Review: One Tribe Apparel's Aladdin Pants

If there's one thing I love, it's travel clothing that's good looking and also comfortable. It's especially fun if they are reminiscent of a travel destination in some way, and you can't get any better than those that help out charities. Somehow, One Tribe Apparel makes clothing that does all four. Even better: They're super affordable.

When they asked if I'd like to check out their clothes, I immediately gravitated towards their Aladdin pants. As much as I enjoyed the look of their harem pants, it's been a hot summer and I've been traveling to some warm weather places were a shorter pant, would be welcome. Look how cute they are! 

After seeing how many travelers to their hostel were taking to the Thai boho look, Mitchell and Fai decided to start their own line for folks in the U.S. and boy did they succeed. These lovely lightweight pants are perfect for lounging around your house or hotel, but also wonderful for beating the heat while out sightseeing. If you're a light packer like me, these barely taken up any room at all in your carry-on.

Do I look ready to take on a new travel destination? The harem pants are a lot more vibrant and lively, but I like to mix and match, so the Aladdin pants were a perfect fit for me. The waistband is made of a handwoven panel with a fun pattern, but the pants themselves are solid colored. I love that they even work for someone short like me and the elastic on the bottom of the legs isn't constricting at all.

I've worn these a bunc of times this summer and I can say I love the feel. The fabric is really lightweight and breathable, making them easy to wear even when it's over 90 outside.

Each pair come with this handy little attached pouch pocket that is sewn to the waistband, but looseat the bottom, so it swings. It barely fits my larger phone, if I don't button it back up, but it would be ideal for your money and hotel key card, for when you hate carrying a purse. 

Here it is without my phone in it. (Please excuse the dog hair.) Now, I'm not the skinniest, and these pants are pretty much "one size fits all". They come in Standard sizing, which says fits up to size 12. I wear a size 6 normally (my waist is a 28), and these don't cut in at all on me. The back of the waist are elasticized, so they may be a bit snug if you are in the larger range, but I'd definitely try them. 

I also like they they look great with shorter tops that are more popular now. I'm not going to go full-on crop top or bikini top, but most shorter tops are normal length on me, so opted for one of my new athletic tops. I think it looks great and it's equally lightweight and breathable, so I'm ready for summertime weather. I really think these pants are going to be a staple in my future packing. They're everything I'm looking for in a travel pant, including a great neutral color to go with more tops.

If you love a comfortable, cute and functional pant for your travel bag, then go see the other styles of clothing they have at One Tribe Apparel.

Ooh! I almost forgot the best part: Your OTA purchases help support elephant rescue. When so many places are exploiting animals in the name of tourist experiences, there are some fantastic rescues that rehabilitate animals and educate the public properly. Part of your purchase will go to one of these awesome places in Thailand, The Elephant Nature Park. Feel good, look good and be happy about how you spent your money.

More info: 

You can buy them here: On OneTribeApparel's website

How much they cost: Only $27 each, which means you can buy multiple pair!

The awesome colors: Rivergreen | Black | Purple | Grey (shown) | Coral | Skyblue

Additional specs: handmade in Thailand, so you're supporting individual business people, cotton fabric, for waist sizes 26-36." Each item comes with a 30-day guarantee and you can get free shipping on orders $60+.

Love what One Tribe Apparel stands for? Connect with them online:

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Disclaimer: I was provided with a pair of One Tribe Apparel Aladdin pants for the purposes of this review, but all opinions are 100% my own.

Free Museum Day

In less than two weeks more than 1,400 museums in America (and Puerto Rico) will be offering free admission all day. This is a great promotion and can save you big bucks whether you are on vacation or at home. It’s also the perfect time to get your kiddos some culture without having to dish out the cash when they may or may not let you stay long enough to get your entry money’s worth.

We almost always visit at least one museum on any trip we take. From the Museums de la Mitad del Mundo in Ecuador to the Queen's House in Greenwich, London, we have seen some very interesting bits of history indeed. I know not all museums are fascinating for children, but there are plenty that are educational and fun for them. In Oregon alone, I found several that would keep their attention: ScienceWorks Hands-on Museum (Ashland), World Forestry Center Discovery Museum (Portland) and the Antique Powerland Museum (Salem).

If you don’t have kids and just want to see some fantastic art, that’s great too, and you will have plenty more to choose from. Museums of history, art and sculptures fill the list in each state, so you will find something that will fit your mood. All you have to do is go to the website, choose your preferred museum and submit your information. You’ll get an email to print out your free ticket and gain admission for two people. It’s that easy! You can get a free ticket for two per email address/household. If there are more people in your group, use your husband’s email address or a friend’s. I don’t think you’ll need to go so far as to pretend you don’t know each other when you enter, but use your own judgment.

The majority of the free entries are September 23, but a select few aren’t open on Saturdays and are offering it on Sunday, September 24. You MUST have your printed ticket to get free entry.

Will YOU be attending Museum Day Live! organized by Smithsonian Magazine?

Heading to San Diego

Soooo...remember how a week ago I was super excited about visiting St. Thomas? Well, it sure looks like Irma and Juan are going to thwart that plan, so we're looking into back-up plans. Right now, I think our best bet is San Diego, as neither of us have really actually been there and there are tons of things to do, and we don't even need to rent a car to do it all. 

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I've tentatively booked myself into our timeshare near Balboa Park, so we can walk to 80% of the things we want to see and do, and take public transportation everywhere else, including the train to Legoland. Plus, the weather will be less hot and muggy, but I can still pack everything I planned to pack for the USVI, with the addition of a cardigan and a pair of pants. 

Why am I telling you this? Because I gotta have a plan, right? Don't worry. You know me with the million ideas that I can fit into any time frame, so of course I have this list of fun stuff that work for our budget:

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Free and inexpensive

Balboa Park – This gateway to San Diego culture and activities is home to 15 museums, art venues and gardens, as well as the San Diego Zoo. The park itself is open 24 hours and offers free admission to the grounds, Botanical Building and most gardens.

Old Town San Diego – Discover San Diego’s historical Mission Valley Neighborhood where the Kumeyaay Indians prospered. You’re invited to enter Old Town’s historic buildings for free, including the oldest schoolhouse in San Diego, the Estudillo House. Visiting Bazaar del Mundo is a must, where you can pick up one-of-a-kind and exotic items. While it is 3 miles outside of downtown, taking the Trolley or Coaster to Old Town is quick, easy and affordable.

Seaport Village – Everyday you’ll find free entertainment in Seaport Village, from Shakespeare to blues music. Find the schedule of outdoor performances HERE. Enjoy the view of the bay, browse over 50 shops and choose from 17 unique dining venues. You can even sign up for coupons to use on your visit to Seaport Village.

 

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Moderate

Mission Beach Boardwalk – Stroll along 3 miles of beach with fun shops and food selections. Take the family to Belmont Park, the beachfront amusement park and entertainment center. It’s famous for its oldest wooden coaster called the Giant Dipper. Unlimited ride passes are available. Get discounts for Belmont Park HERE.

Birch Aquarium – See the wonders of the Pacific Ocean with over 60 habitats, including hands-on exhibits and the soon-to-open Boundless Energy exhibit which explores the groundbreaking ways we can use the power of the sun, wind and water for natural power. The aquarium brings amazing aquatic creatures to the surface and educates you on their habitats and preservation.

 

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Splurge

San Diego Zoo – Explore one of the nation’s largest and most innovative zoos with your family. At 100 acres, it houses over 4,000 animals and also offers a guided bus tour that can give you an overview of the entire zoo. You can reach the zoo by Coaster from downtown. Children 11 and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult in the month of October.

Wild  Animal Park – Observe herd animals from Asia and Africa, such as giraffes, rhinos and cheetahs. Choose from the original tram safari and walking tour or from 7 other more unique safari tours (unique tours have unique prices). The Safari Park is located 35 miles from the San Diego Zoo in Escondido. It’s possible to get there via public transportation.

(Save money by purchasing a multi-pass ticket  HERE.)

If you, like me, want to do a ton of things, you might want to think about picking up a San Diego GoCard for you and each member of your traveling party. For a discounted price, you can gain admission to your choice of 50 of San Diego’s top attractions, including the San Diego Zoo, LEGOLAND California, Sea World (with the purchase of a 3, 5 or 7 day pass), Birch Aquarium at Scripps and many more. 

The pass allows you to skip the ticket lines and go right to the front gate.  Each comes with a full-color guidebook and shopping and dining discounts, giving you even bigger savings. Have it shipped to you before you leave or pick it up at designated locations when you get to San Diego.

There you have it. Things to fill more than 7 days, but also plenty of ways to just relax and wander for days without really stressing out about life. The only thing I'll really have to worry about is where I'm going to eat for dinner, because there are so many options. I'll keep you up to date on my plans, but if you have suggestions for what I must see and must do (and must eat!) in San Diego, I'm all ears.