okay so I used the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L for 2+ years, then I used the Gregory Border Carry On 40L for my 2 month SE Asia trip last year… so why the switch? comfort My bag is HEAVY. The gear I have in here made the weight of the bag about 15kg and both of the bags mentioned above are not built for that weight. Yes I know that weight doesn’t make it a “carry on” for all airlines. I kind of just take my chances. The @REI Ruckpack is built way better for heavier loads. So if you don’t have that heavy of a pack, the Cotopaxi or Gregory are still awesome options! The switch from going from a backpack that opens suitcase style to one that opens like this wasn’t bad. One thing I noticed is when this bag is packed full it stays carryon size. Whereas the Gregory and Coropaxi expand to get taller and I’ve had a few situations where I needed to take an item out to get it in the overhead compartment. My favorite parts of the REI ruckpack: Comfort Strong zippers Zips all the way open Stow away the straps Easily organizable Side pockets Usable pockets (sometimes I feel like backpacks have pockets in the worst places and the ones on here are all usable and help organize the bag) Cons: The one con that I mentioned isn’t a huge deal, I can still access the laptop from the top I just have to take an item or two out. It would just make it ✨that✨ much better if it had the access. I mention this because laptop compartments are a big factor for digital nomads! Also I do know it’s technically the water bladder holder 😉 #onebagtravel #solofemalebackpacker #backpackers #travelpacking

Now that I do these 3 things, traveling is just a bit easier 👇🏼✨ AD 1. The best thing about taking two pairs of shoes is that you wear one and then can attach the other pair to the outside of your bag! So you can save even more space in your bag. If you only bring one pair of shoes traveling PLEASE let me know which type. I haven’t done many long-term backpacking trips in colder weather, but for the bits I have done I just wore my Blundstones! 2. I am a big eSIM fan and @Airalo eSIM store makes it SO easy. One trip last year I got absolutely destroyed on roaming charges by my US cell phone carrier and needless to say I learned my lesson. Airlalo is 100% digital, has no roaming charges, a wide range of options, and you can keep your original number. A little more on how to use an Airalo eSIM: - download the app - search the country or region you’re going to - pick the best plan for you (I chose 20GB for 3 weeks in the Philippines, 20GB for 2.5 weeks in Vietnam, 10GB for 10 days in Malaysia, and 5GB for 2 weeks in Thailand) - make sure you’re connected to wifi in order to download the eSIM onto your phone - once you arrive in that country, you’re good to go! You can use code KAYLI3 for $3 off your first eSIM purchase! 3. Unless you’re in a city, most places I’ve been throughout SE Asia only accept cash. I use a bank card and take cash out of ATMs every few weeks or so. I’ve seen and heard stories of people’s cards getting lost, stolen, or not working and then they have no way of getting cash out. It’s always good to have multiple options and a backup stowed away somewhere! #airalo #esim #solofemaletravel #backpackingtips #seasiatravel #solofemalebackpacker #traveltips

ok so here’s how this goes in my brain… I don’t spend money on a tour… so I can go spend money on a tattoo I save $20/night by not drinking… so I can go book a volcano expedition what do we call that?? 😉 and yes, there are going to be some exceptions to these, but overall this is how I’m operating on this trip alsooo I’m not anti-tour. I’ve booked multiple tours on this trip already and loved them. There are just some cases where it’s not required to have a guide and/or the tour is just very overpriced for what you’re getting. Those are the cases where I would rather go do it myself. #seasiatravel #solofemalebackpacker #solofemaletraveler #budgettravel

the Philippines feels like such a cheat to backpacking 😅 but I’ll take it!! I really love it here. I spent nearly every morning in Siargao like this. Made more of a routine for myself here than I do when I’m in the van lol Hostel: Happiness Siargao Bike rental: through my previous hostel Hiraya , I just kept it the whole time I was there Surf lessons booked through Hiraya hostel Ice bath: Mujo Cafe: Happiness Beach Bar #solofemaletraveler #backpacker #seasiatravel #backpackph #solofemalebackpacker

I’ll be honest I really don’t mind sleeping in situations like this. I do it for the money saving aspect (transportation + accommodation in one) and also for the experience. This overnight ferry ended up being right under $50 and I realized later I could’ve booked it elsewhere for $30. Sooo lesson learned there. But still way cheaper than a flight. I will say, if you book your flights way in advance in the Philippines you can get them for a cheaper cost. I’ve been planning things no more than a week or so in advance, so once I look at the flights they’re spendy. Even with that said I’d probably still have done the ferry regardless because I wanted to see what it was like! #solofemaletraveler #backpacker #seasiatravel #backpackph