How To Pack For a Cruise

I've been feeling cruises lately, and feel like they are a special breed of travel that can be much different than other travel options. You see a bunch of places, but you're basically stationary, because you're on a ship and you don't have to pack up and move every day or so. You have a lot of options for activities on and off the ship, which means you're probably taking a few more things, but you have less room than you would in most traditional hotel rooms.

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You should also pack a bit differently for a cruise than how you normally would for traditional travel. I've given you a sample capsule wardrobe and also a list of good-to-have items. So, let's talk about actually packing these items.

Use packing cubes

I'm a big fan of packing cubes to keep all my clothing organized. It's also nice to use different sizes to separate my clothes from Eric's, just so it's incredibly easy to find what we need. My favorites are compression cubes and I have a similar set to these. I use a large one for all of Eric's clothes and a medium one for mine, then a small one for all our underwear and socks. Not only are they great for organizing your stuff, but take more in less space. That's important if you're trying to pack as small as possible.

Keep your swimsuit and sunscreen in a separate, smaller bag

I suggested this packable, insulated tote bag from Travelon. Not because it's insulated, but because it's got a waterproof lining. When you board the ship, you will not have access to your bag(s), unless you want to drag them around with you until your room is ready. It may be several hours before you can get into you room and your bags are delivered to the door, so pack things you may need/want in a separate bag to use in that time: swimsuit(s), sunscreen, medication*, sunglasses, flip flops, hat, passport/ID, portable battery. 

This means you won't be burdened with stuff, when what you really want to do is grab lunch and then have a drink by the pool. It enables you to hit the deck running much more easily. And if you want to redress instead of wandering around the ship in your swimsuit, you have a bag with you that is perfect for that. 

*if you get motion sickness, make sure you bring medication for it, or, even better, try bands like Blisslets, which are pretty and use acupressure to stave off nausea. 

Put your important documents in waterproof pouches

Waterproof pouches are great for snacks, but even better than that, they can be used to keep things like your travel documents, passport, phone, and cash dry and separate from wet things in your bag or when you're near the pool on that first day. 

You can use these in your suitcase to corral all your like things together, like your cords for electronics, your magnetic hooks or clips and nightlight, so you can pull each right out of your bag and put stuff to use.

Use a hanging toiletry bag

You're not going to have that much space in your cabin bathroom, especially when it comes to counterspace. Keep all your toiletries off what little free space you have by bringing on that unfolds and hangs up. The flat-out toiletry bag from Travelon is a little bigger than normal toiletry bags, but a great choice, or the Bagsmart one is larger and has more compartments to see all your things at once. If you're a minimalist, the Travelon compact kit is awesome.

You can always use a second hanging shoe organizer on the back of the bathroom door to spread things out a bit. I recently bought this set of two, so you can use on in the main cabin and one in the bathroom.

Last, but not least, don't forget to bring cash for tips onboard (it can be easier to keep track of them this way) and for shore excursions. 

When you're more organized on your trip, you'll spend more time enjoying your cruise than digging in bags for things you know you packed, but can't find. It also helps for when you have to pack all your things before going to bed on the night before you have to get up bright and early to disembark.  

What are your must-have tips or items for cruising?

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Making Your Washington, D.C. Wishlist Happen

Planning a trip to Washington, D.C., is exciting but can be daunting when you’re trying to fit all the must-see attractions into a limited budget and timeframe. The typical D.C. wishlist includes iconic sites like the Lincoln Memorial, and the White House. Don’t forget the obligatory long walks along the National Mall and visits to fascinating museums too. 

How do you make it all happen without breaking the bank or running out of time?

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Book a Central Hotel

One of the best ways to maximize your time in Washington, D.C., is by booking a hotel in a central location, like the new Arlo hotel in Washington Capital Hill. 

Capitol Hill is home to landmarks such as the U.S. Capitol Building, the Library of Congress, and the Supreme Court, and it’s just a short walk or metro ride from the National Mall and other key sites.

Pack Your Best Urban Walking Shoes

Washington, D.C., is a city best explored on foot. Walking allows you to fully appreciate the grandeur of its monuments and the beauty of its parks and neighborhoods. To make the most of your walking tours, pack your best urban walking shoes. Comfortable, supportive shoes will keep you going all day without the discomfort that can come from less practical footwear.

Walking is not only cost-effective but also gives you the flexibility to explore at your own pace. 

Do Not Buy Souvenirs

While it’s tempting to load up on souvenirs, they can quickly drain your budget and add unnecessary bulk to your luggage. Washington, D.C., has plenty of souvenir shops offering everything from T-shirts to trinkets, but these items often end up forgotten in a drawer. Instead, focus on capturing memories through photos.

Taking a good selfie is an art, and with a little practice, you can master it. Whether you use a selfie stick or rely on the classic arm’s-length shot, here are some tips: Find good lighting, use iconic landmarks as your backdrop, and experiment with angles to get the best shot. Photos not only save you money but also create lasting memories you can share with friends and family. They’re personal, meaningful, and don’t take up physical space.

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Keep a Daily Budget

Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean you have to miss out on anything. Setting a daily budget helps you manage your finances without stress and ensures you can enjoy all the key experiences Washington, D.C., has to offer. Start by planning your major expenses, such as meals, transportation, and entry fees for attractions that aren’t free.

Many of D.C.’s top attractions, including the Smithsonian museums and the National Gallery of Art, have free admission, making it easier to stick to your budget. For meals, look for local eateries and food trucks that offer delicious and affordable options. Keep track of your spending each day to avoid any surprises and make adjustments as needed.

Your Washington, D.C., wishlist is within reach, even on a tight budget and schedule. By booking a central hotel, packing the right gear, avoiding unnecessary expenses, and sticking to a daily budget, you can make the most of your visit. Embrace the adventure, explore the city’s rich history, and create unforgettable memories. Washington, D.C., has so much to offer, and with a little planning, you can experience it all. So, pack your bags, put on your walking shoes, and get ready for an incredible journey through the heart of America.

Essential Cruise Wardrobe Pieces

It's summer, and if you're anything like me, you might be thinking about a cruise again. Now, I always think about going on a cruise and then somehow talk myself out of it, but I am a person who likes to set  up a home base and then explore a city for an entire week. We've been debating on a Mediterranean cruise though, so we'll see if we actually go through with it. I'd love to see a lot of Greece and Turkey in one go, but I'm also really thinking I might just spend a week in Malta. 

Anyway, if you are actually planning a cruise, and you've whittled down what sort of ship you want to go on, where you want to go, and have gathered your cabin accessories, then let's talk what to put in your luggage. We'll talk about how to pack your luggage in a different post.

Depending on how long of a cruise you're going to go on, there may be several different kinds of activities every day. On any given day you could go from breakfast, to the pool, to trivia, to a nice dinner, to a Broadway-style show. So, you're going to want to bring more than you normally would on a trip, but we're also still going to try to pack light, because I'm still all for doing laundry. It's actually easier on a cruise, because everything you're doing when not in port is basically in your "hotel".

In this case, I like to bring versatile pieces that can work for a lot of activities. 

Tank tops are perfect for layering or generally strolling around the ship, whether you're going to lunch or reading by the pool or on your balcony or doing miniature golf. I always bring a couple basic ones that have a bit more coverage (not spaghetti strap ones) and I like these from Pact that feel great and can double as activewear, so even if you're a sweaty mess, your shirt won't look it. These come in a pack of two.

T-shirts are a perfect staple for most trips. I actually really like these loose-fit cap sleeve tees, because they give a different sort of silhouette, look great with a lot of different bottoms, and also aren't as heavy or tight as most t-shirts. I'd bring two of these.

A casual travel top that works with almost anything is a must. I am a fan of a looser tank with a pattern that can make different bottoms look entirely different from each other. I love a piece from from Prana and I have had my eye on these tie-front tanks, because they work for going to meals, doing random things on the ship, and help you look put together, while also being extremely comfortable, on excursions.

A longer dress is great for wandering around port, as a beach cover-up, and also for "formal" dinners and shows. This one from Billabong can go from casual to dressy with just a few accessories. It's also easy to add a layer on top for a little warmth. There are some people on cruises that go all out on formal nights, but there is always a spectrum of formality. If you want to look more formal, you can always opt for a black dress. That's usually my go-to, but I have a lot of black clothing, since it goes with everything, even if it's not very summery.

A shorter beach cover-up. If you plan on spending time on the beach or at the pool, but don't want to walk through the ship in just your swimsuit, or you don't want to go back to your room to change after breakfast, then bring along a cover-up that can also double as a super casual dress or a tunic-length shirt. This eyelet dress from Prana comes in two other colors, but I really feel the cruise vibe in white, plus it has pockets!

Lightweight, quick-drying shorts. Two pair of shorts in different colors that match all your tops are probably all you need. It's likely you'll be wearing them mostly on deck or while exploring your port city. I try to pick ones with a longer inseam (5"), so my butt is covered when I sit down and my thighs don't burn on benches and you don't get that gross sweat stick to chairs that everyone else has sat on in their tiny shorts. It also helps eliminate chafing. I've recommended these Columbia Backcast water shorts before and I stick by that recommendation. They are comfy, fine for jumping around in the water, can be worn as a swimsuit bottom in a pinch, and are moisture-wicking. They even have UVA and UVB blocking built-in

A pair of linen or linen-blend pants are a must for being comfortable, but still looking great. They look nice with a tank top or a looser top and a change of shoes can really make them look more dressed up, too. I'm a person who gets cold sitting in a restaurant or theater, so having some extra coverage on my legs is really helpful. These linen palazzo pants are flowy and are iconic vacationwear. 

You're going to need things other than just clothing staples, so let's talk about those things: 

A great bathing suit for all those trips to the pool and possibly the beaches of whatever city you've docked at. I love this cutie ruffle tankini set. It has more coverage and comes in a bunch of different colors/patterns, so it can work for just about everyone. 

Shoes. You probably want to bring a pair of flip flops or water shoes. They take up almost no space. Aside from those, I always suggest two pair of walking shoes, one traditional and one nicer. I wear sneakers on the plane and on excursions, and then I bring a nice pair of sandals, like these Dr. Scholls ones to wear with dresses or exploring a city.

An outer layer for when it's cooler in the evenings or you're inside with the a/c blasting. This open weave cardigan is nice and loose, not too warm, and looks great with shorts or a dress. 

Sunglasses are the first thing to always go in my bag. This two-pack of classic shades have colors that go with everything in your wardrobe and if you lose or break a pair (this has happened to me more often than I want to admit), you have a backup pair.

Towels for when you aren't on the ship or have access to beach towels. Turkish towels are great travel companions, because they can be used as bath towels, beach blankets, picnic blankets, a sarong, or even a shawl. They are super absorbent and dry quickly. This two-pack is perfect and affordable and you can buy more than one set if you're traveling as a family or group. And if you're worried about your towel flying away on windy days, grab a set of towel bands. They're really helpful for identifying your chair at the pool when everyone has the same towels.

A tote bag for day trips and bringing items with you to the pool. I love one that can handle wet items, for when you're done at the beach and change into regular clothes. These insulated totes from Travelon can take your chilled drinks and sunscreen with you and then your soggy suits and towels back. They pack smaller into their own pouch. It comes in a small size and a larger size for when you travel with more people or also want to use it for grocery store runs. (You buy these directly from Travelon and use code SHEREENTRAVELS20% for an exclusive discount.)

Pajamas are something most of us wear. I like lounge-y sets that I could wear down to the laundry, hang out on the balcony in the morning with my coffee,  or to wear to pajama night events on some ships. These come in a set of two, so you can always have a spare.

Next up, how to pack all these things for your ultimate cruise trip, because, not only do you want to look great, but you also want to pack small and conveniently, as cruises are a whole different kind of vacation than any other you'll take. Packing needs to be strategic. 

What are your favorite things to bring on a cruise or a great tip you have for cruising?

Disclaimer: Support Shereen Travels Cheap by using the links in my posts to shop. I receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) so I can continue to create helpful free content. Thank you. I appreciate your support!

Choosing the Best Cruise for You

A lot of people love cruising, because almost everything is included and it's just easy. Everything you need is within walking distance of your room, but there are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a cruise to fit your travel style and budget. You also need to remember that you'll probably be getting off the ship to do things and spend money there and any alcohol and soda is usually an extra charge as well.

I showed you some important things to bring along with you on a cruise and next up I'll be giving you a packing tutorial to help you look great for everything happening on and off your ship.

Have you taken a cruise or are you looking forward to one?

Packing Your Travel Capsule Wardrobe

Last week, I showed you an easy mix-and-match capsule wardrobe for your summer trips. Today I want to show you mine in practice and how everything goes together when you're going on a short getaway. These are pieces I'm considering taking with me to Sacramento for 4 days, including one where I will be going to a family reunion and one where I'm going with our niece to a fairytale theme park.

I'm not taking too many pieces, because I won't be there that long, and also I think it's more convenient to mix and match some items instead of taking full outfits for each day. I'll be traveling with two pair of shoes, a pair of closed-toe ones and a pair of sandals. I'll also be wearing an outfit on the plane that can match with other pieces in my bag.

It's gonna be hot, so I'm bringing a mix of breathable pieces and athletic wear. I want to be comfortable and wear clothes that are roomy, but still look good. These olive joggers from Prana are some of my favorite pants for summer. They're great for sitting on the plane, running through the airport, and even for long road trips. 

Having a cute pair of sandals with you that match everything and can be worn for long walking days is pretty important to me. These ones from Dr. Scholls can also be worn with a more dressy outfit if I want, too. 

I love this tennis tank and I have it in two different colors. It has a built-in sports bra, so it's extra great for summer. It came from Lucy and I pretty much bought everything in my size when they were going out of business, and have been finding pieces here and there on Poshmark. When you find things that are functional and pretty, you stick with the brand as much as you can. REI carries 5 of Lucy's best-sellers, but I don't think they designate them as Lucy items, since they were absorbed by REI.

I got this adorable skirt from Pact after looking at it for months. It's stretchy, but can look dressy or casual, depending on what you pair with it.

If I want to go out to a more upscale restaurant, adding these Skechers Cleo ballet flats are a perfect way to make this comfy outfit an appropriate evening outfit.

I'm sure you've seen me wear this dress before. It's from Prana and they discontinued it in this form. It looks like two pieces, but it's all attached and it has the BEST pockets. I have it in black and I also have it in rust. 

The back is open, because the tank part splits up the back. It's not that noticeable, but it's also great when it's hot outside, because you don't get that gross sweaty back with your clothes sticking to you. If you want a little extra coverage, throwing a tee over any tank dress is always fun.

You know I always have a cardigan or wrap with me, but sometimes I bring an athletic jacket, because it makes more sense with what I'm taking. This is another piece I thrifted from Poshmark. It's really lightweight, but it can add a nice level of warmth if layered right, but it's also perfect for those early summer mornings where it's still a bit chilly or you go into the air conditioning. This was one of the outer pieces I took with me to Vegas and it kept me warm when it decided to be really windy and rainy on two days.

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I'll have more videos and packing posts the closer I get to my trips this summer and I may be doing longer videos, if those are something people want to see. Of course, you can always see more things like this if you follow me on Instagram. Make sure to like/save/interact with my posts there if you enjoy certain content. 

Where will you be traveling soon that you still need help packing for?

Accessories to Pack for Cruising

So, you're going on a cruise? Congrats! I'll be posting more tips on what to bring along on your cruise and what to plan for, but for now, let's talk about the size of cruise cabins. Even the big ones aren't usually that big, so here are some ideas on how to get the most square footage from your cabin without tripping over all your stuff every time you're in there.

Here are some items that will keep your stuff off the floor, but still handy:

Magnetic hooks/clips

Cruise ships have metal walls, which means you can hang things up all over the place. You can get these heavy-duty hooks that come in a bunch of colors and can come apart to pack easier in your bag. These come in a pack of 20. If you'd rather go with clips (or want both), these colorful magnets can be used at home and on your cruise and they come in a 24-pack.

Over-door shoe organizer

Use it for shoes, but also for all those little things you bring back and usually just throw on a counter or table. Your space is as a premium here, so bring along a shoe organizer to stash all those things easy at-hand, but also not in the way. It comes in fun or classic colors and the slots are mesh, so you can see everything inside: great for snacks, souvenirs, sunscreen, sandals, charging cords, and whatever else you don't want to keep digging in a bag for. 

Travel power strip

Pack a small power strip, because like hotel rooms, staterooms are woefully lacking in outlets. I like this one from Belkin and have one in my travel bag at all times and two at home. I also like the Anker one above, because it has some mobility to it and you don't have to keep trying to plug things in behind something. It's also great if you have a lot of things that charge via a USB plug. 

Magnetic motion-sensor puck lights

Cruise cabins can be really dark and you may not always want to turn on a big light in the middle of the night to get to the bathroom or to get a drink. I usually bring a night light that plugs in and turns on when the lights go out that can just go in the bathroom, so you have that little light to guide you, but you can also get these magnetic puck lights and put them wherever you want in the room, since they will stick to the cabin walls. These are motion sensing, to only turn on when you walk in front of them.

Pop-up laundry basket

Keep your dirty clothes separate from your clean ones by bringing along a mesh, pop-up hamper. I bring a larger basket, but you may want a taller, skinnier hamper that fits in one of the cabinets. I tend to take mine down to the laundry to clean everything before I leave so I don’t go home, or to my next destination, with a bag full of dirty clothes. If you're doing laundry, make sure to bring quarters and laundry strips to make your life easier.

Collapsible Carry-on

You can put your bags in one of the closet cabinets, but you probably also want to hang stuff up and they aren't usually super spacious, so having a bag that you can make smaller to take up less space or slide under the bed is wonderful. This one from Travel Ready has great reviews, the Travigo has a lower profile and a hideaway handle, or the Rollink Vega is more heavy duty and is water-resistant and comes in a bunch of pretty colors. 

I hope this helps you make the most of your cruise ship cabin, so it's much more comfortable in there and doesn't feel smaller than it already is. What are some of your favorite items to take with you on a cruise?

Disclaimer: Support Shereen Travels Cheap by using the links in my posts to shop. I receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) so I can continue to create helpful free content. I earn from qualifying purchases made to the featured retailers. Thank you. I appreciate your support!

Taking Better Vacation Pics

Today is National Camera Day and while most of us don't travel with a traditional camera, we all carry one in our pockets all the time. Your phone is probably your number one travel buddy, so making the most of the pictures you take with it is a way to capture your amazing memories. Here's a guide to taking a great selfie, which is a big portion of the photos I take on my trips, that can also help you take better regular photos. 

This infographic is provided to you by Shutterfly, the leading online provider of photo books, cards, photo sharing and more.

I hope this helps you capture those vacation memories better and make you feel better about any photos you take of yourself, so you can make your friends even more jealous when you post on your socials. Do you have some tips on how you make your own vacation pics, selfies or otherwise, awesome?

Packing Your Perfect Mix and Match Summer Wardrobe

If, like me, you're going on a summer trip (or trips) and are looking to pack a perfect bag and not spend all your money on baggage fees, then I'm here for you. It's all about the capsule wardrobe. Most travel sites will suggest the 5-4-3-2-1 strategy, and I also love the 3-3-3 strategy, but I'm going with 3-3-1-2, unless you're going on a long trip. 

What the heck am I talking about? Quick catch-up: 

The 5-4-3-2-1 packing method is 5 tops, 4 bottoms, 3 dresses/shoes, 2 bags/swimsuits, and 1 bag/sunglasses. I will agree with 5 tops for most trips, but the rest is just too much. The 3-3-3 method is 3 tops, 3 bottoms, and 3 shoes. It's pretty minimal, and I like that, but it also limits you pretty hard, especially when you are going to hot destination and will need to rewear things. No one wants to do laundry every other day.

No, we go with the 3-3-1-2 packing method, which allows you to bring everything you need, but also can fit in a small carry-on, and gives you a good variety. Let's look at what those numbers mean: 

• 3 tops, which actually ends up being 4, because you're going to wear one on the plane or in the car, if you're road-tripping
• 3 bottoms, 2 of which you pack and 1 of which you wear on the way there (this is usually how I bring a pair of pants or a long skirt with me)
• 1 dress that can be worn for sightseeing, but can also be dressed up for a nice dinner or a show
• 2 pairs of shoes that go with everything. I always choose a pair of sandals that I can walk in all day and wear to the pool/beach and then a pair of nicer shoes that you can also walk in all day, like some cute ballet flats

You're going to need some wildcard pieces. In addition to your normal all-day clothing, you want to include a wrap (this one is insect-repellant, can be used as a beach towel, a sarong, and even a wrap shirt in a pinch), sunglasses, a swimsuit, a lightweight, packable rain jacket, and comfy pajamas that are good for lounging, too. 

When you pick a color palette to pack, everything should go with everything else. I chose a pink base here as a way to show how you can go with a brighter color and still maximize your small wardrobe. Not everything has to be boring neutrals. Choose your own fave color and work around that. 

First up, I chose these berry-colored water shorts from Columbia. You can wear them to the pool and you can wear them shopping and sightseeing, so they are a great multi-use item. Depending on what you're doing, here are some ways to wear them:

• With a cute white (or black) linen tank and matching sandals. I'm a fan of Clarks shoes. They are always classic and they are comfortable to wear all day long, no matter what you're doing. I love the fun lace details on these.
• Cover up a bit in the A/C by throwing this button-up from Columbia on over the top.
• Pair a complimentary pink tee from Columbia with these berry shorts. You will be cool, since the whole outfit is moisture-wicking.
• Add that button-up back for a different layered look.
• Wear the button-up alone for a easy casual look.

Next up, a longer neutral short from Prana in "mud" color: 

• With a cute white (or black) linen tank and matching sandals or some nude/cream ballet flats. I wore these Cleo Skechers all over Las Vegas and they were both cute and super comfy.
• Hide your shoulders with the button-up from Columbia on over the tank.
• Give a Neapolitan vibe pink tee from Columbia. Brown and pink always reminds me of ice cream.
• Add that button-up back for a different layered look.
• Wear the button-up alone for a easy casual look.

If you're going to be inside where it's cooler or the temps drop a bit at night, we're going with these lightweight Prana joggers in gray that I would have worn on the plane with a cropped tee or another comfortable top to sit in for hours in fluctuating temps:

• With a cute white (or black) linen tank and matching sandals or some nude/cream ballet flats. 
• Add a little flair with this button-up over your tank.
• Get a little sporty by wearing with the pink tee.
• Throw on your button-up over it for a casual patio dinner.
• Wear the button-up alone with your flats for just a wander through a museum. 

Lastly, let's check out this sporty travel-friendly dress from Prana. I have several dresses from them and they are so comfortable and flattering, plus they all have pockets! 

• Wear it alone with sandals while out and about. 
• Add your wrap and ballet flats for going out somewhere a bit dressy.
• Layer your pink tee over the top of it to give it a skirt feel.
• Toss on the button-up for a little extra sun protection or to cover up the open back if you're inside somewhere that needs a bit of modesty.

So, there you go. You can make almost 20 outfits with just 8 pieces and you have shoes that go with everything you've brought. Save even more space by wearing your flats on the plane, though if you don't have PreCheck, then you might not want to take them off and go barefoot in through security. Of course, you can always pack a pair of slipper socks for that. I like to wear those while lounging around my room, too. 

Now you can spend your vacation budget on awesome foods and activities. Don't forget your sunscreen! See how I put together my own mix-and-match wardrobe on my Instagram.

Where are your summer travels taking you?

Disclaimer: Support Shereen Travels Cheap by using the links in my posts to shop. I receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) so I can continue to create helpful free content. I earn from qualifying purchases made to the featured retailers. Thank you. I appreciate your support!