Nellie is a Singapore-born adventure travel blogger who specialises in unusual destinations and immersive travels. She's been traveling since 2003, when a study abroad program in Miami changed her life. The experience opened her eyes to the world beyond and it got her hooked to travel.

After graduating from university, Nellie moved to London and spent all her free time traveling around Europe and beyond. Eventually, adventure became a theme in her travels and she started seeking for more challenges in remote and far-flung places.

In 2008, she started her adventure travel blog Wild Junket to chronicle her adventures and to encourage others to travel more. She had no idea it would become what it is today, her main creative outlet and source of income. 

Her blog has resulted in many partnerships with major travel brands and tourism boards, and it has brought her to many exciting corners of the world, including Antarctica, North Korea, and Cuba. These days, she also branched out to leading her own adventure tours for readers to join her on the road.

What's usually in your carry-on?

I always pack my most important stuff aka my electronics and photography equipment in my carry-on. I carry a Lowe Pro camera bag so my camera, lenses and laptop can all stay safe. Tell us about the usual type of clothes you bring when traveling? Do you pick your wardrobe meticulously, plan a day by day outfit, etc I have a ‘travel uniform’ that I wear almost every time I travel on my own or for work. It’s usually quick dry pants with a t-shirt and gore-tax jacket (if cold). I never plan my wardrobe on a day-to-day basis. In fact I like to travel as light as possible. My mantra is “the less you pack, the happier you’ll be”.

What's the best packing tip anyone has given you? Who gave it?

A friend said that you need the same amount of travel gear in one week as you would in one month. It’s very true, and I still keep it in mind every time I pack for a long trip.

What is the best thing about packing light?

When you pack light, you can get around much easier without feeling exhausted or worrying about the safety of your belongings.

How does your packing for a travel routine look like? 

It depends on where I’m going and for how long. For long trips or trips to more remote places, I usually pack a few days in advance so I know what I’m missing and have time to get them. On the day before my flight, I’ll remove the unnecessary items and pack the final things like toiletries. For short trips, I usually just pack on the day of my flight.

How do you deal with "excess baggage" situations? 

I’ve been traveling intensively for more than a decade now, so I don’t end up with excess baggage anymore. But I used to pay for extra or just ditch extra load like food or clothes I no longer use.

What's your best-kept packing secret?

Always roll your clothing and use packing cubes to maximize space.

Quick Qs

• Favourite region? Antarctica
• Favourite country? Madagascar
• Favourite city? Cape Town
• Favourite beach? Tortuga Beach, the Galapagos
• Favourite food? Moroccan 
• Favourite mode of transpo? Air
• Favourite book? The Kite Runner by Khaled Housseini
• Window or aisle seat? Aisle
• Carry-on or check-in? Carry-on
• Hostel or hotel? Budget hotel
• What's your favourite design from the Cabin Zero collection? Classic 44L Camouflage collection

Feel free to follow Nellie's adventures on Instagram!