Today I have a travel-related post because…I’m going on a trip! 🙂
Where to…?
I am off to Italy! On Monday. For a month. #JawDrop. At least mine did. 🙂

My sister is studying in Florence, and I was planning a trip in April to spend her birthday with her. Long story short, life has been in-sane lately… in a good way. But I have a hunch that April is going to bring even more craziness! So, with nothing really stopping me right now, I bumped my trip up + decided to spend some extra time in Europe. Because, why the heck not?! [Constant reminder to self: this is your year to do whatever you want, Amanda.]

While packing, a bajillion blog posts came to mind! Today, I want to share what’s in my carry on bag + some of my must-haves while flying!
Check them out! 🙂 –>
- I’m brining a backpack. Let it be known, I am *not* a backpack girl. I honestly cannot remember the last time I carried one. Maybe middle school? I want to travel as simply as possible, and lets be real – backpacks are pretty darn functional.

2. Making yourself comfortable in-flight is key. I’m brining one of my KnitPopShop blanket scarves to curl up with + my coziest pair of NoNonsense socks to change into. Not pictured is my feather down pillow that I’m going to try my *very hardest* to shove in the bag as well! lol
3. For entertainment, I’ve got my fully charged laptop, iPad, and my noise-reducing headphones! I’m also bringing one of the books I’m currently reading. 🙂
4. Snacks! I’m prone to dehydration, so having a water bottle on hand is key. [TIP: to save some $$, bring an empty bottle to fill up once you get past security.] I’ll stock up on various munchies, but a bag of peanut M+M’s is always my go-to airplane snack. 🙂
5. I don’t like to wear any makeup when flying, however, I do like to touch up before arriving at my destination! No need for a full face…just a few basics! [TIP: I like to spray tan at home the night before I travel – it helps me feel less washed out]. 🙂

6. I don’t know about you, but airplanes leave me feeling all kinds of gross + desperately anxious for a shower. Having a few things on hand to help you quickly refresh are crucial!

And there you have it! Of course I have all of the other important items in my purse; like money, ID, passport, chapstick… cuticle oil, etc. 😉 But these are some of the things that make traveling more enjoyable for me!
Did I miss anything important? Let me know in the comments below!
Not sure what my posting schedule will be like, but you better believe I’ll be blogging + sharing lots of pictures with you while I’m away. 🙂

What do you bring in your carry on?
Have you ever been to Florence? What are some things that I must do??
XOXO
AAAAA so excited for you!! You go girl (haha literally)! OOO I just can’t wait to read all about your trip and see all the amazing photos you take! Great items to take in a backpack. I personally love the peanut M&M’s!! I am totally obsessed with them haha!! Again, I am just so excited for you and totally love all your photos!
Aw thank you so much! I cannot wait to take a million photos + share some fun posts. I already have a couple mini-series ideas in mind! And can I tell you how hard it’s been to not eat these M+M’s that have been sitting in my living room all week? I should probably just eat them + buy another bag lol.
Haha I can’t wait to see them!! I know they will be amazing! (AKA…everything you do is amazing)! And girl you inspired me with those M&M’s! I had a bag lying around and totally been eating them this morning haha!!
You’re so sweet. And I may have to rip mine open – that sounds like a pretty darn good breakfast to me lol!
Haha Amen!!!! Haha!!
I am SO excited [and jealous] for you!!! Mostly excited to hear stories and see pictures!! I’ve been on the hunt for a backpack for traveling too!
Hahaha! Thank you girlfriend! I couldn’t believe I didn’t even have a backpack. I thought that was something that everyone just owned. I was sure I had one in storage or something…nope lol.
Jealous much!!!Hahaha…Have a fun trip and can’t wait to see all the pictures!
Aw, thank you Millie! I’m very excited – cannot wait to share some fun photos + experiences on here! XO 🙂
Omigosh, lucky you!!! So excited for you right now! Enjoy your trip, and I cannot wait to read about your exploits there and see the photos you create. 😘😘
Thank you Cara!! Me too, I’m looking forward to a change of [beautiful] scenery! I will definitely be posting lots + lots of pictures 🙂
omg i’d love to go to italy! have a fantastic time! and great post as always 🙂
Thanks girl! I’m excited to take a million pictures and write some European inspired posts! 🙂
This sounds so fun!! You need to go to the top of the Duomo! Also there is a secret bakery that opens at like 3am and they sell the freshest pastries- perfect after a night out! I am blanking on the name of it though. But you should also go to Rome and a tiny town called Orvieto!
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I will absolutely be down for 3 am pastries…if you remember the name, shoot it my way! I have been to Rome before, but never to Orvieto – noted! 🙂 🙂
So jealous!! Post lots of pictures! You’re going to have amazing backdrops for your OOTDs 🙂
Haha yes!!! I think that’s definitely going to have to happen!! 🙂 XOXO
I’m so excited for you! Florence is a beautiful city and I really enjoyed the short time I spent there. The market is a must! They have the most beautiful leather goods there. I bought a wallet, but I’m still kicking myself for not buying a purse.
Thank you,I cannot wait!! 🙂 And that’s what I keep hearing – I’m definitely going to have to snag some leather goods while I’m there! I don’t think I own any real leather anything…lol
I got my wallet almost 5 years ago and it still has that fresh leather scent.
Loved having a little snoop inside your carry on bag, YUM Peanut M&Ms definitely an essential!
https://theinsiderdaily.wordpress.com/
OMG! A whole month! How exciting! Have an awesome time Amanda. I’ve always wanted to visit Italy. Have a great time with your sister. Can’t wait to see pics! I’ll be getting back when you’re leaving. Haha. Have a safe flight! Xoxo
Thank you Gail!! If only it were going to be warm like your trip!! 😉 I’m really looking forward to it – lots of pics to follow! XOXO
I am SO excited for you! What an amazing opportunity to spend time with your sister in one of the worlds most beautiful cities. I have no doubt in my mind that you will have a wonderful time❤️ Can’t wait to see pictures & read stories!! Safe travels xoxox
Thank you, love! Lots of pics + stories to come!! XOXO 🙂
Super yay! Have fun! Ok, that was just silly to say, of course you will. I look forward to reading all about it and seeing pictures. 🙂 It is so great that you are doing this year for you. You will look back and be so glad you did. Plus, you’ll have all kinds of cool stories for your kids 😉
HAHA! I think so too! I’m really looking forward to it. Definitely stocking up on stories for those kids one dayyy! 😉
SO JEALOUS. Italy is my favorite place on earth. Take lots of pictures and have fun!!!!!!!!
Aw thank you! I definitely will!!:):)
Thats awesome!!!! Love the grey sweater… I think I might have the same one lol – Have a blast, eat LOTS of food and soak in every moment!!! 🙂
Thank you! I plan to! If I don’t gain at least 8lbs – I didn’t experience it right haha! And this is the coziest sweater – did you find yours at Forever??
Lol eat all the food!!!!… Mine is from Gap but looks so similar! Hope you have a blast 🙂
Thank you! XOXOX
OH MY GOD BABE!!! You are going to have SO much fun .. I have always wanted to go to Italy… for the food, weather, culture.. AND for a whole month!! I cannot wait to see the photos & outfits :P… Love seeing what you’ll be carrying!
Saira
http://www.throughtheglitterglass.wordpress.com
xo
Thank you, love!!! I plan to eat a LOT + take a tonnn of pictures!! 😉 XOXOX
Having just flown commercial for the first time in 10 years I learned a lot! I took a tote as my carry on and it killed my shoulder. I told my husband no matter how unfashionable it was, next time I was bringing a backpack!!
Hahaha aww!! Well, this makes me feel a little better about my unfashionable decision. Unfortunately, you seriously cannot beat a backpack! LOL
It’ll be so much better!!!
That’s so exciting!! I’ve always wanted to go to Italy, but I’m the biggest wimp when it comes to travelling. Especially in an airplane, and especially over the ocean! Lol. Hope you have a safe trip and lots of fun!! Can’t wait to see pictures! 🙂
Aw, I’m honestly *so* not a fan either, but it’s worth it! I’ve been lucky to visit before, but am looking forward to this trip as I’ve never been to Florence! You must bite the bullet + go one day! I doubttt you’ll regret it! 😉 XOXO
I am so excited for you! And jealous! You will absolutely love Florence!! Definitely drink all the wine and eat all the delicious dishes! Look up Gusta Pizza for amazing pizza! (Well who am I kidding its all amazing lol). Definitely look up I Due Fratellini. It’s a little hole in the wall sandwich shop. I dreammmm about those sandwiches. Get the one with goat cheese, pepperoni, and sundries tomatoes! Just take it all in! Can’t wait to see pictures!!
Ahh thank you!! That all sounds so delicious — the goat cheese sandwich though!? OMG! I’ll definitely be doing lots of eating + lots of picture snapping. :):)
Good!! Have fun!!
Ah so excited for you! (& super jealous) 🙂 Can’t wait to see all the pics you post while you’re there and hear about it when you get back – We’ll need to plan another wine night! Safe travels! Xo
Thank you, girl! Yes, lots of pics to come. We’ll definitely have to catch up when I return!! 🙂 XOXO
So excited for you!!! This is definitely a place high on my bucket list!! Can’t wait to see all your pictures and hear all the stories! ❤️
Thank you, girl! 🙂 I’m looking forward to sharing some fun posts + pictures!! XOXO
Have a safe trip and enjoy your holiday!!! Also, you could try a bottle with a filter 😀
https://cybabe.wordpress.com/
Thank you so much! Yes!! That’s exactly what I need!!
Have a great trip, Amanda!! Can’t wait to hear all about it!
Thank you so much! XO 🙂
So amazing! Very jealous! Hope you have an amazing trip!! Enjoy the lovely culture.
Thank you girlfriend! Its wonderful here! XOXO 🙂