Subject: pack
Image: dotbenjamin.
I'm not a shaving kind of guy. While I'm not a beard lover either, I don't long for a clean shaven face and if I could find a way to keep a permanent 5 o'clock shadow, I'd be a happy man. When I combine shaving and travel, I'm even less fond of it. But since I can't avoid it completely, I've found several ways to make shaving on the road cheaper, simpler, and less painful.
Image: lion heart vintage.
Summer is upon us and I spent some time over the weekend thinking about my upcoming trip to warmer climates. (Which, when coming from Seattle means places where you have to wear shorts before August, if then.) As I dug out my shorts, I started to think about what makes a good travel short and why everything marketed as one is so damned ugly. Shorts aren't my favorite clothing of choice and when you slap a bunch of oversized pockets on them, you make me want to wear them even less.
I dug out my favorite pair of shorts and thought about what I loved about them. They're perfect for travel because 1.) they're lightweight, 2.) versatile and 3.) not at all "travel" looking. Yes, you could head to your nearest outdoor store and buy yourself a pair of travel pants. You know the type, the ones that have lots of pockets and may have that clever unzip to shorts feature. Functional? Sure. Attractive? Not so much. And unless you're hiking in the wilderness, you might as well go with something a little more attractive.
Image: austin.
I'll be the last person to deny that I'm a bag nerd; messenger bags, backpacks, you name it, I've got a soft spot for it. Recently, I found a great man purse carry on bag in the Ben Sherman Canvas Commuter
Image: muji.
I'll admit, I've got a bit of a Muji addiction. I love their clean aesthetic, practical design and their travel gear is top rate. I've been putting off an online order for awhile now, and this travel-related accessory might just tip the scale.
I had wondered about the comfort of neck pillows last year and broke down and bought an inflatable one before a long flight. After trying it out, I decided I didn't think it deserved the space in my carry on and it's single use bugged me...and...it didn't help me sleep any better than a regular old pillow or rolled up sweater. This neck pillow by Muji, albeit a bit bulkier, might satisfy my want of a versatile comfort device for my next flight. It's like a mini bean bag for your neck, back, feet, whatever.
Image: rchach.
Why is it that when we shop for travel gear we feel like we have to sacrifice style for the sake of comfort? Chances are that you don't do that in your everyday life. So when I was asked the question recently, "What shoes can I take with me to Italy in March, that are good for walking, but don't, you know, look like a grandma," I bit. There are lots of great comfortable, casual and stylish shoe options for the traveler.
It's hard to prescribe shoes for someone else. We've all got personal preferences and brands that feel better on our feet. The shoes below are merely a guide for what to look for when choosing a lightweight, comfortable and attractive shoe for travel. Skip the sneakers or those super comfy clunky shoes that everyone tells you are great for travel. Comfort is a great thing, but you can find it without sacrificing your style. Seek out attractive "fashion" sneakers, ballet flats or mary janes.
Image: Cayusa.
*I'm about out to head out on a month long trip through Italy and re-visited this post to help me pack. I've added a few more fall-friendly tips below.*
Packing light for a winter trip is difficult, to say the least. Cold weather means heavier shoes, bulkier clothes, and a coat. But, who wants to lug so much around? We've got a few tips that can help you pack lighter during those cold winter months.
Who says your gear has to look like everyone else? I've dug up some great handmade goods for the traveler from Etsy.
Image: My Paper Garden.
Map-inspired passport wallets and holders from My Paper Garden.($10-12)
Image: kreg.steppe.
Whether you're in the car on a roadtrip, flying around the world, or criss-crossing Europe by train, you've got a need for one thing: power. Chances are, you've got a phone, an iPod, or some other small devices that needs the occasional recharge. But getting them the juice they need can mean dragging along cables, converters, and all sorts of other accessories. But it doesn't have to be that way! Keep reading to learn more about three devices that can lighten your load, while still keeping you powered on the road.
Image: zieak.
Whether you're a blogger, a reporter, a photographer, or just a casual traveler who wants to stay in touch, odds are you've considered bringing along a laptop on your next trip. But who wants to lug around an expensive 5-6+ pounds on your back? Not me. We're always looking at the latest and greatest netbooks, hoping to find the perfect cheap, small, lightweight PC for our voyages. So if you're in the market for a small computer for your travels, check out our list of six great netbooks for travelers.
(Updated 9/2009) Since our original post in March 2009, there have been some great advances in netbook technology: upgraded speed, increased battery life, and even always-connected devices. Check them out!
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