Packing it all in...

Lately, I’ve added many new destinations to my travel bucket list (dang you, Pinterest)! I’ve found myself wondering if I should start playing the lottery or find myself a sugar daddy! Don’t tell my husband! (I kid, I kid) But, during the past year I’ve pondered how wonderful it would be if I could be one of those famous world travelers. Ya know..the ones who get paid because she has a famous blog and writes about all of her amazing adventures…too much? Yeah, my husband thought so too. So, here I am in Sedalia, Missouri watching reruns of Friends for the billionth time as I pack for my upcoming trip to Amish Paradise!

Lancaster, Pennsylvania is my next destination and I am more than excited. Even though I don’t have a famous blog and I’m not a famous world traveler, I do travel often. My goal in life has always been to see all 50 US states and after this trip I will be down to 9. Actually, by the end of the year, I will be down 7.

I plan my adventures usually to the minute (unless it’s a Destination Unknown trip) and I very much enjoy taking in more sites than sleep when I travel. I also enjoy taking in more calories than steps! Home girls knows how to throw down some food. It's what I'm looking forward to the most about my trip to the Pennsylvania Dutch country! 

I consider myself to be somewhat of an expert packer (I always take only a carry-on) and if I’m flying, as I am this week, there are a few essentials that I do not leave the house without. I hope you find it helpful!

First and foremost, I don’t leave the house without my Zendure phone charger! I bought this charger before our girl’s trip to NYC 2 years ago and it saved us numerous times on that trip! This will charge my phone from 0 to 100% 4 different times! (I had an iPhone 6 at the time and an iPhone 7 currently) It’s SUPER impressive! I carry a tiny purse and it fits right in there. It runs for around $30 on Amazon. I seriously can’t say enough about this. I bought one for several people that Christmas after everyone kept using mine. You’re welcome.

The next thing I don’t leave without is a good pair of shoes. We tend to pack in more in one any given weekend away than most people fit in on a week-long vacation. I love it. I feel like you save so much money while getting to see all the major spots, plus a few of the “off the beaten path” places. My aunts and cousins introduced me to Teva’s and I just recently bought my first pair. I’m the kind of person who refuses to spend more than $20 on a pair of shoes, but my feet have started to pay for that. These Teva’s are so perfect. They are light and casual enough like a flip-flop, but the design allows you to be able to dress them up with skinny jeans-- if you’re cruising around Caesars' Palace (as we do often together). If you’re local to me, go grab you a pair (or 3) at Vincent’s! They just got them in! You won’t regret it. If you aren’t, you can find them listed at the bottom with the other "must-have" items. 

Up next, my travel size dry shampoo! AH! This stuff is made by little tiny angels up in heaven while Jesus watches. Not only is it my favorite brand, but it’s also in line with TSA’s tiny little sizing requirement laws. That’s what we call a win-win. I keep these travel ones for our camper and for the suitcase. They truly are so convenient. Saves my hair a washing and frees up my time for more adventure! PS...this is the hint of brown, as I have dark hair. If you are blonde or red headed, check out the other options.

​Lastly, my personal item is always a camel colored leather backpack! Isn’t it adorable? My purse fits inside of it, along with a few more things that I want for my flight. Medications, earbuds, my ipad, snacks, water, etc. Plus, I just like to walk around the cities hands free. It’s light weight, it’s got more pockets than I could ever need, and it cost me less than $50! This bag has traveled with me EVERYWHERE and soon it will join my new Tevas in Amish Paradise. Wheels up...next time I write to you, I'm sure to weigh 20lbs more!