I am so excited to finally announce that I have the opportunity to study abroad again during this Winter term. After interning for a year and now working in my university’s Office of Education Abroad, it’s safe to say I’ve caught the travel bug. Wanderlust is real, and watching new students choose exciting programs all over the world definitely makes it hard to sit still. Fortunately, I received three amazing scholarships that make this travel possible for me. I will be spending the next few weeks in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula at various cities and beaches studying anthropology, brushing up on my Spanish, and eating some of the best food around! I can’t say I’ll miss a cold Kentucky New Year’s Eve when I’ll be spending it on the beaches of Tulum.
After having spent significant time in Latin America during my time as an undergrad, there are a few universal packing and traveling essentials I can’t live without…
- Recloseable plastic bags – As simple as it seems, baggies are a life saver when traveling anywhere, but particularly in Latin America when the weather fluctuates and you’re participating in outdoor activities.
- Travel size toiletries – While it might not seem practical to buy a full new set of shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, etc. when you have a brand new full bottle of each sitting at home, travel size toiletries can greatly reduce the size and weight of your luggage to keep you traveling light and potentially in just a carry on!
- Bold and versatile luggage – Waiting for your checked bag to arrive at the carousel can be quite a gamble with so much lost luggage these days. If you have a traditional black or blue bag, it can make locating your luggage that much more challenging when it looks like everyone else’s. I love my Vera Bradley Grand Traveler bag because it stands out as a checked bag and my luggage is always easy to locate! Vera Bradley is a unique company, creating iconic designs and versatile styles that offer women a colorful way to accessorize. It’s also perfect if you’re also traveling with any rolling luggage – it attaches!
- Waterproof phone case – If you’re like me, you’re going to visit a beach during your travels abroad. I’m attached to my phone – for pictures and communication – and it inevitably gets covered in salt, sand, and water when I’m near the coast. Keeping your expensive technological investment protected when you’re traveling is key!
- A practical watch – While I generally rely on technological devices for the time, phones and iPads die. Having a watch (set in the right time zone!) will keep you on schedule. Make it slender and practical – no fancy gadgets or screens necessary in case it gets lost or broken during your travels.
I’m so excited to leave this weekend & can’t wait to share photos of my travels!
This post is sponsored by Vera Bradley and Her Campus Media. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Space, Place & Southern Grace possible!
