5 Tips for Staying Pretty While Budget Traveling

Some of us have yet to go on our summer travel journeys, or could be in the middle of an incredible journey now. Many people travel for 3-6 months at a time, while others opt for a shorter vacation of 2-3 weeks. Either way, it can be difficult knowing what to pack when escaping for a budget holiday. Last year I traveled for just two weeks around Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore and by the end I was looking a little rough. I knew that we would be going to multiple cities, and it was a budget trip, so I thought it would be a good idea to keep my beauty routine and outfits as simple as possible. Not a good decision. Kuala Lumpur is too chic for Birkenstocks and Carmex. And Singapore is just like any other major city. I put together a few tips that I now practice and swear by for the traveling girl:

1. Bring mineral make-up. Everything from foundation to eyeshadow, it is absolutely imperative to bring mineral make-up to a climate you may not be used to. My skin tends to go a bit haywire when I get to new places, so I prefer something that won't cause my skin to react even more. This type of make-up won't clog your pores the way regular make-up does, and it's nice and light. It's especially perfect for warm climates. 

2. Wear maxi dresses with a pretty print. If you're going on a backpacking trip, do not wear cargo pants or shorts. People do this far too often on trips, but do we really use all of those pockets? You should wear pretty maxi dresses instead, which create an elegant look instantly. And, they come in handy for entering religious institutions.

3. Braid your hair at night. It can be confusing trying to figure out different plugs and voltage usage in various countries. Plus, you always run the risk of blowing out your straightener or curling iron. I just wash and blow dry my hair at night, then braid it into pigtails and wrap it. In the morning, you'll have pretty mermaid-like waves that'll last all day.

4. Wear wedges that support your feet. Wedges are generally very comfortable. Instead of wearing walking shoes or sandals, try a pair of supportive wedges that can get you through the day looking stylish. I love TOMS shoes (just be sure to break them in beforehand) and the Good for the Sole collection at Debenhams.

5. Bring cheap, but pretty jewelry. Never bring anything of value with you while traveling. If you only have jewelry that's sacred to you, then go out and buy a long necklace (great with maxi dresses) and a pair of nice earrings from any affordable accessories store at the mall.