My First Trip with Hijab- My Hijabi's Guide to Packing

I've packed a suitcase enough times, from weekend getaway to long trips with different climates, but it will be my first time packing as Hijabi, Here are my how-to's and time-saving tips for every Hijabi!

• The Essentials
  

I keep these essentials in my Backpack so they're close-by at all times. I like to take a large backpack that coordinates with everything so I don't have to pack an extra purse (unless I'm packing a formal outfit and need a small bag!). I keep my essentials well organized in this bag.
Passport/ Wallet/ credit cards/ Pen
Cell Phone/ Charger
DSLR Camera
Medicine/ Lip Balm/ mirror/ Hand Cream/ Hand Gel/ Napkins
Sunglasses/ Glasses
And also I keep my Pocket Prayer Mat/ prayer clothes in the front pocket of my backpack, and a bottle of water in the side pocket.

• Clothing & Shoes

Plan out all your outfits beforehand. This will help you bring precisely what you need and nothing more. Check the weather of your destination and plan accordingly.
I like to try everything on and take photos. If you use your phone you can refer back when you're at your destination getting dressed to remember exactly what you put together, including your accessories and hijab.
When it comes to hijabs, pack only the hijabs that coordinate with the outfits you've planned. I prefer to wear jersey hijab like this or this while traveling on the plane, and chiffon while out and about in the sun!
Pack only outfits you feel comfortable and confident in - you don't want to spend the day adjusting or fidgeting with your outfit (or hijab!) - Therefore I pack one long blue sweatshirt, a beige tunic dress, and a burgundy knitted sweater dress. For bottoms I choose one boyfriend blue jeans and one black jeans. My secret item is this oversized overcoat shirt came in my favorite color for traveling The olive greenpin.it/yOg0zok, and it still cold on my destination so I choose this coat. I prefer to keep them well organized in packing cubes, the small and the large one.
As for shoes, I prefer my Nike AirMax and loafers shoes.

• Accessories & Toiletries

Travel accessories have become a huge business - I love to pack bracelets like this and this, and this ring, and my lovely watch, I keep them in a small bag.
In addition to this jewelry bag, I have more travel bags - one for make-up and one for toiletries. I take leftovers shampoo, shower gel, toothpaste, etc...
For make-up, I take only the essentials - it's easy to want to take everything and think you might use it, but chances are - you'll stick to the basics. If you want more options, take a great eyeshadow palette or other make-up palettes. If you really want to get nitpicky, plan out the make-up look you'll want for each day when you plan your outfits and set those things aside.

Don't forget these items!
• Prayer Clothes and pocket Prayer Mat - don't be lazy and wear your pajamas and a pashmina to pray. Bring proper prayer clothes and a prayer rug (ew hotel carpets!) and pray as you would at home, so you don't get your prayer rhythm off balance while you're away.
• Compass - if your phone doesn't have a built-in compass, be sure to bring one so you know what direction to pray.
• Hijab Pins - I keep a bunch of safety pins, straight pins and magnetic hijab pins in a small small plastic box and always take it with me when traveling. I usually throw in a mini sewing kit just in case!
• Laundry Bag - Not every hotel has a laundry bag so be sure to bring some sort of bag for your laundry.
• Flip Flops - Even if you're not beach bound, be sure to pack a pair of flip flops or slippers for the hotel.

Anything I've left out? Leave your comments below! Be sure to add me on Instagram @manalbilal9 and like my Facebook Page.