Why Travel? 5 Good Reasons

Why would anyone want to travel? And more than that, why would anyone think they need to travel? What is this burning desire to see what's beyond the front door or the city limits? Why can't everyone just be satisfied to "grow where they're planted" anyway?

Well, because different people need to see and do different things! I know lots of people from my tiny hometown who love where they live and see no need to leave. And I respect that. There are a lot of good things about living in a small town. But for me, and for lots of people I've met along my life's journey, there are a great many positive things about exploring and experiencing the world God made out there!

Here are some reasons why travel is in some people's blood. This goes for domestic travel, sure, but mostly for foreign travel. What would you add as a reason why you travel?

1. Understand Others
Traveling somewhere new is the only way to begin to understand people in a place and culture other than your own. You don't have to know the native language to communicate with people, you just have to be willing to understand that your way is not the only way--and perhaps not even the best way! As I began to travel, I also began to understand that in fact I don't have to understand. No one who lives anywhere else, doing something I'd never want to do for a living, needs me to understand their way of life. I only need to respect them and be kind.

Women shucking beans in typical Andean dress on the side streets of Quito, Ecuador.

2. Understand Yourself
Traveling has taught me a great deal about myself. I'm smarter than I thought, but also a bit clumsier. I can also make do with just about anything, just about anywhere. And I can make friends with just about anyone! This doesn't mean I "found myself" while traveling--I know who I am and where I've come from. What I didn't know was whether or not I could survive outside of my little town. Turns out, I could. And anyone else can, too! Traveling makes people realize there's more to themselves than meets the eye when they look in the mirror.

The Wedded Rocks and me at Futami, Japan, on one of the last days of my first ever trip abroad! I learned so much about myself and God's love and care while I was there. 

3. Gain Confidence
Traveling has given me opportunities to see and do things I never could have imagined  on my own. I've climbed glaciers and learned to ski in the Alaskan wilderness, seen the Fairy Chimneys in Goereme, Turkey, from one of the largest hot air balloons in the world, and eaten codfish ovary sushi, and snorkeled at the Great Barrier Reef.

Sure, those are cool things to do. "Once in a lifetime" opportunities, if you will. But what's more, they're the kind of opportunities that give a person confidence.

Atop the Sydney Harbor Bridge and unafraid to look down! 

4. Gain Humility
So now that we've talked about confidence, let's point out the humility that also comes with traveling. I don't mean utter humiliation, although that sometimes happens, too! I mean the realization that others have it harder than you do. Others have a better way of doing things that you never would have thought of on your own. Many people around the world speak two, three, or even more languages very skillfully. I have a dear friend in Switzerland, Bianca, who has achieved fluency in four languages and can communicate in six more! It amazes and humbles me, especially after I traveled to France with her--she's fluent in French, and all I can say is "merci!" 

My dear friend Bianca, stuffed into the smallest elevator either of us had ever used!

5. Learn to Roll with the Punches
Sometimes you have to sleep in the airport. And sometimes volcanic activity cancels your flight 10 hours in advance, and there seem to be no other flight options for the next 34 hours. Sometimes your travel companions are not where they said they'd be, and they totally say it's your fault--but then you have to swallow your pride and spend the next week with them. Maybe the train employees in Paris are on strike and you nearly miss your flight. And you just have to roll with it!

I've never once had a perfectly smooth trip, but I have survived each and every one, and I've had to learn a lot of patience along the way! Traveling teaches you how to take every moment for what it's worth. It also teaches you how to adjust your expectations and your own reality to make it to the next moment. There is always another flight, there are always people there to help you (but sometimes you have to stick your neck out and ask), and you will make it!

The guesthouse where my friends and I ended up staying in Ireland after several hours of tracking each other down. These kind folks let me use their phone and gave us a place to stay on very short notice!

So, what's your reason for traveling? What snafus have turned into great experiences or learning moments? 

Running Around the World

What's your favorite thing to do when you travel? Trying new foods? Seeing the sites? Meeting new people? Learning a new culture first-hand? Finding the best pastry shop in town? Maybe finding your way off the beaten path and seeing what the locals do? Shopping?

My favorite thing to do when I travel is going for a run! It's something Steve and I enjoy doing together, and we both like get a feel for the city. We kind of get an overview of the proximity of things we want to see, and we get to see more sites in a shorter amount of time than if we were walking. Some of my favorite stories of Steve from before we got married are his stories of running all over the world--over mountains in Croatia, watching out for rabid dogs in Africa, running all the way up to the top of Diamond Head in Honolulu, meeting his future wife just a couple of days before running the Prague Marathon. ;)

So how do I make sure I don't get lost? What do I do about safety? What about when it's cold? What about cobblestones in old cities? All these answers and more are coming your way!

1. Safety First! 
My number one priority when on travel is safety. This doesn't mean I live in fear, it means I'm aware of my surroundings, and I travel smart! I have this thing called a Flip Belt, and it goes around my waist like a belt (not like a fanny pack) that holds my phone, ID, cash, credit card, keys, and anything I might need to take with me.

There are openings all the way around, and even a clip for your keys. 

And then you flip it around so the openings are against your body, and everything's secure! 

I also don't use earbuds when I run in a new city because I want to be able to hear what's going on around me without distractions. I always feel safer when Steve runs with me, but when I travel by myself, I just make sure I'm aware of my surroundings and trust my gut if I think someone might be following me. I've never had bad experience, and I don't want to start!

One more note on safety: you may think, "I have all my information in my phone--name, phone number, contacts, GPS, and I even filled in my emergency info in the Health app in my phone. But what is your phone gets stolen? Take your ID with you! If you don't have or want to get a flip belt, put it in a pocket or in your sports bra. There are also ID bracelets like the ones at RoadID. Better safe than sorry!

2. Rough Terrain (cobblestones, rocky paths, and dirt roads)
Sorry, you will encounter less than perfect running conditions. Not every place you go will have manicured trails, sidewalks, or even paved roads! Steve was running in Italy before I met him, and he tripped and fell into a ravine leading into the Riviera. When I lived in Old Town Alexandria, I grew used to running on bumpy, neglected brick sidewalks. When Steve and I met, he was preparing to run the Prague marathon--talk about some historic cobblestone streets! And hundreds of runners successfully ran over 26 miles on them! When Steve and I ran together on Floreana Island in the Galapagos, there were literally no paved roads. There was one gravel road, and the main road was dirt and rock--large, loose rocks, prime for tripping! Here's a picture:

But what a view!

So, what do you do about that? First of all, watch where you're going! You do not want a sprained ankle or skinned knee during vacation, or any other injury for that matter. So just watch out.

Also, ask the person at the front desk of your hotel or hostel, or your host at AirBnB if there are any good running trails or long stretches of sidewalk. If there's a river or other body of water nearby, there is probably a good place to run or walk close to it. In the tiny Nova Scotian town of Pictou, the owner of the Inn where we stayed told me about a beautiful boardwalk down by the shoreline. I never would have known about it otherwise!

3. Avoid Getting Lost
I always keep a map with me. Steve always takes a small paper map, but we also use the MapMyRun app, which is the only thing I use when I go running on my own. I'm sure there are lots of other apps that will do the same things, but this is the one I like best. Steve has had a couple of GPS watches over the years, and none of them would sync up when he was out of the country. The app seems to work better for that.

It doesn't just track your distance, time, pace, etc., it also shows you your route. So, if you're like Steve and me in Oslo, Norway, you can zoom in and out as needed to see where you are and how to get back to your hotel, or wherever you need to run back to! The only downside is that if you don't have an international phone plan that includes data, you'll need to start the app when you're within a Wi-Fi zone--like your hotel or a restaurant that provides free Wi-Fi. Also remember that you'll have to save your workout when you're reconnected to Wi-Fi!

Map and running stats. You can even zoom in on the map to see road names to get your bearings if you do get lost and need to retrace your steps or find a shorter way back to your starting point. 

4. Running in Extreme Temperatures and Remembering Etiquette
Hot weather: light clothes! Just make sure that wherever you go, you won't be offending the locals. For instance, when Steve and I go to Vietnam later this year, I won't be taking shorts or tank tops for running because it's not appropriate for women there. Groan all you want about how women should be able to do what they want with their bodies, I'd rather wear capri running pants and a t-shirt and avoid offending people in their homeland!

Fine for American summers, maybe not so much in the Middle East or other more conservative destinations. 

Cold weather: Running pants! Or yoga pants. Long socks help, too, and don't be afraid to double up on socks if it's really cold! When we ran in 35-degree Vienna a couple of weeks ago, I wore one pair of socks, running shoes, running pants, a long-sleeve t-shirt, a light pullover, and an ear warmer. A general guide I read about recently is to dress for 20 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 11 degrees Celsius) warmer than the actual temperature. So, for a 35-degree day, I dressed for what would help me be comfortable not running in 55-degree temperatures.

Cool weather running clothes: pants, long-sleeve t-shirt, pullover, gloves, ear warmer. It doesn't have to match! 

A note on how to pack light: roll, roll, roll! Roll your clothes instead of folding them. You'll be amazed at how much more you can fit into a backpack or suitcase this way. Also, check out my post on clothes that pull their own weight. If you're really pressed for space, put your socks and undies inside the shoes you pack.

A note on running etiquette: Try not to spit. I know, I prefer to spit when I run, too, but at the very least, don't let the locals see you do it. In many countries this can be construed as disrespectful. Same goes for any other questionable running habits (you know what they are).

5. But I'm on Vacation! I Don't Want to Run!
Well, there's really no quick fix for this one. Definitely have fun on your trip, wherever you go! You'll likely be walking a lot in any new place you go, but I still like to start every other day or so with a run as well. I just feel more energized for my day, and it helps me make a plan for what's around me and what may not be worth going back to if seeing it from the outside is enough.

But bear in mind that while you're out and running about, you may stumble upon a delightful local treat. Like this super hydrating fresh coconut water!

6. Running in High Altitudes
Do not plan to run your first couple of days in a high-altitude city! For instance, I was only in Quito, the world's highest capitol city, one day both times I went, and I didn't bother running either day. That high altitude is no joke! Stay hydrated, bring ibuprofen in case of headaches, and even take it easy on the walking if you've got hills to contend with. Your body will get used to it in a couple of days, but if you're going over 10,000 feet up, plan to take it easy so you don't wear yourself out or make yourself sick.

Something to bear in mind about what exactly is "high" altitude. Airplanes are pressurized for 8,000 feet, and while you should try to stay hydrated at that altitude, it won't make your as exhausted as 11,000 feet or more. Your body will adjust after a few days, but it's best not to push it!

7. Running Tours
This is one FUN way to get your running in and see the sites at the same time! I have to admit that I haven't done one of these myself yet, but my friend Valarie did a running tour in Barcelona and just raved about it! She said they ran for about 15 minutes, then stopped to hear about the site where they stopped. Then off to the next place! The whole tour lasted two or three hours.

One downside I've noted in researching these is that they can be pricey, especially if you're going with a private guide instead of a group. And if you don't like running with other people, this may not be for you. But on the up side, you're getting a quality run and a quality tour with a local, which is pretty awesome! And if you do like running with people, this is right up your alley! And look how happy my friend Val and her guide were while running around Barcelona:

Thanks for reading. Running memories are so nice to have! Run off and make your own!

Weekend in Vienna: Part III

Welcome to the final installment of our weekend in Vienna! Our last full day dawned COLDLY! Steve went for a run, but I snuggled up in bed a little longer and took a nice, hot shower instead! By the time Steve got back, I was ready to have another enjoyable breakfast and attack the day!

Did someone say breakfast?

Made to order omelette, breads, honey, and jams. And that's just the first course! 

While we ate, we made our plan of attack for the day. Where would we start? A palace of course! To the Belvedere!

So, the Belvedere is actually three palaces! The first one, the Lower Belvedere was built in 1697; the Winter Palace in town was completed in 1708; and the Upper Belvedere was started in 1717. Why would someone need three palaces? Not sure. All three of them are now art galleries with very little explanation of the history of the palaces. That was quite a bummer for me, but they sure were pretty to look at! Prince Eugene of Savoy was the one who saved the Holy Roman Empire (including Austria) from the Ottomans. So, I guess if he wanted to build three palaces for himself and his family, that's acceptable!

After a leisurely lunch at a a local restaurant off the beaten path (no menus in English!), we stopped in at the Opera House, but we'd missed the English tour for the afternoon. Kind of a bummer, but Mr. Peabody Pembroke met up with some long-lost Viennese relatives in the gift shop:

Oh well. It sure was pretty from the outside!

Then it was back to the hotel for our luggage. We used the Wi-Fi to check on a few things--like an update on our flight the next day. We were sorry to leave such a beautiful and historic hotel, but our flight would be early enough that we'd want to be at the airport hotel for the night. Now for a long, romantic walk to the train!

When we got to the train station, we were able to check in for our flight and print out our boarding passes. Very handy! Since it was Sunday and most shops and grocery stores were closed, we stopped at the only grocery store that was open in the train station. BIG MISTAKE! It was so crowded! There were two cash registers, and the lines for both wrapped around the tiny little shop. We did manage to get something to eat and take with us, but it wasn't easy! Should have gotten a picture of the crowded store, but I could only think of getting out!

The express train took us straight to the airport in 16 minutes--really nice and way faster and cheaper than other modes of transportation! From there, it was a short walk to the NH Hotel. We only got one key, and we gave the power adapter back to the Hotel Sacher. When Steve wanted to go to the gym, that meant I'd be without light in the room and without power to charge any of our devices (the room key powered the lights)! I was already done for the day and said I'd be fine until he got back, if he didn't mind picking up a power adapter from the front desk on his way back up. But much to my delight, he returned to our room just moments later with another key card and the power adapter!

 Extra power adapter and extra key card from my Love

When Steve got back from my gym, we did "church" in the room. Thank goodness for recorded sermons! It was also easy to find a cracker and a mini bottle of red wine for communion, too. But next time we do that, I'll have to have Steve take a picture of me taking the tiniest sip of red wine--what a face!

After that we tried to get some rest. Tomorrow would be a looooooooong Monday!

We're so glad we stayed at the airport hotel that last night. It was nice to walk over to the airport, have breakfast at the Austrian Airlines Lounge, and be assured that we wouldn't be late for our flight! It was my first time on Austrian Airlines, a Star Alliance partner with United:

The flight was almost 10 hours, but with Steve by my side, I'd be content for that long and longer! We had heard from one of the flight attendants that most of the people on our flight would be arriving from Tel Aviv, and their flight was late! But they made it. We knew who they were because of the yamakas! Luckily they made it--they made up over half the flight!

Steve watched some movies, I read my book and started a couple of blog posts, and with just under four hors left in the flight, Steve suggested we watch The Sound of Music together! It is always a classic and one of our favorites! We have tickets to see it on stage in a couple of months! I love that Steve suggests things like that. We start a movie or TV show together and it's like we're watching it on the couch at home... almost! I love my sensitive man!

And that was our trip! We made sure to stay up as long as we could to prevent jet lag. Join us for our next trip. You never know where we'll go next!

See what Mr. Peabody Pembroke got up to in Vienna! 

Weekend in Vienna: Part II

Saturday morning dawned early for the O'Haleks! Not necessarily for the Viennese, but certainly for us. But a little jet lag is nothing that a brisk run can't fix! Steve (very) graciously runs with me when we travel, which I love, but that means he has to run a lot slower! We ran through beautiful gardens, past ornate palaces, and through lovely town squares!

Now for a delightful breakfast. And what was the best part? The amazing and adorable individual coffee pots!

Love it!

The breakfast buffet was one of the most impressive and vastest I've ever seen! There was a made-to-order egg station, cold cuts and smoked seafood table, cheese selection, fruit, breads and pastries, muesli, yogurt, jams, honeys, cakes (including Sacher Torte!), strudel, juices, and five kinds of infused water!

After fueling up for the day, we set out for a day of culture and adventure! First up, a long, looooooong walk to Schoenbrunn Palace! I don't think we realized quite how far it was, but after nearly a year of no long walks together on account of foot surgeries and recoveries, we didn't mind! We were holding hands the whole time, so we hardly noticed the length of the walk. And anyway, it's a beautiful city to walk through! Best of all, this waited for us at the end of our walk:

We learned more about Empress Sisi and other members of the Hapsburg dynasty. Did you realize they ruled from the 11th century until just after World War I? The palace was a bit disorganized going in, but the content was interesting! When we walked into the courtyard, we saw a bride and groom having pictures taken. Can you imagine getting married in a palace like this one? Wow!

Aside from the museums, there was a garden maze, orangery (like a greenhouse) that they still use today, and several lovely gardens! There was also a beautiful auxiliary structure called the Gloriette where's there's a cafe and stunning views from the top.

We walked all the way to the top and enjoyed the views from the roof! And then we had lunch. A German crepe for me and a Viennese cappuccino for Steve (he was still full from breakfast!).

While we were in there we noticed that even the ceiling was gorgeous!

Most everything in Vienna is beautiful!

When we finished up at the palace (sorry, no pictures inside; bummer), we decided to take the metro system back to the city center to see a few more sites. There are a LOT of art museums in Vienna, and most of the buildings themselves are practically works of art themselves!

The day had been overcast and a bit chilly, so once we saw everything we could handle in a day, we decided to get some relaxing done at the hotel. The gym was sort of small, but Steve and I both squeezed in a workout (no, walking all day just wasn't enough--haha!), then tried out the steam rooms. I'd never been in one before, especially not one so fancy! There were actually three steam rooms and a sauna. One of the rooms was just constant steam, and another one added three sets of herbs to the steam to help you relax. We were alone in that room for a few minutes, then another couple came in... and the woman decided to go European style. We averted our eyes for a while, but before too long we decided to enjoy our steam elsewhere... Except that in the third steam room was a woman who was also going European style, and in the sauna there was a guy doing the same thing. Steve went into the sauna for a bit, but I opted for sipping tea and eating some of the spa snacks in the sitting area for a while.

When we returned to our room, we were a bit disappointed to find that in fact the chocolates would not be replenished! Bummer. We love using Trip Advisor to help us plan our travels, but not all reviews are necessarily true on all counts! But the bed was comfortable, the view from the window was stunning, the room was quiet and lovely, and the soap in the bathroom was made with chocolate!

Check back tomorrow for Sunday's escapades and the long Monday home!

For more pictures, click HERE!

Weekend in Vienna: Part I

Hello, my friends! Over Columbus Day weekend, Steve whisked me away to beautiful, historic, culturally significant Vienna, Austria! I'd been anticipating this trip for weeks, and then it was finally here! We left Thursday evening on an eight-hour flight from DC to Geneva.

The flight was smooth, but despite being more comfortable than usual (thanks to lay-flat seats because we got upgraded to Business First), I didn't get much sleep.

Goodnight, World!

But United has new care packages in Business, so that was fun!

The new bag and the loot inside

Steve and I hadn't bumped ourselves up to business class since our trip to Melbourne in February, so this was a pleasant surprise! 

After we ate, Steve and I both watched some TV, I read a little bit, Steve slept, and I tried to sleep. And then we landed in Geneva! 

After a brief stop in the lounge for snacks and secure Wi-Fi, we headed to our gate and boarded our last leg from Geneva to Vienna on Austrian Airlines. We were only a little disorientated, but luckily there is a non-stop train from the airport to the city center that only takes 16 minutes! The walk from the train station to our hotel took about 15-20 minutes, which helped us wake up and adjust to the new time zone. (Vienna is six hours ahead of DC.)

Our hotel, the Hotel Sacher, is absolutely beautiful! There is one in Vienna and one other in Salzburg, and it was started by the same family that created Austria's famed Sacher Torte (pronounced like Americans would say "soccer"). It's this amazing chocolate cake with a layer of chocolate icing through the middle and a unique chocolate ganache frosting, topped with a dot of apricot jam and a chocolate piece with the Sacher seal on it. Sorry, I can't believe I didn't get a picture! But I did take a picture of our chandelier!

Gorgeous!

Our room was just across the street from their famous opera house. We didn't see an opera there, but we did have a fantastic view! 

Mr. Peabody Pembroke enjoys the view of the opera house

Once we settled our stuff into the room and felt we had the energy to attack the day, we did! First stop, lunch! We had some goulash soup at a nearby restaurant, then it was off to St. Stephen's Church, or the Stephansdom. It's one of the oldest churches in town, and it has amazing tile work on the roof! We took the elevator to the top of the North Tower to get the view: 

The roof of the church

It was impressive! And really high up! 

From there, we set out to wander some more. We found ourselves at the Sisi Museum in one of the many palaces around town. It's dedicated mostly to Empress Elisabeth ("Sisi"), and to her many sets of dishes! 

I may have taken this picture illegally

I have no idea how many sets of dishes and platters and silverware (and goldware) they had displayed in there, but it was a lot! Sisi seems to be like their Abe Lincoln--beloved and then tragically assassinated. She was a Bavarian duchess who married into the Hapsburg family at age 15. She had a good go of it until 1898 when she was assassinated in Geneva at age 60. She had a heck of a palace in Vienna! 

That museum took up a couple of hours of our time, and by then we were pretty pooped! We found a place to have authentic Wiener schnitzel, per Steve's request, and we both left quite full! After that we decided maybe we need to start splitting dishes instead of each ordering an entree that's too much for us! 

Back to the hotel! But not before purchasing two Starbucks mugs for our collection--Vienna and Austria! When we arrived back in our room, we were delighted to see chocolates, fruit, and a Sacher Torte on each side of our bed! 

Yum! But it didn't take long of us to fall asleep, even after a few chocolates. Join us in the next post to see what we got into on Saturday! 

For more pictures, clock HERE! 

What I Wore in Vienna

Full disclosure: I never thought I'd be one to write a "What I Wore" post, but people are so interested in packing tips and what to wear in different types of weather, I decided to give it a shot!

So let's jump in. Here's what I packed for a chilly October weekend in Vienna, Austria!

The pink bag at the top is my primary packing friend. It goes on my back while my other backpack goes on the front. It opens from the top AND the bottom, which has come in handy so many times--never lose something at the bottom of your bag again!

Left to right, top to bottom:

1. Plastic bags: They wad up and fit in any small space you have, and you can use them for laundry, to wrap up your shoes for packing, and to put leaky toiletries in if there's a mishap.

2. Red plaid sweater: A new favorite! It's comfortable, medium-weight, and rolls up nicely.

3. Grey boot socks: A gift from my mom to help keep me warm. They roll up small and take up very little space.

4. Puffy purple coat: A friend brought me this from my favorite clothing store in Japan, Uni Qlo! It's a down jacket that wads up into the smallest of spaces! I love to travel with it because it wads up into my purse when I get too warm or spend a couple of hours in a museum.

5. Exercise band: Because it fits anywhere (even inside a shoe when necessary), and I can do several different exercises with it in case the hotel doesn't have a gym and I need to workout in the room.

6. Running shoes: I packed these instead of wearing them this time because I also needed to have boots with me, and those are a little too big to pack, so I wore them and packed my running shoes instead.

7. Blue jeans: If you read this post, you know the benefits of blue jeans! For a long weekend, I would typically only pack one pair of pants, but I knew that Sunday would be close to freezing, so I thought I might need to wear my leggings under the jeans that day, since we'd be out all day long.

8. Pink sweater: I probably could have gone without a second sweater, but I had room, so I figured why not!

9. Yellow scarf: It goes with both sweaters, and it added a pop of color to my all-black travel outfit!

10. Two hearings: The black one for running (and sweating), the maroon one for wearing out and about.

11. Grey gloves: These are gloves and mittens! The mitten part pulls back to leave my fingers free when necessary.

12. Underwear and socks: All of them can be worn once more and thrown away--to make room for souvenirs!

13. Workout clothes: sports bra, sleeveless shirt (for working out indoors), workout pants (for indoor and outdoor use), and a long-sleeved shirt (for running outside in the cold). All but the pants would be left behind because they were on their last legs, making extra room for souvenirs--like Starbucks mugs!

Next up: My backside backpack

1. Pink pullover: To keep warm on the plane and to wear while I'm running outside.

2. Multi-colored purse: Best purse ever! The zipper lays against my back instead of on the outside for all the world to see.

3. Blur backpack: This is my trusty backpack from college, and it's still the one I take with me all over the world!

4. Toiletries bag: To keep all the toiletries organized.

5. Laptop: This is my lightweight MacBook Air. I usually leave my laptop at home, but I wanted to work on some things on my long flights.

6. Purple watch: To keep track of time on the plane.

7. Three meal bars: To keep hunger at bay and make sure I get enough protein!

8. Mr. Peabody Pembroke: My traveling duck!

9. Flashlight: Sometimes I need to see things on the plane while others are trying to sleep.

10. Hand sanitizer: Sometimes the sinks on planes and in touristy areas are worse than not washing your hands at all! I like to use hand sanitizer instead sometimes.

11. Chargers and earbuds: To make sure everything keeps working! Side note: I forgot my power adapter! I should have packed that with my chargers.

12. Kleenex, glasses, plane toiletries

13. Top 10 Vienna book, highlighter, and post it tabs: For making plans on the plane!

14. Book: For entertainment

15. Cider packets and Emergen-C packets: For a warm beverage or two on the plane.

16. Purse bag: Contains chapstick, hair ties, bobby pins, and headband. I transfer this along with my other purse items.

17. Passport and wallet: Don't travel with out them!

So, some of that is not too exciting, but it got me through two long flights and a weekend getaway in Vienna! What would you have "needed" that I didn't pack, and what did I pack that you would have left behind?

Clothes that Pull Their Own Weight

Greetings, friends! Packing posts seem to be quite popular here, so I thought I'd elaborate on something I just adore--clothes that pull their own weight! This can be double duty style, moisture wicking, airy, day-to-night, wash-and-wear, and probably more!

First item of double-duty clothing: Jeans
Oh, the blue jeans. Sort of heavy when wet, sort of bulky to pack, but if you're only gone a weekend (or a whole week), this might be the only pants you need to have on you--literally, don't pack them, just wear them. They do not show dirt, they spot-wash easily and quickly, and they hold their shape for the most part. They maybe get looser the longer you wear them, but you can literally wear a regular, nondescript pair of jeans all week, and no one will even notice or care.

Next up: Scarves
Or just one wisely chosen scarf. This can work as a scarf (of course), or it can be a blanket or covering on a chilly airplane. Or you can tie the two ends together to make an infinity scarf for a fresh look. It can add color to an outfit you've already worn, or an outfit that's just a bit too neutral. You can use one as a towel in a pinch, or even as a sarong to cover up a bathing suit. I have even heard of people using their scarves as a top or a skirt by wrapping it a certain way, but I'm not quite that crafty yet... though maybe I should look into it! They also come in handy in predominantly Islamic nations where women have to cover their heads in certain areas.

For the athletic type: Wash-and-wear
This is mostly for workout clothes, but it can certainly apply for long-term travel gear as well. Lots of athletic clothes these days are made from moisture-wicking, quick-drying material. Companies have even started making underwear out of this stuff! You can wash your clothes with regular soap (or travel-size laundry detergent, if you want to go that route) in the sink or the shower, wring it out, maybe run the blow-dryer over it or put it on the radiator or other heater in the winter or let it air-dry in the summer, and in an hour or so, you're good to go! I read about one guy who traveled the world for a year with three shirts made out of the moisture-wicking material, and he only used a washing machine a few times--throughout the year!

Day-to-night: Basic Black
Basic black is probably easiest, but this can go for brown, navy, even plumb (which I don't think is a neutral, but people keep telling me it is). If you want to pick one color to work with and use accessorize (perhaps a scarf and some color-popping earrings?) to create your outfits, do it! I actually like mixing black and brown, and adding some color to create a couple of outfits:

Day-to-night II: "Wad-up Dresses"
Call them whatever you want, but my mom and I call them wad-up dresses because you can throw them in any bag, wadded up if you're in a hurry, and it won't come out wrinkled. I guess it's polyester, but I like to think of it as magic! I love to pack a cute one that I can wear all day, then put a scarf with it at night for a nice meal out. Then I can wad it up again and put it back in my bag without worrying it'll get damaged or wrinkled!

Not sure what the weather will do: Light and Airy Layers
Harem pants are in right now, and though I don't own any, I sometimes wish I did! They give your legs coverage on brisk mornings but are also airy and don't stick to your legs when the sun heats things up mid-day. Capri yoga pants are also good for this--it's breathable fabric that won't wrinkle! For the top of your outfit, a camisole or tank top under a t-shirt or billowy top gives you coverage without too much bulk. Add a scarf (yet again!) or a light jacket and you're ready for a chilly morning, warm or even hot afternoon, and a chilly evening without needing to change clothes!

A "foot" note: Running Shoes
Running shoes, walking shoes, tennis shoes, whatever you need them to be, they are! They will be your workout shoes, your walking around all day shoes, even your running through the airport to catch your plane shoes! Don't leave home without them.

So there you have it! What clothes do you usually take with you that pull their own weight?

Photo credit: Lindsay Robinson