Panic

As I stepped backward into thin air, my only thought was “Scotlaaaaaand!” Sigh. As someone very independent and used to doing most things myself, suddenly needing disabled travel advice was a whole new ballgame.

Don’t Panic, Research

Today, I’m looking on the bright side: I now know how to get around the UK with a busted leg. Fortunately, a previous student trip left us with a severely sprained ankle in the group on day one, so we knew where many of the lifts are located in Edinburgh and Oban, how to avoid some of the stairs and cobbles, and where to get ice. Disabled travel is not for the faint of heart, but it can be done and is 100% worth the trouble.

Once the orthopedist told me I could fly (or rather didn’t say I couldn’t fly, a major sigh of relief), I immediately went into research mode to figure out how to get around. At home, I had painful crutches (they were too tall) and a knee scooter borrowed from a friend. Neither were great options for the cobbles and stairs I knew I would encounter, so I went hunting.

Equip Yourself

After an extensive search of medical supply stores in Springfield came up short in the disabled travel category (it’s like they want you to stay home or something), I headed to Amazon as time was running out. There I encountered the iWalk and a set of folding crutches made for travel – brilliant! I ordered both, but later decided the iWalk was probably not the safest option for all the cobbles of Edinburgh (it has since become my farm chores tool, along with a good walking stick – Jason calls me Gandolf). So the iWalk stayed home.

Initially, I planned only to take my crutches, but didn’t feel good about that choice given the potential for slick cobbles and sore armpits. Then I stumbled upon someone asking about a mobility scooter for disabled travelers in a Facebook Group for Scotland Travel. What!? Genius! A quick search gave me a list of power scooters for rent in Edinburgh – who knew? The company I went with delivered and picked up the scooter from the hotel. Such an amazing service! In the end, we brought my knee scooter too, knowing the power scooter would be quite large, and many places in Scotland are small and involve at least a step or two to enter buildings. Surely I could get around on a knee scooter much easier?

So there I was, armed with my folding crutches, knee scooter, and the promise of a power scooter meeting me in Edinburgh. I also tried to find a power scooter in Oban but had no luck. This solidified my decision to bring the knee scooter, and I’m SO glad I did. Off we went! You can’t keep this girl down!

Getting to Europe: Planes

I was immediately discouraged at the Springfield Airport. I hadn’t considered they would make me remove my boot to go through security – ouch. However, they were very kind and pulled me aside to sit down and go through a personal screening with a female agent. That took maybe 20 minutes and with our TSA Precheck, we didn’t have to remove anything from our bags. Jason gathered my bags (the first of many, many times) while I got my royal pat down and then we were off to wait on our (delayed) flight to Chicago.

I requested assistance getting on and off the plane through our airline’s app but never saw anyone to help. Since I had my scooter, I didn’t push the issue because it’s such a small airport. Instead, I assumed I could easily roll to the gate and down the ramp to the door, and then awkwardly crutch my way onto the plane while they stowed my scooter below. I just needed a little extra time to do it. In theory, this shouldn’t be a problem if they let us board first, and let us get settled.

They did let us board first, but we were quickly followed by everyone else, because of the flight delay and hurry to get going. Plus they made me leave my scooter at the top of the ramp, so I had to use my crutches down the incline. As I hadn’t practiced with the crutches yet, this was terrifying and less-than-graceful. To get to my seat, I tossed my crutches ahead of me and used the ramp rails and seat arms to swing across the bridge and down the narrow aisles. I collapsed into my seat while the flight attendant watched. Nice. I was unimpressed and immediately nervous about the rest of the trip.

No one met us in Chicago with the wheelchair either – what the heck? Luckily my scooter appeared outside the plane’s door, so I folded my crutches, hung them on the handlebars, and took off up the ramp…and across the entirety of O’Hare, all on my scooter. This was a long, painful journey, but we made it to our gate as our flight to London started boarding. It took a little convincing, but since it was a larger plane, the flight attendants let me keep my scooter so I could get to the bathroom on our 8-hour flight. They stored it in a closet near the galley for me, so I only had to push my call button or send Jason to grab it when I needed to get up.

In London, I was met by a buggy! So apparently my online assistance request did work, just not in the States for some reason. The porter loaded my crutches, bags, AND scooter and whisked me to Border Control; I handed over my passport and sailed right through. Meanwhile, Jason walked the entire length of Heathrow because he’d been sitting for 8 hours and wanted to walk (they offered him a ride too). Unfortunately, my chariot ride ended at baggage claim, so once reassembled, we continued to the train into London.

Getting Around Europe: Trains

I hadn’t thought much about getting on and off the trains. It turns out, I should have requested assistance for that as well – mind the gap and all! We got lucky with the Underground, as all the stations we used had a lift or a ramp down to the trains. From there it was easy to roll onto the train. Once we made it to King’s Cross and had to get on the overland train there was much tsk-tsking from the station staff as I tossed my scooter up the step into the train, grabbed the handrails, and hopped one-legged up to the train. Was it safe? No. Did they like it? Also no, as they take Health & Safety very seriously in the UK. But I made it, so bonus points, right?

When we arrived at York station, I tossed my scooter off the train and hopped back down the same way. More tsk-tsking (also, some gentle applause and “Well done, you!” from others waiting to board that train). Once at our hotel, which was mercifully across the street, I requested assistance for the rest of our journey on the LNER train app. It worked! They had the ramp ready for me the next day and even moved our reserved seats into the disabled area so I had a place to store my scooter and put my leg up. It was glorious – and easy. As we arrived at Waverley Station in Edinburgh, they put the ramp down and I rolled off the train – easy peasy.

We arrived in Edinburgh a day ahead of our group so we could make the last few arrangements. Even though it was nearby, because of all the roadwork and sidewalk closures, we took a taxi to our hotel. The man at the taxi stand was so delightful; having never seen a knee scooter (nor had much of the UK as it turned out), he asked all manner of questions.

Getting Around Europe: Automobiles?

Lo and behold! My power scooter awaited us at the hotel! Amazing! I could have had it delivered to the station, but you had to arrange a specific time, pay an extra fee, and you never know if the trains will be on time (they usually are). Instead, they delivered it to the hotel, which seemed a better option. We didn’t immediately take it out since we had errands to run in tiny shops.

The next day, I used the power scooter to fetch folks from the train station and take them to breakfast while Jason met folks at the airport. I also took it on several “walks” throughout our stay and anywhere I knew we would have the space to accommodate it. Overall, it was bulky and a bit of a burden, so I learned to use my knee scooter on the cobbles for most of our expeditions. The key is to lean back, not forward on the knee scooter, so you don’t fly over the handlebars. I’m still glad I had the power scooter for some of our longer outings and recommend our rental company (listed below).

While in Edinburgh, we ventured to the countryside one day for professional photos, where I quickly learned my scooter does not do rocks or grass. I had to use it like a walker to get down the path to our shooting location where I spent two hours teetering on one leg or crutches in the tall grass on the side of a mountain. It must have been a sight; we have some funny photos of me trying to get around. But! I did it and the rest of the pictures are fabulous. We’re thankful our photographer was such a good sport.

By the time we boarded the train for Oban, I was a pro. I didn’t bother booking assistance with ScotRail because I had figured out how to get on and off myself. Our hotel in Oban was again right across from the train station (whoever planned this was brilliant – pats on the back!), so we didn’t have far to go with our group and bags. By now Jason’s arms were threatening to come off from trying to manhandle our bags all over Scotland. I felt bad about it, so I booked him an appointment with my massage wizard back home. He had to wait a few more days, but she fixed him up nicely.

Jason had work to do while in Oban and our friends were out of town, so I spent time exploring on my own. I took my scooter down the walkway of the bay to take photos and enjoy the view. Then I went shopping for most of the day and visited with the locals. That was fun and they were very kind. Fortunately, many of the shops in Oban are at ground level or just one tiny step up, so I had no problem getting around on my own. I stumbled upon the Jetty Gallery, full of works by local artists, and found a gorgeous etching that I decided should come home with me. Thankfully, Jason agreed and we returned to get it about 5 minutes before they closed on our last day in Oban. Whew!

We also rented a car while in Oban. This allowed us to scout for upcoming trips and visit friends in the country. We originally planned to take the car to the Isle of Mull for some hiking, but because of my broken leg, we decided to hold off for now.

After Oban, we took the train back to Edinburgh and spent our final night at a countryside estate hotel (which was amazing!). The staff met me as I stepped out of the taxi, putting a ramp down to get inside the hotel. While they did have a lift, it didn’t access all the rooms, so I used my crutches quite a bit to get up and down stairs. Also, our hotel had a bathtub! It was glorious to sit on the side of the tub to shower with the handheld instead of standing precariously on one foot in the shower. Incidentally, showering was the biggest frustration the entire time in the UK: the bathrooms are SO small I could barely get in with my scooter or crutches, and there was always a step up into the shower. If I had known I would need an accessible bathroom when I was booking rooms, it would have been much easier, as they are available in some hotels.

More Trains

We decided to take the train back to London, thinking it would be easier than flying. Unfortunately, the train journey turned into quite the event, as there was a fire on the tracks just outside London, so they made us get off the train in York. Another couple from our group was on the train ahead of us and they were given the options to wait it out, walk back to York Station, or get an Uber to London. They chose the latter.

Since we were at York Station, we were given two route options: take the train to Sheffield or Manchester. We opted for Manchester hoping it would be less crowded. We had to wait for the second train, as the first was packed. Once in Manchester, we ran (scooted furiously!) to catch the next train to Euston Station in London. Naturally, this was all during rush hour on a Wednesday afternoon. Madness! Finally, we made it to London, though 7 hours later than planned, and after the show we planned to see at the Vaudeville Theatre. Feeling rather bummed, we headed for Euston Underground Station to call it a day and head for the airport hotel. Except, it turns out Euston has no lifts, so we had to take a taxi to our hotel instead – that was a frightening expense! In hindsight, we could have taken a taxi to Paddington Station and caught the train to the airport, but you live and learn and sometimes don’t make the best decisions when you’re tired. It almost makes one wonder if the flight would have been easier.

The Way Home

The flight out of London the next morning was as easy as the one to London. They let me keep my scooter in a closet onboard again. As soon as we landed in Houston I was immediately reminded that the US is not very kind to anyone with a mobility issue. There was no wheelchair, again, after I requested it and double-checked that I had, so I scooted across the airport to Customs and Border Control. After that, you have to go through security again. In London, security was much the same as it was in Springfield: they pulled me aside, removed my boot, I got a pat down, and they swabbed my scooter while asking me to tell my best version of how I broke my leg. Very easy and cordial. In Houston, they literally screamed at me when I asked where to go with my scooter because it obviously would set off a metal detector. I stood, stunned, at the side of the line waiting for some direction since Jason had already gone through and was frantically trying to repack our bags. About 10 minutes later someone pulled me aside, took my boot and scooter to be swabbed, and told me to walk through the metal detector. Excuse me? I have a broken leg, I will not be walking anywhere! So there I stood, on one leg, for at least another 10 minutes while they swabbed my scooter, eventually brought it back to me, and finally pulled me to the side for a pat down. I was flabbergasted, frustrated, and fighting tears; I’ve never been treated so poorly.

The flight from Houston to Springfield was just as stellar as the one leaving Springfield two weeks earlier. Sigh. We had to board our plane outside, so I had to leave my scooter behind, again, and crutch my way up the ramp and onto the tiny plane, tossing my crutches ahead of me as I swung down the aisle on the armrests. But, as a bonus, we saw the northern lights above Springfield as we landed that night. I was exhausted, happy to be home, and even happier to sleep in my bed. It was a wonderful trip and I learned so much, but holy moly was I tired from all that extra work!

Lessons Learned

Overall, the UK is relatively accommodating to folks with mobility issues. It may take a little planning on your end, but it’s entirely possible to navigate the disabled travel options and folks are super helpful. As a plus, we’re confident we can accommodate someone with mobility challenges on our trips! There’s nothing like a crash course or on-the-ground training to boost your confidence, right? Right. Sometimes it can be a hidden bonus to be an anxiety-ridden overthinker searching for all the available options on a tight deadline. Skills!

I hope my story gives you the confidence to travel even if you have trouble getting around. There are so many assistance options and SO much world to see! Obviously, do what your doctor says and always opt for travel insurance in case you have further issues while on your journey.

*fist bump* You’ve got this. See you out there!

Resources

• Scooter Rental in Edinburgh
• TFL Journey Planner for London Public Transit
• LNER Passenger Assist Request for the London North East Railway
• ScotRail Accessible Travel Request for the train in Scotland
• Euan’s Guide for excellent reviews on accessibility in venues across the UK
• List of public toilets in Edinburgh with accessibility toilets.

Notes

• Lifts (elevators). Many old buildings in the UK cannot be retrofitted with lifts. Be sure to research ahead of time so you know what is available and reach out to ask questions as needed. Sometimes stairs are the only option.
• Accessible Toilets. Places serving food must have accessible toilets or point you somewhere that does. If you don’t see them, ask. Public toilets can also be found in bus stations, train stations, shopping centers, and department stores. You can apply for and purchase a radar key for accessible toilets if you have mobility or bowel/bladder conditions.
• Email Hotels. Stay in contact with your hotel about any help you may need. Many have disabled rooms, access to lifts, and additional assistance if you need it. Private rentals and Air B&Bs do not have this requirement, so contact your host to ask questions before booking.

Helpful Travel Accessories

• Folding Crutches
• Crutch Pads
• iWalk
• Knee Scooter
• Sleeping Boot
• Water Resistant Walking Boot Covers
• Waterproof Shower Boot
• Reusable Waterproof Bags for Ice

The post Suddenly Figuring out Disabled Travel for Beginners first appeared on The DeBode Way.

In the past, we’ve talked about our hunt for silence on flights, which, as far as we know, means noise-cancelling headphones or earbuds. Truly, we never realized just how loud planes are until we started on this journey. But…gosh. So here we are. We’ve been through a few different models and wanted to pass along our two cents (assuming you’re familiar with the humble ¢).

Earbuds v. Headphones

Most people have thoughts about the earbud v. headphone discussion, goodness knows we do. Because you’re reading our blog, it seems reasonable to assume you’re curious about our opinion. So here it is: it depends, as different options have unique pros and cons. For us, it’s hard to beat the total immersion that comes with headphones. The model we have completely surrounds the ear, which, when it comes to noise-cancellation, is important. Yes, they’re bulkier. No, they aren’t easy to sleep in. Yes, they’re larger and take up more room in your luggage. Still, their ability to drown out the world around you is pretty remarkable. All of sounds…gone. That said, we’d be remiss to say earbuds aren’t worth the investment. It’s true, the noise-cancellation isn’t exactly as good as with headphones; however, they have other benefits that might sway their pro-to-con ratio. Probably most obvious, earbuds are much smaller, making it easier to sleep with them in your ears and easier to pack. Moreover, noise-cancellation technology is always improving, making them nearly as good as their over-the-ear counterparts.

Cut the Wire or No?

It’s also important to decide whether you want to spend the extra money on a wireless option or opt for an often lower-priced wired version. We’ve tried both. When it comes to wired options, we’ve stayed loyal to Bose. Our very purchase was in 2019, and, though now discontinued, they’re still great contenders. The biggest plus with a wired option is the noise-cancellation works considerably longer and when you run out of battery, they still function as regular earbuds. Keep in mind the wired connection is for the audio signal, not the noise-cancellation functionality. For example, our wireless headphones often last for 18-24 hours; after that they stop working entirely. By comparison, our wired earbuds last for well, technically ever. The noise-cancellation setting requires battery power and lasts about 8 hours, but after that they continue to work like regular earbuds. So, in our experience, the wired version has never not worked.

That said, we prefer the wireless versions. Yes, they’re a bit more expensive (but not always) and you do need to remember to recharge the battery before you head out. Yes, your flight may be longer than the battery will last. That said, not getting wrapped up in wires makes it easier to (try to) sleep. Also, if you’re plugged in, anytime someone needs to get out you have to pause what you’re watching/listening to, unplug, get up, let them out, sit back down, and reverse the process. Without the wires, all you do is get up. Beyond this, the other issue is that wireless options connect via Bluetooth to another device (e.g., your phone) which isn’t super helpful on most planes. Until recently, that meant we needed a cord to connect our wireless headphones to the plane’s entertainment system. Fortunately, we recently found a wireless transmitter device that plugs into your TV monitor and sends the audio to your wireless headphones/earbuds via a unique Bluetooth connection. Win! Of course, this means one more thing to purchase, carry, and charge. Fortunately, the device is small, about 2”x2”x1”. Also, newer planes have the ability to connect your wireless headphones/earbuds directly to your screen via Bluetooth, meaning the extra device might only be a temporary addition.

Battle of the Brands

When we first started our search for quiet on planes, our research showed one brand consistently outranked the others: Bose. So, our first purchase was Bose wired noise-cancelling earbuds, and they changed our world (made it quieter, in fact). Since then, Jason has bought a pair of their regular wireless earbuds (not noise-cancelling) and we both have their over-ear wireless noise-cancelling headphones (which Tasha thinks are glorious for focus when doing sewing calculations). More recently we’ve been curious about other brands as the technology seems to be improving and we’re always trying to pack smaller. After more research, we decided to go separate ways: Jason got the Soundcore noise-cancelling earbuds, while Tasha went with Raycon Fitness noise-cancelling earbuds to test out a Bluetooth earbud for flying. What we’ve found is there’s a reason Bose consistently tops the rankings: they’re awesome. Yes, they’re expensive, but they’re worth it. That said, the other brands were better than we expected, and because are less expensive than Bose, we think you should consider them in your search for silence.

In the following reviews, we factor in the quality of the noise-cancellation, battery life, the bulkiness of the product, the overall comfort, and the sound quality.

Bose Quiet Comfort

Bose stands out as the clear winner, at least for us. The noise-cancellation is remarkable; on the plane, both the headphones and wired earbuds drown out almost all the noise around us, from the drone of the plane engines to the crying babies a few rows back, even to the flight attendant asking for our drink order. From a comfort perspective, Bose is again our pick. Their over-ear headphones are cushions of pure bliss, encompassing your ear in soft comfort. The earbuds, as with most of the rest of their earbud options, have silicon ‘wings’ that hold their position in your ear (so they don’t spin and fall out) while still being comfortable from the time you put them in until you take them out. And because the wings maintain the earbud’s place in your ear, that creates a better seal which makes the noise-cancellation even better. The sound quality is also tops: really clear treble tones and deep, booming bases. All the stuff Bose is known for…all right in your ear. Bulkiness depends on which version you have, but in general, this is where Bose loses ground. Their headphones are similar to other brands, but their earbuds are large and stick out from your ear, which can make them more challenging to sleep in. All things considered, we’d rate our Bose models – both the earbuds (wired) and headphones (wireless) with an A. Unfortunately the wired earbuds have been discontinued, but you can still find refurbished sets on Amazon.

Raycon [Tasha’s New Earbuds]

Tasha ordered the Raycon Fitness noise-cancelling ear buds because she didn’t want to bring her bulky Bose headphones on our most recent trip. Plus we wanted to test a wireless version that wouldn’t break the bank. This meant she also ordered Bluetooth transmitters for both of us for the plane. Fortunately, the price was still reasonable with both the earbuds and transmitter.

While the noise-cancelling portion of these earbuds is definitely on par with Bose, you can still tell the difference between the Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) and regular modes. It’s just not immediately noticeable when you turn on the ANC like it is with Bose. It seems like they wait for sound to come through the earbuds from your device before they try to cancel the noise around you. Because of that, they don’t really work as earplugs when you’re trying to catch some shut-eye like our wired Bose earbuds do. She uses the Loop Switch earplugs for that now instead. The sound quality is decent. You won’t get that full base like you do with Bose, but they’re not tinny and completely acceptable. A very technical description from her.

The battery life on these is remarkable! We had FOUR flights (about 16 hours ON the plane) and between wearing them in her ears and giving them a quick recharge boost from the case during layovers, they never ran out of power. Then she continued to use them for tours and some quick video editing on her phone for 2 weeks and STILL didn’t recharge them – mostly because she forgot and they just kept going. The battery life is definitely a huge win for these. Maybe she can get the whole lawn mowed now without her headphones dying now. Woo!

The comfort level is also great. She also has a pair of Jabra Elite Active 65t earbuds that she practically lives in, but the battery life in those is only about 3-4 hours and they constantly fall out of her ears. The Raycon earbuds last at least 6 hours at a time, based on our recent overseas flight. They claim to last 12 hours on their own, plus an additional 44 hours for a total of 56 hours on one case charge. Holy smokes. The Raycons also feature a small fin at the top to hold them in your ear and come with 4 adjustable sizes to get the right fit. She keeps raving about how snug and comfortable they are.

The magnetic case is tiny, about 2”x2”x1”, and has a loop and carabiner to clip them onto your bag if you wish. The satisfying little snap when the magnet clips the earbuds into the case is a nice touch. They are also water/sweat resistant, which will be great for workouts (ha), or working outside in the sweltering Missouri heat and humidity. Plus…they came in purple. She’s happy.

Overall, we’re calling these a win. They get a B+ because the battery life and comfort are phenomenal, but the noise-cancellation and sound aren’t quite top of the game.

Soundcore [Jason’s New Earbuds]

Admittedly, this wasn’t a brand I was familiar with before doing some research, but it’s one I’m glad we found. The Soundcore Space A40 noise-cancelling earbuds are, in most ways, a winner. The case is small, measuring about 3” wide by 1” long or so. The earbuds are magnetically held in their case but are easy to remove when you’re ready for action. The earbuds come with a charging cable, but the instruction manual says the case accommodates wireless charging, though I haven’t tested this yet. The earbuds themselves are smaller than I was expecting, and much smaller than the Bose version. Because of their small stature, they fit down into my ear better than the Bose option, which makes it easier to sleep with them in (or…try to sleep). If you’re someone who prefers a lower profile to your technology, these might be the earbuds for you.

As for sound quality, these are better than expected and nearly as good as Bose. The treble sounds are clear and crisp, while the base is good; not quite as deep as with Bose, but still good enough to enjoy good sound quality in your tunes and movies. The A40’s have three sound options: a normal option (like using regular earbuds without noise-cancelling technology), a noise-cancelling option, and what I can best describe as a more focused version. The noise-cancellation is good, not quite as good as Bose, but given the lower price-point, it was much better than I was expecting. For the focused version, when I had them in and was talking to Tasha, it focused on and amplified her voice while quieting everything else. This had some trouble on the plane with the ambient noise, but could be a neat option to use in crowded places.

The battery life with these was pretty great, too, and lasted the duration of each of our recent flights to Europe. Once we touched down, I’d pop them back in their case and they were fully charged for our next flight. Plug the case in during the flight so it stays charged, and you’re good to go for the full travel day.

The one place that dropped my rating is in comfort level. At first, the A40’s were really comfortable and fit snugly into my ear canal, but after a few hours, my inner ear was sore, to the point where it felt bruised by the end of the flight. That made it a little tender when putting them in again for the next flight. It’s possible I had them pushed too far in my ear and/or had the wrong size end on them, so we need to experiment a bit more before giving a final opinion. Still, something to be mindful about.

Overall, Jason gives these a B rating, potentially a B+ if we can get the sizing sorted out.

You can find links to all the headphones and earbuds we’ve mentioned throughout the post or on the “Products We Recommend” page of our website.

The post The Hunt for the Most Elusive: Noise-Cancelling Silence first appeared on The DeBode Way.

We’ve talked a lot about our international travel packing list over the years, but THE biggest question we get about traveling is “How do you pack into only a carry-on and backpack? I could never!”

Our questions for you…take a look down, how many days have you been wearing those sweatpants or that t-shirt? Multiple? How about your shoes? Do you typically grab the same pair day after day? No judgment here, you’re among friends.

Clothing Calculus

Ok – hear us out. You don’t need to pack a brand-new outfit for every day of your trip. Truly. Outer layers can (and let’s be honest…will) be re-worn, a little laundry can be done for the layers closest to your skin before you hit the hay at night, and don’t you dare bring that pair of shoes you might wear once (unless it’s a special occasion).

Create a Capsule Wardrobe – things that mix and can be worn multiple times in various combinations so they can be restyled. It helps to stick with a color pallet where every piece can be worn with anything else in your bag. This means the brown OR black shoes, not both.

We typically pack 4-5 Days of clothes with the intent to wash them either at the hotel’s facilities or by hand in the sink or bathtub (or in our handy dandy Scrubba Bag). Tossing some laundry detergent sheets in your bag makes this super easy and it’s even easier if you stick to natural fibers or quick-drying fabrics (our favorite is Woolx – here’s a link for $20 off $50 or more). Leave the bulky items that take days to dry behind, and plan to do your laundry with enough time for it to dry before you move hotels. The heated towel racks in your bathroom (at least throughout Europe) double as amazing clothes driers, which makes this even easier and faster.

Our Lists

So, as we prepare to lead our first 10-day adult trip to Scotland (woohoo!!) here’s a look at what is on our travel packing list for October in Scotland. For reference, the temperature will average in the 40s and 50s this time of the year in Scotland, of course with some rain and wind, too.

Tasha – Capsule Colors: Black, Green, Purple, Blue

• 4-5 Leggings/Hiking Pants
• 4-5 Long or Short Sleeve Merino Wool Tops
• 2 Cashmere Sweaters or Cardigans (for dinners)
• 2 Dresses or 2 Dress Pants or one of each (for dinners – weather depending)
• 2 Pullovers
• 4-5 Pairs of Wool Socks
• 4-5 Underwear
• 3-4 Bras in Various Styles
• 2-3 Pairs of Shoes (Waterproof Hiking Boots, Waterproof Sneakers, Leather Flats)
• 1 Waterproof Jacket, Gloves, Hat
• 1 Set of Jewelry – Rose Gold – Studs, Earrings, Necklace, Watch

Jason – Capsule Colors: Gray, Red, Orange, Green, Yellow

• 3-4 Pants (two for regular things and 1-2 that are nicer for dinners)
• 5-6 Long or Short Sleeve Merino Wool Shirts
• 1-2 Button Downs or Cashmere Sweaters (for dinners)
• 2 Pullovers
• 5 Underwear
• 5 Pairs of Wool Socks
• 2 Pairs of Shoes (waterproof shoes for being in cities and nicer shoes for dinner)
• 1 Waterproof Jacket, Hat, Gloves
• 1 Watch

Note that this doesn’t include what we wear on a travel day, so if you plan that intelligently, that can give you additional options that don’t need to fit in your luggage (though it might on the way home, so keep that in mind). We always recommend wearing your bulkiest items on the plane (in our case that usually means hiking boots, a pullover, and jacket).

Also, nearly all of the above will fit into our carry-on suitcase (we currently are loving our new Monos Carry-On Pro Plus Bags <- $20 off $200 or more), which leaves our backpacks for everything else.

Other Bits

What about other stuff? As travel content creators and folks who often work from the road, our stuff load is a bit heavier than it needs to be for the typical traveler. Here is what we suggest if you don’t need to haul along your computer, textbooks, drone, tripod, and GoPro…

We’ve added links for our favorite items.

• Electrical Converter – we prefer this over an adapter, so we don’t have to think about what needs to be converted and what doesn’t. Ours is also a power strip so we can take one thing that lets us charge multiple things at once.
• ONE charging cable with different adaptor ends for phone/headphones/e-reader/battery etc.
• Portable Battery Pack
• Emergency Meds Kit – pain reliever, anti-nausea, cold/flu, Band-Aids, anti-diarrheal, electrolyte powders, stomach soother, and anything where you want a specific brand
• Vitamins/Medications
• Reusable Water Bottle (not glass)
• Laundry Detergent Sheets (sometimes we take our Scrubba washing bag, too)
• Travel Sized Lint Roller
• Travel Pillow
• Travel Steamer in dual voltage with an added adapter plug
• Reusable Shopping Bag (you will be charged for bags in most foreign countries)
• Disinfectant Wipes
• Small Purse or Day Bag or Sling Bag with RFID protection

For the most part, we’re each taking most of the above, so there are doubles of most of this. You don’t necessarily need to do that, but just have a backup plan in case something stops working.

Bathroom Essentials

By now your bag is getting full, but don’t forget your toiletries! If you’re not married to a certain brand, many liquids can be picked up once you reach your destination, so you don’t have to worry about getting them through TSA with the 3.4-ounce requirement. If you ARE married to a brand or need things like contact solution (ask your eye doctor for a couple bottles of the trial size), bring it along. You will save a ton of space if you only bring the amount you will use on your trip and pack into smaller, reusable containers (we like these from Cadence…a lot <- $20 off your first order).

Think basics. Don’t bring your 47-step skincare routine if you can help it. Basic makeup that fits in a small compact is ideal (Tasha doesn’t even pack makeup most of the time). If you’re joining us in Scotland, the rain makes hair products a joke. Embrace your easiest style. A can of dry shampoo can do wonders!

For most of the above, we (Jason and Tasha) agree, but toiletries is where we have different opinions. So, we’ve included some items in both lists, mostly due to brand preference: Jason is usually more open to getting more stuff when we land, while Tasha has more brand preferences and so likes to take some things with her that Jason doesn’t.

Things that can be found abroad:

• Shampoo/Conditioner
• Soap/Body Wash
• Lotion
• Deodorant
• Mouthwash
• Toothpaste
• Dry Shampoo/Hair Spray/Gels

Things to pack

• Contact Solution
• Toothbrush/Paste
• Skin Care
• Deodorant
• Perfumes (use a travel-safe container)
• Brush
• Dry Shampoo/Hair Spray/Gels
• Dual Voltage Straightener/Curling Iron
• Feminine Hygiene Items

Fitting It All In

Now, as far as where to put everything in your bag, here’s how we do it.

There’s a good chance your rolling carry-on bag will be collected from you at some point to store below deck if you’re flying out of a small regional airport as we do. Because of that, we recommend keeping anything valuable or things you absolutely can’t live without (i.e., your medications, money, passport) in your backpack or personal item along with a change of clothes and anything you want on the plane during your flight.

If you’re looking to make your life even easier, consider finding a personal item (your backpack, for example) that has a strap that’ll let you sit it securely on the top of your carry-on as you roll it around the airport. This seems simple and maybe not a big deal, but it’ll save your back and knees more than you might realize.

In the end, travel is supposed to be an enjoyable experience and you want your focus to be on those experiences, not your luggage. So, if you really need something, or it gives you anxiety to go without, then figure out how to pack it in, even if that means you might need to leave something else at home. Still, you’d be surprised how much you don’t really need on a daily basis, or at least what you can go without for a week or so.

One last tip, because we know you’ll want souvenirs. Pack an light-weight packable duffle bag into your bags to use on the trip home (we use this one from LLBean). Even if you don’t come home with souvenirs, I swear our stuff never goes back into our bags the way we originally packed it and we need the extra space. You can check your rolling luggage on the way home (packed with your heaviest items) and use your duffle bag as a carry-on. Just make sure it’s not too heavy, because you’re losing your wheels when you check your luggage.

Take it from us: you’ll be so happy you packed light. We’ve been those people who overpack and then have to lug their entire life through an airport with almost no time between flights. Now we’re the ones who watch those people and wish they’d read our blog. No one wants to haul a heavy bag up multiple flights of stairs or pull it along cobblestones. Learning to whittle down our international travel packing list has made for a much more enjoyable experience for us and, we think, will do the same for you. Never once have we wished we brought more, always less.

The post What’s On Your International Travel Packing List? It’s Too Much. first appeared on The DeBode Way.

You know us, we live the carry-on only mode when we travel, or at least that’s our preference. However, for a few different reasons, which we discuss below, that doesn’t always happen. On the rare occasion we check a bag, it’s important to move things around to make sure certain things stay in our carry-on/personal item and are not checked. We should also note that we don’t typically check bags on the way TO somewhere. Instead, this typically happens at the end of a trip when we’re packing to come home. Then we’re less reliant on what is in those bags since we’re headed home.

Scenario 1: Souvenir shopping

A trick we’ve learned over the years is to bring a third, lightweight bag that can fit inside one of your other bags when you’re packing at the beginning of your trip. For example, we like our ultralight, packable duffel bag from LL Bean. This packs down into one of its own pockets, which makes it easy to pack in a different bag (even a backpack) on the way out. If you’re anything like us, we tend to pick up things along our journey, and sometimes (usually) we don’t pack well on the way home. When that happens, we use the duffle bag for our lightest items since we have to carry it through the airport. The heavier things go into what was our carry-on bag to be checked all the way home.

Scenario 2: The Duty-Free paradise

If you are familiar with the Duty-Free Scotch selection like Jason, this way of packing can be particularly helpful. In this instance, if he’s planning to purchase alcohol duty-free, we keep as little as possible in our carry-on bags, leaving room for the alcohol to be taken onto the first plane. Trouble is, after we land back in the US, TSA will make us put the alcohol in a checked bag because it’s more than the allowable 3.4 ounces currently allowed in carry-on bags. To do this as safely as possible, we transfer the goods into our hard-shell rolling bag. Usually this is one of our carry-ons, but even if it was checked on your route home, you’ll still have to collect it in US customs and re-check it for the rest of your domestic itinerary. We’ll also take this opportunity to shift the lightest things to our backpack and the duffle. Remember: it’s all about staying light and efficient so you glide through the airport. Fun fact: if you purchase alcohol in the Duty-Free shop and have to check it when you get back to the US, most airlines won’t charge you to check the bag from your point-of-entry in the US.

What’s the point?

Why does all this matter? It’s all going to the same place, eventually, right? Well, hopefully. Once a checked bag leaves your hands it’s never 100% certain you’ll get it back again (been there, done that). Case in point: there were more than 2 million bags lost in 2021 (in the middle of a pandemic). That sounds like a big number – and it is – but it was only .5% of all the bags handled by airlines that year (nice job, airlines!). So, the odds are you’ll see your bags again. Still, a quick Google search tells me that percentage is growing as travel increases again, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. I for one kind of like my stuff and don’t want to have to buy it again.

Our suggestions

Things we DO check

• Clothes (unless the clothes aren’t easily replaced…like a wedding dress)
• Shoes
• Toiletries
• Some souvenirs, if they’re not breakable

Things we DON’T check:

• Sentimental Items
• Jewelry
• Money
• Electronics
• Cameras
• Medications
• Glasses/Contacts
• Lithium Batteries
• Passport & Other Travel Documents

Here is a complete list of things that are and are not allowed in each type of baggage from TSA. Some of them are pretty wild. Even on page one, it says antlers are allowed both checked and as a carry-on. You do you boo.

One other point to keep in mind is your checked bag might not actually cost you anything. For example, we get one free checked bag per passenger with our United Plus Infinite Card. We still value our flexibility and certainty on the way to our next adventure, and so we almost always use carry-on bags even though a checked is free. But, if we find ourselves in any of the above-mentioned scenarios on the way home, having a card that pays for your checked bags can make things a little less painful for your wallet.

Be sure to sign up for our weekly email on our homepage’s right column to get these posts straight to your inbox! As a bonus, when you sign up, we’ll send you our Essential Carry-On Packing List for free!

Happy traveling!

The post How to Survive Carry-On Only Mode first appeared on The DeBode Way.

It’s just about time for us to hit the road (skies) again, which always has me mentally preparing for what will fit our carry-on only travel style before it’s actually time to pack. The most frequent question I get about packing for an extended trip into a small roller bag and backpack only is: How do you fit all your shoes? I’ve been thinking about what shoes I’ll need for the UK in May lately, so let’s size this up, shall we?

The struggle is real, friends.

As a self-proclaimed sometimes fashionista (I do own a women’s clothing boutique after all, but also a farm, thus the “sometimes”), this is something I have struggled immensely with for YEARS. So often shoes make the outfit you’re wearing better, and who doesn’t want to just knock it out of the park!? *Jason raises his hand* However, I’ve realized that when you travel, you’re there for the experience, or at least we are. If you’re forcing your feet into shoes that are even the tiniest bit uncomfortable, or trying to shove another pair into your bag that will only go with ONE outfit you’ve packed, you’re taking away from the joy of that experience. No one wants to lug around a bag of shoes, and no one wants blisters. Which reminds me, pack big Band-Aids, because you never know. So, this really is a situation where function and comfort are more important than fashion.

An example situation.

Since we are first headed to the UK, let’s talk about how to get your feet from the soggy cobblestones of Edinburgh to the unpaved, swampy, and rugged Highlands of Scotland and then finally landing yourself on the fashionable streets of London in May – aka rainy season. Somehow, we’re going to manage it without tracking in mud from the highlands to London. That’s the goal, anyway.

The plan.

I’m planning three pairs of shoes for this trip – waterproof sneakers for city walking and tours, waterproof boots for highlands hiking, and flats for dinners & shows (not waterproof, so there’s a good chance I’ll have soggy feet for a few hours). I’ll be skipping sandals for now since the forecast looks like rain every day and it’s still a bit chilly in May. Here’s my line-up:

• ON Cloud 5 Waterproof Sneakers
• Danner Mountain 600 Waterproof Hiking Boot
• Rothy’s The Flat (get $20 off your order with THIS link)

Jason’s line-up looks slightly different. He’s only planning on two pairs of shoes and forgoing the hiking boots. Looks like I’ll be hiking alone or he’s going to be borrowing some Wellies from the hotel. His lineup looks like this:

• ON Cloud 5 Waterproof Sneakers
• Ecco Soft 7 Sneakers

There’s a good chance our lineup could change a bit once we start packing, but this is generally the plan. I may substitute a pair of waterproof ankle boots instead of flats as my dress shoes if I end up taking all pants instead of dresses, which is likely. I’m waiting for a closer inspection of the weather forecast. If that’s the case I’ll be taking these instead in a waterproof (discontinued) version – Born McKenzie Booties.

Our Recommendations

If your trip to the UK has you sticking to the cities, you can skip the hiking boots. However, if you plan any adventures into the wild, especially during the rainy season, we highly recommend them.

We also recommend never trying to do a trip with only one pair of shoes. This is one place you shouldn’t try to be an overachiever. Always have a backup in case one pair breaks, is sopping wet, or is just rubbing your feet wrong. Your second pair will almost definitely feel different from the first and give your feet a break from any places that are bothering you.

It also helps to figure out what you’re planning to wear in conjunction with your shoe selection. For example, you probably don’t need to take both brown and black shoes. Instead, pick one and then find clothes that go with them. Traveling with one color family of styles makes packing so much easier – it’s all mix and match! Unless you like mixing black and brown like I do, go for it!

Whatever you choose depends largely upon your style, but always keep in mind comfort. If you’re anything like us, travel generally involves a TON of walking. If you end up with blisters on your first day, it’s going to be a long trip. Trust me, I know. Also, heels and cobblestones aren’t exactly a perfect pairing. Just leave them at home.

Packing it all in.

And now, packing. Always wear your biggest and heaviest pair of shoes on your big travel days. Whenever we bring hiking boots, this often means I’m wearing them on the plane. I consider this a huge bonus because my hiking boots are the most comfortable shoes I own. They even run through the airport quite well. This usually means the weight of those shoes is, well, at your feet and not on your back. Having TSA Pre-Check makes this easier as well, because you don’t need to remove your shoes when going through security.

This leaves you with only two pairs of shoes to pack on this trip (or one if you’re the overachieving husband) – fit them in how you best see fit. One of the reasons I try to take flats is they pack down very small and weigh almost nothing. This is also the reason I chose very lightweight sneakers. You can also pack socks (merino wool – trust me) into your shoes or anything that needs a little extra protection to avoid a dead space in your bag. Use every possible inch! There are also clips you can use to hang your shoes off the outside of your backpack; we’ve seen people using them but haven’t explored them ourselves…yet.

That’s it! Have a great trip, and maybe we’ll see you over there. It is our favorite place after all!

The post UK in May – How to Pack Shoes in a Carry-on Only first appeared on The DeBode Way.

If you’ve been around here for any length of time, one thing we often mention is how we try to pack into nothing but a carry-on and a personal item when we travel. One of the reasons we’re able to get away with this is that we do laundry while on the go. I’m sure we’ve all taken our turn at doing the wash at home (or should have!), but let’s talk a little about what doing travel laundry looks like, at least in our experience.

In general, and regardless of how long we’re traveling, we almost always pack 4-5 days of clothes. We’ve mentioned before the varied benefits of taking natural fibers: because they pack down well, the wrinkles fall out of them pretty quickly, and they’re quick to wash and dry. Let’s talk about this last part now. In our experience, doing laundry while traveling usually comes in one of three varieties. For reasons I’ll explain below, we tend to stick to just one, but wanted to share the others just so you know what is available.

Hotel Laundry Service

First, depending on the kinds of hotels you stay in, the hotel itself might have a laundry service. We’re familiar with this from most US hotels and the ubiquitous plastic laundry bag hanging in the closet. You know the one…it’s usually clipped onto a hanger with a piece of paper where you can clarify what you want done. Same story abroad, at least in larger hotels. While this can get expensive quickly, it might be a good option if you’re coming in from somewhere that didn’t have a laundry service and you’ll be at that hotel for at least two days (so you can get your clothes back). It’s also nice to drop off dirty clothes and, magically have them reappear clean and pressed. Also keep in mind that some hotels have self-service laundry facilities, though we don’t see them often on our adventures.

Machine Wash

Second, and again depending on where you stay, sometimes your room will have a washing machine. Most often this happens when you rent an apartment with Air BnB or something similar. That can come in handy and allow you to get a lot of laundry done quickly. Be careful to make sure if the place you’re staying has laundry detergent, and if so, if you can use it. Also keep in mind that while there might be a washer, it’s less likely there will be a drier. Sometimes a single machine will do both tasks, but most often we’ve found a washer flying solo. When that happens, there’s almost always a collapsible drying rack stowed nearby you can use to dry your clothes. Just make sure you factor drying time into your mental calculus when doing your laundry, to make sure everything is dry by the time you need to pack it up to move along your way.

There is also the laundromat option, but who wants to spend the day waiting for your laundry when you could be out exploring?

The Good Ole Bathroom Sink/Tub

Third, and what we do most commonly, is bathroom sink or tub laundry. Turns out, there are laundry detergents specifically made to do sink laundry. Who knew? We recommend waiting to buy it at your destination so it doesn’t cut into your liquid allowance in your carry-on and because you may need more than 3 ounces depending on your trip length. Regular powder or liquid detergents work as well, but you often have to buy way more than you need. However, we’ve recently discovered laundry detergent sheets; they look like dryer sheets but instead, you toss them in a sink full of clothes and water, watch them dissolve, and then mix everything up with your hands. They pack perfectly flat in your carry-on when transferred from the box to a reusable zip bag.

A New Idea

We will also be experimenting with waterproof dry bags on our next month-long trip. While these are typically used to keep your items from getting wet along a soggy journey, you can also use that waterproofing to turn the bag into a mini hand washing machine. Put everything in and then shake it up; we’re wondering if that will get the clothes cleaner than using our hands as agitators. Then let things soak for 20-30 minutes before rinsing and wringing them out and hanging them up around the hotel room to dry. This may get any really dirty clothes as clean as a washer or laundry service, but it will get them cleaner than they were and plenty clean to get you back out seeing things. It’s also a lot less expensive.

Time to Drip Dry

When it comes to drying your clothes, look no further than the handy electric or gas, heated towel rack that’s fixed to the wall in your bathroom. These are the unsung heroes of hotel room laundry in Europe. Why we don’t see these in US hotels (or homes) is beyond us, but you’ll find them in most hotel bathrooms throughout Europe, regardless of the size of the hotel you’re staying with. These are designed to hang your wet towel on after you’re finished showering, and magically, by the time you need it for your next shower, it’s nice and dry (and warm!). Heavenly.

Turns out, this works well to dry your clothes, too. For us, we usually hang up pants and shirts on whatever surface and hangers we can find and then use the towel rack for smaller items like socks and underwear. Make sure you’re aware of the fabric content of your clothing if you go this route. Many synthetics will melt or develop a certain shine if left to dry on the hot rack. This works best for natural fibers. Once those are dry, if our larger items will fit on the towel rack, we’ll swap them in and out until everything is dry.

Don’t have a heated towel rack in your room? Shame. But there are other options. Maybe you have a wardrobe with a few extra hangers, use those to hang larger items to dry. Maybe there’s some kind of railing, chair, or shower curtain rod you can lay your clothes on. If you’re really lucky, there will be a retractable clothesline in your shower! There are lots of options, and yes, sometimes you need to get creative so your clothes get dry before you need to pack or wear them. It’s probably a good idea to scope out your drying options before you start doing your laundry.

As for drying times, they vary depending on your climate, humidity, the temperature of your hotel room, and the material of your clothes. But, in our experience, pants – and particularly jeans – take a long time to dry, usually 2 full days (keep in mind we’re usually in Western Europe, where temperatures are cool and damp; if you’re in a warmer, drier climate, it could take less time). Shirts, at least our wool shirts, will dry in a day or overnight. Cotton shirts will take a bit longer, depending on how much water you can wring out of them. Socks and underwear can take the better part of the day if you’re just hanging them up, or a few hours on the towel rack. If you’re getting desperate and short on time, give your hairdryer a try. Your stuff will be dry enough to pack or wear in no time. We’ve also been known to lay things out to dry in the car while we’re driving for the day or if there’s an outdoor hook or rail (where things won’t blow away) where you’re staying, take advantage of the wind.

Make a Plan

The main thing to keep in mind is timing. When we travel, we do laundry every 2-3 days, it just becomes part of the routine. That gives us enough time to get things washed and dried while we’re out exploring so we always have clean clothes. If this sounds like a pain, it isn’t that bad. Usually, it’s one of the first things we’ll do after checking into our hotel: get things washed and hanging up to dry for the night. Then we can either go to dinner, go exploring, or do whatever we want. Within the next day (or so) our clothes are dry and ready to wear again. Get in a pattern with your travel buddy and you’ll know exactly what needs to be done each day.

Now that you’ve done your laundry, the 4-5 days of clothing you originally packed is now good for 8-10, 16-20, a month, or endless days. It’s also worth noting that we usually wear shirts and pants multiple times before washing them (wool comes in really handy here as it doesn’t stink), so really that 4-5 days of clothes could easily stretch to 2 weeks if needed. All that packed in your trusted carry-on bag means you’ve saved the $50+ each way that the airline would have charged you to check a larger bag had you packed 2 weeks of clothing. You’ll be off on your adventure sooner because you don’t have to wait around at baggage claim, and you’ll breeze lightly along your travels since you’re not lugging your heavy luggage behind you. And that, folks, is what we call a win.

Happy traveling!

The post Travel Laundry, Chores on the Road first appeared on The DeBode Way.

Okay, maybe that’s a bit much, but we do really like to recommend a travel backpack for an easier journey. Curious to learn more? Read on, friends.

In prior posts, we’ve talked about how we like to pack in carry-on bags as much as possible. Most folks are probably familiar with the carry-on-sized piece of rolling luggage, but a few years ago we discovered the travel backpack, which, when combined with our rolling carry-on luggage, has become a game changer for us.

Ground Rules

We should clarify that while yes, probably most (or maybe even all) backpacks can be taken on a plane, not all backpacks are travel backpacks. In other words, there’s a difference. Sure, that relic you’ve been carrying around since Middle School is a backpack (we see you Army green Jansport backpack), and maybe it’s become something of a comfort item for you, but that doesn’t mean it’s designed to make your life easier while on the road.

By the same token (Tolkien? Haha!), we’re not talking about hiking packs, those with a frame that you usually take on longer hiking trips. Yes, those can pack a ridiculous amount of stuff and are designed to make the burden of becoming a pack animal a little less, well, burdensome. Still, they aren’t exactly travel-friendly when it comes to waddling down the plane or train aisle, trying to cram them in the overhead, and into small cars (like the ones you’ll rent in Europe, for example).

Instead, we’re talking about something in the middle: large enough to carry a decent amount of stuff but not so large as to require its own seat on the plane, but if there’s room for your pack to have its own seat, then by all means.

Our Picks

We really like the Osprey brand of backpacks, so much so that we actually have four of them and are on the lookout for more. Isn’t that excessive you might ask? It isn’t.

Our first venture into the Osprey line of backpacks was Tasha’s Porter 30 backpack. Shortly thereafter we replaced our regular (middle school) backpacks with the Daylite (Tasha) and Daylite Plus (Jason). Our most recent addition is Jason’s Farpoint 40. Let’s talk about the two travel packs first (Porter 30 and Farpoint 40), then we’ll briefly highlight why we’re even mentioning the other two packs in this blog, as they’re not really travel packs, though we still take them with us.

Why We Like Them

So, the obvious question is what makes these travel packs, rather than just your standard backpack? The main answer is that, while a standard pack usually has one main, large compartment, ours (both the Porter and Farpoint) have two. The one at the back of the pack is one large compartment that’s intended for clothes and the like. Tasha usually packs an extra set or two of clothes (you know…just in case your checked suitcase takes a different route than you), and sometimes even heavier shoes and coats – because carry-on bags don’t have weight limits like checked bags do. In Jason’s case, this back compartment is usually where our tech gear goes: the drone, GoPro, and all that comes along with it (so…many…pieces). These compartments have straps that do two things. First, because they let us synch our stuff down, they conserve space, which, when traveling, is premium. Second, they make it so stuff doesn’t move around, which is helpful when you have to run across an airport on short notice.

Both bags also have a second compartment, in front of the other, that is more like a normal backpack compartment. This area has other pockets where we can store all manner of random things. Jason’s Farpoint also has a laptop sleeve in this section, which we like because it means his laptop isn’t at the very back, or on the bottom when it’s sitting on a plane. Instead, there’s about 3” or more of stuff between it and the outside world. Tasha’s Porter has a padded laptop sleeve that rests against her back and typically ends up closest to the floor on the plane, so we have to be very careful about what we pack on top of it.

Both bags also have a series of other pockets, too, that let us pack an impressive amount of stuff into a relatively small space. Once it’s all loaded up, both packs have external straps that hook from back to front, and like in the back compartment, let us synch it down to both conserve space and keep things secure. We should also point out that the zippers can be locked (but the packs don’t come with locks), for extra security if you want. There are also clips aplenty where we attach water bottles, packable jackets, and so on. We also recently discovered we can use these outer synching straps to attach our packs to the handle of our rolling bag when we need a minute to stretch. They ride along on top quite nicely too.

Like other packs, our travel packs also have belts and straps used to spread the weight of the pack across our bodies. If we have the belts clipped, this distributes the weight away from our shoulders and to our hips, which is far more comfortable on long-haul days and journeys across the airport. Both packs can also stow away the shoulder straps if needed, and have a side handle to carry more like a briefcase. Technically Jason’s pack has mesh pockets at the very front that are intended for water bottles, but if the pack is full, those pockets are useless for the most part (one of the common reviews for this specific pack). Fortunately, as we said earlier, there are clips we can use to clip a water bottle elsewhere.

We love our travel packs for a few different reasons. First, they’re both very well made (thanks Osprey!) and made of lightweight materials. That means the weight comes from what you put in the pack, not the pack itself, so you have total control of what you’re lugging around. And, as we’ve said before, keeping things as light and compact as possible is helpful on your travels and your back. They also look good, which of course is always important. But beyond that, they allow us to travel on the light: often with just these packs and a carry-on piece of luggage. That lets us remain flexible during our travels because we always have our stuff with us. We can make transportation changes if needed and don’t need to worry about tracking down a bag. So, these bags are great for travel because that’s what they’re designed for.

Sadly, these packs aren’t the greatest for just being out and about, exploring, and hiking. Why? Because even for being as compact as they are, they’re still larger than a regular pack. Fortunately, Osprey has other options, lots of other options (seriously, have you seen their website?), among which are the Daylite and Daylite Plus packs we mentioned earlier.

Our Non-Travel Travel Packs

These are more or less the same thing, but Jason’s Daylite Plus has an additional front pocket that Tasha’s Daylite pack doesn’t have and is slightly larger. Both have a single main compartment that can hold a laptop, just like a standard pack. Both have a smaller zippered pocket at the top of the front where we can keep smaller items, pens, keys, snacks, and the like. Again, pretty standard for a backpack. However, one of the biggest reasons we decided they were a good idea is they’re made of an ultralight material with a breathable panel up against our backs (backpack sweat is real!). Plus, they are relatively small, at least compared to our travel packs.

So, what we usually do is pack the smaller packs into our larger packs or carry-on luggage. Then we use the travel packs to get us where we’re going, and the smaller packs while we’re there: hiking (the drone and GOPRO also fit into Jason’s Daylite Plus pack, so no worries there), wandering around towns, shopping, visiting sites, and things like that. This might seem a bit much, but it keeps us flexible, mobile, and hands-free, and, well, it works for us.

Fun tip: you can also use these to carry your groceries in Europe and Asia. That’s helpful because many countries in those parts will charge you for plastic grocery bags. You can also pack a reusable grocery bag – we do this too if we remember!

Final Thoughts

We’ve spent a considerable amount of time (and money…*sigh*) working to find the right combination of luggage that lets us travel how we like. Yes, we could just opt for a larger suitcase, check it, and not need to worry about how to pack compactly. However, checking bags often comes with a steep price tag and there are other things to worry about (weight limits, lost bags, and so on). We could also travel for shorter periods, but where’s the fun in that? Plus, have you tried to lug a full-sized bag around a European city? It’s unpleasant and you will absolutely get that “did you pack the sink, too?” look from those around you. Your cab driver will appreciate not having to puzzle your huge bag into their little car, you won’t have to wrestle it off a train, and let me just say…cobblestones.

We’ve found this combination – a carry-on suitcase and our travel packs – lets us pack a considerable amount of stuff into a relatively small space. We’re routinely able to be gone for 1-2 weeks using this combination, which is just about perfect for us. Of course, we also do other things to make sure we can travel lightly, like doing laundry while abroad (we’ll talk about this next week), wearing natural fibers so we can wear our clothes multiple times before needing to wash them (except underwear…because…ew), and things like this. That means we need less stuff to begin with, which also makes it easier to pack in all carry-ons. You can read about some of our packing recommendations here.

One last thing to be aware of. Keep in mind that while traveling, at least on planes, your onboard allowance of items is typically one carry-on bag and one personal item (check your airline to be sure). If you’re bringing a carry-on piece of luggage and your travel backpack, that’s your limit. In other words, if you are also carrying a purse or some other kind of bag, don’t be surprised if they make you combine bags before boarding the plane. Fortunately, there are loads of compact travel purses out there that can help make this easier, but that’s a story for a different post.

How do you pack for your travels? Do you prefer to check bags, or go the carry-on route like us? Are there certain bags you like more than others? Let us know; we’re always on the lookout for better ways to do things!

Happy travels!

The post One Travel Backpack to Rule them All first appeared on The DeBode Way.

All that’s to say, we’re now in the winter months which can bring weather that’s as crazy and unwelcome as your coworkers’ ugly Christmas sweaters (they are supposed to be ugly, right?). And because people tend to travel during the Winter, we wanted to give a friendly reminder to make sure your vehicle is properly prepared for the unexpected.

The winter months often take us North to Illinois and/or Iowa, both of which get more than their fair share of ice and snow. Coincidentally, they tend to get that weather right around the time we’re traveling. Neat, right? No? We didn’t think so either. So, before we head out on the road there are a few things we do, just in case.

First, make sure people know when you’re leaving, the general route you’re taking, and when (approximately) you should arrive. Even if you want your arrival to be a surprise, make sure someone knows. Then, should something happen or you aren’t on time, at least someone knows where to look or even that they should call for an update.

Second, make sure you have a few important things in your vehicle to make life easier, for example, if you break down or get stuck in the midst of a snowstorm. When we travel in the colder months, we always have a heavy blanket in the car – the pretty and extremely durable one your grandma made that no one knows what to do with, you know the one. Also be sure to have a coat, hat, and gloves somewhere, unless you’re keen on wearing them while driving (ugh, weirdos). It’s also good practice to make sure your phone stays charged (keep a charger in your car) and you have at least half a tank of gas, especially if you’re driving through some relatively remote areas.

For particularly long trips, or through areas where we aren’t likely to see people for a while, we’ll also make sure we have snacks and water bottles in the car (PSA: don’t keep the water in your car as it might freeze). If you’re really prepared you’ll also have some sand or cat litter in the back of your car; it can help give your tires some traction if you end up stuck in the snow or ice. We often have something heavy in the back of our truck (mostly because we never road trip North without a ton of stuff) which helps give the rear-wheel drive some extra traction if we don’t really need to drop it into 4-wheel drive, yet.

Oh, and while you’re at it, make sure you have an ice scraper in the car, too. Preferably somewhere easily accessible (i.e., not in the trunk). And, if you stop into a hotel for the night, take the ice scraper with you! Nothing worse that having to break into your car to get the ice scraper you needed…to break…into…the car. And please, for the love of all things holy, don’t use your credit card to clear off your window (we’re looking at you, college students!). Also, the pot of boiling water you might think about throwing at your car door to unfreeze it (yes, we’ve actually seen this happen). Just…no.

The main idea here is that if your car breaks down, you’ll want the things you need to keep you comfortable. Oh, and alive. I’ve had to get out and change a tire in the middle of winter, in Iowa, with no gloves and believe me, it’s not something I’m interested in repeating (checking your tools is helpful, too – we needed a hammer to get that tire off and didn’t have one). And check your spare tire is fully inflated before you head out. You do have a spare tire, right? Hopefully, you’ll never need to use any of the above, but just in case you do, it’s good stuff to have around. You know what they say about an ounce of prevention…

The post How to Weather that Road Trip Storm first appeared on The DeBode Way.

Here’s the thing: when we travel around the US, pretty much regardless of which hotel we stay with, there is usually plenty of counter space. We get it, the US has space, so we use it. On the flip side, when we travel in Europe, there is far less available space, and it’s often retrofitted, leaving barely enough for a tiny sink. When we lose this space, interesting scenarios result. Does anyone else fight with their spouse/significant other/travel companion for your ‘fair share’ of the bathroom counter space? Someone, please tell me I’m not alone with this. Consider: if you have 1 full counter, and 2 people staying in a room, logically, each person gets ½ the counter space, right? Right. Glad we’re agreed. And this works out just fine…except when we’re in Europe.

This reminds me of the single piece of marriage advice we always give when asked – have separate bathrooms. No joke.

Back to travel – What we’ve found is our friends across the pond seem, for whatever reason, to not value bathroom counter space as much as we do (read: at all), even if there IS space for it. And that often leads to…war. It’s a familiar scenario for us: we get to the room to unpack (we’re definitely the type that unpacks as soon as we get to our room, less stumbling in the dark later), and I put my stuff on my half of the counter and then move onto something else. Tasha comes in, sees what I’ve done, and proceeds to move my stuff to the smallest possible space on the counter and then spreads her stuff out across the majority of the counter. Frustration, expletives, and threats to throw certain items in the garbage ensue. Anyone else? Sound familiar? Yes? Okay, good.

Unfortunately, there’s not much to be done about this when you’re faced with only a pedestal sink worth of counter space. Just keep in mind that while traveling in Europe, counter space is a premium and sometimes doesn’t exist at all. As a result, some of our bathroom bags can hang up on towel racks/hooks (which are also scarce), and some stuff just doesn’t make it in the bathroom at all. We’ve definitely used a kitchen sink and a countertop stove as a second bathroom before in a tiny (amazing) oceanside pod in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. We make use of window sills, the edges of tubs, and Tasha has even managed to downsize to one instead of two bags (eye roll…honestly). Is this a big deal? No. Can it result in war? Absolutely. And in war, all bets are off, right? Surely the Geneva Convention doesn’t apply to spousal warfare.

I digress… More than anything, keep the potential lack of space in mind and plan accordingly for your travels. If traveling to Europe, try to condense as much as possible and come up with creative ways to access your things that don’t require laying flat on the counter. Don’t bring more than you need of any products, downsize your containers, and only bring things you truly think you will use (I might be thinking of how Tasha always packs makeup and NEVER uses it. To clarify, the issue isn’t with not using makeup, but rather packing something you know you’re unlikely to use when space is at a premium), and even consider what type of bag you’re packing into and whether it can be stored multiple ways. As we’ve said before, the better you plan before heading out, the smoother and potentially less cluttered your travel experience will be. And it might just save your marriage, too.

The post Counterspace Wars! Finding Your Fair Share in Scarce Spaces first appeared on The DeBode Way.

Be Mindful – Fuel, Gas, Petrol, Emissions

First is the travel itself. Regardless of how you travel, odds are you’re burning some kind of fuel to get there. If that’s concerning to you, we’ve found that certain websites (Google Flights, for one) have recently started telling you the CO₂ implications of your flights. Emissions are calculated by the seat you choose (aka, amount of space you’re taking up), the density of the air during the time of day you will be flying, the wind speed, temperature, height of travel – so many things impact your carbon footprint. Don’t like what you see? Pick a different route, seat, or maybe even a different method of transportation. Not possible? Consider purchasing carbon offsets to help reduce the long-term influence of your travels on the environment. The UN’s International Civil Aviation Organization has a neat tool to help you calculate your emissions.

Similarly, if you’re going to rent a car, play around on Google Maps – or your favorite maps website – to find the most efficient routes that don’t use as much fuel. Or, rent an electric car or a bike to get around (Hertz has a new electric fleet we can’t wait to try). Take the electric metro or train. Some European cities, such as Amsterdam, aim to be free of gasoline engines (boats included) in just a few short years. More and more city centers are banning cars, turning their streets into pedestrian walkways, with scooter or bike rental centers everywhere for longer-distance travel. So many places that were once heavy with the smog of gas-powered engines are sitting under clear skies and you can actually SEE what you came to see. Novel.

Reusable Bottles & Containers

Second is the stuff you use while traveling. Think about it. Thirsty and want some water? Most likely you’re reaching for a plastic bottle of water, right? Hungry? Probably you’re going to grab something that uses single-use plastic packaging or cutlery (though regulations in certain parts of the world have started reducing this likelihood). Taking your medicines with you? Often that involves smaller, daily packages and more of them. If that bothers you, there are other options.

For example, we take reusable water bottles with us when we travel. They need to be empty when you go through security at the airport, but once you’re through, we’re finding an increased number of water bottle filling stations at airports of all sizes and all around the world. Fill up before you get on the plane so you can wave away the tiny plastic bottles of water during the flight. When you get where you’re going you can fill up from the tap if it’s safe to drink (many European cities have public water taps in the street) or purchase huge jugs of water to last many days instead of small, single-use plastic bottles of water. Make sure your jugs are either recycled or turned in to be cleaned and reused when you’re done with them.

Similarly, we take reusable containers for our medicines/vitamins, toiletries, snacks, and the like. We clean them when we’re done and pack them back home for next time without leaving our waste behind. For sure, it’s not always possible to do this, but it’s getting easier and is happening with an increasing number of things we take with us. Our favorite little containers for toiletries and jewelry are Cadence capsules. You can color code your containers and tiles so you always know what you’re reaching for, plus they are magnetic so they stick together in your bag and the lids stick to the sides so you don’t lose them. Genius!

Even your luggage matters. Make investments in good quality, responsibly made bags that will last you for years rather than one trip when it’s been smashed under someone’s overweight bag. We’ve had our current set of luggage for six years now (that’s centuries in luggage years!) and it sees LOTS of airline abuse but still looks almost brand new. We give it a wipe-down inside and out when we get home before we pack it away for next time, which is usually before it has a chance to collect any dust! This not only cleans it and eliminates anything nasty we may have picked up wheeling through the streets, but it gives us a chance to inspect it for any issues so we aren’t surprised the next time it gets pulled out to pack.

Reduce Your Luggage Weight and Size

Third, we take time packing clothes and shoes with us which reduces the number of items we need as well as the weight we must lug around. For example, we’ve discussed before that we often do laundry while traveling. That means we can take fewer clothes, which often translates to smaller – and lighter – suitcases. This also contributes to the lifespan of our luggage – it isn’t broken from being overweight. We focus on lightweight, natural fabrics that resist dirt and odors and allow multiple wears without having the person next to you wrinkling their nose. For those things that should only be worn once, we have found detergent sheets that take up no space or weight in our bags and have zero plastic or water waste to quickly do some laundry in the sink or tub. This is where those lightweight, natural fabrics come in handy again – quick air dry! We usually allow for two pairs of shoes in case one gives us trouble somewhere along the way. Typically, this means a pair of comfortable walking shoes and a nicer pair of shoes to dress for dinner or events, but this varies depending on destination. If you do need to bring something heavy that is going to take up a lot of room in your bag, wear it! I often wear my bulky hiking boots on the plane (which are super amazing to my feet when you’re walking all over in the airport!) and tie a sweater around my waist if it won’t fit in my bag.

Keep in mind that most of the time, your suitcase is limited to 50 pounds for most airlines, so packing a lighter suitcase might even lessen the impact on your checkbook as well. If you’re carry-on only or have airline status, even better – free bags in most cases! In turn, that can be less weight for a plane (or whatever transportation mode you choose) to carry, which means it can be more fuel efficient. Okay, we’ll admit that if we were the only ones taking a smaller suitcase, the increase in fuel efficiency would probably be negligible. Fine. But we aren’t the only ones. And what would happen if more and more people did the same? That can quickly add up to a real difference. Not to mention, it’s far less to trip over at the luggage rack on the train, no wait at the luggage carousel in the airport, your cab driver and airport luggage handlers will thank you for not busting their back while heaving your bags for you, AND you can rent a small, more fuel efficient car. Wins all around!

Let’s be clear: we’re not suggesting you have to completely rethink the way you travel, but what if you did just a little? We’re also not saying you shouldn’t travel. Far from it! However, there are small things you can do (or even a few big ones) that can reduce your impact while traveling. If you have the ability, why not? We only get one shot in our lifetime at helping protect this planet we’re traveling to see, and we should. Even the smallest changes can make huge differences that future generations won’t have to face, we hope.

Remember: traveling is great but traveling responsibly is even better.

Happy travels!

The post Three Ways to be a More Environmentally Conscious Traveler. first appeared on The DeBode Way.