So, what does someone who’s an “overpacker” actually bring on a 2-month digital nomad experience in Latin America with Job Trippin’? That’s a great question. I can’t really tell you the answer, though, because packing is kindof subjective. I’m not going to tell you DON’T bring those sandals if you think they’ll match your outfits or don’t pack 10 different shades of lipstick, because you’ll never know!
So, if you’re here to get the scoop on what you “should” pack, know that this isn’t one of those posts. What I will be talking about is how I’m MINIMALLY packing (to the best of my ability) for 2-months in Latin America, specifically Argentina and Chile, during their Spring/Summer months.
I’ve set a challenge for myself to make sure everything fits in:
- 1 large checked luggage
- 1 small carry-on suitcase
- 1 backpack (ya know, with the essentials)
If all the items don’t fit in there – they’ve gotta go! Let’s get packing!
Minimal Clothes & Shoes
The hardest part of packing for me is narrowing down the items that I know I will DEFINITELY wear and the ones that I feel “bad” I haven’t worn in a while (or never) and feel like this is a great occasion to try and wear them. This is where I usually end up bringing way too many things that never get worn and then wondering why I didn’t leave them at home, because they’ve taken up space and I can’t buy new clothes in the city I’m visiting.
This time around, I’m ONLY packing clothes I wear often, can layer, and can be pieced together with other items. My style can be considered “granny-esque”, involving lots of basics and solid/neutral colors, with pops of color and patterns that are usually floral, “vintage vibes”, or things of the like. When it comes to shoes, I’m giving myself the flexibility to pack at least 5-6 different pairs (for different occasions)!
About the weather in Argentina and Chile during Spring/Summer – I’ve heard that it DOES get cold in the evenings/night time, there are random bouts of rain, and a light jacket or scarf is always useful to carry around! Here’s what I plan to bring along:
Clothes:
- Undergarments (underwear, bras, socks)
- 10 different types of shirts (tank tops, t-shirts, and long-sleeves – for layering)
- 3 blouses (nicer material & can be worn for networking events or nights out)
- 3 sweaters/cardigans (great for travel and layering)
- 4 dresses/jumpsuits
- 2 skirts
- 2 pairs of jeans/pants
- 1 pairย of shorts
- 2 pajama sets
- Workout clothes (leggings, t-shirts, shorts – I don’t own much workout clothes… heh…)
- 2 light jackets (jean jacket & raincoat)
Shoes:
- Flip-flops
- 2 pairs of sneakers
- 1 pair of wedges
- 1 pair of nicer sandals
If I need anything else, I will buy it from the cities I’ll be visiting! All of my clothes will be rolled and packed into my checked luggage, except for one outfit for an emergency situation (in case my luggage gets lost somewhere). I’ll also be bringing my regular toiletries and makeup bag WITH those 10+ lipstick colors – muhaha!
PRO TIP: Roll your clothes to avoid wrinkles and get enough space in your suitcase!
Bare Essentials Accessories
I’ll be repeating most of my outfits and layering different pieces to create new outfits – so to switch things up, I’m packing accessories to add some color and fun into my neutral and solid color wardrobe. I usually don’t wear a lot of accessories (like I used to) because they get heavy and when I’m traveling, it’s hard to move around with so many things dangling from my body!
I’ve broken down accessories and jewelry into two different categories – to show y’all what I’m bringing:
Accessories:
- 2 backpacks (one for travel days – larger, one for daily use – smaller & more lightweight)
- 2 purses (larger for daily use, smaller for events & going out)
- 2-3 light scarves
- 2 hats (sunhat & fedora type)
- Sunglasses
Jewelry:
- Earrings (I can’t really put a number on how many earrings I am bringing… hah! But definitely: studs, hoops, and a few dangling)
- 2 necklaces
- 1 watch
That’s all! I don’t plan on bringing any other types of accessories or jewelry because I know I could want to grab a few things while in Buenos Aires or Santiago. Accessories and jewelry can be interchangeable to dress up an outfit or make it more casual for any days I’ll be in transit or sitting in one place and working.
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Necessary Work-related Items
Now the REALLY important items I plan on bringing to carry out work! Since my business is location independent and only needs a working laptop and reliable WiFi, I won’t need to bring much!
Tech, Gadgets & Miscellaneous:
- Laptop
- Cameras (DSLR and waterproof point-and-shoot)
- Mobile phone
- External hard drive
- 2-3 adapters
- Kindle
- Passion Planner
- Notebook
- Pencil case
- Business Cards (VERY IMPORTANT!)
- All the cords and chargers
I haven’t decided if I’ll bring my tripod yet, but for the moment, that’s all I’ll beย needing to carry out regular work tasks and my own marketing and content.
Minimalist Packing
I know there are ways to minimize my wardrobe even more during my 2-month trip, but I also believe in packing clothes that highlight my personality and can be worn in different ways. I love the minimalist mindset and creating a capsule wardrobe – but I also love spicing things up with patterns, bold colors, and fun lipsticks!
As a business owner, the way I represent myself and my brand need to match my business values, mission, and overall tone and personality. I consider The Quirky Pineapple Studio to exude warmth, kindness, and vibrancy – which translates to my own personality and how I dress.
With Job Trippin’, I’ll be traveling and exploring, but I also have the opportunity to meet with businesses and network with potential collaborators and clients! I don’t want to pack more than I’ll need so each piece I’ll be bringing can be transitioned into “business casual” vibes, as well as, more casual outfits for exploring days!
*Important to mention: This trip with Job Trippin’ is equal parts work and play – but responsibilities come first before I get to play! That means creating content, working with my clients, and setting up networking meetings! Gotta look good for the content!
What are your top packing tips? Share them in the comments below! Got any tips for Buenos Aires or Santiago – drop those below, too!
*This post was sponsored by Job Trippin’ but all opinions and comments are my own! Thanks for supporting The Quirky Pineapple Studio!
Enjoyed this post? You might like these, too:
Preparing for a Digital Nomad Experience
Work & Travel, Glamorous or a Pain in the Ass?
Live & Work Abroad as a Female Entrepreneur Pt. 1
Live & Work Abroad as a Female Entrepreneur Pt. 2
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