Stay On Budget By Rewearing Travel Clothes

Your travel budget encompasses a lot of things, but adding a new travel wardrobe for each trip shouldn't be one of them. Do I purchase new things when I go on a trip? Of course I do, but most of the time it's a new pair of walking shoes, because my old ones have worn out. When I do buy new clothes, I rewear them over multiple trips, and sometimes they are still in rotation years later. 

Now, you may have seen me post about your "travel nightmare" on Instagram, which features a top I have brought on almost every trip I've taken in the last 10 years years, because I love it, but that's not the only one that I have reworn and taken photos with in the past, and will again in the future. I am a big believer in bringing pieces you love, that are comfortable, that go with everything, and never look dingy. Oddly, this mostly white shirt has stood the test of time, when any other white shirt would, immediately, look like a crime scene after just one meal. 

This athletic cropped top is lightweight, dries fast, and works great for a day out or as a pj top.

I have a few shirts like this. They are great for layering or wearing by themselves, making them perfect for almost any kind of weather. I feel good in them, which is important, and they don't make me stand out as a tourist. 

A good t-shirt can work in a lot of different ways and this green feels like a neutral.

Other items I'll include in my travel bag that I rewear often are a good pair of lightweight joggers and/or a pair of black pants that work just as well for a day out sightseeing as they do . 

This short-sleeve asymmetrical light pink shirt from Splendid is an absolute fave that goes
just about everywhere with me.

A boring black shirt is a good addition to your bag. I have several that I choose from every time I travel. You can't see sweat stains if you're going somewhere really warm. You can't see spills. It goes with, literally, everything. You can layer a great necklace to jazz it up. If you want to bring along bolder outer pieces, like a bright cardigan, it is the perfect compliment to that.

A plain, lightweight t-shirt is always something I throw in a bag or wear on the plane. Not only is it a good layering piece, but it's great when the weather is warm to be able to just look like a regular person wherever you are. I bought this t-shirt above at Columbia on sale and it went everywhere with me for several years. The picture of me and my mom in the bottom right was actually right after we had breakfast and I was heading to the Travel Goods Show. 10 minutes before this picture, I spilled food on me and was mad at myself, but I went into the bathroom and scrubbed it off, and it dried quickly and showed no stain at all, so I didn't have to go back and change.

When you're headed somewhere cool/cold, you should have some good long sleeve options. This lightweight shirt from Prana goes with most of the things I bring with me and is thin, but doesn't look or feel it. You can wear it alone or under a sweater or over a tank top. Should I get it in another color? I absolutely should, because it's one of my favorite pieces that doesn't weigh me down, but keeps me not too warm. 

Another great travel brand, Pact, has well-made pieces that are perfect for camping, hiking, or hanging by the lake, while also looking not at all like clothing made for those things. This light purple shirt is my go-to warm weather top that isn't a tank. It's another top that goes with everything and keeps me cool, but is super lightweight, so it works for layering multiple pieces if needed. 

The point is, you don't have to go broke packing your travel bag with new pieces on each trip you take. You can be like me and take the same core pieces, with one or two new items, like a fun top to wear to dinner and a better pair of walking shoes. When you do go to purchase a new item for your travels, I highly suggest pieces that are multipurpose, that can be layered, that aren't too heavy. Look for good fabrics and don't be afraid to pay a little more for higher quality pieces. If you can't afford good brands, even on sale, go check out Poshmark and pick up gently used (and sometimes still brand new) items for much less.  

My infamous striped shirt

I almost always do laundry while on a trip and rewear items anyway, so a lot of my pictures look like they could be from the same day. I'm never going to see most of those people again anyway, so I don't actually care if they remember that I wore the same shirt 3 days in 8 days. I'll tell you what though, I've almost never remembered what a person was wearing after I don't see them anymore. I suspect I'm in the majority. 

So, unless you want to get a perfect and unique shot of you somewhere specific, where yes, you should remember to wear something that isn't in 80% of your travel photos already, be comfortable, wear items you love, and don't stress too much about getting a new travel wardrobe for every trip, or even every new travel year. 

Do you have favorite pieces that you always take with you when you travel?

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I've been working hard behind the scenes to give you folks things that can help you travel better and more affordably. While I can't lower the cost of airfare or make destinations cheaper, I can give you a place to organize all your plans and give you tips on how to save and when to book and what to pack. I created an easy-to-follow travel planner for you that has everything you need to make the most of your trips. 

Use this to organize your dream trips, your current trips, and make notes on past trips. You can purchase it from my Patreon storefront for just $8, but if you sign up for my newsletter (if you aren't already!), not only do you get extra great travel tips each month*, but you'll also get a 25% off promo code for your planner download! 

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Valentine's Travel Round-Up

I'm a person who firmly believes that Valentine's Day can be any day and you shouldn't have to pay twice as much for dinner, flowers, candy, or a hotel room to show that you love someone. In fact, if you spend less money taking me on a trip and making memories than you would taking a weekend getaway over the holiday, I think you're smart. If you looking to add a little more romance to your next getaway, I've rounded up all of my daily Valentine travel posts I made each day on Facebook.

February 1: Do you enjoy a good road trip? If so, make it dreamy by planning one of these most romantic road trips across the country.

February 2: Americans have decided the new most romantic destination is no longer Paris, but a city in the United States instead. See which city came out on top.

February 3: You may think that Rome is romantic all on its own, but if you're someone who likes the macabre and less traditional aspects of Valentine's Day, head to Basilica di Santa Maria to view the skull of Saint Valentine, the patron saint of lovers.

February 4: Looking to take your special someone to an equally special dinner? OpenTable has compiled their list of most romantic restaurants in the US. 

February 5: Do you believe in fate? If you do, you might want to book a flight to Amsterdam with your other half in order to kiss on the Magere Burg (Skinny Bridge), where it's believed you will then be in love forever. 

February 6: I love the UK and I aspire to eventually go back and explore cities outside of London and Edinburgh. Maybe one of these romantic escapes will be on my list. 

February 7: Pink is the official color of Valentine's Day. Okay, it's probably red, but pink is a close second. Make memories with you sweetheart while taking some gorgeous insta-worthy pictures at one of these pink sand beaches.

February 8: You've heard of Lover's Lane, but Love Lane in Brooklyn is actually a very popular destination for couples to take photos and short, romantic strolls.

February 9: Love doesn't always have to be romantic. You can love friends, pets, beautiful things in life. Maybe you believe Paris is still the City of Love and you want to plan a trip there, then stop by the I Love You Wall. 

February 10: Flowers are the fall back gift for Valentine's Day, but they don't last. Give them the gift of all the flowers with a trip to a botanical garden. There are plenty of free ones or other gorgeous gardens near where you live that you can visit, but here are 15 of the most beautiful botanical gardens. 

February 11: America isn't the only place that celebrates Valentine's Day. It actually is a holiday around the world. Learn about the traditions of 15 other countries for this day.

February 12: Looking to propose this year? Whether you decide to do it on Valentine's Day or any other day, here are 5 ideal places to get down on one knee.

February 13: On the pink trend, take your special person to somewhere pink and beautiful and possibly get them some pink accessories for your travels. 

February 14: There are a ton of traditional places where people want to kiss their significant other - Top of the Eiffel Tower, an overwater bungalow, a gondola in Venice - so why not visit some of these lesser known kissing spots.

What are some of your favorite romantic memories from your travels?

Travel Well Thanks to Black Inventors & Trailblazers

Black History Month always feels like a great time to remind people that they can travel so well because of inventions from Black professionals across the globe. Almost everything we do to plan and execute our travel is due to a Black inventor or trailblazer. America tends to whitewash so much of our history, that these amazing people don't get any credit for their contributions. I'm here to remedy that for just a few of the things we use for travel and at home. 

I'm especially thankful for automatic shifting in cars and central heating. Tell me some of your favorite Black inventions

Packing Light for Winter Travel

Packing light can be difficult, and packing light for winter is even more challenging, especially if you don't know what to take with you for what might be a wide range of weather. I have gone on vacation in October-December and had it be so warm that I don't need a coat at all, and also so cold that I wasn't prepared for how cold it would be. 

Always assume weather will vary. One year we went to the UK in November and it was 70+ degrees for the first half of our trip. We've also been to France in October and was in the 20s and rainy the whole time. How do you even deal with these kinds of conditions? Layering. On those trips, I both thought I would have to buy some warm-weather clothing and had to wear many layers of clothing to stay warm. You don't always know what you're going to get, so I have learned to choose items that mix-and-match and can also layer over/under each other.

Last week, some friends and I had a staycation crafting night and I took the time before they arrived to make a couple little videos for you. Bonus, I packed my whole wardrobe in my new 16" roller bag, with my laptop and other onboard items I like to have with me in my travel backpack. 

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I somehow created what looks like the opening to an 80s sitcom that centers on a woman who pretends to be quintuplets maybe. LOL!

As you can see, it's not that difficult to choose a capsule wardrobe, even for winter travel. 2 pair of pants and 2 pair of shoes can go with a range of tops, while your tops can go individually, or be layered to keep you warmer if needed. You can easily add a dress or skirt to this and have even more options each day. You'll want to bring along some laundry sheets to wash clothes at least once during your trip, if you're going to be gone for a week or more. 

So, let's look at how I packed all of these items, and everything else that was in my bag - with room to spare! - and backpack, so I was able to keep my wardrobe small, but impactful. 

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You don't have to use packing cubes either, unless you really just want to be extra organized. This bag is easy to keep things separated and it's not large, so you can find it all quickly. I happen to like to just pull my cubes out and toss right into a drawer, but I actually just threw all these things in my bag at home and didn't put them in cubes until I started repacking for this video. 

As you can see, I packed everything in my first video, plus an extra pair of shoes, underwear, socks, an tank top, pajamas, slipper socks, a base layer top, fleece-lined leggings to go under pants, and most of my toiletries. There is still room in the top compartment for extra necessities, like a bathing suit, lightweight scarf, hat, or a laundry bag/pop-up hamper. 

It allowed me to only have to use my backpack for things I can use on the plane and my laptop, like reading material, an extra cardigan or wrap, liquids bag, snacks, charging cords, and to stash my sling bag for boarding. I'd also be bringing along a reusable water bottle on every trip and probably some jewelry pieces to elevate my outfits a bit when going out to dinner. I'd also "wear" my packable jacket on the plane.

bags I use: Calpak Mini Hue (dragonfruit) | Hedgren Halo (black) | Portland
Gear Standard Cascade Backpack (cherry blossom - above is lavender)

If I can create all these outfits and fit them all inside this small roller bag, which as been my goal for a long time now, you can easily do it with a regular size carry-on. It helps to have the right bag for your trip. I know that I struggle to get a larger bag in the overhead and I need much less than I always think I need. I also like to have sections that can be organized instead of just one big compartment that I just throw things into. You already know that I love my Cascade backpack from Portland Gear. We have two and a tote. I might be in the market for their weekender as well. They just released a full-size carry-on roller bag, too, so if you don't think you can manage a smaller bag, I highly recommend theirs. 

What are your biggest challenges for packing for cold weather?

Champagne Travel On a Beer Budget

Valentine's Day is coming up, and that means a lot of people will be celebrating. When I think of celebrations, I often think of champagne. Sometimes it's sparkling wine or prosecco, but we almost always say champagne. By now, you probably know it's not champagne unless it comes from the champagne region in France. If you love a good glass of bubbles, you're not alone. 

If you want to travel to Champagne, know that, for now, the exchange rate is very favorable for Americans heading to France. That means you can save money getting and staying there and then splurge a bit on a tour. We planned to visit Disney World over the last 5 years, but instead we flew to France twice to enjoy the country and visit Disneyland Paris. We still saved money over traveling to Florida and we were able to feel good about where our money was going and were able to see more of Paris and France itself.

There are 5 zones in the Champagne region and you can hit one or all of them in a trip. If you want to only focus on non-vintage champagne where you won't find most of the tourists, check out the Aube or the Côte de Sézanne zones. If you want to do more than just drink champagne, head to the more touristy parts of the region: Montagne de Reims, Vallée de la Marne, and Côte des Blancs. The smaller, boutique producers generally do everything on-site, so you can learn about their bottles from start to finish. Here's a little more about where to go and when from Conde Nast. And if you are going to Reims, here are some awesome things to do there.

You can even learn a little more about champagne before you get there. In fact, Fodor's has 10 fun facts for you.

The idea of champagne and the actual bottles first came from Britain, even though we all think it was France. It wasn't until Britain had discovered the predecessor to champagne, sparkling wine, and how to make the bottles much stronger in order to keep them from exploding under the immense pressure created, that the Champagne region learned how to replicate the bubbly drink in their own way.  

Imagine having the chance to try champagne that is almost 120 years old! That's what some lucky souls are going to get to do, now that the bottles have been rescued from a collapsed cellar in the Northern France city of Épernay. Hopefully, they're still drinkable. 

Pair your champagne vacation with a tour of your favorite foods by taking a French journey to explore the country and the origins of those foods like brie and Roquefort cheese. 

If prosecco is more your speed, or you'd rather spend your time in Italy than France (decisions, decisions), the prosecco region is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. AFAR is here to tell you the best vineyards to check out, as well as where to stay and eat. 

There's also the essential guide that can tell you how to get there and around affordably. Also, where to go for the kind of prosecco you like, the benefits of hiring a driver, and other things to do in the region. 

If you want to add on a unique experience and tour, and don't need everything on your trip to be bubble-filled, check out these vineyard tours of the Bordeaux region by way of a British black cab. Wine-Cab sounds so cool to me, and I've not had the opportunity to try them out yet, but we also aren't big drinkers. The rates are pretty reasonable for half-day trips, and it's nice to not have to drive yourself (you have a built-in designated driver) and find your way around or have to navigate public transportation. It's a luxurious little way to experience the region, which gives a bit more of a romantic vibe. 

I hope this helps you plan a wonderful couple's getaway with some of your favorite beverages, while also creating fantastic memories. Tell me some of your top bubbly drinks in the comments.

National Plan For Vacation Day

Tuesday is National Plan For Vacation Day, so let's talk about where you're going this year? I know things are uncertain and scary and we just went through a period of uncertain and scary (did we ever really come out of it), so maybe you aren't actually feeling any different about going anywhere, or you're like me and want to spend time in places actually fighting for, or against, something. 

I'm feeling like a lot of people don't even know their basic history and keep voting for people that are actively harming them, so because I've pretty much boycotted most of the South (Texas and Florida, specifically), we're going to Rhode Island and Massachusetts this fall. 

So, where will you go? Here are just a few places you might want to plan for this year:

Philadelphia 

Rich in historical buildings and activities, like seeing the Liberty Bell (for free!), Philly is an amazing food destination, the people are lovely, and you can do so many things for cheap/free. We went in 2018 and I really think we should plan another trip there sometime soon. There is a ton of art and museums in the city. If you have a rental car, you can easily get around to do more stuff in whatever time you have. We stayed in Hershey to do all the stuff there, but we also visited Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Fonthill Castle in Doylestown, and Eastern State Penitentiary in Philly proper.

Taipei, Taiwan

Taipei is actually a very affordable Asian foodie destination. While it is an island and might take a few bucks getting there, once you're there, you're going to have so much to see an do, especially if you love nature and getting outdoors. Between hiking trails and national parks, there's plenty for the enthusiast. Consensus is that rental cars are going to eat up your travel budget, if you want to get out of the city, and splurging on a hotel is almost always disappointing, so using local transportation and staying in a mid-range hotel or vacation rental is your best bet. 

Mexico City

Another great city for history and food, more direct flights have been added to this capital, there are a ton of events happening all year, and you get the added bonus of practicing your Spanish, while also indulging in the affordability of Mexico. The city is huge, so you'll want to choose things to do in and around one or two neighborhoods and find a place to stay located in one of those. You may find your trip too short, so don't be surprised if you want to return to explore more of the city on another trip.

Santa Barbara

Like Los Angeles, Santa Barbara can be a bit spendy, but it also has great weather, even if you skip summer - the most expensive season - and choose to go in September or October. As with other cities, you can find a lot of cheap or free things to do, if you know where to look, including going to the beach or zoo, hitting up happy hours for dinner, go hiking, or even take Instagram-worthy pics with local art, like Chromatic Gate near East Beach.

Traveling Solo

If you're a solo traveler, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia has stunning views and is very affordable, Prague is a place to make new friends and explore castles, Sri Lanka in general is packed with historical landmarks and the transportation is great getting your there, and Andalusia, Spain is especially safe for solo women hoping to discover the fantastic architecture, see a flamenco show, and see outstanding sunsets while sipping some local wine.

Warm Weather for Winter

Trying to stave off the SAD and get a bit of sun during these bleary winter months? You could head to Florida, or you could not. Instead, head to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Kingston, Jamaica, or Mexico City (see above) for an affordable getaway that requires sunscreen and sunglasses and to leave your coat in your room.

Comfort and Accessibility 

Just because you've picked a destination to start planning for, it doesn't mean you're done with planning. What are you taking with you? What are you wearing? What do you need? Here are a few suggestions for making your trip just that teeny bit better:

A comfy and chic two-piece track suit for being comfortable on the plane, lounging around your hotel, or mixing and matching with other pieces on your trip.

Got the perfect bag, but it doesn't attach to your roller bag? Get a magnetic elastic strap to give any bag a pass-through sleeve.

A breezy two-piece set for warm weather that will keep you cool and also looking cool. 

A packable puffer to keep you warm, but not take up your entire seat or floor space or carry-on.

Sometimes there are no familiar sounds to drift off to, or you're traveling with children, or you need something to drown out the drunk revelers on your street. This tiny white noise machine is just the thing to help you get to sleep.

And if that doesn't work for you, mix up a packet of DreamWater for an easy fall into rest and don't wake up groggy either. If you've been following me for a while, you know I have tried all the different kinds of DreamWater and swear by them.

Relieve your poor feet after a long day of sightseeing (or hiking) with these Dr. Scholls foot masks. You'll thank me later!

Tired of trying to put your makeup on in a hotel room with terrible lighting in the bathroom? Or you need to get ready while someone is in the bathroom and there isn't a vanity? Get yourself a travel makeup mirror that has 3 lighting settings, adjustable height, and a 10x mirror on the back.

I hope 2026 is a great travel year for you. You can see that many people are using this year as a YOLO year and taking meaningful trips where they can learn something important and bond with family/friends. Where is your next trip taking you?

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A First Timer’s Guide to Exploring West Michigan by Boat

There’s a lot of exploring to be done in West Michigan, whether it’s the stunning coastlines to be explore by boat, or the charming towns to wonder through.

Exploring the area by boat requires plenty of preparation from safety gear needs to understanding regulations and choosing a suitable boat size for Lake Michigan.

Here are some of the basics when it comes to being a first timer and exploring the area of West Michigan by boat.

Image Source

Know the regulations and the gear required

Regulations are important to be knowledgeable about because if you’re not following the rules, then you’ll get yourself in trouble.

Michigan law requires that life jackets are provided for everyone and that all boats have navigation lights, sound signals and distress signals on board.

Your boat will also need to be registered and decals are added from the Michigan Dept. of State. Lastly, for Lake Michigan, larger boats offer more stability but smaller boats are fine for the closer and calmer excursions you might take.

Plan your route and stops

Be sure to plan your routes as stops before you go. It’s always good to be aware of what what places you’d like to explore and which areas are going to be points in which you take a longer excursion on foot.

With that being said here are some helpful suggestions to get you inspired:

• South Haven - This is a great place that’s known for it’s beautiful beaches and harbor.

• Saugatuck/Douglas - Offers plenty in the way of quaint towns that are adorned with art galleries and beautiful dunes to gaze in amazement at.

• Holland - A Dutch-themed town with beautiful beaches like the Oval Beach for example.

• Grand Haven - Most famous for it’s pier, lighthouses and the beach.

• Muskegon - Offers state parks, dunes and lighthouses.

• Whitehall/Montague - Provides access to the White River which is known for it’s calmer waters.

• Silver Lake - A unique spot for dunes and lighthouses.

• Inland Waterways - You could also explore the Mainstee River or the Grand River if you’d prefer some sheltered cruising. 

When you’re exploring West Michigan, these are some of the spots you’ll want to include on your excursions via boat.

Key experiences to prioritize

There are a number of key experiences that you should be prioritizing when it comes to exploring West Michigan by boat. These include the dunes as one example. Visiting Silver Lake State Park is a great way of seeing these stunning dunes, but it’s worth being aware of the off-road vehicle areas.

You can also take full advantage of lighthouse hopping, where you can see some iconic lights like the Little Sable Lighthouse and the White River Light Station.

Lastly, you could also consider town hopping, docking in towns like Charlevoix or Grand Haven for shopping, dining and local culture.

Essential tips for first-timers to know

For first-timers who are exploring West Michigan by boat, here are some useful tips worth knowing:

Check lake conditions

Lake Michigan weather changes rapidly, so it’s important to always check forecasts before heading out.

Learn your boat

Understanding basic navigation, anchoring and emergency procedures. It’s worth exploring your boat options with a West Michigan Sylvan boat dealer or ask a lot of questions when renting.

Start small

Begin with shorter trips in protected bays or closer to the shore before you attempt long lake crossings.

With these tips, you can hopefully have a fun and non-eventful time exploring the area by boat.