Unique digital nomad travel adventures from around the U.S.
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I review three different pairs of foldable flats for travel. If you are a woman traveler and you have your eye on a pair of foldable flats for your next trip, this post is for you. Note: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if …
We’ve recently written posts about how to pack for trips to cold and medium climates. To round out the advice, this post will be how to pack for packing advice for hot climates. This might seem strange considering it is mid-January, but last year at …
A few weeks ago, we wrote about packing for cold weather destinations. We thought we’d continue along those lines and write about packing for other climates, so this post will be number two of the series and discuss packing advice for Medium Climates.
Following Goldilocks’ guidance, you are traveling to a place that isn’t too hot and isn’t too cold, it is just right. You’d think that it would be easy to pack for the ideal temperature, right? Well, not so fast. It turns out packing for medium climates can be the most challenging packing of the three. Why? Because medium places tend to be cold in the morning and then warm to that perfect temperature. At night, temperatures can drop down quite a bit, so your t-shirt just won’t cut it when the sun goes down.
And just when you think you’ve got it nailed, Mother Nature steps in and throws an unseasonably cold/warm curve ball your way, right when you are on your trip. Last October when B and I ventured to the Azores Islands, it was supposed to be in the 60s. Turns out it was much warmer than that so we had to adjust our outfits mid-trip. Using that week long trip as model, here is what we packed and will serve you well for a week in a medium climate.
The key to medium-climate packing is adaptability.
We knew hiking was going to be one of our main activities in the Azores, so we both packed a trusty pair of hiking sandals. Chacos have officially hit the mainstream (sadly, at the expense of quality…but that’s another story), but they do a very good job of combining grip and traction with a cool sandal. Cool as in not hot.
I like to mix up sandal days/non-sandal days, so I added a pair of cross trainer hikers also. There are a lot of good quality brands that offer great stability and traction without the bulk of full on hiking boots. My favorite brand is Vasque, but I am currently rocking a pair of Patagonias. These type of shoes are meant to be less rigid than a hiking boot, but it is still a good idea to break them in before you leave on your trip. Before we left, I purchased a pair of Ahnus that I thought would be good because they were waterproof. When I took them on an inaugural walk, I realized I wasn’t going to have enough time to break them in fully, so they didn’t make the bag to the Azores.
For a week-long trip you only really need three or four bottoms that you can rotate through. I like variety, so I opted for a skirt, a pair of pants I could roll up if I got hot, and a pair of shorts. Material and color are important when you are only bringing along a few items, so make sure the material is good quality and won’t start to smell and will repel dirt and stains. Lighter colors can show dirt easier, so it is safest to stick to a darker palette.
Four tops should do you on a weeklong trip. Since it isn’t going to be terribly hot, you won’t need tank tops so you can stick to four short sleeved shirts. You’ll want to pack a long sleeve for those morning hikes or evening strolls along the beach and to round things out, make sure to bring a sweatshirt or warmer long sleeved shirt in case it gets really cold. Material is especially important when it comes to tops because they have to live right next to our armpits and come away unscathed.
If you don’t feel like bringing along four shirts, you can cut this down and wash along the way. B had to use this method as she had packed for a cooler climate than what we experienced in the Azores. This wasn’t really a big deal though, because her shirts were made of quick drying material that held their shape when washed in a sink and air dried overnight. We’ve said this before, but the return on investment really is worth it to buy high quality and pricier pieces.
Part of the appeal of traveling to a place that doesn’t get cold is that you don’t have to pack a lot of outerwear. For the Azores, we left our parkas at home and instead brought light jackets and rain jackets. We also brought along rain pants, but luckily we didn’t have to bust these out and they stayed scrunched up in the bottom of our bags.
Traveling to medium climates is great! You won’t sweat or freeze and if you bring a nice mix of adaptable clothing you will be well-suited for whatever weather craziness happens.
We’ve written about how B and I scored a great deal on a trip to Europe this Christmas. It’s going to be a fantastic winter trip…emphasis on winter. Since we will be taking a trip during cold weather, our packing list is going to be …
Travel-size toiletries usage can be tricky. But we tested them out and here is how long they really last. Note: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you buy something through one of these links, we may earn a small commission, at no extra …
I am currently in Kansas City for a week. The reason: work. Now, packing for business travel is very different than packing for a personal trip. In general, it requires more clothes. Luckily, I work for a very casual company and the dress code is quite relaxed. However, I still have to look semi presentable—especially when I travel to more formal offices or attend conferences.
Obviously, I still try to pack light. But there is no way I can get away with my usual packing list. So below are ten tips I have compiled, based on personal experience, for packing for a business trip:
I may be overly fond of lists, but their usefulness cannot be overstated when it comes to packing. This is especially true for business travel. It hardly matters if you wear mismatched socks while trekking up to Machu Picchu. But it definitely matters if you need to be taken seriously in the boardroom.
For this particular trip, I tried something new. I mentally walked through my morning routine and wrote down everything I typically use/need to get ready for work. Then I figured out what I wanted to wear each day and added that to the list. When it came time to pack, I simply gathered everything on my list. It was the quickest I have ever packed for a work trip. And so far, I have not forgotten any important items.
It took me years to find the perfect travel-day outfit for business travel. Once I discovered the right combination however, it was game over. I stick with a loose, short-sleeved shirt and linen capris pants. Both are black and super comfortable. I also pack a sweater in case the plane gets a bit chilly. In the winter, I substitute the capris pants for full-length pants. My outfit is casual, but it passes if I have to go straight from the airport to a nice hotel or dinner. I literally wear the same outfit every time I travel for work—which makes deciding what to pack a bit easier as well. Find what works for you and stick with it.
Yes, most hotels have irons. But who wants to bother? Especially if you are tired from traveling and have an early morning ahead of you. I hate to iron at home. I certainly do not want to iron while on the road. Wrinkle-free fabrics are my friend and I try to pack clothing that keeps me from looking sloppy. Trick: hang your clothes up in the bathroom while you are showering and shut the door. The steam typically takes care of any minor wrinkle infractions.
Jewelry is small and easy to pack. It can also really dress up an outfit. The same can be said of scarves and hair accessories. Such simple things can help with looking professional and put together. So spend a little time picking out the right accessories. Just do not pack anything you cannot afford to lose. I still remember losing one of my favorite earrings somewhere in a hotel in Las Vegas. I retraced my steps back to the conference hall multiple times looking for it. Alas, it was a goner. But it taught me an important lesson I have never forgotten when it comes to packing for business travel (and personal travel for that matter): leave the valuables at home.
No matter what kind of traveling you do, shoes are often the hardest part to nail down—especially if you are trying to pack light (I wrote a whole post about choosing the right shoes for a trip). Business travel comes with its own set of challenges when it comes to shoes. For this latest trip to Kansas City, I pack three pairs of shoes: sport sandals, Mary Jane-style Danskos and dressier sandals. I debated packing some tennis shoes, but decided my sport sandals could stand in if need be. Between the dressier sandals and my Danskos, I have work covered. The sport sandals are good for travel days and after-work activities. When winter rolls around, I substitute the sandals for a pair of high, waterproof boots. It is not a perfect situation, but it gets the job done and keeps my bag from getting too heavy.
Although I have to bring a separate outfit for each day of work, I can at least coordinate my colors so that I do not have to pack a different pair of shoes for each outfit. A sweater can also match more than one outfit. To keep things from getting too boring, I pack different accessories (see tip #4). But I try to stick to one color scheme for mix and match purposes.
Speaking of sweaters, always, always, always pack at least one sweater or wrap. Even in Florida in the middle of summer, you will be cold. In most office buildings and conference centers, they keep the AC on full blast. That means you are going to be cold. Trust me on this one.
Sometimes I am so focused on what I will wear each day that I forget about what happens after I leave work. I almost always have downtime and I rarely want to wear my work clothes during it. Be sure to pack the right clothes and accessories for whatever extracurricular activities you choose to do—concert, baseball game, museum, etc. Speaking of which, be sure you make the most out of your business trips. If you need some tips, read up on six ways to make business travel more fun. Adding fun times to your business travel may result in a larger packing list. But if you are like me, you are already packing more than usual so one or two more pieces will not make that big of a difference.
Do a little research on your hotel and find out what it offers. Since I have to blow-dry my hair if I want it to have any style, I need to make sure the hotel has a hair dryer before I pack my own. I often stay at nicer places for work than I do on my own dime, so basic amenities are almost always provided. However, it pays to do your research. The nicer the hotel, the less I have to pack.
When I travel for work, I try to keep my routine as normal as possible. This includes going to bed at a decent hour, staying hydrated and eating healthy snacks. I find it easier to do these things if I remember to pack items like a water bottle and reusable baggies. I can hit up a local grocery store and buy snacks, breakfast, etc. Then I pack them up, just like I do at home, and take them to work with me. This takes a little bit more forethought, but it is one of my best packing for business travel tips.
Packing for business travel requires a slightly different mindset. A strong packing list, carefully thought out ahead of time, goes a long ways toward making your life easier. So start with that. Then tackle the rest of the tips.
Tips and tricks for a strong summer music festival preparation. The weather is getting hot, the flowers are in full bloom and if you are really lucky, you are listening to a sweet riff on an electric guitar. Summer is upon us, which means (in …
Without a good small item packing checklist, you may well forget something super useful on your next trip. When it comes to packing, I am not a big supporter of “just in case” or “what if.” That is the fastest way to over pack. Plus, …
When choosing a backpack to travel the world with, there are many things to think about and take into consideration. My first backpack was a lesson in what not to buy. We went on a couple of good trips together, but I learned some important things about what I do not like. My next backpack was chosen with a lot more care and it served me well for over 10 years (I suppose I have the first backpack to thank for that). Now I am embarking on a new chapter—a different type of backpack that is more in tune with my current travel style.
Regardless of where you are at in terms of travel experience and travel style, below are five things you should think about before purchasing a new backpack…or any bag for that matter. This is especially useful for first-time buyers.
We are big proponents of packing light over here at Jane Sees the World and having the right-sized bag is the first step to packing light. The smaller your bag, the less likely you will over pack. Backpacks are easy to carry, leave your hands free and come with cool pockets. However, regardless of whether you are looking for a backpack, a typical roller suitcase or another style of luggage altogether, the important thing is that you pick a bag that is not capable of holding the kitchen sink.
Nowadays, we usually prefer to check our bags. With today’s technology, airlines are better than ever at tracking bags. Heck, you can track your own bag if you want. So losing your luggage is a rare occurrence. Sure, you have to wait a bit longer for your luggage at the baggage claim area. But we have found that the wait is usually worth the hassle of lugging luggage around the terminal and trying to find space in the overhead bins.
Regardless of whether you check your bag or carry it on, I still believe in packing light. (Looking for tips on how to pack lighter? Check out our posts on tips and trips and gear for packing light.) Your best bet is to have a bag that fits carry-on standards, even if you plan to check it. I definitely recommend something under the 50 liter range.
For years, R and I have traveled together with basically the same size of backpack. However, our backpacks were shaped differently. More often than not, R was asked to weigh and/or check her bag while I stood to the side with an equally heavy pack that no one noticed. This happened enough times that we could only conclude it had to do with the shape. While my backpack was wider, R’s was taller. Because it stuck up and could be seen over her shoulders, it must have looked bigger. This was frustrating when we did not want to check bags. Since we prefer to check our bags these days, the shape is not as big of a concern. But if you are looking to carry on, then you want to think about the shape of your bag and how heavy that shape makes your bag look.
You also want to think about the fit. We are all shaped differently and that means a backpack that feels comfortable on my back will not necessarily feel comfortable on R’s back. Even if you plan to buy your backpack online, I would recommend you head to your local outdoor store to try on different styles and shapes. Keep in mind that there are backpacks out there specifically designed for women.
Top loading = no good. Trust me on this one. My first backpack was top loading and it was one of the main things that made me buy a new backpack. Our friend S also had a top-loading backpack. The quality, size, shape and everything else made for a great bag. But since it was a pain to get into and keep organized, traveling with it made for a less-than-ideal experience. On her last international voyage, S actually borrowed my backpack instead of using hers.
Pockets, hooks, hidden compartments, etc. all contribute to how functional a bag is. Of course, these things are subjective and really a matter of personal preference. It is up to you to decide what you really need your bag to do for you. Think about it for more than a day. I know I spend a lot of time thinking about what color I want my bag to be. That is all well and good, but I should be spending just as much time, if not more, thinking about whether I really need a laptop sleeve or a place for my water bottle.
What kind of travel do you do? Trekking up mountains? Cruising around the Caribbean? Exploring Europe? All of the above? If you find yourself doing a certain type of travel, you may want to consider that when choosing a bag. Someone who prefers hiking Kilimanjaro might need a different backpack than someone who goes on a cruise and just leaves their bag in the room for five days.
We tend to do many different kinds of traveling so our bags get used in a variety of ways. I used the same bag on a five-day hike to Machu Picchu that I used on a group tour through Morocco (with really nice hotels). Honestly, my bag was not perfect for either occasion. But it did well enough for both. You just have to think about what kinds of trips you go on and which type of bag will work the best.
Another way to say this: think about cost. Like anything in life, when it comes to purchasing a backpack, you get what you pay for. If you plan to use your bag once every couple of years, then you probably do not need to invest in it too much. It you want it to last for dozens of trips, you are going to have to fork over some cash. Traveling puts a lot of wear and tear on your gear and cheap buckles, snaps, wheels, fabric, etc. are not going to last very long.
Most of the big names out there (e.g. Osprey, Eagle Creek, Deuter, North Face, Kelty, etc.) make excellent, high-quality bags. They also usually provide some sort of warranty. Quality and warranties come with a price. If you cannot afford to walk into a store and purchase a quality brand backpack right off the shelf, check out an outdoor consignment store. A quality, lightly-used item is just as good as a new one in my opinion.
Okay, so I have talked about what you need to think about when choosing a backpack. Now let us look at some specific examples.
10 years ago, I purchased this backpack. I chose with care and consideration and the bag treated me right for the next decade. The model I own is no longer for sale, but you can purchase a newer (and possibly better) model. I have no qualms recommending this backpack. The pros far outweigh the cons.
R had this bag for a few years and it saw some good miles. Overall it is a great bag, but probably not made for how R was using it. Did she really need that ice pick holder? Probably not. This is solidly a better backpacking backpack then a traveling backpack. That being said, R really did like it and would have kept it if it distributed space differently.
R researched and found rave reviews for the Osprey Porter 46, but when she went to REI and tried it on, it didn’t feel as comfortable as the Ozone, which was sitting on the next shelf over. This bag has two trips under it’s strap and so far it is looking good.
Given my love for my Kelty bag, I was not in the market for a new backpack. But two things happened on my trip to Australia:
Given these two events, I started researching immediately. After all, it had been 10 years since I even looked at backpacks. I was curious what was available. One option I read about that caught my attention was a backpack with wheels. I knew I did not want to give up the convenience of a backpack, but they can get awfully heavy after a while. I also felt it would be nice if I did not always look like I was headed out on a trek to the mountains whenever I traveled. A backpack with wheels seemed like the perfect solution. The market for this type of bag is not big, but there are a few options.
For me, it came down to two brands: Eagle Creek and Osprey. Both make several versions in various sizes. But what I liked most about these brands is that they made a version that included an attachable day pack. Ultimately, I decided to go with Eagle Creek. The reviews were slightly better and I found one on sale on Steep and Cheap.
Recently, I tested out my new bag out on a work trip. Normally, I pack a larger, wheeled suitcase for work trips. But I wanted to see if my new bag would work. It performed fantastically. I carried it as a backpack twice (to try it out), but mostly I wheeled it around. The all-black color looks sleeker than a regular backpack and I did not feel self-conscious walking into the hotel. I have no idea if this bag will hold up for the next 10 years the way my Kelty did, but I feel confident enough to give it a try. I do wonder what backpacks and travel and myself as a traveler will look like in 10 years. It will be interesting to find out.
UPDATE: I am still loving the Eagle Creek Switchback. It has been on several trips including an international voyage to the Azores. The size is perfect and it is holding up nicely. I mostly wheel it around and rarely use the backpack function, which I find interesting. I am still not a big fan of the all-black coloring, so I added a travel patch to spice it up. At this moment, I have no plans to replace it anytime soon.
Travel gear and technology are always evolving. Along with that, we as travelers evolve and grow. Your bag says a lot about the kind of traveler you are. That might be one reason there are so many options available. If you are making a new choice, hopefully, the things we discussed above will help you in choosing a new, perfect-for-your backpack.
Trip Preparation List: This is being posted a day earlier than usual because in a reverse Groundhog’s Day phenomenon, our February 2nd will have disappeared completely in between the time that we leave Los Angeles (Feb 1) and arrive in Sydney (Feb 3). So weird. …