My search for a cold weather travel boot began as soon as my husband and I made the decision to spend the winter in the mountains of central Mexico.
A previous winter stay in Cusco, Peru, where I’d given away a favorite pair of boots, had taught me that I wanted a boot that would provide stability on uneven, cobblestone streets, was warm and comfortable and versatile enough to be worn with jeans or dress pants, leggings or skirts.
The Veranda Mid by Merrell ticked all the boxes. Sleek and chic, they look fabulous and felt like a natural fit straight out of the box.
Ultimately though, I balked at the hefty price tag ($160) and assured myself that I could do without. Instead, I decided to give the money to a friend who works hard and rarely splurges on herself.
I’d waited until the evening before our Mexico departure to slip a check into a beautiful card and give it to my friend. It felt good to have forfeited something I desired. To give instead of get.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
“What to pack?” is the number one question I hear from friends, family and travelers who are setting off on a new adventure.
So, as I prepare for dual safaris in Namibia and Botswana, here are my 10 packing essentials for an African safari.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Winter: It’s cold. It’s snowy. It’s wet. So what.
It may not be the easiest season to pack for. But with a few chic essentials, it’s not as difficult as you think to stay warm and stylish, no matter how frosty it gets or how small your suitcase.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Nineteen years ago, during a summer stay in Santa Fe, my husband surprised me with the surreptitious purchase of a hat I’d admired in a storefront window. It was a case of love at first sight (hat & husband) and has been ever since.
Aside from one Russian-style faux-fur cap that I’m rarely feeling cheeky enough to wear, unless it’s raining or snowing I’m not much of a hat wear kind of girl. But, I’m forever thankful to that strong Santa Fe sun for providing the inspiration behind what’s now my number-one, hot-weather travel essential - the Helen Kaminski Raffia Classic 5 braided hat.
Favorite feature: Whether I’m hiking windy mountaintop trails or sailing the high seas, thanks to built-in adjustable string sizing, this hat stays snug.
Not-so-favorite feature: The Classic 5 comes with a black-and-white polka dot hatband that’s just a little too prim for my not-so-proper taste. So I jazz it up a bit by purchasing fun, colorful hatbands wherever my travels take me.
Bottom line: Handcrafted from 100% Raffia that lasts forever and can be rolled for easy packing, this is the perfect hat for any sunny getaway.
Part of the Helen Kaminski Raffia Braid collection, the Classic 5 is available for purchase at www.HelenKaminski.com. Suggested retail price; $165.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
SeV’s Multi-pocketed Clothing Helps Travelers Beat the System and Save on Baggage Fees
SCOTTEVEST/SeV, maker of my favorite travel vest, has announced a whole new lineup of stylish choices for wearable carry-on clothing. Now you can beat the system, save on baggage fees AND look good doing it. NICE!
One of the newest designs is the Women’s Trench, a stylish trench coat with 18 travel-friendly pockets available in four colors. Taking cues from SCOTTEVEST’s female fans, the product was developed after repeated requests from SeV customers for a women’s equivalent of the popular SeV Carry-On Coat™. LOVE THIS!
The full line of SCOTTEVEST Travel Clothing ranges from jackets to vests, pants, hoodies and shirts, with their latest introductions adding:
- Women’s Trench Coat ($130) - SeV developed the SeV Women’s Trench with an eye for fashion-forward lines contained within a classic, belted trench silhouette, all without sacrificing any of the hidden functionality of SeV’s pockets. Designed to supplement or replace a purse while traveling - around town or around the globe - this coat’s 18 NoBulge™ Pockets maintain a smooth appearance regardless of what is carried.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Favorite feature: Love the roomy female fit, fun color choices, spacious pockets, and the fact that it layers well, even over a Patagonia down sweater.
Not-so-favorite feature: It isn’t quite as breathable as I’d hoped. Could turn out to be uncomfortably warm for tropical explorations. Will keep you posted.
Bottom line: From sea kayaking to glacier hikes, light drizzle to heavy downpours, this jacket/pant combo said H2No® to Alaska’s liquid sunshine.
Patagonia Rain Shadow Rainwear: Jacket:$179.00 suggested retail price; Pants $149.00: www.Patagonia.com Also available at The Travel Store at EllenBarone.com powered by Amazon: Women’s: Jacket; Pants : Men’s: Jacket; Pants
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
The first thing you’ll notice about this winter featherweight is that’s no scratchy wool cardigan like your granny would wear. Not this sweater.
Eddie Bauer’s new First Ascent Downlight® Sweater is cozy to the core, indoors or out. As autumn turns to winter in the mountains of southern New Mexico, I wear it on the trails, enjoying an early morning cuppa on the deck, or seated at my computer. Made from water-repellent, ripstop fabric and 800 fill northern European goose down, it’s ultra light, ultra warm, ultra cozy and better still, designed to fit my curves.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".