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".
That these clogs are stylish and comfortable, that much I knew. What I didn’t know was the story behind their manufacture and the El Naturalista brand - an environmentally and socially responsible footwear company.
I saw a shoe that looked different yet functional, sturdy and well-balanced. A shoe that once I put it on, I didn’t want to take it off. Footwear that was made for traveling with perfect slide-on-and-off ease for airport security and long-haul flights.
Who knew they were crafted in Morocco by a Spanish company with social projects in Peru and that Nordic mythology was the inspiration behind its unusual name?
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".
As a North American, June has always been flip flop and sunshine weather. But June is wintertime in South America and the coldest month of the year in the ancient Inca city of Cusco, Peru, where we’re spending the next few months. So, in place of my usual sandals and flip flops, this June it’s alpaca socks and KEEN’s Prescott Boot keeping me warm and comfortable in cold Cusco.
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".
I’ve always had a soft spot for shoes. But as any traveler will tell you, when it comes to packing light, shoes are not your friend. So, any footwear that’s going in my bag not only has to look and feel good, but it also has to go the distance, anywhere in the world.
I chose these Sanita sandals because I thought they’d be a cute and comfy way to add a little punch of color to my tried-and-true travel classics.
Now that I’ve been wearing them non-stop for two months—ahhhh!—life is good. I love the breathable footbed, the 30% recycled outsoles, and airport-security-friendly slide-on design.
At home, or on the road, they look great with everything from skinny jeans and summer capris, to flowy skirts and casual dresses.
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".