During their sabbatical, they hiked to Machu Picchu in Peru, boarded down an active volcano in Nicaragua, dived in Cuba, fell in love with Canada and got married in Austin, Texas. Yes, they eloped!
Craig proposed in Vancouver and they got hitched after the music festival, South By Southwest in 2016. At Two Scots Abroad, they create useful travel guides and budget run downs with a bit of humour and stunning photography.
What's usually in your carry-on?
My carry-on is filled with electronics; the Macbook, charger, hard drive, camera. It’s heavy but necessary!
Tell us about the usual type of clothes you bring when traveling?
Craig and I are both vain. We still like to look good while travelling. I like plain dresses that I can jazz up. Craig always carries a baseball cap, his hair is ‘mare if he doesn’t have a hairdryer! We both always have sunglasses, it’s actually pretty difficult to find photos with us not wearing them.
What's the best packing tip anyone has given you? Who gave it?
For long-term travel packing,I recommend separating your clothes. This doesn’t have to be with expensive packing cubes. I used large ziplock bags I bought in an army style shop in Edinburgh. Do not use plastic bags, they are noisy and they will make you the enemy in dorm rooms. Don’t spend a lot of travelling clothes. They will get ruined by the washing machines in launderettes or suncream, beer, curry etc. I buy the majority of my clothes from charity shops so there is little expense lost when they have to be thrown out. Always pack underwear and a bikini in your hand luggage if you are going to warmer climates, if your bags go missing for a few days at least you can relax on the beach until they arrive.
Photo Credit: @twoscotsabroad on Instagram
What is the best thing about packing light?
The best thing about packing light is that you don’t have to wait on checked in luggage. I love this about city breaks! I just walk off the plane and out of the airport.
How does your packing for a travel routine look like?
I am super organised so I have everything organised and listed ready to be ticked off. I usually go through a few rounds and eliminate. Then I roll or fold into separate bags. I add two bags to the bottom of the backpack and pull the zips up slightly. Then I place the rest in, like a game of Tetris until it is ¾ full when I pull the zips up further until nearly closed, I yank the bag up by it’s top handle a few times, creating more room at the top. My toiletries bag then goes at the top. Shoes are tucked into the sides earlier in the process.
How do you deal with "excess baggage" situations?
We’ve never experienced this, our airlines in the UK are sticklers for it at the moment so we never risk it. I hate wasting money on things like that.
What's your best-kept packing secret?
Large ziplock bags
Photo Credit: @twoscotsabroad on Instagram
Quick Qs:
- Favourite region? British Columbia, Canada
- Favourite country? Canada
- Favourite city? Vancouver
- Favourite beach? Playa Ancon, Cuba
- Favourite food? Thai for Gemma, Hungarian for Craig
- Favourite mode of transport? Trains
- Window or aisle seat? Window for Gemma, aisle for Craig
- Carry-on or check-in? Always long trips so check-in
- Hostel or hotel? Unique hostel or boutique hotel
- What's your favourite design from the Cabin Zero collection? The Classic, bold yet neat
You can follow Gemma and Craig's adventures on their blog, Two Scots Abroad.
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