One of the things that you’ll often find me saying is that I’m a global citizen. Yes, I currently reside in the beautiful Bay Area, but my heart is always abroad. I think my affinity with traveling and exploring began at the tender age of ‘I don’t know exactly when’ but it was around the first time I went to Disneyland. I loved the feeling of being in an unfamiliar place and spending quality time with my parents. They both work an average 16-hour days since I could remember and being able to spend large amounts of time with them is always memorable. I loved the new sounds, sights, and even smells of a new place. Oh yes, I drank in the delightful small world of Waltz back then. It was fun and then it was exhausting.

It wasn’t until I went on the longest trip I had ever been outside the US that I really started pinning a map of all the places I’ve been. I enjoy the allure, the glamour and the not so glamorous parts–the parts that aren’t often photographed because it’s too risky to carry a nice camera. I love the walking and the fact that you have to strip bare to the basics and not mess around with too much fuss. Traveling has helped cure me of my hoarding tendencies but then again reminds how much better life would be if we can live it simply. Thus, I started reeling in essentials tools and ‘things’ that help me better enjoy my trips and make things more interesting. Although, being a traveler-wedding photographer has it’s extra “baggage” of equipment, I keep the personal stuff on the minimum. The adage is true:

Whether you’re packing for your honeymoon, getting ready for the weekend getaway or prepping for your summer travel plans, here are some of my absolute must haves when I’m away from my home and studio. Please mind you, that I consider these items to be so essential that if I realize I don’t have them, I will turn the car back around to go and fetch them (no matter how close to airport I may be ;))

1. My felt fedora hat to keep from harsh sunrays and giving my identity a little bit of mystery. Plus, doesn’t wrinkle or lose shape in my luggage. 2. A crossbody bag to have all items on-the-go at arms reach is so handy. I love gold hardware but when traveling overseas, I think it best to keep it simple but with a little fur flair. This bag will be for sale on our website at El Mercado Central (currently under construction). 3. Yes a camera! But not just any camera, a 35mm film roll camera. I feel that this non-DSLR/non-iPhone is not that attractive but delivers some amazing photographs. I keep it on a strap so I could keep reach for it especially when a great moment is happening. Although, you have to wait to see the picture, I feel that the time between makes it even that much more amazing. This is my personal camera of choice, Canon AE-1. 4. Let’s face it, the best anti-aging antidote is prevention. What better way of hiding from the sun than a pair of classic (and inexpensive) sunnys. I don’t recommend going all out with you Dior’s or maybe even Raybans when leaving the country. I’m such a klutz, I’ll leave or sometimes even break them anywhere. 5. I’m a writer, so I’ll sometimes have a thought or very clear epiphanies when traveling, that I wish to just collect them all. Sometimes journaling your trip can be so eye-opening. My mini-emergency kit has absolutely everything needed for practically any given situation. I love that it’s so snug and tiny and is TSA compliant. 7. iPhone, contains all of my life in the palm of my hand. Enough Said. Oh and music, love to have music with me at all times (who doesn’t?). 8. A portable scale also helps me edit out what I really need to bring. Sometimes it tells me that I have too much stuff or I could probably fit another pair of jeans or shoes. 9. My toiletry compartmentalized in this bag is a gift. I lose things so easily and this bag (purchased at CVS) helps the shampoo to stay in the shampoo side and the moisturizer in the moisturizer bottle. Nothing crisscrosses and everything arrives as I packed it. 10. My wifi device. Since most of my work is on the cloud and at the studio, this little device helps me keep connected with clients, emails, and of course this blog!

11. Last, but certainly not least, my sweater moto-jacket. It pairs with almost any outfit and keeps me warm. It’s also a nice layer for the more colder climate areas. I wear this jacket almost anywhere and it’s been a life saver. I felt it merited it’s own picture because I use it so much.

I guess this would be a good time to say that as you read this, my hubby and I are currently en route to Guatemala. We were granted with the opportunity to photograph a wedding and then spend much-needed quality time with our family. I’m also excited because I’ll be shooting an engagement session in Antigua Guatemala too. So be ready to see more travel posts in the next couple of weeks. Hasta Luego!

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