Travel like a boss in 2020!

Even when traveling, you should dress for success. Leave your sweatpants at home and travel in style. Check out our latest style tips for the modern globetrotter.

1. The First Step: “Know” your destination!

I don’t mean “know” your location in the sense that you have a map and a hotel booked. I mean, “know” it in terms of packing essentials. Everywhere you go is different and therefore your suitcase will always be filled with unique items to meet the standards of your adventure! Here are some things you should “know”:

…..know the weather: First of all, what season are you traveling in? What hemisphere are you traveling in? If you’re traveling to Prague in January {their winter}, you’re going to need warm coats, sweaters, leggings and boots! But if you’re going to Australia in January {their summer} you’ll need swim suits, sun dresses, and sandals! Pinpoint your season/climate! I’m a crazy person when it comes to checking the weather before I leave for a trip! I want to know exactly what I’m getting into and how to pack. The worst thing you can do is pack for ALL types of weather because you aren’t sure, because then you’ll end up with twice as many clothes as you need AND still have to lug them around!! With modern technology, we can pretty much predict the weather, so check that weather app like it’s your job.

…..know the geography and terrain: Are you traveling somewhere with rough terrain? Or a place with a lot of mosquitos or bugs to stay away from? If you are headed to a destination that has steep hills to climb {think Machu Picchu} you’d best be leaving your stiletto’s at home. If you are traversing through dense jungle with the threat of leeches and bugs, you’ll want to bring some breathable cover-ups! Think about what the location has in store for you in terms of geography–then plan accordingly!

….know the cultural dress and what is appropriate: It is so important to be aware of the cultural standards for a city/country. As a traveler and ambassador of your home country, you want to be sensitive to the needs and values of others. If you are traveling to a highly religious place {for example, India} you will want to do some research to find out what kind of dress is appropriate in which region. When Kevin and I lived in Nepal, we made sure to abide by the cultural norms of the city. I never wore shorts while in Kathmandu and even bought a few cultural outfits to wear around town. Even if other tourists aren’t abiding by the dress code doesn’t mean you should be relaxed about it. Being a traveler isn’t just about seeing the sites, it’s about engaging with the world and learning more about their culture and customs!

2. Always go for comfort first.

The last thing you want to be doing when adventuring is be thinking about how you can’t wait to get back to the room to change your clothes. When you travel, you want to feel free and happy to fully engage with your surroundings! However, being comfortable doesn’t mean sacrificing your personal style! When going through your closet or purchasing items at the store, look for pieces that you could effectively walk miles in. On our recent trip to the Mediterranean, I packed quite a few skirts, dresses, and rompers. These were all super comfy, even more so than jeans!

3. Pick some basic pieces and build around them.

You’ll notice I often bring a lot of foundational items and then build around them. Pack one pair of jeans and a few cute tops to go with them. Pack a classic black dress that you can easily accessorize. Pack one jacket that you can slip on over any outfit in your bag.

4. Pack something special for a special day.

Sometimes it’s just plain fun to have a special item of clothing for that perfect outing. When my husband and I finalized our plans to the Mediterranean, I knew I wanted to find a very “Greek” looking dress to wear when the time was right. I picked this flowy white dress (pictured above) and felt like an ancient greek woman walking around Ephesus. I had numerous Chinese tourists stop me to ask if they could take a pictures of me because I evidently blended in so well into the ruins! It felt delightful as the breeze picked up through my dress and I sat staring at the famous library ruins of Ephesus, dressed in fitting attire.