Hannah Strange, Florida Down Under marketing intern, writes about the necessary shoes to pack for study abroad:
Like most girls, I have a bit of a thing for shoes. Ballet flats, flip-flops, high heels, sneakers…you name it, I have it. Put it this way: I just bought a THIRD shoe rack for my apartment. Of course having too many shoes when I’m at home really isn’t that much of a problem, unless you talk to my bank. When traveling on the other hand, it’s an entirely different issue.
On a recent four-day cruise to the Bahamas, I managed to pack nine pairs of shoes – even I think that’s excessive. But then my mother packed eleven, so I think I know where my problem started!
My point is, when you’re studying abroad you cannot take countless pairs of shoes. Aside from ridiculous checked baggage charges, it really is a giant pain to lift an incredibly heavy suitcase or backpack on and off a bus a dozen times. Of course you will still have to move that suitcase, but trust me when I say if you pack fewer shoes, your back will thank you later.
So in the name of all things efficient, I propose this: when traveling you need four pairs of shoes, MAX! I know, I know, it’s scary, five weeks (depending on the program) with only four pairs, but let me rationalize.
Sneakers – These are obvious. Make sure they’re comfy, worn in and you’re not going to freak out if they get muddy! I think these Nike ones are cute!
Boat shoes/ballet flats/TOMS – Something you can walk around in for a while but are more breathable than sneakers. See the picture of me in my shoes having just climbed a garden in Italy.
‘Real’ sandals – If you’re like me and feel trapped in sneakers, you’ll want something you can hike in without ruining your feet. For this I recommend something like a Teva sandal. Just make sure it has a solid base and a strap around the heel and across the top! Click here for some that I think are good options.
Flip-flops – My favorite category. Bring flip-flops you can comfortably walk around in AND they can double as around-the-hostel/shower shoes! I have a lovely pair of Aussie ones.
And seriously, that is all you need. If you’re super low-maintenance, you might not even need this many! But these cover all the bases, even if you are ‘going out’ it is perfectly acceptable to just wear flip-flops or flats. Now let’s see if I can stick to this next time I travel…
Happy packing!
