Growing up I was always the girl who would sacrifice for fashion; whether that meant freezing in the middle of winter or not being able to feel my toes in a pair of heels, I was committed to the look.

These days, I am far more interested in feeling comfortable and being able to function without worrying about my wardrobe, especially while traveling. Nothing can spoil your time abroad like a poor comfort preparation. Instead of remembering how beautiful Rome is, all you’ll be able to remember is how badly your feet hurt from all the walking in those new sandals.

It took a lot of trial and error and a few very uncomfortable trips before I finally nailed my super comfy travel style, but today I want to cut out a bit of that trial and error work for you and share some of my top tips for staying comfortable while traveling.

Do you research

The best way to ensure your comfort while traveling is to be prepared. Research your destination ahead of time and know the local weather, customs, and cultural expectations for clothing. Remember that some cultures expect women to dress a certain way and nothing will be more uncomfortable that disapproving gazes and insults being yelled at you in a foreign country because you didn’t abide by their cultural norms. Before you leave for your trip make sure you understand how you’re expected to dress in that country and be aware of what the weather forecast is so you can pack warmer clothes accordingly.

Have an “airplane outfit”

I love being comfy on planes. I gave up trying to look cute enough for a free first class upgrade a long time ago. My go to outfit on the plane is leggings, a comfy t-shirt, and most importantly, a sweater. Planes can get freaking cold and a lot of them don’t hand out blankets for free anymore. Comfy plane clothes are especially important for a long haul or red eye flight where you might want to sleep. Think pajamas, not New York Fashion Week runway.

In addition, though flip flops are usually my footwear of choice, on planes I prefer to wear socks and sneakers that offer more compression on planes so I can avoid swelling. And, for that extra level of comfort be sure to pack your travel neck pillow!

Have carry on essentials on hand

Having a small kit with all of the essential items you may need throughout the flight will give you peace of mind and help you stay a lot more comfortable knowing things like snacks, headphones, and Advil are all within reach. Check out my post on how to build your own “carry on kit” HERE.

Pack light layers

As opposed to packing thick sweaters, try packing a bunch of light layers. This will make it a lot easier to add layers or take layers off as the temperature fluctuates throughout the day; no one wants to be sweating in the middle of summer underneath a thick hoodie, there’s nothing comfortable about that. Packing a variety of light layers will also help you maximize space in your suitcase because you’ll be able to create a bunch of different outfit combinations from just a few pieces. And a lighter suitcase means a much more comfortable travel experience.

Bring snacks and a reusable water bottle

Snacks are crucial to comfort, especially if you’re a picky eater. Having your own snacks on hand that you already know you like, will save you a lot of discomfort on your travels in the event you don’t like the local food. Or, if you’re like me and just hungry all the time, having snacks can help you avoid becoming hangry which makes traveling a lot more comfortable for everyone. Having a reuseable water bottle will help you stay hydrated in hot weather, which is crucial to not only your comfort, but your health as well. Plus, by using a resueable water bottle you’ll be saving money and the environment!

 Pack comfy shoes

I mean really, this goes without saying, but comfy shoes are going to make or break your trip. It’s going to be really hard to enjoy all the sights around you if all you can think about is sawing off your legs. Really, forget about the fashion and pack the comfiest shoes you have, even if they’re the most hideous New Balance sneakers your grandmother wouldn’t even be caught wearing. Trust me, you will thank me later.

Know your trip

This goes back to my first tip about doing your research and being prepared. If you know you’re going to be doing a lot of hiking on your trip, don’t be packing a suitcase full of bikinis and heels. Likewise, if you’re going to the beach, don’t pack your hiking boots. Know what type of excursions or activities you will be participating in during your travels and pack accordingly for them.

That’s all my tips for today guys! My tip, along with a few others, was recently included in this awesome graphic from Tommy John. If you don’t know much about them, be sure to check out their comfy selection of underwear! I hope you enjoyed this post and if you have any additional tips on how to stay comfortable while traveling, please leave them down below!