Practical Essentials | Curated Guides by Alex

I've been to over 10 countries in the past few years - some for a few days and most recently a full European Vacation for 3 entire weeks. Every time I travel I do it all in ONE carry-on and ONE backpack. Here are my absolute essentials - tried and true and ZERO BS.

Everything I brought with me on a 3-week European Vacation over the Summer (Greece, Italy, Austria and Germany) - and I did it all in ONE carry-on and ONE backpack. Clothing items might vary for you depending on when you're traveling!

Everything I brought with me on a 3-week European Vacation over the Summer (Greece, Italy, Austria and Germany) - and I did it all in ONE carry-on and ONE backpack. I frequently cruise with my family (almost always to tropical areas in the Caribbean) but clothing items might vary for you depending on where and when you're traveling!

Everything I brought with me on a 1 week trip to Ireland to perform in the St. Patrick's Day Parade - and I did it all in ONE carry-on and ONE backpack. Clothing items might vary for you depending on when you're traveling!

I started developing this kit when I was planning my wedding; truly a “just in case everything goes wrong” bag for any small day-of emergency. It became one of the best ideas and creations I've had, so much so that I began making and giving them to my friends on their wedding days. Now, I keep one in my desk at work, one in my gym bag and I pack a “mini” version for travel. It's a simple solution for massive peace-of-mind (and it makes as a GREAT wedding day gift!!!).

As the friend-groups coffee connoisseur, I've been to a TON of coffee places. This is a list of my absolute favorites. Minimal chains, because in my experience the "mom-and-pop" coffee shops are the best ones.

As a gluten-free girly, I know how frustrating it is to find food options on the go. Here are a list of my faves in and around the Dallas area.

I started developing this kit when I was planning my wedding; truly a “just in case everything goes wrong” bag for any small day-of emergency. It became one of the best ideas and creations I've had, so much so that I began making and giving them to my friends on their wedding days. Now, I keep one in my desk at work, one in my gym bag and I pack a “mini” version for travel. It's a simple solution for massive peace-of-mind (and it makes as a GREAT wedding day gift!!!).