We asked Austin-Lehman Adventures’ travel consultant Mindy Vanderhoof what she carries in her travel bag, and why. Learn her list of must haves.
“Every trip is a little different,” says Vanderhoof, “but in this world of fast paced connectivity and limited suitcase sizes, here are five travel essentials I don’t leave home without.”
#1. iPad. It seems you either are or aren’t on the Apple bandwagon. I am on definitely on it. The iPad has everything in a super small, completely packable package! You can e-mail, take notes, play games, watch movies, and listen to music all from one gadget. Not to mention it takes photos and videos. I recommend getting the WiFi 3G model so you can log in anywhere. Also, buy more memory than you think you’ll need: 16GB seems fine… until you take a bunch of video and download a bunch of apps. Better to put forth a little more money and have the storage space.
#2. Flip Flops. This is probably the most low-tech, but important thing that I pack. They take up limited space, weigh practically nothing, and are great for walking around the hotel or a casual dinner. I don’t usually have much spare time when I travel, but I am always grateful to take off my ‘real’ shoes and slip on sandals.
#3. A Pashmina. No matter where my travels take me, these multi-functional wraps come in handy. They can dress up an outfit, keep your neck warm in the cold, be worn as a shawl, or act as a make-shift picnic blanket or beach towel. Available in so many patterns and colors, you are sure to find one that is just right for you.
#4. Classic Black Pants There is nothing better for travel than a fashion classic and you can’t go wrong with a pair of casually elegant black pants. Find a pair that won’t wrinkle and you are even better off. You can stroll the boardwalk, go shopping, have a nice meal, or take in a business meeting and always look the part.
#5. Gum. You never know who you are going to meet or when. You can be ready for anything with a pack of minty gum. Think long flights, and airplane meals: You can pop your ears, or eat garlic without worry. Gum is an inexpensive and failsafe travel essential.
What can’t you travel without? Leave a comment below and let us know.
About the author: Mindy Vanderhoof came to the adventure travel business with more than a decade of independent travel experience and has now traveled to 41 countries. Working in the travel industry she is able to bring her knowledge, passion for travel, and background to help others experience the world.
photo via istockphoto.com
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".
Stay in a luxury treehouse in Oregon this summer.Instead of the usual summer vacation, why not try something different this year? Bed and breakfasts are the definition of unique. Of the estimated 17,000 inns in the U.S., no two inns are exactly the same. From Victorian, Queen Anne and Italianate architecture to rustic and urban styles, B&Bs come in all shapes and sizes.
Not only will you enjoy wallet-friendly amenities like free Wi-Fi, guest pantries stocked with complimentary snacks and breakfast included in your rate, but also a one-of-a-kind travel experience.
Prepare yourself for a summer of surprises with these five BnBFinder inns:
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".
It’s a common family dilemma: The kids want to stay home with their friends. Parents are ready (a.k.a. desperate) to head further afield.
Tempt them with Bedouin camp sleepovers, jungle ziplines, elephant rides and tiger safaris, however, and watch how quickly they stop complaining and start packing.
Summer vacation never looked so good as the new ‘kidtastic’ family travel collection from Kensington Tours. Here are 10 of their hand-crafted family adventures sure to please kids and parents.
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".
We’ve been living and working in Cuenca, Ecuador for the past three months and although it’s one of the smallest countries in South America, we haven’t even scratched the surface of all there is to see and do here.
Before my husband and I arrived, I did what I usually do before a trip; surfed my favorite adventure travel search engine TravelDragon.com to find trip offerings in the region.
The Galapagos Islands and the unusual creatures that live there had been topping our wanderlist for a lifetime and we couldn’t do better than the 8-day adventure cruise we enjoyed aboard the motor yacht Letty (see adventure number six in the list below).
As amazing as the Galapagos Islands are, however, Ecuador has much more to offer. This small country has a cultural, geographical and biological diversity that’s among the world’s richest. You can hike amidst snow-clad summits and massive volcanic peaks; go birding in misty cloud forests; soak in bubbling hot springs; snorkel with sea turtles; and experience the thrill of world-class rafting.
As our time in Ecuador comes to an end and we pack our bags for Peru, I thought I’d share ten hand-picked adventures we’re filing away for ‘Next Time’. Yes, we WILL be back. Ecuador is highly addictive.
1. Ecuador: The Highlands
In Ecuador’s Highlands you’ll walk the Hacienda Trail, a scenic path running between the luxurious accommodations in which you’ll stay. With snow-clad summits and massive volcanic peaks as a backdrop, your days will be filled with unexpected moments. Stroll through picturesque Andean villages, meet welcoming residents, and linger at their frequent festivals. Savor the picnic of a lifetime on the 12,000-foot rim of Cubilche Volcano, or investigate the 1,200-year-old Caranqui Mounds and stop at a condor restoration project.Go from hummingbird-stitched
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".
Heli-hiking in the Canadian Rockies. A camel safari across the Moroccan Sahara. Treking the Inca Trail. Surf and yoga camp in Maui. If there’s one thing that gets my heart pumping and soul soaring, it’s an adventure.
Trying something new can reenergize your life and provide the perfect antidote to the daily grind.
Learn six reasons why an active vacation can be truly transformative.
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".
When it comes to adventurous vacation ideas, one of my most trusted insiders is Nancy Harrison, founding partner of Adventure Media. Offering a blend of expertise, connections, and good value, Nancy and her team specialize in introducing travelers to some of the best adventure travel experiences the world has to offer.
When I read through this hand-selected list of summer travel ideas that Nancy sent along recently, I was ready to pack my bags. I hope it inspires you to do the same.
1. Explore the Sights, Sounds, and Tastes of China On An Authentic Cultural Family Vacation
Experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of China with your family this summer on this new Smithsonian Family Adventure by family travel experts, Thomson Family Adventures. From cosmopolitan cities to rural villages, this exclusive family adventure takes travelers to see authentic China, a land that’s in transition between ancient and modern. As with all of Thomson’s tours, children have the opportunity to meet a pen pal while on the trip … Thomson Family Adventures
2. Celebrate Summer With Your Family On A Rafting Trip Down The Wild & Scenic Rogue River
There’s nothing quite like spending long summer days in the great outdoors while breathing in the fresh air of summer and spending time with loved ones. Venture outside to Southern Oregon’s historic Rogue River for some rough and tumble fun on a whitewater rafting vacation that includes riverside camping… Rogue Wilderness Adventures
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".