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Izy from The Wrong Way Home is one stylish long term traveler! Originally from New Zealand, she’s traveled to over 20 countries since 2010 and isn’t done yet. She writes her travel blog to show you that you don’t have to be rich to live a life of travel and shares advice on how to live a location independent lifestyle. Read about her adventures and inspirational story here.
Learn more about Izy and her travel style in TFG’s interview below:
Interview With Stylish Izy From The Wrong Way Home
Q: Do you travel with a backpack or a suitcase?
I travel with a backpack, generally. There was a brief moment of insanity where I was lugging around a full sized backpack and suitcase. If you travel with a backpack that is small enough you can keep it with you on flights or public transport, ensuring your belongings are safe. People have this desire to fill spaces – so the bigger your bag, the more unnecessary stuff you’ll take with you.
Q: Looking back at your travels through 25 countries, how do you feel about your original clothing and toiletry selections as opposed to the items you would pack now?
On my first trip to Asia I simply took too many good clothes that wound up covered in UV paint on random beaches. For Third World countries I would tend to take over only the basics and would buy most of my clothes there. For First World countries I’d take my normal clothes. I travel with a lot less make-up than I did in the beginning, but mostly because I’m wearing less make-up in general.
Q: Were there any items you originally considered travel essentials that you found were not worth carrying?
Oddly enough, malaria pills! I took doxycycline with me and felt terribly sick on it. Lots of long-term travelers choose not to use malaria pills when they’re traveling for a substantial amount of time in a malaria-ridden country. Do your research! I also used to always carry my hair straightening, but was wasting too much time on the road trying to tame my mane.
Q: Did you ever discover the need for any additional gear during one of your trips?
On my second trip to Asia I started rolling my clothes and placing them in ziplock bags. It saved so much space and meant I could keep my dirty washing separate from my clean. I also finally bought an international travel adapter that fits in all different countries. I find the more you travel, the less you need.
Q: How do you maintain your personal sense of style when you travel?
At home I love dresses so I always wear them when I’m traveling too. They’re comfortable and it’s really easy to make them more suitable for cooler temperatures by adding a cardigan and stockings. At home I wear quite a bit of jewelry, but I just don’t find it so practical overseas. I do travel with one of my favorite necklaces, which is a little cloud (New Zealand is referred to as “land of the long white cloud”).
Q: What shoes do you think are best for your travels?
I actually take four pairs of shoes when I travel, which is probably too much; they take up a decent space in my backpack. I usually travel with flipflops (jandals) for most places when it’s warm – I’ve even been known to trek in jandles. I also take a pair of sneakers for any serious walking I have to do or for walking around cities. Another pair of simple ballet flats are perfect for everyday wear. I carry a pair of heels so that I can wear them out to nice dinners or if I go out for an evening of drinking. They take up a lot of space, but it’s nice to feel polished once in a while on the road!
Q: How have you adjusted your beauty regimen for nomadic life on the road?
Yes and no. I’m one of those girls that don’t like to leave the house without mascara or eyeliner – I think I look sick. Travel has simplified my beauty routine – you simply can’t carry around a cabinet of products with you everywhere. My makeup is quick, easy and natural: foundation or tinted moisture, blusher, eyeliner and mascara.
Q: Do you have any specific beauty or skincare product you recommend?
I really love Lush brand products. At the moment I’m using their tinted colour for foundation and it’s really great – you add a little bit to moisturizer and it works well as a foundation without taking up much space. It also doubles as a creamy concealer. I love Lancome Hypnose mascara and always buy some when I’m passing through Duty Free. Coconut oil is a great moisturizer, hair conditioner and shaving lotion!
Q: What’s your outfit of choice for a long flight?
I actually pack my pajamas into my carry-on and get changed once the flight takes off. I prefer to be super comfortable. I always pack warm socks so that I can take my shoes off as well. It’s hard enough sleeping on a plane; I want to remove all of the obstacles!
Q: Finally, any travel packing tips for new travelers?
Don’t get roped into buying specialized clothing for your travels. If you’re going to a cheaper country, try to take as little clothing as possible and buy locally (ignore this advice if you’re considerably taller or larger than the local people as you might find it challenging). T-shirts can be found for as cheap as $1 in Thailand and various parts of Asia, so it’s much cheaper to stock up there and donate whatever you don’t want to take home. Don’t forget to roll your clothes, it makes a world of difference.
To find out more about Izy, check out her personal website: The Wrong Way Home.
If you are interested in sharing your packing tips on TFG, you can download the interview questions and submission guidelines here.
For more traveler interviews, please read:
- Interview with World Traveler Louise Matthew
- Interview with Beach Chic Laura Bronner
- Interview With Avant-Garde Footwear Designer Chelsea Jones
- Interview With Minimalist Chic Chalsie
Can’t help myself Jandles should be spelt Jandals. (flipflops). I agree with Izy rolling clothes and storing in ziplock bags makes life easy. While travelling with my young son years ago I would put his day’s clothing in a ziplock bag made getting dressed quicker for him.
oh no, sorry about that! I’m pretty bad with spell checking for sure. Thanks for catching that 🙂
Great interview!!! I love Izy’s travel fashion style. 🙂
She inspired me to pack more dresses!