Unpacked with Emma Lavelle

an intimate glimpse into how a slow travel photographer packs for their getaways…

Well well well…. Based on the feedback I received from our inaugural issue of Unpacked with

Tori Simokov

it would appear that you all have the same urge to peek into the nitty gritty of another’s suitcase as I do. If you missed that issue, Tori shares all kinds of A+ packing inspo.

Here is a snippet:

The first thing to know about me is that I'm an over-packer, and I won't apologize for it. I like to have options! That said, I don't want to be overwhelmed by the amount of stuff I bring, so I make sure to keep everything really neatly organized. 

I approach packing like Michelin-starred chefs approach cooking. I have my own mise en place and treat the process like an art form. Everything I pack has a dedicated container of some kind; I'll never just aimlessly throw things into a suitcase. 

This month has been….overwhelming…to say the least? I have been struggling to find motivation to write or be creative. With our upcoming trip to the Italian Dolomites looming large, I thought now would be a great time for some much needed packing inspiration.

This week I am chatting with

Emma Lavelle

from the newsletter Field Notes, which of course is filled with beautiful photos and inspiration, but I especially love it for her thoughtful approach to slow travel and monthly book club. Her slow paced packing process is GOALS and something I aspire to ( I myself am a night before kind of gal…maybe I should try this method for my next trip?). I’m so happy for her to share her packing tips with you! - Alex

Describe your basic packing strategy…

I always start packing at least one week, if not two before my trips. I like to add items to my suitcase slowly, as I think about them. A few days before I travel I will take everything out and lay it on my bed, check I have everything I need and if there is anything I need to wash before I travel. I really, really love packing (although I enjoy unpacking significantly less).

What’s your go-to luggage and why?

I’m afraid I don’t have any fancy luggage. I usually travel with a large suitcase, my favourite large tote bag and a bumbag. I always travel with my camera gear, and need to fit my tripod in my suitcase and my camera bag in my carry-on. I do have a trick if you have too many bags (often the case on European flights). Buy something at Duty Free and ask for a plastic bag. You can then stuff one of your bags into this and voila - an extra piece of free luggage! (I don’t advocate the excessive use of plastic bags - I always reuse these bags for storing my wet swimwear during the rest of my travels).

What’s always in your toiletry bag?

Rowse summer body oil (I also use this as perfume while travelling), Avène thermal spring water, Korres spf, after sun and body wash, Thank you Farmer face spf, and Rowse regenerate night serum.

Do you have a travel uniform?

I usually wear a pair of linen trousers, a sleeveless linen vest and an oversized jumper with either my Veja trainers or Teva sandals.

How do you navigate the shoe situation?

If I’m travelling somewhere hot, I will usually just wear my trusty Teva sandals and not even bother to pack another pair of shoes. Sometimes I may also bring my Birkenstocks and/or Veja trainers. I’m not really a ‘shoe person’. I just like to know I’ll be comfortable.

What essentials does your carry on always include?

My camera bag, a book, a notebook, a bottle of water and my phone.

---

A HUGE thank you to Emma for giving us a glimpse into how she travels. Be sure to subscribe to Field Notes for more of her travel tips, book recommendations and stunning travel photography.

If you are Interested in being featured in Unpacked or know someone who should be, let me know in the comments. Thanks for reading! xo Alex

PS - If you enjoyed reading Wandering, tap the ❤️ below—it helps my little corner of the internet get discovered