Off-Beat Couple's Travel Blog
“What should I pack?” is one of the most common questions we get asked. And while we’ve written a bunch of very specific packing guides for everything from cold weather to the beach, we have yet to create a big ol’ chunky ultimate travel packing list. So we’re finally laying out all of our favorite must-have travel items, from travel gear to camera gear to the equipment we bring with us to work on the road – everything a full-time travel blogger (or just like, regular traveler) needs!
I’ve spent years searching for the perfect pairs of travel pants. What I’ve found is that every pair of men’s travel pants falls into two categories: there are baggy pants with cargo pockets & unnecessary zippers, and there are baggy pants covered in like, elephants. But at last, I’ve found 5 pairs of men’s travel pants that are EXACTLY what I wanted. They’re functional, technical, and not hideous – and I’ve put them through the ringer to test them out. These are the only 5 pairs of men’s travel pants you’ll need!
Some people are born to be on the beach. They return from their beach vacation with sun-kissed skin, positively glowing with beachy bliss. I envy those people. While they’re happily soaking up the sun, I’m busy being burned to a crisp, inhaling mouthfuls of sand, swallowing salt water, and trying to get sand un-stuck from places that sand should never, ever be. And it doesn’t help that shopping for swimsuits as a size 16, almost 6-foot tall Amazonian woman is an exercise in torture and frustration. So you can rest assured that every single item on this beach vacation packing list has been thoroughly vetted to the HIGHEST possible standards. I have absolutely no patience for anything that causes chafing, leaves a weird greasy residue, or leaves me feeling hot, sweaty, and uncomfortable. This ultimate curvy girl’s beach vacation packing list is the practical, body positive packing guide you need to hit the beach this summer!
Finding the perfect pair of women’s travel pants is no easy feat. But finding a pair of travel pants that are both functional AND cute? How about functional, cute, AND sized to fit on my tall, curvy Amazonian body? HA! Forget about it. How dare I have such unreasonable expectations?! But guess what: After trying on, returning, trying on again, and field-testing like crazy, I’ve found 5 absolutely amazing pairs of travel pants for women. They’ve changed my packing game, and I’m about to change
It can be incredibly confusing to figure out where to stay in San Francisco. There are a TON of different neighborhoods, each with a completely distinct vibe, history, scenery, and even weather. And despite San Francisco’s relatively tiny size, it can take hours to get from one side of the city to another on public transportation thanks to those ridiculous hills and traffic. Basing yourself in the right spot can mean the difference between walking out your front door to explore, and spending an hour and a half in a bus or train or car just to see the sights. Luckily, we’ve done all the hard work for you! Here a comprehensive guide to where to stay in San Francisco – and where NOT to stay.
Have you ever fallen head over heels in love with a place? We fell HARD for Savannah, Georgia. Here’s the thing: Savannah, Georgia is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been, and one of the most historically important cities in the USA. But underneath all that genteel elegance lies a fascinating web of stories, myths, and legends ranging from quirky to downright morbid. And that nuanced complexity is what makes Savannah absolutely enchanting. From amazing food and drinks to historic homes and spine-tingling ghost stories, here are all the best things to do in Savannah, GA on the perfect weekend trip!
![[INDIGENOUS PEOPLES] On the last day of our trip to Montana, our hosts @glaciermt plied us with wine and invited us to share ways that Montana surprised us. As I reflected, I realized that my trip to Montana was eye-opening in a way I never expected.
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I was anticipating beautiful vistas and jagged mountains and rolling hills and bison and ranches and connecting with the great outdoors. (I maybe wasn't expecting the enormous variety of huckleberry foods available on any given menu in Montana - a pleasant surprise!)
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What I wasn't expecting was to be hit squarely between the eyes with the realization that I am sorely and shamefully underinformed about Indigenous Peoples in my own country. Montana has several large reservations, including the Crow Nation and the Blackfeet Nation, which we drove right through on our road trip. And I was like, wait... why don't I know ANYTHING about these communities? Why do I keep catching myself thinking of First Americans in the past tense rather than the current tense?
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I mean, I like to think of myself as a fairly aware and conscientious traveler. When I visit a new country, I do research on its history and its Indigenous peoples. I can list off several Indigenous communities and languages still thriving in various parts of South America; I can tell you about my homestay with a Sámi family in Arctic Norway. So why do I have such a blind spot when it comes to my own country?
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Like, I couldn't tell you a single thing about the Indigenous communities in my own backyard. I don't even know if we have reservations here in California. I honestly don't. Actually, I just googled it. We have 109 tribal communities in California. (I couldn't name a single one of them.) California actually has the highest Native American population in the country. (I had NO idea. Did you?)
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Well, my ignorance is going to change. I'm currently compiling resources to educate myself further on Native Americans, past & present. I'd love any educational recommendations you all have, or Tribal tourism experiences!
.
It's hard to admit my own ignorance, but I'd wager a few y'all may not have stopped to think about it either. So ...have you? (No judgment!)](http://scontent-sea1-1.cdninstagram.com/vp/a0f35beeab5e5539a40955f2319d8a12/5E3E693E/t51.2885-15/sh0.08/e35/c0.135.1080.1080a/s640x640/70468237_390308615226544_6446725078598077981_n.jpg?_nc_ht=scontent-sea1-1.cdninstagram.com&_nc_cat=104 "[INDIGENOUS PEOPLES] On the last day of our trip to Montana, our hosts @glaciermt plied us with wine and invited us to share ways that Montana surprised us. As I reflected, I realized that my trip to Montana was eye-opening in a way I never expected.
.
I was anticipating beautiful vistas and jagged mountains and rolling hills and bison and ranches and connecting with the great outdoors. (I maybe wasn't expecting the enormous variety of huckleberry foods available on any given menu in Montana - a pleasant surprise!)
.
What I wasn't expecting was to be hit squarely between the eyes with the realization that I am sorely and shamefully underinformed about Indigenous Peoples in my own country. Montana has several large reservations, including the Crow Nation and the Blackfeet Nation, which we drove right through on our road trip. And I was like, wait... why don't I know ANYTHING about these communities? Why do I keep catching myself thinking of First Americans in the past tense rather than the current tense?
.
I mean, I like to think of myself as a fairly aware and conscientious traveler. When I visit a new country, I do research on its history and its Indigenous peoples. I can list off several Indigenous communities and languages still thriving in various parts of South America; I can tell you about my homestay with a Sámi family in Arctic Norway. So why do I have such a blind spot when it comes to my own country?
.
Like, I couldn't tell you a single thing about the Indigenous communities in my own backyard. I don't even know if we have reservations here in California. I honestly don't. Actually, I just googled it. We have 109 tribal communities in California. (I couldn't name a single one of them.) California actually has the highest Native American population in the country. (I had NO idea. Did you?)
.
Well, my ignorance is going to change. I'm currently compiling resources to educate myself further on Native Americans, past & present. I'd love any educational recommendations you all have, or Tribal tourism experiences!
.
It's hard to admit my own ignorance, but I'd wager a few y'all may not have stopped to think about it either. So ...have you? (No judgment!)")
