As Andrew and I prepare for our trip to New Zealand, I thought it would be great to share what I do in preparation for a big trip. We’ll be going out of the country for 5 days, which isn’t a super long time, but because it’s out of the country it means you need to do some extra planning.

TIPS & TRICKS FOR PACKING

DO RESEARCH

Read everything you can about the country or place you’re going to: the customs, the culture, what kind of currency they accept, etc. In New Zealand, it’s pretty easy because it’s an english speaking country. We will be exchanging our US dollars for NZ dollars in the airport, which I don’t recommend, because it’s a pretty high exchange rate. If you can plan ahead and have your bank get it for you, I highly suggest that. I researched my credit card as well the last time I was there and my Capitol One card does not charge foreign transaction fees.

CHECK THE WEATHER

While we are there, New Zealand will just be transitioning into fall. Did someone say shorts and tank tops?! Woohoo! I’m so happy because I’ve been living in my big sweaters and coats lately. Last time I was in New Zealand was America’s summer and New Zealand’s winter, so it’ll be awesome to be there when it’s warm.

MAKE LISTS

I’m a notorious overpacker. Sadly, I’ll admit to paying $100 for having my suitcase weigh 15 pounds over… NEVER AGAIN. That doesn’t mean I still don’t normally overpack but I have found a way to limit that by creating lists of everything I’m bringing. This not only shows me EXACTLYwhat I’m bringing, BUT it helps me to not forget items I need as well because I check everything off my list as I pack.

TRY ON OUTFITS

This one is a biggie! Pick out all the outfits you plan on wearing, try them on, and then pack them away. I always end up bringing too many clothes I don’t even wear, which takes up space and weight. By doing this, I have room to bring more things back with me. Gimme all the New Zealand candy!

ROLL YOUR CLOTHES

I swear by rolling my clothes and putting socks in shoes while packing. This truly saves space and keeps your suitcase well organized. This also helps protect more fragile things by rolling them in shirts or pants. This is the only way I pack now!

PUT LIQUIDS IN ZIPLOCKS

This has SAVED me. There have been numerous instances where my liquids have exploded due to the pressure while in the air and thank goodness for them being in ziplock bags. I just purchased a hanging makeup bag for better organization and I’ll still be putting my liquids into bags within my makeup bag.

BRING TRAVEL SIZED BEAUTY PRODUCTS

I’m a BIG fan of Target’s “mini section”, as I like to call it. You can find all sorts of travel sized products because, come on, you don’t need an entire canister of dry shampoo LOL.

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WEIGH YOUR BAGS

My mom always told me to weigh my bag on a scale before you leave because you do not want to be caught at the airport with an overweight bag. Hello $100 charge. I found a great way to weigh your bags without putting them on a scale. This little digital scale works wonders. I pack it with me for my return flight too. Here a few to choose from:

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CLICK A PHOTO BELOW TO SHOP

GET YOUR PAPERWORK IN ORDER

Make sure your passport and visa is in order. For New Zealand, we didn’t need a visa but we did need to make sure our passport was good to go.

Once you get everything in order, get ready for a fantastic trip!

Love Always,

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