What I learned on my trip | UNPACKING | Solo Travel Middle East
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 พ.ค. 2024
- 🎥 Part 1 of this video (packing) is here: • 7kg Weight limit!? How...
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🌍✈️ Unpack and unwind with Lauren as she shares the mesmerizing tales from her solo adventure across Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the Maldives! And how was that carry on weight limit? Did she get caught at the gate with her overweight luggage? And why did she come home with a new carry on?
In this episode of "Tales from My Suitcase," Lauren tells you about her scuba-certified journey on a local island in the Maldives. Marvel at the breathtaking beaches, but discover the unique challenges posed by the conservative dress code.
🏞️ Oman becomes the backdrop for thrilling adventures, leaving Lauren questioning the appropriateness of her attire. Join her in the exploration of local customs and find out if that bathing suit made the cut!
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia awaits with the promise of new, looser rules, but did they hold up? Lauren unfolds the cultural nuances and lets you in on her experiences navigating through this historically rich destination.
Discover if these countries are safe for solo female travelers and if Lauren would embark on this incredible journey again.
Get an exclusive look at everything Lauren wore, what she left behind, and the unique souvenirs she collected along the way. Dive into the best packing tips for Oman, insights on navigating Saudi Arabia's dress code, and learn from Lauren's firsthand experience on what she would do differently if she were to embark on this adventure once more.
✨ Timestamps ✨
Where I went 0:00-2:00
What I was worried about: 2:00-3:00
A new bag?! 3:00-5:41
How covered did I need to be? 5:41-7:58
Unpacking Personal Item/Souvenirs 7:58-10:18
Airport Bag/Souvenirs 10:18-10:49
Plane Clothes 10:49-11:45
Unpacking Carry On/Souvenirs 11:45-15:56
Unpacking my Neck Pillow (hack) 15:56-16:40
What I tossed 16:40-17:20
How would I pack differently? 17:20-18:06
Overall experience/safety concerns 18:06-20:45
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What was your favorite souvenir? Answer below!
The red paisley scarf was pretty. My mom would like something like that.
All of them but that teal number...GORGEOUS! Ok, so got I got out of this is to pack a little (just to get you started) and buy clothes there! I can't wait to make it to that side of the earth!
I’m a sucker for buying spices and teas wherever I travel! You nailed it with the clothing pieces! Reminded me of my trips to India where I only brought 2 outfits and bought everything else I wore. In Morocco I brought everything I wore and only bought 3 caftans. Trust and believe you will wear all those beautiful pieces more often than you think! ❤❤❤❤
That’s a tough question cuz your souvenirs looked amazing! I would say any of the scarfs would be my favorite, although I would love to try coffee/tea as well haha 😅 🤤
Oh, the tea for sure!
Your photos that were taken of you on Instagram were sublimely beautiful!
Oh thank you!
@@ItsTheKellyseven in the thumbnails these photos leapt out and I just had to go over to Instagram to see what else you had posted! Beautiful!
I love your “I was bored at Duty Free”😂
It was probably the most dangerous thing I experienced in the Middle East 😂 💸💵💰🤑
@@ItsTheKellys😂
When coming home from Europe last summer we flew TAP Portugal out of Lisbon. All of the wheeled bags were weighed before we were allowed in the seating area at our gate. If they were overweight they were checked and charged like $125 US dollars. They were not counting any water or snacks or any bags not on wheels. We as a group divided the heavy things and put them in a hand held bag my niece was carrying. Glad to know this does not happen everywhere. Glad you had such an amazing adventure. 😊
Another argument for convertible backpacks versus hard side wheeled luggage in my opinion!!
TAP is the WORST!
Great video! I REALLY appreciate your comments at the end too. You won't know, unless you go!
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this video Lauren ! I so appreciate your reflections on trips. I’m already fretting about our summer trip to Scotland due to the 7kg weight restriction but what’s the worst thing that could happen….. they check it and it gets lost. I deleted my IG account a few years ago but went back specifically to follow you. The eggplant abaya is breathtaking although I don’t think I could pull it off like you 💜 I’m curious why you have no interest in going back to the Maldives?
FANTASTIC VIDEO! Could not wait to hear about your trip. Thank you for sharing!!! You looked FABULOUS in all those clothes!!! Loved everyone of them. And I love your new suitcase and personal item!!! Caught my eye! Lol
Thank you so much!!
I've been so excited for this video, and you did not disappoint! I love all of your souvenirs, but that eggplant two piece abaya is stunning. Thank you so much for all of your tips and tricks!
Yay! Thank you! 🙏🏽
Not gonna lie - I had to make some popcorn for this one and just sit back and enjoy! I've been SO looking forward to it, and you certainly didn't disappoint. Loved every bit and REALLY hope you show us all how to take such gorgeous photos when we travel solo!
Thanks for watching Susan! When I get some time, I’ll definitely do a course on how I take my pictures.
I was in Turkey in June 2022 and they weighed all our carry on bags with wheels but not our backpack underseat bags. I travel with a luggage scale so I knew I was ok. We had a large checked bag so all we had in the carryon were our souvenirs. I feel like its a roll of dice whether you get weighed or not.
Agreed! There’s a lot of luck!
Yes , unpacking time is important to see what was a hit or miss for your trip ,serious time to do an analysis !! 😅👍🥁🐉🎤🎶✈️💞
I love those caftans you bought !! 👍Beautiful pictures of you in deserts !!! 😍👍👍💜🥁🐉🎤🎶💞
You crack me up in the first 6 minutes! I simply adore you and your videos. Thank you for all that you do for us fellow travelers!
Thank you so much for the kind words and for taking the time to watch my videos!
Yay! I also like to buy a few clothes from the thrift shop to take for the trip that way if I have to leave them to make room for something else, it won't hurt my pocket and I don't have emotional attachments to them. 😄
I'm glad that you enjoyed your time and am glad you are home safe 😊
Thank you! 😃
I'm so glad you had a wonderful trip! The items you purchased were gorgeous and donating (less gorgeous) clothing was so worth it. Where did you donate? Do the hotels have something set up? Such a good idea. So frustrating that you had to worry about weight limits that ended up not being a problem. It was frustrating but good that you were prepared. Those photo shoots were spectacular.
🩷💜☘️
So glad you enjoyed your trip, SA holds a special place in my heart. We were there in the 70s when they were undergoing a lot of growing pains but it was still a beautiful experience. Given the chance, I would go back again. I loved your haul and the scarves, so beautiful. That is what I wore any time I left our house, always had a scarf over my head. We didn't have to but I just felt more comfortable trying to honor their customs. Even when we lived in a compound out in the dessert with just westerners and a few translators, if we left the compound I had a scarf on my head in case we ran into some Bedouins.
I always had one just in case! I’m so glad it has a special place in your heart. I can’t wait to go back and explore more!
Wow, beautiful colourful clothes! I love it, glad you had an amazing time.
Absolutely beautiful sites. Thank you for sharing. It was a pleasure to watch. Would love to travel as much as you have; inspiring.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I second the old navy active joggers, its all I fly in now. Super comfy! Loved this video, maybe someday I'll join you for a group trip! My favorite souvenir you showed were all the beautiful clothes!
Yay! You should! If you want to do Oman in Feb 2025, DM me!
Great wrap up & pt 2 to previous video.
and the scarves!!! beautiful!
Which airlines did you travel on? Jetstar and Air France for sure have put my stuff on a scale (Air France even added my coat, snacks...and I thought they were going to throw me on it too!).
Turkish, flyDubai, indiGo, flyNas.
😳 🤣
This was such a good video and so helpful! I would be very interested in a trip to Oman and the Middle East. I had an overnight in Doha last year and loved it. Keep us posted.
Please email me hello@itsthekellys.com as soon as you can so I can send you the questionnaire! ;)
Your abayas are gorgeous!
Those scarves are so beautiful 😍
So helpful! Thanks for going into detail about how covered up to be. And what beautiful scarves and abayas!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I’d love to join you for a group trip! ❤
Email me at hello@itsthekellys.com to receive more information. I’d love to have you!
I love love both of your luggage bag / tote !! Such yummy colours !!! 👍👍
Thanks so much for this. I love your purchases and can't believe much you were able to bring back!
You are so welcome!
Great great video. Thanks again for your packing tips they are so helpful.
You are so welcome!
This was excellent! I cannot WAIT to see your Vlogs!
Yay! Thank you!
This was so helpful! I also loved seeing the video clips of your trip as well as the gorgeous pictures taken 😍. You bought so many beautiful souvenirs ❤
Yay! Thank you!
Such an amazing Video! So helpful! And beautiful!
Thank you so much!
I was wishing you’d share your itinerary or put together a trip - then reached the end. Hope to make it on your tour!
The booking process is going to start very soon, and I already have over double the number of people I can allow, interested. But please email me hello@itsthekellys.com and let me know that you’re interested, Incase a spot opens :)
Yes! Love love love this! That is what travel is all about! So down for a group trip!!! 🤩
Yay! Email me hello@itsthekellys.com when you can! I have a questionnaire for you to fill out :)
Thank You Lauren! I’ve been waiting patiently for this recap to post! Grateful Job!! Hoping your Oman Group Trip 2025 is in my Future! 🙌🏻
Yay! Did you sign up to get the questionnaire? If not, email me hello@itsthekellys.com and I’ll send!
Great video. Thanks for including your “unpacking” information.
Thanks for watching! Glad it was helpful!
Ooh I’ve been looking forward to this video! I always learn so much from you. I like the idea of leaving/donating things behind to make room for purchases. After rewearing items last summer trip, I was ready to never see them again! I’ll definitely do that next time!
Awesome!
I totally bring stuff I'm happy to leave behind or throw away too. 🎉. Love the video
Yes! Thank you!
Loved your blog on Oman!!!!! Never ever ever thought of going there but you are an amazing influence!!!!
It was such an amazing place! Thank you :)
I love your unpacking video and can't wait to see the travel vlogs. I was wondering how the backpack would work since you said you didn't love carrying them. Great job and looking forward to more content!
Thanks for watching Jennifer!
I LOVED OMAN‼️
Me tooooo!
I really like the new PINK Samsonite. What a find.
I was pleasantly surprised!
I’m ABSOLUTELY totally down to doing a trip with you next year. Count me in!
Please email me hello@itsthekellys.com as soon as you can so I can send you the questionnaire! ;)
I would definitely wanna go
Yay! Please email me asap hello@itsthekellys.com
I’d love to take a group trip with you!!! I would definitely need help packing. My dream trip is to visit the Maldives.
Been waiting on this video and it did not disappoint! I can't believe how lucky you were to not have gotten your luggage weighed even once! Seems like my luggage is ALWAYS weighed. Even during my last trip to the Maldives! And your coverage experience pretty much lines up to what I thought it would be, particularly in Jeddah. Glad it all worked out for you, and I'm especially impressed that you found abayas that fit everywhere! That would be the main thing I'd be worried about--that I would suddenly need to buy an abaya and not find anything that fit my arms and shoulders. Love all the clothes you bought! But my favorite of your souvenirs has to be the henna on your hands! Looks great!
It was so hard to find one online that fit but they had so many in Oman and Saudi Arabia! I was a size “60” there or a 58 in the blue one
Yes I always wanted to go to Oman
If you’re interested in the group trip, please email hello@itsthekellys.com and fill out our questionnaire and info sheet 🥰
Yes I would love more info on the Oman trip when you have more details! Will you make a video or community post about it?
Please email me hello@itsthekellys.com so I can send you the questionnaire to fill out :)
Totally down for a trip to Oman!
If so, please email me asap! Hello@itsthekellys.com :)
I’d be interested in Oman. I’ve been to the Middle East, one of my favorites too.
Hi! Email me asap hello@itsthekellys.com if you’re interested :)
That's right , i'm always bringing underwear that are ready to be thrown out comma same with sport bras , and maybe a t shirt that has a holler too , and we leave them there , so we have room for souvenirs
😆
I would love info on your Oman trip!❤
Please email me hello@itsthekellys.com so I can send you out questionnaire to fill out!
you’ve influenced me. I’m down for Oman next year !!
If you’re interested in going February 2025, please email me ASAP so that I can send you a questionnaire. Hello@itsthekellys.com
Totally amazing and helpful video. I got the same pair of Teva upon your inspiration. Where were your blisters?
On the top, big toe and pinky! But only for the first few days!
I would go on your trip if you planned one! How fun
It’s in the works! Please email hello@itsthekellys.com and I’ll send info!
So glad I’m not the only Anker addict….
Glad your trip went well. Really liked clothing you bought. Maybe you could organise another part of your video to help us buy unique scarves & outfits. Thanks again, look forward to your next adventure Regards Kym
Great idea!
You are wonderful. This is what so many people need to hear. And, just wondering what travel tripod you use?
Hi! I have several but they are all versions of this: amzn.to/490u7P9
I have a more hardcore one, too, but this is more travel friendly. It fits in my purse.
Air New Zeland weighs-hell some stations they have embedded scales in the bag sizers.
Good to know! I’m flying them in May!
I have a suggestion for a luggage review? It's the London Fog Chelsea 20" Hardside Carryon Spinner. I have London Fog soft shell luggage and I love it, but I do want a hardshell for flights. I saw this one and would love a review. I currently see it on salem at Macys. :)
I just looked up reviews and it has a ton of negative ones where the shell cracked after one trip. I tend to stay away from that brand
Would love to go to Oman with you!
Please email hello@itsthekellys.com as soon as you can to fill out the questionnaire/info sheet!
Just Love!!!! So glad you had a fantastic time. Question... Have you ever used a travel vest / Jacket that has 19-23 pockets? I saw a Scottevest that fits like almost everything from your personal bag. so if you run out of space and looks like it would work.
I haven’t because it’s not really my style and I run really hot at airports but I’ve considered looking into it.
I do, but not from that company. I prefer the one from Travelsmith now sold to Magellan's. I bought the men's size medium, and it has plenty of room for tablets, phones, passports etc. I bought the men's because it had more length. Whatever you choose, buy a bit larger than you would normally wear. The stuff takes up a lot of room. It isn't my look either, normally, but the convenience is fabulous.
I bet one could make their own by modifying a prettier garment. Idid something like this with some sweaters at work so I’d have a deep pocket for my phone.
Would love to join the group trip ❤
Please email me at hello@itsthekellys.com as soon as you can :) I’m getting close to nailing everything down!
Such a cool video. Would love to se you repack the pink suitcase as you would if you would go again.
And a trip sounds so cool. But can one join from Europe? 😄
Yes you can join, as you fly there to meet us! Email hello@itsthekellys.com as soon as you can to fill out our questionnaire!
I had to stop the video and coment . So I went to Tanzania via Oman and the same 7kg problem occurred. So here I was packing and unpacking and decided to take backpacks . Well when I got to Oman I was so frustrated that I bought a samsonite from the airport 😂😂😂😂😂😂I did not want to say in the previous video don’t worry cause you never know.
Hahaha! No way, that’s funny!
❤❤❤ you had a blast can't wait to see the vlog. where do you donate in countries, like just left in hotel? What hotels and guides do you recommend there? I really want to go to Istanbul, Saudi, Jordan, Singapore. What did you like/not like about the Maldives? Love everything you got for souvenirs, got all same stuff on my Moroccan trip. How much did extracurricular activities and taxis cost you? ty!!
For the Maldives…. A beach is a beach and I’ve seen better. Of course I was there only to learn to scuba, and it was beautiful, but once I’ve seen a pretty beach, I check it off and move on. Bora bora and Fiji are prettier.
I’ll go into more details of everything else in the other vlogs :)
I’m confused why did you have to put a backpack on the ground? It couldn’t stay on your back for the bathroom? Or hang it on the hook?
The Oman kaftan you bought is beautiful! Loved seeing your souvenirs! Didn’t know they sold kayak tea in a bag.
Also I assume you’re not flying economy, they never check your bag size or weight or number of hand luggage when you fly at the pointy end of the plane.
Well the backpack is as large as a carry on and was about 17-20 pounds, so it wouldn’t really work on a hook, and would not be great to have on my back. And when I’m in line for 1-3 hours, I’m not going to keep it on my back the entire time.
And I always fly economy, as cheap as possible 😂
Sign me up! I'm ready to travel with you!
If you’re interested in going February 2025, please email me ASAP so that I can send you a questionnaire. Hello@itsthekellys.com
where did you get that orange purse in your very cute personal bag?
I WANT to be part of the travel group! Sign me up🎉🎉
If you’re interested in the group trip, please email hello@itsthekellys.com and fill out our questionnaire and info sheet 🥰
I’m so glad that you had a good time, but I also have to wonder if I would be treated as well as you and I’m a dark skinned woman. Colourism /racism runs rampant in a lot of countries, or at least that’s what I’ve heard. That said, I would never tell someone not to go somewhere because youre right that propaganda/ media are heavily biased.
Also have to add that the scarfs you bought were so gorgeous !
Okay, this is a dopey question! When you're traveling alone, how do you get the 'photo shoot' pictures? Do you use a timer and tripod set-up? So impressed with how much you came back with vs. what you took (thinking you needed to be under that strict weight limit)!
Tripod and a video. I plan on making a little mini course soon!
is this your new favorite bag or what do you have in your collection similar to it that you would bring next time?
Any of them honestly. This is not my new favorite by any means, it was just the only wheeled bag that was available at the airport that was under $600 haha
Did you get the henna on your hand done on the trip?
I did. A random lady just came up and started drawing it without asking 😂
I don't know if you've been to the Philippines yet as one of the 95 countries LOL but it's the only place I've ever had to actually worry about my carryon bag weight. 😑
I haven’t gone yet but would love to go!
But you know Lauren, sure as you're born, if you hadn't gone to all that trouble to weigh everything, you would have been done for overweight fees every stop you made LOL!
I would love to travel with you. Sign me up for any host trip, please and thank you.
Yay! Please email hello@itsthekellys.com as soon as you can so I can send you the questionnaire!
Great intel as usual. I wanted to visit the Maldives….what happened there that made you say “you’d never go back again”…also my husband just got his advanced scuba certification…he at some point is considering free diving 🫠🫣…or encouraging that 😂!
To me, it was just “a beach” and I’ve seen better. I love islands with a lot to do in addition to the gorgeous beaches, and I feel like the Maldives don’t have that, whether you are on the tiny local island I was on, or a tiny island that is a resort.