Hey Reader,

I hope you're getting ready for some extra days off soon. I know I am!

Easter long weekend is a popular time for opal mining getaways. Many of the part-time opal hunters take their holiday time to head out to opal country and get underground - myself included!

⛏ You'll be able to follow along on Instagram stories if you're interested. I might do some sort of "pack with me" prep leading up to take-off as well.

Looking back...

In the last few weeks, I've made a couple of appearances in non-HPL land:

• I recently had a fun conversation with the delightful Alexa and Rory of The Roamies about packing and travel. Check out the podcast episode here.
• I was interviewed as part of an article on the psychology behind overpacking for AFAR. Read the article here.

I've also been dealing with some not-so-fun tech related issues with the site, my emails, and all that jazz. Andddd I've grabbed my popcorn and am ready to watch what happens as yet another Google update rolls out 👀

Oh, the never-ending behind-the-scenes adventures that go into keeping this online venture online! I always wonder if people would be interested to hear about that kind of stuff? What is involved in running a site/business like HPL? Click here if that's something you'd want in on.

Without further adieu...

Onto this month's guidebook topic: SPRING TRAVEL!

Spring is in the air (in the northern hemisphere that is), and with it comes blooming flowers, vibrant colors, and the promise of warmer days ahead.

Let's look at packing and travel during this time of year.

From HPL

Layers are key for traveling in spring - bundle up in the mornings and simply remove layers as you warm up. We’ve got some other great tips for you in the spring packing lists below!

✈️ Ultimate Female Packing List for Spain in Spring: There is so much to do and see in Spain in Spring, from the stunning national parks and cherry blossom trees (yes, there are cherry blossoms in Spain) to the vibrant festivals.

✈️ Pack Light for Paris in Spring: One Woman’s Essential Packing List: Don’t be tempted to overpack for such a stylish city.

✈️ Ultimate Female Packing List for Japan (in Spring): In Spring, Japan is very humid, temperatures vary from north to south, it can get hot, and it rains a lot. Talk about confusing!

✈️ Choose Your Travel Clothing – Layers, Layers, Layers: Layers are essential for the shoulder seasons.

✈️ How to Pack Light for Cold Weather: if you’re traveling closer to the end of winter, you might want to check out these tips.

Around the Web

✈️ Spring Vacation Ideas for 2024: If you’re looking for the perfect spring travel destination, look no further. It’s not too late to book your tickets.

✈️ Layering Basics: Have no idea what a base layer, insulation layer, or shell layer is? Then check out this layering basics video that can be applied to your whole travel wardrobe.

✈️ Secrets of the Shoulder Season: Traveling in the shoulder season comes with a whole range of benefits.

✈️ Ready, Set, Spring Break: Travel tips for your next spring trip.

Travel Trivia

Packing Success Story

Christina had less hassle on her Tanzania safari with just her 20L backpack.

Christina is an HPM alum and an adventurous traveler. It's no surprise that she was able to head off with a small backpack and a fanny pack!

Safaris involve a lot of moving from park to park and lodge to lodge. The space inside the Land Cruisers are limited. Christina appreciated that a small bag made the journey much more comfortable.

She also enjoyed having everything with her on the very long airport layovers in Los Angeles and Doha, Qatar while in transit.

What helped her the most? Here's what she said:

Well done, Christina! 🙌

Do you have a packing success story you'd like to share? Respond to this email :)

Let Us Be Your Guide Creative Ways to Minimize Your Toiletry & Beauty Kit Handbook For just $9, you can get the 28-page handbook that will help you to pack a smaller, lighter, and less liquidy toiletry and beauty kit. GRAB THE HANDBOOK FOR $9

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On Our List

There are so many great products and brands out there that aim to make spring travel better.

🌷 A scarf is a great layering addition to your packing list, especially if you’re traveling in early spring when there is still a chill in the air. We love the Speakeasy Hidden Pocket Travel Scarf which keeps you warm and hides your valuables at the same time.

🌷 If you're going somewhere rainy, you might want a travel-sized umbrella or a light rain jacket (Columbia has some great options). You might also want to invest in some quick-drying clothes and rain-friendly boots (perhaps something like the Teva Rowena Buckle Waterproof Boots).

🌷 You could also pack something like the Northface Triclimate Jacket if you are traveling somewhere that’s still quite cold in spring.

🌷 If you do have to pack a warm jacket, pop it into a compression sack so it takes up less room in your bag!

The HPM Get-It-Done Week! The HPL Packing Method is a course like no other. In it, I help reform overpackers into light packers by challenging them to pack for a trip in a teeny tiny bag... ...all while learning a method that actually makes it possible. The main HPM course is self-guided, but the upgraded version is community-based. Join HPM + Upgrade (for a discounted rate immediately after purchase) before March 18th to take part in the Get It Done Week. JOIN HPM HERE

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ICYMI: Blog Posts

The Osprey Kyte 36 Backpack Review Top pick for: Women who love going on multi-day hikes or overnight backpacking trips. The Osprey Kyte Series is designed for women for all-day comfort while trekking. READ POST

How long do travel toiletries last? An easy way to figure out how long your travel toiletries will last is to test them out before you leave for your trip. Or, you can read this post and get some ideas. READ POST

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I hope you have enjoyed this edition of the HPL Guidebook!

Happy packing,

Brooke

P.S. And your trivia answer is: The Great Sphinx of Giza! On the first day of spring, the Sphinx faces the sun when it rises and when it sets it seems to sink between the sphinx's shoulders. But there are many other ancient sites that align with the sun on the equinox.