I have been a big fan of The Nomad Lab for some time now.  Marissa is another avid traveler who has a knack for finding beautiful and amazing destinations.  So I was thrilled to have this jetsetter share some of her traveling tips and tricks with us all here today!

Overpacker or underpacker: Underpacker, except when it comes to shoes.  Try as I might, I can’t seem to manage to pack less than 4 pairs of shoes, no matter what destination!  I survived 3 months (and what felt like 3 seasons) of traveling all over Europe with just a large backpack, and still managed to squeeze 4 pairs of shoes into it (boots, sneakers, flipflops, ballet flats).  I needed every single pair, I swear.

Carry-on essentials: An oversized tote bag that holds all my stuff, but fits under the airplane seat.  Headphones.  iPad.  Book (I just finished the Hunger Games triology, and I’m currently reading Design for Everyday Things).  Chapstick and hand lotion.  Chargers, just in case.  An extra pen for customs forms.

In-flight activities:  Sleeping.  I have a tendency to fall asleep before takeoff and I have, on occasion, not woken up until the wheels hit the tarmac.  The only exception is when I get my hands on a super thrilling book that I can’t put down (ie: Hunger Games!  I was obsessed).

Traveling must-haves: Rick Steves’ mesh packing cubes.  My camera, of course.  Purell and Band-aids.  My cell phone, with all the necessary apps loaded into it (Tripit, GateGuru, Spotify, Twitter, Instagram, etc.)

Out-of-the-ordinary things you bring:  A roll of ziplock bags secured with a few extra hairbands.  Hidden pockets stitched into my jackets so I don’t have to wear one of those silly looking money belts.  A deck of cards to play with fellow travelers and/or new friends.

Packing a suitcase: I pack very last minute, so it’s typically a frantic exercise in pulling out anything I might possibly need from my closet…and then just packing half of it.  I roll everything, and always use those packing cubes!  If I’m going somewhere with a drastically different climate, I leave the appropriate change of clothes within easy reach so I can change as soon as I arrive.  Also, I always try to leave the outside pockets of the suitcase empty – it forces me to leave a little extra room for souvenirs.

Traveling advice: Don’t plan everything.  Talk to locals and other travelers.  Ask lots of questions.  Go for walks and be okay with getting lost, as long as you have a map on you for when you do need to get home.  My favorite way to explore is on foot, just wandering around on my own.  Renting a bike or scooter is a great way to see a city and cover more ground, too.  Notice the little things.  Be friendly, but not gullible or careless.