Exploring AAPI History Through Travel

May is officially Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Although I think we should learn the entirety of American history any way we can all throughout the year, I wanted to put some focus on some of the best places to really engross yourself in art and food and artifacts, so you can gain more perspective on non-Europeans who helped shape our country by sharing their culture.

As someone with Japanese heritage, I am often especially interested in learning about those that emigrated to this country in hopes of a better life, only to face tremendous racism for decades after being welcomed at the start. I find that my history education was woefully lacking in many immigration stories, so it feels like we should all try to fill in those gaps as much as possible to get a bigger and better view of how our country was formed and molded into what it is today. (For more info on some of these destinations, see below for links.) 

Do you have a favorite historical destination to add for AAPI Heritage Month?

More info:

Houston

Los Angeles: Little Tokyo | more Little Tokyo | Chinatown

Seattle: Panama Hotel

Mother's Day Gift List 2024

Mother's Day kind of snuck up on me this year, but I still have a gift list for you, full of plenty of things you can get in time for your the amazing woman/women in your life. If those awesome maternal influencer(s) in your life are anything like my mom, they love traveling and gadgets. While you could go with candy or flowers, I bet they would enjoy something a little more personalized and long-lasting. 

Mom's often do all the work and get almost no recognition or thanks. Get her something she really wants this  year. 

Non-tangible Splurge  gifts - Sometimes you have some extra money and can treat that special person. If you do and you can, here are some things I know they would absolutely adore and can be slipped inside a card:

A night (or more) at a hotel

If they still have children at home, give them an actual way to get some alone time and book a hotel room and maybe add something for added luxury, like a silk eye mask or some bath bombs. 

City cards

If they'll be traveling to a destination that is popular, chances are you will be able to find either a Go Card or a CityPASS for it. The more she does, the more you've saved, but it allows her to skip the lines and she won't have to purchase individual admissions for everything she wants to do. We've also found really cool activities this way that we would not have done otherwise.

For the Airport and Beyond

There are always things that are going to make someone's life easier when traveling. I have a lot of them and each trip is a bit different and will require some or all of those things. Here are some ideas for that mom in your life:

Hydaway Collapsible Bottle

When you're spending a ton of time outside, exercising more, getting more sun, you really need to be hydrating throughout the day. If carrying a thermos with you seems annoying, the Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is one of my favorites, because it can be used for hot, cold, or frozen beverages, which means you can fill it partially and freeze it overnight, then fill the rest with water before you head out, so you have cold water for hours. Once you're empty, you can collapse it down and hang it on your bag or put it in your pocket. It's there for you when you need a refill. It's nice, because even almost empty, it still keeps its shape. Use MAMA25 for 25% off through May 12. $29.95 for 17oz or $34.95 for 25oz

Hydaway Collapsible Bowl

As someone who likes to bring their own food and snacks on the plane, it's nice to have more options than granola bars and apples. When you're on a long flight, having a variety of snacks is nice and makes your trip a lot more enjoyable. I love to bring cheese and crackers as well as grapes, hummus, and carrots. These things don't last very long in a carry-on or at room temp,  but now with a Hydaway collapsible insulated bowl, I can bring those things, then collapse it when it's empty. I've also used food containers on the way home to pack fragile items I've bought, like ornaments. They're also wonderful for camping and road trips. Use MAMA25 for 25% through May 12. $24.95 for 1.5 cup or $34.95 for 1 quart

Zensah Compression Socks

I have poor circulation in my feet and walking all day or sitting on the plane for hours can cause my feet and ankles to swell and then make wearing shoes and using my feet for anything to be the worst. As we get older, we have different needs, and compression socks are a nice way to take care of your lower extremities and prevent swelling or blood clots and misery. I love Zensah, because you can get both long socks or just leg sleeves (for when you wear sandals with your pants or long skirts). $49.95

GoTubb Containers

Sometimes having your pills for the day is handy, or just having a few aspirin, allergy pills, or your favorite eye serum on your at all times is smart. GoTubbs can do all that and more. They come in multiple sizes and can be used in your carry-on for random things (nuts, candy, CBD gummies, spices) or in your toiletry bag to downsize cosmetics. They are spill-proof, but also easy to open and close, even with one hand, so you don't have to be strong or a genius to figure them out. Pack of 3: $8.99 for small or $11.99 for medium, Pack of 2: large $11.99

Swell Insulated Bottle

Does your mom always have a hot beverage or need ice everywhere she goes? I feel that. I don't enjoy carrying around a lukewarm drink usually. When on the plane, I fill up my bottle with coffee or a sparkling water and it stays the right temperature my whole flight. It's also Earth-friendly, if you're trying to cut down on plastic waste. There are a lot of insulated bottles out there, but I feel like Swell always look pretty and they will last forever (even if you've dropped yours 12,000 times like I have). From $24 17oz+

Travelon Water Bottle Tote

If you're walking around with a water bottle, then you might as well have something to carry it in. I know a lot of people hate carrying around a purse, so a water bottle tote is actually the best of both worlds. This one from Travelon is insulated, so if you use it for other things that might sweat, it's not going to leak through your bag, has an adjustable locking strap, is lovely to look at, and also has an RFID zipper pocket to keep the essentials in and then keep extra safe with a locking zipper. $20 with the 50% off sale, or use code SHEREENTRAVELS20% for 20% off other regular price items

Travelon Personalized Air Cleaner

With Covid and all the other gross things going around airplanes and other crowded spaces, keep your mom extra safe with her own personalized ionizer. It wears like a necklace and keeps the air around you (up to 6 feet) clean of impurities, bacteria, and allergens. So, whether or not you're concerned about Covid, this is great for allergy sufferers, people who can't abide smoke, or just to block all the germs that dude with the hacking cough is putting into the air. $21 on Amazon

16" Mini Carry-On

Smaller carry-ons are not only easier to maneuver, but they are lighter and may even fit under the airplane seat. For those with mobility issues or those that can't pick up a heavier/bigger bag, ones that don't have to go in the overhead are a lifesaver. Some of my favorite ones right now are Calpak Hue $165, Travelhouse $89.99, Kroser $68 with a $10 coupon, Hanke $106.99, Bagsmart Tote $35.99

Nomatic Toiletry Bag

There are a lot of toiletry bags out there, but this one is a top contender. It is waterproof and has a lot of spill-proof pockets, so not only will it keep anything inside contained, nothing can get into it either, and you can have it with you in the shower or next to the sink with no worries. It's expensive, but I believe it might be the last toiletry bag anyone ever needs. $74.99 for large version or $54.99 for small version

Coach Seat Luxury Upgrades

Airplane seats and legroom keep shrinking, but that doesn't mean that it has to be torture. In fact, there are ways to upgrade your seat without spending more money to sit in business or first class. 

Airplane Bluetooth Adapter

By now, basically everyone has wireless headphones and I'm not willing to buy some cheapo ones with low quality just to take on the plane. Watch all the shows you want on the seatback screen with a bluetooth adapter. It plugs into the outlet for the earphones and then the screen becomes bluetooth-enabled. You can use it other places, too, so it's multifunctional. $26.99 

FaceCradle Travel Pillow

You need a good travel pillow if you're going to be flying long distances (or even if you're taking a longer train trip or even a passenger in the back of a car. I will never stop touting the awesomeness of FaceCradle. I get such good sleep with this. Eric, who is a very light sleeper, also has gotten some of his best travel sleep with it. It allows you to stretch your neck and back, so you don't wake up needing a massage. $69.99

Dr. Lipp Moisturizer

I swear by Dr. Lipp lip balm, which is often called nipple balm, because it can be used everywhere. Get her a luxurious set to keep in her bag that includes both lip balm and body balm. The dry air in the plane will be no match for this duo. It's also carry-on friendly sized. $20.50

Pang Wangle Essential Wrap

Your mom can keep warm on the plane and then is going to look chic everywhere she goes with this wrap that has an odorless bug repellent woven into its sustainable, impossibly soft, recycled cotton and Tencel fabric. She can use it as a wrap, a sarong, a scarf, a blanket, and more wherever she goes. I take mine everywhere. $58

Perilogics Phone Holder

Holding your phone for an extended amount of time while you watch a video or play a game is annoying. Use this Airplane phone holder to keep your phone at eye level and save your neck, while also keeping your tray table up when you don't need it. It can even be used off the airplane. Attach it to a suitcase handle, table, or whatever. $13

Airplane Pockets

The seatback pocket on planes can be pretty gross and dirty and the tray table is one of the most touched surfaces on plane. Airplane Pockets are antibacterial and slip over your tray, so you have a clean surface to eat and play on. The other part of the pockets is the actual pockets. There is one big pocket and three smaller ones, to hold all your necessities and keep them organized. $29.99

Serenity Tray Organizer

For those with longer legs or people who don't like things touching their knees while they're traveling, this Serenity Organizer keeps everything on the back of the tray table. Like Airplane Pockets, they are antibacterial, but unlike AP, they are stretchy and turn into a drawstring pouch. $45

Living Well Upon Arrival

Silk Eye Mask

Getting a good night's sleep is very important, so if you need to sleep in the dark, a great sleep mask is a must and a luxury. A soft silk sleep mask helps to avoid excess wrinkles and you don't wake up with pillow creases on your face. $19.99

Travel Espresso Maker

If your mom is a lover of coffee, then it's possible she has the the same problem I have and that's that most in-room makers are terrible, or the coffee provided is weak. If I'm bringing my own coffee anyway, so I don't entirely rely on coffeeshops and go broke, then I might as well bring my own machine. Aeropress is highly rated and the entirety of the contraption fits inside it's own mug. Wacaco uses Nespresso pods, making it easier to use, but it's also heavier. Aeropress Go $49.95  Wacaco $47

SpectraSpray 

Keep her healthy and feeling great. There are natural sprays for everything, including those to make your travels way better. Purchase sprays individually, or ones that go together in a kit. They all have a very light flavor. Most are minty and the flavor dissipates pretty quickly. Personal faves include the Sleep Well Kit, Daily Defense Kit, and I've been testing the Ageless Beauty Collagen (review coming soon) $19.95+ use code SHEREENTRAVELS for an extra 5% off

Travelon Convertible Crossbody

I carried this bag all over Las Vegas. It's small and carries just the essentials. It can be worn as a belt bag, a shoulder bag, a crossbody, or a sling. It comes in a floral print, in case you still want to buy your mom flowers. If you don't, it comes in black, teal, or gray. $54 (on sale for $27) on Amazon or $49.50 on Travelon - use code SHEREENTRAVELS20% to get 20% off

Travelon Anti-Theft Addison Backpack

If your mom likes to carry a little bit more, this backpack is not too big and not too small and can hold quite a bit. It's got locking zippers and RFID pockets. It looks pretty and is functional. If she picks up some little things on her day out traveling, she can fit it right in here, along with her snacks and glasses and whatever else she needs. $80 (on sale for $33.70) on Amazon or $85 on Travelon - use code SHEREENTRAVELS20% to get 20% off

Lighted Makeup Mirror

A portable Lighted Makeup Mirror is a must for those dark hotel rooms or when someone else is in the bathroom and you're trying to get ready. It has 3 light settings and can mimic natural light, so when you go outside, you look normal and not like a pumpkin or a streaky mess, because you looked fine before you left. This one is rechargeable with a USB and is super slim, so you can fit it anywhere in your bag. $20.99

Pursesuitz Pocket Travel Tank

If you missed my review on this, you're missing out, because everybody should have one of these tanks - for travel, for walking, for exercise, for festivals. The pockets stay closed with a Velcro-like suction and keep all your belongings safe. This is where she can put her emergency cash, passport, and any other important thing she wants to keep close to her body, all in an attractive tank. $59

I hope you find a great gift here and the mother(s) in your life have a fabulous day and extra great travels. What other gifts would you add to this list?

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My New 30 Travel Things

It's been a long time since I've updated my list of 30 things that I love when it comes to travel. Things that I'm into and I love on trips. As you travel and it shapes your world, you learn new things about yourself and become a better traveler, packer, and, hopefully, person. 

I listen to a podcast called Wonderful where a married couple talk about "things that are good, things that we like, things that we're into" and I like to check in every once in a while and do the same, but when it comes to travel.

1. Interactive museums - I love a normal museum, but I think the creativity of museums that are interactive and more than just looking at art on a wall or things in a case are next level. I've been doing more lately, but some of my favorites have been Hopscotch Portland, Arte Museum and Omega Mart in Las Vegas. 

2. Brunch - I'm never one to turn down brunch. It's a great way to get breakfast and lunch all in one, but without spending the money of both. Vancouver, BC was an excellent destination for brunch any day of the week, and Palm Springs comes in a close second. Outside of the U.S. Paris and Edinburgh are wonderful brunch cities. There's nothing like being able to save money overall, but also be able to get waffles or a burger at the same time. Brunch has something for everyone.

3. A really good cup of coffee - There's nothing that can cheer me up or really start my morning out right more than sitting down at a coffee shop with a specialty latte or a cappuccino and watch people while I sip away. Even taking a delectable brew while I'm wandering a city is a way to brighten up my day.

4. A VPN - Traveling out of the country is great, but so is being able to enjoy some of my own shows while I'm away and having some downtime. It's just a good way for me to get a little bit of home wherever I am, or even just to be able to access certain websites and pay bills and keep up with news. It also enables me to keep my connection private on the free wifi connections. I use Bitdefender for both internet security and a VPN.

5. Meeting up with online friends IRL - I've been doing this much more often lately. I ask friends what their favorite places to eat are and then invite them to come join me. It's been an awesome way to connect with people all over and I can't wait to do more of it. 

6. Taking a walk along the waterfront - I forget how much I love a waterfront until I find myself walking along one and enjoying the river views, especially at home. Many times you see a bunch of doggos walking with their people and boats and occasionally a marine animal like a sea lion. People congregate near the water and it's where real life happens, which might also be why there is often art along the trail. New Orleans is the best example of this. You'll find so many sculptures lining the Mississippi.

7. Convertible bags - I'm really digging having a bag that works in multiple ways, so it looks great and is convenient for any outfit/activity. Whether that means it is a shoulder bag that converts to a backpack or a crossbody that can also be worn as a sling or a belt bag. 

8. Enjoying a city alone - I love traveling with Eric and I love traveling with my mom, but there's really nothing at all like traveling solo and learning about yourself along the way and seeing the city in a whole new way, because your sole focus is around you. 

9. Street art - As much as I enjoy going to a museum (interactive or traditional), seeing street art has its own specialness about it and I don't care if it's huge or tiny, it always says something about the city its in and makes an impact on me and everyone else who sees it. 

10. Farmers' markets - I will never turn down an opportunity to visit a farmers' market, even if I don't plan to buy anything. I always come away with some delicious snack and having had a great conversation with at least one vendor. In San Francisco, I spoke to a rancher who lived outside the city and told me about how he raised his animals. In Edinburgh, I spoke to a woman who sold pigeon sandwiches about the differences in meat selections of our countries. It's conversations like that that make me feel closer to a destination and help me understand the people who live there better. 10/10 highly recommend this for everyone.

11. Swapping city secrets with locals - This sort of ties in with #10, but also #5. I want to know where locals go and what they love about their city and I am just as happy to share places I love from Portland and the surrounding area. While I'll ask friends for recommendations, I'll also ask people I meet while out and about, like my Uber driver, or staff at my hotel when I meet them in the elevator (cleaning staff mostly, because they are the regular people who have to budget and don't get anything for sharing those special spots.

12. When there isn't anyone in the middle seat - Airplanes are giving you less and less room and more often than not flights are full because there are fewer of them, but still the same amount of travelers. When I get seated and it turns out I have a whole row to myself or even just a seat in between me and another person, it's kind of fun and exciting. I don't have to give my armrest to anyone or watch my elbows when I'm reading or taking a drink.  

13. A lightweight rain jacket - It's been a long time since I've carried an umbrella, because I don't always need it and it's always unwieldy and I don't like taking up space in my bag for unnecessary things. For this reason, I always have a rain jacket that packs down to almost nothing.  

14. In-room Chromecast - Having a VPN to watch streaming is nice and all, but more places are upgrading their entertainment selection by allowing guests to stream content they already pay for. In Vegas, I had a night in, and while I was eating snacks and repacking things to go home, I had on one of my favorite YouTube channels that I was able to cast from my phone to the TV. 

15. Food trucks - I travel for food and I want to eat all the things when I go somewhere new. Food trucks are a perfect way for everyone to get something they want, since there's usually more than one in an area, and get local food for less than sitting in a regular restaurant. It makes it easier to save on dining and allows you to enjoy being outside, too.

16. Botanical gardens - I may be allergic to a lot of things, but that doesn't stop me from loving cool plants and flowers. I am fascinated by the fact that some gardeners just know how to grow almost anything. Seeing local plants all in one area can be a fun way to learn things about your destination.

17. Historical buildings - Architecture can be amazing, but I think that America has a habit of knocking down old things and replacing them, so when I see historical buildings, I want to know all about them and admire the love and care it took to build and then preserve them.

18. Packing cubes - I'm a small packer. I want to be organized, too. Packing cubes enable me to do both of these things. I'm especially partial to compression cubes, because it makes my small cube of clothes even more compact.

19. Smaller carry-ons - Yes, I know carry-ons are already small for many of you, but as a recovering overpacker, I feel accomplished when I can keep my travel belongings to the absolute minimum. I choose the bag and then make my packing list. I often go with a backpack when I travel alone, because it's easy to navigate through the plane and airport and the amount of stuff I have to keep track of is more manageable. 

20. Discounts for booking online - It's wonderful to do things on vacation and it's even better when you've already paid for it ahead of time, and even better when you got a deal because you booked before your actual trip and you can just show your ticket on your phone when you arrive.  

21. 360-degree views of the city I'm in - If a city has an overlook or a tall building with a viewing platform, I'm there. I can't tell you why I think it's so fun. I just do.

22. Taking pictures for people - If I see people struggling to take selfies or pictures of their group, I always offer to take pictures for them. I'll offer suggestions and ask what they want in the background and then take no less than 5 pictures of them, because it sucks when people take one picture and give your phone back and it sucks and you can't be like "you did a terrible job". 

23. Good public transportation - I am a big walker on trips, but sometimes you can't walk to wherever you're going. When you don't have a rental car a great transportation system is important. I enjoy the Metro, RER, the Underground, the Las Vegas Monorail, and Baltimore's light rail. 

24. When I learn to get around a neighborhood - There are places I've been to multiple times that I know how to get around, like Las Vegas, but when you really get a feel for how to navigate a new city, you get a certain sense of accomplishment that you can't get otherwise. 

25. Trying brand new foods - When I travel, I will always look for regional foods that I've never had. Maybe I'll hate it, but it's more likely I will like it, or even find a new favorite. I want to try everything, because more often than not, new foods are delicious.

26. One fancy dining experience - I'll always look for places I want to eat on trips before I go and then plan my days around the general areas. I try to keep my selections to budget and moderate dining establishments, but I will always pick one or two places that are splurge-worthy and must-eats for either of us and then figure out how to save somewhere else to offset that cost.

27. Sunglasses - You never see me without a pair of sunglasses and I travel with two pair, in case I lose/break a pair or want them to match my outfits better.

28. Walking a ton of miles without realizing it - Why is it you can walk ten miles on a trip and not realize you've walked that much at all...at least until you get back to your room for the evening? Some people love hiking in the woods. I love hiking in a city. Up staircases, down cobblestone streets, around castles, and through museums. I walked 60 miles on a 10-day trip, and an entire marathon on a 3-day trip to Disney.

29. A versatile travel dress with functional pockets - I'm firmly a jeans person, but I think most of that is because they have pockets and go with everything. You can't wear jeans everywhere and finding a great travel dress is hard enough, but finding one that looks good and has pockets that are useable is a diamond in the rough. I have a Prana dress that I loved so much I bought another in a different color. (The Prana Railay dress is out of stock, but Halara has a dupe right now.)

30. Aisle row seats - I used to be a window seat only person, but I've lately found the ease and joy of having an aisle seat, especially when traveling alone and not wanting to bother two other people if I have to get up.

Clearly, food is very important to me. I'd love to know what some of your 30 things are. Share some in the comments!