Travello Blog

Category: Travel Tips

  • 6 Things I Always Regret Packing

    6 Things I Always Regret Packing

    Raise your hand if you like packing…

    I’m going to assume that not many people raised their hands. Let’s just be honest — packing sucks! If you’re like me, I usually leave it until the night before the flight leaves. I’m usually spending longer than necessary trying to figure out what to bring, looking at the weather app 10 times in one minute, and then getting distracted on social media. It’s a process.

    But after taking my fair share holidays, backpacking trips, or visits to grandma and grandpa’s, I think I’ve got this whole packing thing down. At least, I know what not to pack. Here are six items I always regret packing because it’s just not worth it.

    That extra pair of shoes, “just in case”
    Photo Credit: Unsplash

    There are plentyyy of “just in case” items that run through my head when I’m packing. Some of them include a belt, a hat, an extra bathing suit, a bulky jumper — you know, the things that you might need. But what I’ve learned from packing these “just in case” items is that I absolutely do not need that extra pair of shoes.

    When I travel, I’m happy with taking a pair of sandals/thongs, a pair of walking shoes (my Converse have been around the world and back), and a pair of sneakers (if I think I’ll be exercising or doing a hike). That’s it! I know that’s all I’ll need. In the past, I’ve regretted packing a pair of heels “just in case” I go clubbing or an extra pair of sandals to match a dress I didn’t end up wearing. If you’re joining a group tour, make sure to read through the suggested packing list so that you have the appropriate items.

    Hardcover books
    Photo by Siora Photography on Unsplash

    Ahh, this was a tough one for me to come to terms with. Yes, I’m one of those people who loves physically flipping a page when I read. But taking a heavy book on a holiday is not ideal. Most of the time, I don’t even open it.

    I recently made the long-overdue switch to reading off a Kindle and I hate to admit that it’s WAY better for a frequent traveller. And TBH, I’ve found that I actually read more with the E-reader than with a physical book! So it’s a win-win for me and my backpack.

    Valuable sunglasses
    Photo by Ethan Robertson on Unsplash

    I know there are some peeps out there who love their designer brand sunglasses! I love them too! They’re stylish and trendy, but not usually durable… which makes packing them a nightmare. After losing or crushing three pairs of Ray-Bans on a holiday, I’ve decided that I am no longer allowed to bring valuable sunglasses with me on vacation. Instead, I’ll buy a cheap pair of sunglasses from a vendor or convenience store to use during my travels. That way I’m less worried about them and I can come home to my nice $250 pair of sunnies.

    Laptop
    Photo Credit: Unsplash

    Unless you absolutely know that you’ll need it for work, don’t pack your laptop! It’s not only a burden to carry around with you, but also a valuable item that’s at high risk of being stolen. At the end of the day, it’s not worth it to worry about its safety in your dorm or hotel room while you’re out exploring a foreign destination. Leave it at home for peace of mind.

    Anything irreplaceable
    Photo by Artem Beliaikin on Unsplash

    When I pack for a holiday or backpacking trip, I need to remind myself that I’m coming home. I don’t need to take any irreplaceable items — and I’m not talking electronics, but rather nice jewellery/heirlooms, artwork, or custom made treasures. It’s totally unnecessary and not worth the looming worry in the back of your head. When you travel, you just have to assume that anything can happen to you or your belongings. It’s best not to pack any valuable items.

    Anything that I can share with my travel buddy
    Photo by Duy Pham on Unsplash

    If you’re travelling with a group of friends or a travel partner, link up on sharing certain items such as a hairdryer, shampoo, conditioner, sunscreen, soap, toothpaste, or other toiletries. I’ve found that it’s not necessary to both bring these items when you can simply share and save space in your suitcase. Come on now, no one has cooties. If you’re travelling solo, invest in travel-size containers that you can refill, instead of buying new ones for every trip. When it comes to toiletries and cosmetics, keep the mind-frame that less is more.

    Related post: Sildenafil: Your Comprehensive Guide to Adventure and Health

  • What’s an Eco-Village and Why You Should Visit One?

    What’s an Eco-Village and Why You Should Visit One?

    Travelling can take quite the toll on the environment. While this is an unavoidable fact, there are certain ways to counteract your impact, from packing reusable rather than disposable items to travelling by land rather than plane to making conscious decisions about where you stay.

    Today, we’re going to talk about the latter. There are all sorts of “green” accommodation options out there these days, but few beat an eco-village. Eco-villages are small communities inhabited by like-minded people looking to decrease their environmental impact. Often times, they rely on egalitarian decision-making processes, shared roles within the community and sustainable exports that help to financially support it.

    The one commonality of all eco-communities is their desire to live consciously and lower their ecological footprint.

    Many eco-villages around the world welcome short-term visitors, which is where you come in. Even if you’re not ready to give full-time village living a go, a visit to an eco-community is a great way to travel sustainably, learn about low-impact living, and (in most cases) receive accommodation for a very low price.

    In Australia, there are a few notable eco-communities that offer affordable accommodation and the “true” village experience.

    • Tasman Village in Nubeena, Tasmania offers work exchanges for people willing to contribute to the community in exchange for food or accommodation.
    • In New South Wales, Narara Ecovillage allows campers to stay for $10 per night and participate in village projects and community meals.
    • Crystal Waters in Conondale, Queensland also offers camping as well as bunk or cabin accommodation for those looking to explore the co-op and on-site animal sanctuary.

    There are also eco-villages in many of the countries where we offer tours and activities, including the following:

    • Thailand: Prampredee near Bangkok is a yoga and meditation village that offers free or discounted room and board for anyone willing to work 15 hours per week.
    • Japan: At Saihate, you can choose from a few options: Stay at the village for a small daily fee or help out around the place and receive free workshops and accommodation.
    • Spain: Lost Portales is a permaculture village north of Sevilla that offers paid accommodation as well as WWOOFing opportunities for long-term visitors.
    • Germany: Sieben Linden is an eco-community between Hamburg and Berlin that offers all sorts of budget accommodation including a variety of small lodges, tents and even a yurt.
    • Costa Rica: Pachamama offers work trades where visitors work 25 hours per week in exchange for discounted accommodation, free food and daily yoga lessons.

    If you’re planning a trip to any of these destinations, why not ditch the hostel and try out an eco-village instead? Your wallet and the earth will thank you.