Shop My Suitcase –
Favorite Travel Outfits

After 4 years of living out of my suitcase, I’ve had to be selective about what clothing makes the cut. Here you’ll find my favorite high quality, versatile clothing brands for each season.

And then some of my inexpensive but awesome Amazon finds at the end!

For Spring: Halara

These dresses are my all-time favorite item in my suitcase!

They have pockets, built in shorts and are quick drying. You can wear them for literally any occasion.

You can wear them hiking since the shorts prevent chafing. You can wear them on a hot summer day and not show any sweat because the fabric is quick drying and moisture wicking. They have a built in sports bra so you this one outfit is literally your entire outfit which saves so much in luggage space!

20 % off Halara discount code: emily9

For Summer: Flaxmaker

No company does unique and affordable summer, beach or resort wear like Flaxmaker.

I have several of their swim suit/cover up combos, they are to die for! Hands down my favorite swim sets I’ve ever owned.

If you want a totally unique swim look, check them out.

Long Sleeve Boho Suit

Buy Now

For Winter: Dope Snow

I love this company because they do really high quality cute winter jackets with matching beanies. They have a wide variety of colors and styles. The only problem is that they frequently sell out!

I ordered one of their jacket/beanie sets for my group trips to Iceland and was so impressed with the quality and fit. There are so many pockets and little features on the jacket that made me fall in love with it.

For Fall: Wicked AF

I came across this brand back in 2020 and have been wearing their clothes in my travels ever since.

My favorite is their high to low midi dress.

Hi-Low Midi Dress

Buy Now

This dress has been in my suitcase for ages and has traveled all around Mexico, Europe and the USA with me. The fit is super flattering and it photographs great!

Favorite Amazon Finds

All of these items I have personally purchased from Amazon and adore! Happy shopping

Columbia Hiking Boots

I’ve owned a lot of hiking shoes over the years but these are my favorite!

I’ve done multiple backpacking trips along the Superior Hiking Trail with these shoes and they have held up so well for years.

Plus I love the red laces and the color of the boot itself.

Hiking Boots

Buy Now

Florida Keys Tropical Set

I bought this set specifically for my Florida Keys trip and absolutely fell in love with it!! I often mix and match the top or add a jacket over top as well.

Tropical Set

Buy Now

Read: KEY WEST: 12 TIPS FOR YOUR FIRST VISIT

High Waisted Maroon Swim

This suit has been with me for a lot of my travels around Croatia and Florida. It’s super flattering and a great fit. It also provides a little more coverage for the days you don’t feel like wearing a teeny-tiny bikini.

Ruffle High Waisted Suit

Buy Now

Two- Piece Boho Set

I purchased this set just before traveling to Italy and it’s been a staple in my wardrobe ever since! The skirt is perfect for more conservative countries as well. And it’s easy to mix and match with other tops or cover ups!

Two Piece Set

Buy Now

Strappy Red One Piece

This suit is a favorite of mine! It comes in many colors and is pretty good quality given the low price point.

Strappy One Piece

Buy Now

I wore this suit during my stay at the TWA Hotel at the JFK Airport in New York!

Backless Maxi Dress

I have been obsessed with this dress for years and have it in multiple colors.

My favorites are the deep red and blue.

I originally bought the tan as well but returned it because the tan fabric was really sheer.

Backless Dress

Buy Now

Retro-Camera Phone Case

You might recognize this case from the hit Netflix show, Emily in Paris.

Truthfully, the case isn’t the highest quality (I don’t expect it will last for years…) but I love it!

I love that it has a strap. I never have to worry if I’ve set my phone down and left it somewhere. And as a photographer, I love that it makes my phone look like a retro camera. I get so many compliments on this case!

Retro Camera Phone Case

Buy Now

SuperStay Red Matte Lipstick

This is my go-to lipstick when traveling because the pop of red is so bright. It’s my favorite shade of red. And this brand is incredibly long lasting.

Even after a long day exploring in the sun, this lipstick is still difficult to get off before bed. It’s the perfect red lipstick for travel!

SuperStay Matte Red Lipstick

Buy Now

Packable Hiking Day Bag

This water-resistant bag folds down into self so it’s really easy to pack inside your luggage. It’s durable and unfolds into a full size backpack.

Plus I love the color options and it’s super affordable.

I used this for my day bag on the trek to Machu Picchu and it was perfect!

Packable Hiking Backpack

Buy Now

The post Shop My Suitcase: Favorite Travel Outfits appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.

The Best Gift for Travelers –
Amazing, Unique Ideas!

Best Gift for Travelers

If you’re shopping for a traveler in your life, here are some unique gift ideas! Whether it’s for Christmas, a birthday, anniversary or just to show your appreciate…these gifts are perfect for anyone with insatiable wanderlust.

1. Priority Pass

If you have a frequent flyer in your life, then gift them access to over 1,300 airport lounges around the world for the next year! These lounges typically include open bar, a buffet line, showers and a nice place to relax or grab a bite to eat between flights.

If you’ve bought food at an airport, you know how easy it is to spend $32 on food and drinks.

But even the most affordable package brings each lounge entrance down to $32 so they can have all the food, alcohol, coffee and deserts they want!

Packages include:

2. TSA Precheck/Global Entry

If your loved one flies often, TSA Precheck or Global Entry makes for a great gift! They’ll be able to cut the lines and breeze through security anytime they fly.

They’ll have to fill out some forms and attend a brief in-person interview but it’s worth it. I suggest opting for Global Entry -it includes TSA Precheck with it for just $15 more!

TSA Precheck: $85
Global Entry + TSA Precheck: $100

3. Travel Experiences through Tinggly

I’m a firm believer of giving experiences, not stuff. And so is the company Tinggly.

This is the perfect way you can gift memorable experiences around the world to someone who loves travel. Think hot air balloon rides, romantic dinners, wine tasting, helicopter rides etc.

Here’s how the gift box collection works:

1. You can pick a gift box and send it instantly via email or deliver a beautiful box in 2-5 business days.
2. They can choose and book one experience from the list. There are more than 600 options and the number is always growing. Tinggly offers activities in more than 100 countries!
3. Booking is super simple! They have to visit the Tinggly redeem page, select the date, the experience, and wait for the confirmation via email. All experience details will be there.
4. That’s it! When the day comes they enjoy their chosen experience and create beautiful memories for a lifetime!

4. Workaway Subscription

Workaway is website that allows you to volunteer around the world in exchange for room and board. It’s a great way to offset your travel costs and to give back to a local community. Typically you’ll be required to help 5 days a week for 5 hours.

Then you have the rest of the time to travel and explore! Some positions are paid but most are volunteer.

$44 a year for a single person
$56 for a couple or pair of friends

5. Cross-Body Phone Case

While traveling, you’re constantly pulling out your phone for maps, train tickets, boarding passes, your camera… so I am obsessed with using this case whenever I travel!

It keeps your phone easily accessible while making it harder to steal or misplace. I never travel without this case now!

6. Activity Dress From Halara

For ladies who travel, this dress is a game-changer! It’s got shorts with pockets and a bra all built in. It’s quick-drying fabric doesn’t show sweat. And the shorts prevent any chaffing!

It’s lightweight, doesn’t wrinkle much and folds up small in a suitcase. It is my number one most packed item for any destination because it’s so versatile.

You can wear it hiking in the summer heat. Or you can add tights and a jacket to dress it up for a fall night out. Mixing and matching accessories with it gives you a variety of looks with just one standard baselayer. I literally pack these activity dresses for every trip!

Use code emily9 for 20% off any order!

7. First DSLR Camera

If you’re looking to give a big gift to a the traveler in your life, consider helping them upgrade to their first DSLR camera!

I personally shoot with the Canon 80D.

8. Camera Tripod

This is the tripod I use personally and highly recommend it!

It the best way to take travel photos even when traveling solo.

9. How To Travel The World On $50 A Day

This book is an excellent resource for any budget traveler. It quite literally changed my life back in 2018 when I wanted to travel the world but had no clue how to do it on a budget.

It’s full of great tips and tricks for any traveler!

10. Wireless Sleep Headphones

These headphones are GREAT for travelers. They are perfect for long haul flights, overnight bus rides or if you’re sleeping in a noisy hostel etc.

11. Foldable Carry On Bag with Trolley Sleeve

These bags have so many great features: waterproof, lightweight, foldable, expandable size and complete with a trolley sleeve!

These bags are a game changer.

12. Packing Cubes

If you’re shopping for a traveler who doesn’t use packing cubes yet, they are missing out! It’s the best way to keep your suitcase organized in the chaos of traveling.

13. A Budget Cruise with Cruise Direct

I didn’t realize until recently how affordable last minute cruises were, especially the website Cruise Direct!

We booked our 4 day Bahamas cruise from Miami on Cruise Direct. With all the taxes and fees, we paid just $350 each!

The website is incredibly extensive and allows you to cross compare cruise lines, destinations and prices.

• European Cruises
• Alaskan Cruises
• Disney Cruises
• Asian Cruises

Best Gift for Travelers

14. A Group Trip

Nothing makes a better gift for a traveler than travel itself!

You can shop for trips on websites like TourRadar.

Or gift your loved one a spot on one of my group trips like Sail Croatia.

This article contains affiliate links.
I may earn from qualifying purchases at absolutely no additional cost to you.
Thank you for helping to support my site!

Best Gift for Travelers

The post The Best Gift for Travelers – Amazing, Unique Ideas! appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.

7 Travel Apps That Are Total Gamechangers

I’ve been traveling the world and living out of my suitcase for the past 4 years. Along the way, I’ve discovered some travel apps that totally changed the way I travel.

And whether you travel a lot or only occasionally take a trip, these 7 travel apps will come in handy whenever you hit the road next!

Check out the my TikTok sharing all 7 apps here:

1. Airalo

Why I love this travel app: You can have cell data anywhere in the world without changing your number, worrying about a physical SIM or incurring high roaming charges.

Just download the app, pick which country your traveling to and buy the plan that works for you!

Code EMILY7034 for $3 sign up bonus!

Check it out here.

2. Grabr

Why I love this travel app: You can earn money by picking up items in one destination and dropping them off when you arrive. It’s a brilliant and simple way to offset (or completely cover!) the cost of your travels!

Some travelers earn over $900 in a single trip.

Highest paying destinations include São Paulo, Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Montevideo, Moscow, Lima, Mumbai and more!

Check it out here.

3. Radical Luggage Storage

Why I love this travel app: Find immediate luggage storage in any city for just $5 a bag.

If you’ve ever had a long layover and want to go explore a city, it’s a great way to drop off your bags in a protected place. Or if you have to check out of an Airbnb early but still have the day left to explore… this way you don’t have to carry your bags around with you!

Check out it out here.

4. Rick Steve’s Audio Europe

Why I love this travel app: Free amazing tours all over Europe, how can you NOT love that as a traveler?!

Just select your city, pop in your headphones and the app will walk you through an entire guided tour. You can start and stop at anytime. It also includes clear and easy to follow directions as you walk through Europe’s most fascinating cities. And it’s totally FREE.

Check it out here.

5. Couchsurfing

Why I love this travel app: Connect with locals to set up a short-term homestay experience. (FYI: The app used to be free but now charges a minor fee!)

Check it out here.

Read: COUCHSURFING: IS IT SAFE?

6. AllTrails

Why I love this travel app: Find amazing hiking trails anywhere. AllTrails has the largest collection of detailed, hand-curated trail maps. Just search for trails nearby and you can read reviews, follow maps, see pictures from other hikers and more! It’s perfect when you’re in a new destination, want to go for a hike but don’t know what’s around.

Check it out here.

7. The Fork

Why I love this travel app: Get up to 50% off at restaurants around the world! I have saved so much money using The Fork. Just pull up the app when you’re in a city center, a book a reservation at one of the discount restaurants. It’s totally FREE. And will allow you to have a nice dinner out for half the price!

Check it out here.

The Fork Promo Code: 827BBC50

Shop my travel favorites:

Packing Cubes

Buy Now

Wireless Sleep Headphones

Buy Now

Foldable Carry On With Trolley Sleeve

Buy Now

Cross-Body Phone Case

Buy Now

The post 7 Travel Apps That Are Total Gamechangers appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.

I’ve been living out of my suitcase for nearly two years now. (Where has the time gone?!)

At this point in my life, I’ve had 3 different suitcases break in 3 different countries. Nothing is more inconvenient than having your luggage break mid trip. And while I travel a lot more than most people, it was disappointing to have luggage break after having it for less than 3 months.

But since purchasing my Calpak set in 2019, I’ve been super impressed with it’s quality and durability. I purchased my set during a sale and even with the reasonable price tag, the set is very high quality.

Calpak

Fashionable and functionable, this luggage set can be locked and expanded. The 4 wheels easily and smoothly rotate fully in all directions. The handles are sturdy and the inside has zipper pockets for organization.

Although I never travel without my luggage cubes! These will keep your new beautiful Calpak luggage set fully organized. Luggage cubes are a must for long term travel.

Looking for more recommendations? Check out the “Shop My Travel Gear” page!

The post What luggage is best for long term travel? appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.

How To Get Epic Solo Travel Photos

Traveling solo is incredibly rewarding. If you’ve never taken a trip by yourself, I encourage you try it at least once! Chances are you’ll love the freedom and self discovery it provides. (Check out my 10 Things Traveling Solo Has Taught Me) But if you enjoy photographing your trips, it can be quite difficult to get any decent solo travel photos without someone there to take your pictures.

While sometimes I am fortunate enough to have friends who can join me on the road, sometimes I am traveling by myself. I’ve traveled alone throughout Rome, Iceland, Germany, Egypt, Istanbul, Mexico, Thailand and India in the last year and still have managed to capture some really wonderful memories while traveling solo. Hopefully these few tips and tricks help you upgrade your photography game!

Without further ado… here is how I’m able to capture epic solo travel photos:

Plan Ahead

Before you get out your camera or even board a plane, a little bit of thought beforehand will go a long way in improving your travel photos.

Great travel photos begin with what you pack.

Knowing you have the right outfits to compliment the color scheme/landscape/climate you’ll be photographing is the first step.

Packing clothing and accessories that leave you feeling confident will also come across in your photos.

A thoughtful, put together and culturally appropriate outfit will obviously photograph much better than the T-shirt and jeans you might normally wear at home. Unsure what to pack? Check out my packing guides for winter destinations and Egypt. Otherwise search Pinterest for outfit inspiration in any destination

In Thailand, I knew I wanted to capture some split under/over water shots. So I planned ahead and knew exactly what type of shot I wanted to take. This also meant being prepared with the right gear.

Read: HOW TO TAKE SPLIT OVER/UNDERWATER SHOTS

Get Inspiration and Come Prepared

Head on over to Instagram, Pinterest or your favorite travel blogs to get inspired by other gorgeous travel photos. What type of photography do you like? Action shots? Mostly landscape? Solo shots or people interacting with one another?

Getting some ideas for how to take photos abroad instead of the classic “here I am just standing and smiling in front of a monument” will go a long ways! Find variety in your shots, poses and angles to help add visual interest.

Pro Tip: Using something to frame the shot in the foreground (like the leaves in the photo below) help add visual interest and frame a subject.

Beat the crowds

One of the best things you can do to ensure you have a great time at popular tourist destinations AND get awesome photos, is to arrive before the crowds. Show up early, arrive really late or travel in the off season.

When I visited Iceland’s Blue Lagoon, I went in the winter and arrived at 8am- long before the sun had even risen! I drank champagne and watched the sunrise in a nearly empty Blue Lagoon. I had the place practically to myself. Not only did this make for an awesome experience, I had no trouble getting a few shots without other people in it. Overcrowding makes it really difficult to get decent pictures.

The Taj Mahal is another popular (and very crowded) photo spot! If you want a photo alone, be prepared to arrived before sunrise. Not only will this help you get amazing photos but it will be a sunrise you’ll remember for the rest of your life!

Read: HOW TO GET A PHOTO ALONE AT THE TAJ MAHAL

Patience

But alas, sometimes there will be a crowd. And you’ll just have to wait.

Want a photo with the famous Bali swing? Most likely you’ll have to patiently wait for others to finish.

Want a picture of just you standing in front of the Colosseum? Odds are you’ll have to wait a bit for the crowd to clear in order to get that shot.

Soak up the sites and enjoy people watching while you patiently wait for an opportunity to take a lovely photo.

Ask a Stranger

The question I get asked whenever I’m traveling solo is always, “Who took that photo?!”

While sometimes it seems like I just travel around with a photographer,(*referencing that hilarious television reporter who insisted that I must be!) I usually just kindly ask another tourist or my guide.

Some of my all time favorite travel photos have been taken by complete strangers.

This photo below with me and a camel in front of the Pyramids was taken by the Egyptian man we paid to take us for a camel ride through the Sahara. He was the one who stopped at this location and (without using any English!) gestured to take this photo! I was quite impressed by his framing and photography skills here. Often if you are friendly and tip a guide, they are more than happy to take some photos for you

Typically I will approach someone who is also trying to take a picture and offer to take their photo first. Then after I’ve snapped several for them (and I’m conscientious to do a good job!) they will inevitably ask, “Do you want one as well?” And will repeat the same angles and pictures I took for them. But even if they don’t offer, I’m happy to help others capture great pictures

Sometimes a stranger will chop off most of the background or the photo will be really blurry. Now if that happens, I will sometimes wait a bit then ask another person. If I didn’t get an okay picture on the first try, I usually do on the second.

If you are friendly, polite and willing to help others, I have found people are happy to take your picture. It also sparks conversation with other travelers. It’s an easy way to make friends if you’re traveling solo.

Book an Airbnb Experience

Another option for travel photos- book a photography tour with Airbnb experiences!

Now this won’t be an option in every location but I met with a photographer in Krakow, Poland for the first time and we had a fantastic shoot together. It was a tour of hidden locations around Krakow. While the photographer guided the tour, she also captured photos of you. It’s like a walking tour/photo shoot mix.

You can read my blog post on the Krakow Airbnb Photography Experiences here.

Get $15 off your first Airbnb Experience of $50 or more!

This is a fun way to meet local people as well! And usually a lot less expensive than hiring a photographer. Some of my favorite travel photos ever came from my Airbnb Experience in Bangkok.

Read: HOW TO GET INSTA-WORTHY PHOTOS IN BANGKOK

Get $15 off your first Airbnb Experience of $50 or more!

Connect with local bloggers or Instagrammers online

If I’m in a new place traveling by myself, I will sometimes reach out to a fellow blogger or Instagrammer online and see if they want to meet up to take pictures! This has been a really fun way to meet someone local and help each other out with photos.

Here’s the steps to find and meet up with bloggers for a photoshoot:

Begin by searching for blogger hashtags in the destination on Instagram. (For example, in Savannah, I searched #savannahblogger & #savannahbloggers) Then look at the most recent photos for that hashtag. Find someone whose pictures you enjoy and who you might like to meet up with! You can also search for a “Savannah Blogger” Instagram page then see what bloggers follow it or are featured on the page. Then send a private DM explaining that you’re an out of town blogger or photographer who would love to explore and take photos together.

Plan to meet up for a shoot!

Ask if they would be interested in joining you for a shoot to help one another get pictures. If you’re friendly in the message and they aren’t a massively successful blogger already, there is a good chance someone will get back to you Not everyone checks their DM’s all the time, so I will also go and leave a genuine compliment on their most recent post and mention I sent a DM!

You’d be surprised how many girls were thrilled to show me around their city and go on a photo excursion together!

Use Couchsurfing to find photo buddies!

Another option is to find someone on Couchsurfing. You can post a public hangout that travelers in the area will be able to see. And on this public post you can say you are looking to meet up with someone in town to go on a photo adventure!

I have also met up with someone this way in Poland. We had a blast walking around, taking pictures and chatting! It’s also just a lot of fun to connect with other travelers this way.

Use a tripod

Using a tripod and self timer/ remote is a more challenging but effective way to get photos when you are traveling by yourself!

Personally I find tripods bulky to travel with and I get a little too shy about setting them up in busy destination. But I have done it! When I’m writing a blog post about a location and have no one to take a photo for me, I’ve been known to bust out a tripod once or twice.

I recommend this tripod from Amazon.

Thoughtfully set up your shot

Taking a quick moment and being mindful of framing can make massive improvements in your travel photography. Even if you’re shooting on an iPhone and have no intentions of using your photos for anything other than your own enjoyment.

Either frame the shot with your tripod first or politely and briefly share with your photographer what shot you are going for. Simply say, “I’d love a vertical shot where you can see the three different colorful houses, thanks so much!”

If you share what picture you are hoping to capture in a friendly way, people are usually quite happy to help out!

Rule of thirds

The rule of thirds is a guideline for visual composition. It suggests that an engaging image is broken into nine equal parts with two vertical and two horizontal lines that intersect. The rule suggests that the points of interest should be placed on the intersections rather than simply placed center.

I’ve linked below a fantastic article explaining the rule of thirds more in depth!

Read: https://expertphotography.com/improve-your-composition-the-rule-of-thirds/

Notice how in the photo below, the Nile river takes up the bottom third, the sand & boats take up the middle third and the sky fills the final third. It is a balanced photo. In addition, I am situated along the vertical right line with my head landing at an intersection. From a composition stand point, this is a strong way to capture your audience’s attention.

Edit Using Lightroom

The biggest game changer in solo travel photography is learning how to properly edit your photos. There are countless tutorials on Youtube and if you are seriously interested in quality photos, I suggest you make the switch to editing with Lightroom.

I personally just use the Lightroom mobile app to edit when I’m out traveling. My DSLR camera has WiFi capability and can send high resolution photos right to my phone. This makes editing and uploading on the Lightroom app super simple!

Invest in a DSLR camera

Once you’re ready to take your photography to the next level, it’s time to invest in a better camera. As great as some cell phone cameras can be, they ultimately limit you. A LOT. Night photography is essentially impossible and overall, you have much less control.

I recommend the Canon 80D. I’ve been thrilled with the upgrade and can see a great improvement with my photos.

Once you have a DSLR, learn to shoot in manual mode

No point in having a great camera if you don’t know how to use it right? The Youtube video below is one of the best I’ve come across for teaching the concepts of manual photography in a simple and concise way.

Overall, getting great photos while you travel solo can be tricky but definitely isn’t impossible. Just be willing to approach people, ask for assistance and give it a little thought beforehand.

Shop My Favorite Travel Outfits For Great Photos!

Backless Maxi

Buy Now

3/4 Sleeve Green Maxi Dress

Buy Now

Peach Maxi Dress

Buy Now

Purple Floral Maxi Dress

Buy Now

More on getting great solo travel photos: HOW TO POSE FOR TRAVEL PHOTOS- 23 TIPS FROM TRAVEL BLOGGERS

The post How To Get Epic Solo Travel Photos appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.

How To Dress For Winter Destinations

Iceland, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Alaska, Russia, and Canada are all incredible travel destinations. But also obviously, very cold. Nothing will spoil your trip faster than being unprepared, under dressed and therefore COLD! Traveling to winter destinations at the peak of their snow season is beautiful and definitely not to be missed. You just want to be prepared

So I’ve compiled a list of my winter traveling essentials to feel warm and fashionable no matter where you are going in the world.

Just click the images below and have fun shopping!

Boots

Right before I left for Iceland, Sweden and Poland- I invested in this exact pair of Sorel boots. They are waterproof, fashionable and most importantly WARM!

I’ve worn them dog sledding, walking through Iceland on a cold rainy day, hiking to a waterfall in northern Sweden and all over Poland. I highly recommend them!

If you’re looking for another great Sorel boot with less fur and more of an indoor look- be sure to check these out!

Need shoes for going out but still want the same warmth? Check out these amazing Sorel boots– fashionable and warm! Perfect for a night out in a winter destination.

Thermal Layers

I cannot stress enough how much you need thermal under layers in cold destinations!

The key to staying warm is dressing in layers and always, your first layer should be your thermals.

Sweaters

After your thermal layer, you’ll want thick, cozy sweaters to bundle up in!

Down Parka

Finding the perfect coat can mean a lot of hunting online and in stores. You want something plenty warm but still makes you feel great when you wear it! I am obsessed with this all white faux fur down parka from Amazon.

I also love my longer brown coat and take it with me on every winter trip! The extra length really helps to keep your mid section warm

Mittens

Absolutely make sure you’ve packed warm mittens. It’s miserable to have freezing fingers and toes when you’re trying to enjoy your trip.

If you are doing activities where you need the use of your fingers, I recommend these!

Hats

I bought my furry pom-pom hat in Stockholm, Sweden but they have great ones on Amazon as well!

I never went outside without a hat- you will probably want to pack several!

Snow Suits

While we were in Sweden, the dog sledding company Wild Spirit loaned us snowsuits so we didn’t have to pack them. But this company Tipsy Elves has come out with some seriously cute retro snow suits that I adore!

Fleece Lined Leggings

These are my absolute number one essential for winter destinations! I have multiple pairs that I constantly wear under dresses, skirts and even jeans if it’s a super cold day.

I also wear them by themselves, to lounge in or sleep in at night! They are super versatile and will do wonders to keep you warm

Scarf

Sometimes a jacket just isn’t enough and you’ll really need to bundle up! Lots of layers and a super warm scarf will do the trick.

Hot Water Bottle

I had never used a hot water bottle until I camped for several weeks in Germany during Oktoberfest. It was FREEZING cold at night! Bundled up in multiple sleeping bags- I found a hot water bottle makes all the difference.

I use mine daily in Poland now as well. They are small and easy to travel with but provide such warmth!

Warm Pajamas

You’ll definitely want to pack something very warm to sleep in!

I was so thankful for fleece pajamas when we took an overnight train ride in Sweden that was quite cold! Cold drafty windows, thin blankets and train doors that kept opening to let in the freezing air made for a chilly night.

The places we stayed in Sweden and Poland were still much colder inside than what I was used to back at home. Stay warm while you sleep!

Socks

You will definitely need to pack thick, thermal socks.

You will want to wear one thin sock as a layer to help keep your feet dry, then add a thick sock over top!

I slept in these socks all of Sweden!

If you found this post helpful- let me know! Send me a picture of you in a cold destination and I’ll feature it on my Instagram

Have fun traveling and stay warm!

More on winter travel? Keep reading:

• 25 PHOTOS TO INSPIRE YOU TO GO DOG SLEDDING
• HOW TO SPEND ONE DAY IN ICELAND: MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR LAYOVER
• HOW TO FIND WORK WITH A DOG SLED COMPANY – AND WHERE EXACTLY TO APPLY

The post How to Dress for Winter Destinations: A Women’s Guide to Feeling Warm and Fashionable appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.

30 new countries, 5 continents and 12 new states in two year is a lot of travel. That’s not even counting the repeat trips to Italy, Spain, Germany and Texas. Or that in some countries I stayed over a month.  So the most common question I get these days is how can I afford to travel so much?

Traveling Full Time

Aside from plane tickets (which are definitely the most expensive part!) I have found it can actually be cheaper to travel full time than to live and pay rent, electricity, car insurance, internet, and all the other bills that come from living in one set location.

The first 6 months of my travels I was paying rent at a really nice apartment in Minneapolis. I loved the place but was not home enough to enjoy it. Paying rent on something that was little more than an over-glorified storage locker was killing my budget.

Living Life on the Road

So in June of 2018 I sold some things and put the rest into storage.  Now my home would be villas in Bali, sailing ships in Indonesia, Nile River boats, campsites in Germany or Airbnb’s in Italy.

I stopped placing such high value on material things and started valuing my own happiness, bringing joy to others and living the life I wanted to live.

While I know this isn’t a life path many would choose, I love waking up on the Venice canal, going to catch the sunrise over the Pyramids of Egypt or seeing a dazzle of zebras outside my villa in Africa.

Now I understand not everyone will sell their home and embark on a year long journey around the world. But for those of you wanting to travel (and still keep one foot on the ground) I can suggest these mindsets!

Prioritize Travel

So people keep asking, “How can you afford to travel so much?”

My response, “Because I make it a priority!”

Now if I had a dollar every time someone asked me that question, THAT’S how I would fund my travels  

I prioritize travel the same way some people make dressing in designer clothing, driving a nice car, owning a home, or buying Starbucks coffee their priority. What we decide to spend our money on is what we are deciding to ultimately value.

It’s easy to say, “I’ll travel when I have the time.” Well if you start prioritizing it, you will MAKE the time.

It’s easy to say, “I’ll travel when I save up a little more money.” But that’s often a slippery slope of continuing to put off traveling.

It’s easy to say, “I’ll travel when I’m older.” But we aren’t guaranteed any amount of time of this earth. So I’m a huge advocate of living the life you desire today. Especially while you are young and have your health!

Travel to Countries Where Your Currency is Strong

If you want to start traveling but don’t have a lot to spend, pick destinations where your currency is strong.

When I traveled to Egypt, I spent under $400 to book a 10 day tour. That price included accommodation, food, private guides, a Nile cruise and airport transfers. We opted to do every one of the optional upgrades and it still wasn’t an expensive trip! Egypt is incredibly cheap. But so is Indonesia. And so many other places around the world! 

Volunteer in Exchange for Accommodation

After plane tickets, the next biggest cost of travel is typically accommodation and food.

I have personally volunteered with Diverbo in exchange for awesome housing and tons of delicious German food and beer! You can read my blog post about it here.

You can also do WOOFing or Workaway. Both of these offer accommodation in exchange for volunteering a few hours a day!

And be sure to check out my post 10 Ways to Start Traveling Now.

Get inspired, set goals and go fill your passport!

Taking the leap and going on a big trip can be scary. Especially if you’ve never really traveled before.  But I promise it’s easier than it seems. Decide where you want to go and start getting inspired! There are endless resources online.

Makes goals, set a deadline and start filling up your passport!

If you’re wanting to travel but don’t think it’s possible right now, please feel free to reach out!

I try to answer everyone and am happy to give some guidance and inspiration whenever needed

Keep reading:

• 20 Bucket List Adventures For Your 20’s
• How To Get Epic Solo Travel Photos
• TRAVEL JOBS: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO FINDING PAID WORK AROUND THE WORLD

Shop My Favorite Travel Outfits:

Button Up Dress

Buy Now

Teal Maxi Dress

Buy Now

Peach Maxi Dress

Buy Now

Purple Floral Maxi Dress

Buy Now

Watch my TikTok on this subject:

The post How I Afford to Travel So Much appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.

Love exploring new cities? New countries?

Selecting flights with long layovers means getting a mini trip between flights. And it’s usually much cheaper than flying direct!

Long layovers break up your flight!

International flights = A LOT of sitting. If half way through you can get out and explore somewhere new- well that’s two birds with one stone!

My favorite scenario: Sleep on the first flight, get out an explore during a long layover, now that you’ve worn yourself out… sleep on the second flight all the way to your final destination!

Of course, you could always do some research on Sleeping in Airports to find the best lounges so you can relax in style and avoid the crowds and bad food airport. But depending on your destination, if you have over 6 hours you might want to see if you can go explore! Here’s how to make the most of a long layover.

You won’t want to drag your luggage around during your limited time to explore, so let’s go over your options!

3 luggage options during your layover:

1. Pack a light carry on and check the rest to your final destination!

I love to just have one small backpack with me as a carry on if possible. Then I have my money, passport, camera and few necessities for my day exploring. You definitely don’t want to have the hassle of bringing big luggage with you on your layover.

2. Offer to check your bag at the gate.

If you do have two pieces of luggage for carry on and your flight is relatively full, offer to have your larger bag checked for free!

While flying to Cape Town, I had two suitcases + my backpack. (I had packed a lot of camera equipment and clothing options for my first safari!) So when I arrived at my gate and they had announced it was a full flight, I offered to check my smaller rolling suitcase which they happily did- free of charge!

3. Airport Luggage Storage

If you have to collect your luggage between flights or are unable to check a second bag, all airports offer a place to safely store your luggage for a small fee while you are out. I have personally done this during long layovers in New York! It’s fast, easy and convenient. The last thing you want to do is drag luggage around the New York subway while you’re trying to enjoy your short visit!  I recommend looking it up online ahead of time so you know exactly where in the airport the luggage storage is located. That way you don’t waste any time on your layover wandering around the airport!

So you’ve landed and ditched your luggage, now what?

Time to get out and start exploring!

Here are my 5 recommendations for any layover:

1. Hustle off the plane and REALLY hurry through the airport to passport control.

Lines can be long and if you are on a massive international flight, you don’t want to get stuck in line behind all those people. A longer time in line means less time for your already very short trip! And passport control can really be a time suck if you wind up at the back of the line. 

2. Figure out ahead of time how you will travel from the airport

Frequently Uber is the most convenient, safest and cheapest. However when I was in Istanbul, I landed during rush hour. And traffic there is horrible. So to avoid it, I took the metro everywhere which was SUPER cheap and incredibly easy!!

3. See if there is a free walking tour available in the city you are visiting!

If you’re in Europe you can use the Rick Steve’s Audio Guides. Read my blog post about it here! But lots of cities host free daily tours. 

4. Post on Couch Surfing ahead of time what day you will be there!

Watch and be amazed. There are so many people who are willing to meet up with you, give you free tours, show you the local favorite spots and guide you through a new city! For me personally, this has been incredible. Some of my most memorable travel experiences have come from doing this and it’s totally free. Make sure you read the reviews on whoever you decide to meet up with and preferably only meet with verified users. I also message back and forth on social media before agreeing to meet up to make sure it’s a good fit! 

Read: ISTANBUL- HOW I USE COUCHSURFING TO MEET LOCALS

5. Ask the locals.

If you’re unsure what to do or didn’t plan anything ahead of time, no worries! Just show up, head towards the city center and ask your Uber driver or restaurant server for a recommendation. Local people are often happy to share what makes their city great!

I did this in Egypt and wound up exploring a part of Cairo I had no idea existed- the church where the Holy Family sought asylum during King Herod’s persecution, absolutely fascinating! 

So next time you book a flight, consider making the most of your layover! 

More on how to make the most of a layover:

• A GUIDE TO EXPLORING MANILA DURING A LAYOVER
• HOW TO SPEND ONE DAY IN ICELAND: MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR LAYOVER

Save on Pinterest for later:

The post How to Make the Most of A Long Layover appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.

10 Ways To Start Traveling NOW

Even with no money saved up, there are ways to quickly get you out your front door and exploring the world. No money? There are jobs that will pay you travel. Looking for accommodation abroad? You can volunteer in exchange for that, no problem! Can’t afford a flight? Welcome to the wonderful world of travel hacking with credit card points. If you want to make it happen, there is a way to start traveling now. Not when you retire, not a few years from now but in the immediate future!

1. Travel Hacking

For those who haven’t heard the term “travel hacking” before, it means getting free flights by signing up for a travel rewards credit card with a large sign up bonus.

Totally free flights!!

Seriously people, this is the GOLD MINE of free travel. I can’t tell you how many flights I got for free in the last year by “travel hacking.” Wait, actually I can. It was 7. SEVEN free round trip flights!!!

Here’s what you need to do:

Sign up for a card. Reach the minimum spending amount (usually $1,000-$3,000) in the first 3 months, then use the points for free flights.

It’s literally that easy. What I personally do is put EVERYTHING on my travel cards. Then pay it off immediately from the app on my phone. I never fall into debt and treat my credit card like a debit card. (One that gives me free flights though!)

Get creative with it!

I’ve paid my rent, health insurance and phone bill with my cards to ensure I hit my minimum spending amount.

Here are two great ones to start with:

Delta Sky Miles Card – One free checked bag anytime you fly with Delta and the $95 fee is waived the first year! I have managed to book several free flights with the points from this card in the last year! I used it to book my very first flight to Arizona when I first began traveling.

The Citi AAdvantage Platinum This one is awesome because of it’s huge sign up bonus! I used the points from this card to book my flight to Bali in August!

2. Sign up for a hotel credit card

Just like the flights, you can earn totally free stays at hotels around the world. I have personally stayed in a Hilton in London for free with my points and the Tropicana in Las Vegas (we even got upgraded to a suite here!)

My favorite hotel card is the Hilton Honors American Express Card. You can sign up here!

3. Find Jobs Abroad

Bar tender, Flight attendant, Au Pair, Hospitality Worker, Tour Guide, Destination Rep for a Travel Company…

I’m about to write lots of blog posts on this so tune in! But until then, let me just say there are incredible job opportunities in every city and country of the world you want to visit. You just need to be savvy and find them. Every tour company that exists needs tour leaders. Every city with a decent nightlife needs pub crawl leaders. And every massive festival that happens abroad needs people helping to set it up and run it! The possibilities are endless.

Apply to work on cruise ships, luxury sleeper trains or work a season in Alaska!

Read: TRAVEL JOBS: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO FINDING PAID WORK AROUND THE WORLD

Read: 12 COMPANIES THAT PAY YOU TO TRAVEL- APPLY HERE FOR A TRAVEL JOB!

4. Workaway

Get your accommodation covered in exchange for volunteering at some epic locations all over the world!

Want to work for a short time at a reindeer farm in Sweden? At an elephant sanctuary in Thailand? Teach English in Morocco? A bed and breakfast in Ireland? A hostel in Amsterdam? A surf camp in Ibiza?

Workaway has thousands of insanely cool opportunities in just about every country of the world!

If you plan on going on a long term trip- this is an incredible way to have most of your costs covered as you travel across the world.

Check it out here!

5. Couchsurfing

Basically free Airbnb!

It’s a network of travelers who let people stay in their home for free purely because they want to help other travelers! While a lot of people are skeptical about this, I can personally say I’ve couch surfed in London, Paris, Istanbul, Germany, South Carolina and Texas.

Each time was an incredible experience and I had so much more than just a couch. In London, I had my own bedroom and key at an adorable flat. In Texas, my hosts were gone in Italy most of the time and let me have the whole house to myself – including the master bedroom!

You can’t beat free if you’re on a budget.

Read: Couchsurfing: Is It Safe? & How I Use Couchsurfing to Meet Locals & Couchsurfing in Paris

6. Volunteer as a native english-speaker in Europe

Volunteer for an English exchange program! For one week, you donate your time by talking with people who are trying to improve their English.  It’s literally an all inclusive free trip in Europe! Plus you’ll meet incredible people from all over the world. No prior teaching experience is required.

Full blog post on my time with Diverbo here.

If you do multiple stays with the company Angloville, you can use their sponsorship to become a certified teacher in weeks! Check out their TEFL program here.

Be sure to check out Angloville and Speak.

7. Teach English Abroad

Teaching English abroad can be an incredible way to pay off student loans, travel, save money and build your resume.

Countries like Japan, Saudi Arabi, The United Arab Emirates, China, Vietnam, Taiwan and South Korea pay a pretty penny for native English speakers to teach in their classrooms!

Teaching experience isn’t a requirement and some places don’t even require a TEFL Certification.

Your travel expenses and apartment will typically be covered and depending on the country, most salaries are quite high- you can easily save up several thousand dollars to travel around the world after.

8. House Sitting

Imagine sitting in a luxury villa in Spain… you’ve just woken up in a comfortable bed with a great view of the ocean, you have the whole day to explore the area…. Your only responsibility today is to walk the border collie of the family who lives in this beautiful home. That my friends, is house sitting abroad.

I especially recommend house sitting if you’re an animal lover.

With websites like Trusted House Sitters, you can find homes to stay in for free!

9. Travel like a local, not a tourist.

Stop thinking of travel as just luxury vacations … Real people live in all these destinations and don’t spend extravagant amounts of money to stay there. Start thinking of yourself as a local.

Instead of eating out the entire time you’re traveling, go to a grocery store and get food for a picnic.

I spent just a few euros for an incredible picnic in front of the Colosseum.

It turned out to be one of my favorite afternoons in Rome- much better than sitting in another restaurant!

Instead of paying for guided tours, attend free walking tours. They offer them in most major cities! Or use the Rick Steve’s Audio Europe Guide for a free walking tour in any major European city. Full blog post on it here.

Thinking of yourself as a local and not a tourist is one of the easiest way to get yourself out the door and traveling now!

10. Travel to countries where your currency is strong and cost of living is low

If you don’t have a lot of money saved up to begin traveling with, the best thing you can do is travel to a country where the cost of living is low.

A hotel and nice dinner in Canada is going to cost you a lot more than accommodation and food in Sri Lanka.

Countries like India, Thailand, Indonesia and Columbia are so affordable, you could spend as little as $15-$30 a day.

Places like Iceland, Switzerland and Norway are going to burn through your budget much faster.

When you’re deciding where to travel, consider picking one of these amazing destinations.

When we traveled to Egypt, we booked a budget trip on TourRadar and paid less than $500 for a week long trip.

Read: HOW TO TRAVEL EGYPT ON A BUDGET – 8 DAY GUIDED TOUR WITH TOURRADAR

Save on Pinterest for later!

Shop my travel essentials:

Birkenstocks

My favorite travel shoe!

Buy Now

3/4 Sleeve Green Maxi Dress

Buy Now

Hammock

Easy to set up and hang anywhere!

Buy Now

Sorel Boots

My favorite water proof boots!

Buy Now

The post 10 Ways to Start Traveling NOW appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.