Home for the Holidays: 5 Things You Need To Carry Along.

I just got home this weekend and I’m super excited about this holiday because, obviously, I get to spend a couple of weeks with my family that I’ve missed so much. And also because I get to welcome yet another beautiful niece into this world! Woop woop! 🙂

Onto today’s post. I’m the last-minute kind of packer. Mostly because I find the whole process stressful and prolonging it for days isn’t my thing. I usually have a list written down of the things that I need to carry and I’ll make sure they are all in my room the day before I travel. I’ll go about my last day as usual (watching movies, going out for picnics etc) and just four hours before I leave I’ll start packing.

It normally takes an hour or so then I jump into the shower, get dressed, have something to eat, brush my teeth, call a taxi and I’m out. Sounds stress-free, right? 🙂

In this post, I thought I’d share with you 5 general things that I always carry along when travelling home for summer:

1. Clothes and shoes according to the weather at home.

I don’t enjoy shopping as much as I used to anymore and I always seem to prefer the items that I already have compared to what’s in the shops. That’s why I carry all that I’ll need and will hardly buy more once I’m home.

2. Travel documents.

Tickets, passport, registration. All that stuff without which you may find yourself stuck in foreign land.

3. On-the-road essentials.

That’s what carry-ons are for, right? To put everything you’ll need while travelling. Toothbrush, toothpaste, wet wipes, lotion, lip balm, neck pillow, socks, headphones, purse, sunglasses etc.

4. Gifts for family.

I always make sure to get something for all my close ones, however small. Just to show them how much they mean to me.

5. Comfy travel wear.

It’s always about comfort while travelling. My staples are a loose-fitting t-shirt, tracksuit bottoms, oversized jumper and flat strappy sandals that I switch for socks once I board my flight.

Always be kind.

Dee.

❤

Moscow, Russia. 4

I was pretty fatigued last night so I decided not to do much today. I woke up mid-morning, freshened up and headed out to buy my ticket to St. Petersburg. After that, I made my way to the Red Square to get a few more shots. The first time I was there it was so crowded and half of it was barricaded in preparation for some event that was to happen the next day. This time there was a book festival going on but it didn’t take up much of the square.

Always be kind.

Dee.

❤

Moscow, Russia. 3

This, my friends, is Arkhangelskoye Palace. This property was home to one of Russia’s prominent nobles, The Golitsyns.

The entire estate is now a state museum. Lying on the banks of the Moscow river, the grounds are adorned with numerous fascinating sculptures, neoclassic buildings and well-trimmed gardens.

Anyone who appreciates architecture will definitely love this place.

Take a look!

Always be kind.

Dee.

❤

Moscow, Russia. 2

Where: Moscow.

When: Day 2.

What: Sightseeing and visiting Moscow’s central park.

Always be kind.

Dee.

❤

Moscow, Russia. 1

After postponing this trip for ages I finally made it to Moscow!! Yay! As a “tourist” that is, and not just to get a connecting flight to Volgograd! 🙂

May I just add that this is my first official solo trip and it’s been nothing short of AMAZING!

I actually woke up yesterday and decided to book today’s ticket to Moscow, hoping that I would be able to sort out my accommodation, packing and itinerary within that short window of time.

The latter wasn’t quite sorted out since it took me literally the whole of yesterday and most of today to finally secure my accommodation. I had initially planned to use Airbnb (first time) until it got so frustrating that I almost cancelled my ticket. Apparently, as part of their new requirements, they need you to scan your passport and send it to them without any solid assurance of safety or privacy. Umm, no, thank you.

So, I took to the web and within an hour I had reserved a spot at Bear Hostels, right at the centre of the city! The place is way cooler than I’d expected and I’d definitely come back here some other time.

Since I’d already checked in by noon, I thought I’d stroll down to the Red Square, about 10 minutes away from the hostel.

I gotta say though, St. Basil’s Cathedral is much more stunning in person. I literally gasped and slowed way down as it came into view. It has all these little intricate details on it that make it so beautiful to look at.

Always be kind.

Dee.

❤