Only the Essentials

There is no reason to even question this because I already know that there are millions of people out there, just like me. The one’s who say "I will pack only the essentials and I will pack in advance to avoid overpacking.” Of course, it is left for last minute. This happens to me all the time and this is where I find myself trip after trip. Although I have really improved in this department, I've not mastered it.

I write a list with the items that I will take and, when I start packing, all of a sudden I 'need' all these extra things that weren't on my list.  Luckily, my test packing served as a huge favor and I was able to see how all of my essentials for my Icelandic adventure fit in the backpack I was talking about.

I'm extremely proud of myself for being able to fit all the winter clothes and still be able to bring my gear (camera, gopro, 2 lenses, batteries, charger, tripod, mini tripod, macbook & media)

Here is my list of exactly what I packed:

1 cute outfit (jeans, nice top and a pair of heels)

2 pairs of leggings 

1 hat

1 jacket

Uggs

1 pair of hiking boots

2 bathing suits

3 sweaters

1 hoodie

1 pair of waterproof pants

1 scarf

Pair of gloves 

2 tank tops

3 t-shirts

1 fur vest 

1 make-up bag, which contained travel size face care, toothpaste and perfume.

Of course I wanted to take more. I honestly probably should have taken more shirts at least, but luckily I was able to do laundry once and managed to make it work. I found that you always want to take more, whether you need it or not. But if you don’t give yourself the option, I promise you will make it work. That is if you are trying to travel light. If you don’t mind all the baggage and dealing with it, then more power to you. I, on the other hand, absolutely hate dealing with the luggage and don’t mind traveling with the minimal essentials. I also always say that if there is something I forgot and absolutely need, I can go buy it. 

I used every single piece of clothing I packed, which I love, because it makes me feel like I didn’t waste space or added unneeded weight. 

That completes my packing essentials. My trip was 8 days and 7 nights. We stayed at air bnb’s and hotels, which made that list much shorter than it would have need to be if we were to camp/get an rv (which was our original plan). 

It is still one of my goals/dreams to do a road/camping/rv type of trip around a foreign country, maybe Austria or Switzerland? Maybe around the state? Maybe both? A girl can dream.

I cant wait to share Icelandic adventures with you. I will be telling you little tricks and tips, in case you are planning a trip there.