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aboutWe are Akila and Patrick. Our minds (and waistlines) expand as we travel, cook, and eat our way around the world with our two dogs.

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TheRoadUnleashed.com
a woman's round-the-world packing list
Here's the dilemma: look cute or travel light and comfortably? This should not be mutually exclusive, right?  Unfortunately, travel clothing is geared toward two sets of people, neither of which describes me: (1) men and (2) women over the age of 60.   I have noted below the few companies that are designing clothes that are light-weight, quick-drying, comfortable, and also ones that women actually want to wear.  My travel wardrobe usually stays fairly constant between our various trips because it covers most climates.
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And that's it. Now that I've listed it all out, it looks like a short list, but, I can go for almost a week without doing a full load of laundry and still stay cute and not smelly.

07/20/2009 12:18
Nice packing list. My two favorite items that I didn't see on your list is a pair of Keen sandals (which you can hike, bike, walk or river raft in) as well as a long-sleeve SmartWool shirt.
jeanine
http://www.jthetravelauthority.com
07/20/2009 18:13
Thanks Jeanine! Instead of buying a Smartwool shirt, I went for the Icebreaker shirt which is similar. I believe that both are made of merino wool. I really wanted to buy a pair of Keens but every pair I tried seemed very wide for my feet. I wish they fit me, though!
07/20/2009 20:27
Yes, Icebreaker is great too. I bring their black hoodie with me. Too bad the Keens are too wide for you.
jeanine
http://www.jthetravelauthority.com
07/27/2009 10:33
"...Unfortunately, travel clothing is geared toward two sets of people, neither of which describes me: (1) men and (2) women over the age of 60..."

LOL! I nearly spit out my tea when I read this part. It's so very true! I have yet to be able to find a pair of travel pants that don't come up super high on my torso. That style might work for women in their 60s, but it doesn't make someone in her 30s feel cute in the slightest! :)
07/27/2009 10:40
Whoops, I also meant to add - Hi! I was super happy to read your comments on our travel blog and wanted to pop over and see your site too. It's wonderful! I'm so excited to read about your travels and I can't wait to check out your recipes too. (The only downside to traveling is the lack of kitchens sometimes available!)

Also, as a dog lover myself, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that Chewy and Abby are adorable! :)
07/28/2009 17:26
Thanks so much Jessica for the nice compliments! In order of what I am going to miss: dogs, friends and family, our bed, and then our kitchen. It's going to be awful on the road without a nice fully functioning one.

[If there are any guys out there reading these comments, please avert your eyes, because I am going to go into full girlie mode.] I know! How ridiculous is it that it took me literally 3 years to find a decent looking travel skirt. And, I am so tired of pants that hit above my belly button. That look is not attractive on anyone - whether they are 60 or 30! I know that Athleta is now owned by Gap so I am keeping my fingers crossed and hoping that they are going to start coming out with some great travel gear.
08/31/2009 01:02
Don't forget shower shoes (cheapie flip flops). Those pack it cubes are the best and we LOVE our Marmot precips, we tested them out in Alaska and they worked perfectly!
09/04/2009 13:30
I'm glad to hear the Marmot precips worked so well in Alaska. I had another REI rainjacket which I took to Ireland but it was not breathable and I always came out of it feeling sticky and sweaty. I really like the Marmot jacket (though I haven't tried it in intense rain yet).
Akila's recent blog post: hana: this is hawaii
08/04/2010 00:00
Me and my family are always going to beaches and pools so I choose the Denko PakPak Bag. Good for traveling needs! :)
09/27/2010 20:48
Stricklybiz
Was wondering how you are liking your rolling backpack while traveling? I am having this debate.
10/02/2010 06:43
We absolutely love both of our rolling backpacks. I highly recommend this unless you are planning to hike and camp with all of your luggage. In that case, a dedicated backpack would make more sense.
Patrick's recent blog post: one year of photography
03/25/2011 07:35
I think that you should wear clothes that are comfortable and cute. When you travel, your clothing must be adequate for the area you'll go. It's useless to carry light wearings with you when you go, in London, for instance.
10/19/2011 11:28
First off I just wanted to say I absolutely love this website, the photos, the stories... everything. My boyfriend and I are currently planning a rtw trip around Europe and Asia to start late next year and I am interested in purchasing a rolling backpack. I see that back in 2010 Patrick you commented that you both love the rolling backpacks you bought -- just wanted to see if anything has changed - or if you've found a better rolling backpack to travel with.
Vicky's recent blog post: Daring Cooks October 2011 Moo Shu

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