With as many trips as I’ve taken around the world over the years, I finally have my carry-on packing routine down to a science. Travel days can be long and hectic, so these are all the essential items I take with me to ensure a comfortable, stress-free flight.

Hopefully this list will help you, too when you’re packing for your next trip!

Spending only three days in La Fortuna isn’t nearly enough time, but it will give you a small taste of what this magical place has to offer and leave you ready to start planning your next visit before you’ve even left.

Taking a solo trip through South America had been at the very top of my adventure list for quite some time and probably the biggest motivating factor leading me to quit my job, sell my car, let go of most of my belongings, and make the move to Europe to pursue travel on a deeper level. ‘Probably’ is probably an understatement. It was *most definitely* the leading factor.

Starting is the hardest part. Starting a research paper. Starting a workout routine. Starting a new job and life in a new city. Starting a blog.