Flashpacking for Females Part 1: A Few (Girly) Pre-Trip Tips Before You Hit The Road

1. Naughty by Orly 2. Nicole Jung's Wash & Wear Hairstyle 3. The North Face Casimir Women's 36 Pack 4. Clothes from Roxy and Free People 5. Mustache Passport Holder & Luggage Tags from Etsy

Let's face it, traveling can be a rough, rugged, and filthy activity. Shoddy toilets, long hours in transit, places in the middle of nowhere without the comforts of home - such minor details are all part of the fun, except sometimes it can leave a lady feeling more aimless vagabond than fierce, fashion-forward adventurer.

So what's a girl to do? Suck it up and go with the flow, more often than not. But there are a few tips and tricks to survive life on the road without having to sacrifice one's girly needs (but also keeping in mind not to go overboard, either - nobody wants to travel with a fussy princess).

A key point is to be prepared - you must anticipate that a backpacking trip will leave you a little filthier and more unkempt than your usual self, so it's best to plan ahead. Read on to find out how you can prepare to rough it out on the road and still look like a decent human being (at the very least).



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1. Get your nails done.

This is especially true if you’re backpacking across tropical countries or during the summer when you will most likely be wearing flip flops. Get a manicure and a pedicure before you leave for your trip, and choose nail polish that won't chip easily.


2. Get a haircut.

Choose a hairstyle that will look good even through 12-hour bus rides or long, dirty hikes. And unless you’re willing to bring a blow dryer with you, it's best to go with a wash-and-wear look.

3. Choose the right backpack.

More than style, it's best to choose a backpack based on your functional requirements. Thankfully the folks at North Face have made sure to offer backpacks specifically suited to women that also come in fun, funky colors.

4. Carefully plan your wardrobe.

Just because your clothes are in a backpack doesn’t mean you can’t be stylish (or at least decent looking!). You need to be especially creative with your outfits given the limited number of pieces you will have with you, so choose items that you can mix and match. Of course, make sure they're comfortable!

5. Get a cute passport holder and funky luggage tags!

Not only do they add a little bit of flair and personality to your passport and luggage, a passport holder keeps your passport, plane tickets and boarding passes organized, and unique luggage tags can help you spot your bags easily at baggage claim and minimize the chances of mistaken bag identity (i.e. someone else taking your luggage, thinking it was theirs)

What pre-trip preps and rituals can you not live without before traveling?