange my toiletries... In fact there's not much privacy, or space for that matter, at all.
So Here are some tips on how to travel., stay in hostels, and enjoy yourself!!
1. Pack light- this is the most difficult thing in the world for me!! I like my clothes and I like to have options. However unless you're Kim Kardashian chances are you're using public transportation. Imagine having tons of luggage on a subway, a coach, a train, walking around a city where you may or may not speak the language... No bueno. Keep it simple- plan your outfits ahead of time, pack a pair of flats and a pair of heels that match with everything. If you later decide you' don't like an outfit- good news you're probably somewhere with amazing shopping. Go buy a new dress- you probably would have done that anyway.
2. Get a kindle- It is beyond worth it. Traveling long distances on planes and trains can be boring, I occupy my time with books and magazines, but lugging around 5 books in your carry on is just not plausible (and rather heavy). The kindle is lightweight and doesn't have a glare in the sun (so you can read it on the beach or at a cute cafe). Remember to charge it before you go, your charger probably won't fit in the outlet if you're leaving the country.
3. Your clarisonic is your best friend. -Public transportation, hanging out in smoky pubs, late nights out with the girls can leave your pores clogged and your skin dull! yuck. Leave your skin feeling fresh with this and good cleanser. Again make sure you charge it beforehand.
4. Invest in a good moisturizer and eye cream! - Travelling into different time zones and climates can really confuse your skin, fight back with quality Skincare products (travel size obviously). My personal favorites are the Mario Badescu collagen moisturizer and eye cream.
5. Sock Buns will save your life. - if you're leaving the country, I repeat.. Chances are your appliances will NOT work. Even if you get an outlet converter- certain outlets put of different voltage and you run the risk of frying that amazing hair straightener your paid $200 for- seriously my blow dryer blew up on me the other day! So pay the $5 for a hair sponge and sock bun it up on the days that your natural waves just aren't working for you.
6. Learn to love hats, for the same reasons as above.
7. Buy an umbrella- the only thing you know about the weather is what you've read on your iPhone. In Europe it rains spontaneously for no reason. You need an umbrella.
7. Take your vitamins! - you're using public transportation. People have germs. Enough said.
8. Don't take your entire make up case. Just bring the essentials; your 2 favorite lipsticks, concealer, one eyeshadow, blush or bronzer, one eyeliner, one mascara.
9. Pack accordingly- if you're going to London in April- you don't need 3 bikinis. You need gloves. If you're going to Ibiza in June, your leather jacket is probably not necessary.
10. Get over yourself.- you're going to be staying in tiny rooms with community bathrooms that are most likely co-Ed. It's Europe, and it's a small price to pay when you realize that clean hostels are about $25 a night and a decent hotel is closer to $200 a night. Hostels are also a great way to make friends in a foreign city!!
Now go out there, Grab your sunglasses and your passport and have fun!!
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