This document provides packing tips for a trip to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. It recommends bringing a bright colored bikini for underwater photos, a reusable shopping tote bag since zippered bags are prohibited on cruise ships, and strong sun protection like rashguards and hats due to Australia's ozone layer. It also suggests a compact travel towel, multi-purpose dresses to save space, and flip flops for easy on/off between water activities.

1. Writing Portfolio
Kelly Mazur

2. What to Pack for Bali: 6 Thing to Get
You Jetset Ready
February 12th, 2016 - 413 shares
Bali is popular with backpackers and luxury travellers alike and it’s not hard to see why. This small
island has a wide variety of activities and each city is drastically different from the last. Of course any
destination that has a variety of settings and activities can pose a bit of a packing dilemma, especially
for those of us that tend to overpack! Have no fear – these packing tips will have you prepared for Bali
in no time.
Cotton is best!
The weather in Bali is always warm and I’ve always found that cotton dresses and clothes are not
only the most comfortable, but also the most practical. Synthetic fabrics don’t breathe and you’ll be
left a hot sweaty mess after just a few minutes of strolling through a market or beach.
A chic look for sunset drinks
Despite being regarded as a laidback surfer destination Bali has a ton of trendy beach clubs –
especially in the Seminyak region. Travellers dressed in cocktail dresses and designer sunglasses fill
the beach clubs at sunset with cocktails in hand. Packing at least one chic dress will ensure you never
look out of place when you decide to check out one of the popular spots – like Potato Head or Ku De
Ta!

3. Save your shoes – stick to casual flip flops
The sidewalks are pretty much non­existent in most cities in Bali and the rough terrain can be deadly
for your strappy sandals and fancy flats. Combine that with dusty roads and the odd pile of monkey
poop and you’ll probably agree that an easy to clean pair of rubber flip flops is much more practical
than a pair of leather sandals with embellishments.
Multi­use sarongs for every day use
A sarong is probably the most important piece of clothing you’ll have in Bali. You can use it as a bikini
coverup, lay on it at the beach or use it as a skirt when you visit temples. Of course it’s really easy to
find sarongs at any souvenir shop in Bali, but if you’re a total fashionista you may not be impressed
with the quality or colour selection. Bringing one from home will ensure you have a beautiful sarong
that actually matches your wardrobe.
Hands­free purse for carefree days
Whether you’re walking around Seminyak or riding around on a motorbike in Ubud, a hands­free
crossbody purse is the perfect daily purse for Bali. I prefer a smaller sized bag that’s just big enough
to carry some money, my phone and a few other essentials. Having a small (and light!) crossbody bag
means you have both hands free to steer your bike, chow down on street food or try on jewellery in
the markets.

4. Sunscreen is a must for the budget­conscious or brand­snob girl!
Sunscreen isn’t hard to find in Bali, but the selection isn’t fantastic and the prices are nearly double
what you’d find at home. I normally wouldn’t advise people to pack toiletries you can easily buy
abroad – but I do think it’s wise to pack one tube of sunscreen in your suitcase for Bali!

5. What to Pack for Kuala Lumpur:
Wear this Not That
January 16th, 2016 - 516 shares
Kuala Lumpur is a bustling Malaysian city with a wide variety of neighbourhoods, great food and
endless shopping. Packing for Kuala Lumpur is easy, but there are definitely a few must­haves that
you need to have! Read on to discover the six packing tips you need to know for Kuala Lumpur:
A KL Survival Kit!
It’s rare to find toilet paper at any bathroom in Kuala Lumpur, so a mini survival kit is absolutely crucial
to have with you at all times! Your survival kit should include a small packet of Kleenex, cleansing
wipes and hand sanitizer. I place these items in a small ziploc bag and keep them in my purse at all
times so I’m never caught off guard when I need to use a public bathroom.
City chic is best
Unlike the rest of Southeast Asia, Kuala Lumpur is a huge city where jeans and converse are the
typical uniform. You can leave the casual beachwear at home and opt for more city clothes instead. A
pair of jeans or skinny pants with a cute top is perfect for day or night. A nice cocktail dress would be
good for a night out, but think more cocktail chic than club dresses to best fit in.

6. When in doubt, dress more conservatively
Although others will argue that Kuala Lumpur is a major city like any other, I would caution female
travellers to dress on the conservative side to avoid unwanted attention from both males and other
females. Leave the crop tops and low cut dresses at home and instead pack pieces that are a bit
classier. Shift dresses and shirts with a modest neckline can still be sexy, while also being respectful.
Scarves for added coverage are a must
Kuala Lumpur is predominately Muslim, and the city is filled with beautiful mosques and religious sights
to see. Pack a lightweight scarf that will easily fit into your purse so you can cover your shoulders when
you want to enter a mosque, or when you feel like you just need to be a bit more covered.
Good shoes will make all the difference
Between riding around on a bike and trying to navigate the city’s sidewalks a pair of good shoes will go a
long way! A classic pair of Converse is the perfect balance of looks and practicality and would be my
perfect choice for footwear in KL. This is one city where I’d probably leave the rubber flip flops at home,
although a flat leather sandal would work well with a dress or skirt in the evening when you’re doing less
walking.
Cross body bag for protection against theft
Unfortunately, Kuala Lumpur has a terrible reputation for bag snatchers in the city so choose a purse that
you can comfortably wear across your body to keep your belongings securely close to you. Avoid large
shoulder bags that attract theft and leave you vulnerable and instead choose a small bag that you can
carry in front of your body. Also consider leaving your wallet at your hotel and only carry the cards and
cash you need for the day.

7. Visiting The Great Barrier Reef?
Here's What to Bring
November 11th, 2015 - 187 shares
A trip to Australia’s Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef is life­changing for any traveller.
To make your trip as perfect as possible I’ve listed out the six must­have items you need to bring. Not
only are these items absolutely necessary, but I guarantee these packing tips will make your trip more
enjoyable!
A bight, colourful bikini
It goes without saying that a bathing suit is a must­pack item for the Great Barrier Reef. But, what I
highly recommend is packing a bright, colourful one versus a black one. Chances are you’ll be the
subject of some underwater pictures, whether it’s with your own underwater camera or part of a tour
you do. A bright bikini just looks so much better in underwater pictures! Fun prints are awesome too!
Don’t forget your re­useable shopping tote
Majority of the overnight cruises around the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef do not
permit bags with any zippers on them. If you show up with a zippered bag you will be asked to empty
your belongings into shopping bags and forced to leave your (empty) zippered bag at one of the
luggage storage spots. Save yourself the trouble and remember to bring along a fabric tote bag of
your own!

8. Sun protection is key
The sun in Australia is incredibly strong and if you’re spending most of your time outside you will
definitely want some added protection. I love wearing a surf rashguard while snorkeling or kayaking
because it protects my skin from the sun when I can’t rely on sunscreen due to the amount of time I’m
spending in the water. A hat is also a good idea to keep the sun off your face. Sun protection is no
joke in Australia – the hole in the ozone layer above their country makes Australia one of the most
dangerous countries for sunburns and sun damage.
The perfect travel towel
Space will be limited if you plan to take a boat trip (whether it’s for a few hours or overnight) and let’s
face it, no one comes to the Great Barrier Reef without doing some sort of cruise. I love Turkish
towels for the Great Barrier Reef because they take up such a minimal amount of space compared to
regular towels. The fact that they’re also incredibly trendy right now is just an added bonus!
Multi­purpose dresses to save space
To further reduce the amount of stuff you’re packing consider using a multi­purpose dress. I love the
dresses from Canadian company TwelveWays because you can wear them as a dress, shirt or skirt. I
wore mine during a cruise as a cover­up by day and a dress in the evening. Pick a dress that’s made
of a fast drying material so you can wash and re­wear it a few times if needed.
Beach­friendly footwear is a must
Heels have no purpose on boats or at the beach so leave them at home and stick to summery
sandals instead. Flip flops are perfect because you can easily slip them on and off between
snorkeling trips or a quick dip in the ocean.