If you’re wondering what to pack for Borneo in September (a great month weather-wise, and a good general list for other months!) here’s the short answer: lightweight short and long sleeves, breathable pants, serious bug spray, quick-dry everything, fully body rain gear, and a dry bag. But that’s just the beginning! Borneo is hot, humid, […]

Wondering what to wear in the Sahara desert? If you’re heading to Morocco as a woman, your packing list matters. It’s the difference between a comfortable, relaxed trip and accidentally mooning a shocked indigenous man while clinging to a camel named Bob Marley. Weirdly specific? I saw it happen, and trust me—you don’t want it […]

Going on your first liveaboard? I know you probably have a million questions, and what to pack for a liveaboard dive trip is probably at the top of the list! I’ve been a diver for 15 years, but went on my first liveaboard just 1 year ago. I was a little intimidated by the idea […]

If you want to have a really bad time on vacation, start by wearing uncomfortable shoes. There’s just no place in sightseeing and adventure travel for blisters and rubbing- we’ve all been there! I’m a sneaker snob, and while comfort is king, I’m equally unwilling to sacrifice style. I’m also cheap and am usually not […]

Last year, I spent almost as many nights traveling as I did sleeping in my own bed. That’s a lot of flights, friends! I’ve tested all of these travel products for comfort, value for money, and durability, but also just for general usefulness. There are so many shady travel gadgets out there that are useless, […]

Ladies, this one’s for you: 18 days and 5 countries with a carry-on bag and a personal item only! No rolling clothes, no praying that the flight attendants ignore my overstuffed bag at the gate, and no worrying about the airline losing my luggage. This is how you pack for 2 weeks in a carry […]

UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2025 So you’ve got your bags packed, your itinerary planned, and your heart set adventure. But then some buzzkill aunt or friend asks you whether you purchased travel insurance for your trip. Ugh. What is travel insurance? Honestly, I haven’t always purchased it. I thought it sounded expensive and unnecessary, or like something […]

There are a lot of travel safety products for women. From pepper spray disguised as banana keychains to “pens” or “tampons” with concealed personal safety weapons, I’ve tried them all. Why? Because more than 75% of solo female travelers (including me) have experienced some form of harassment, discomfort, or felt unsafe abroad. Not that America […]