Tips & Resources – Camera & Carry On

Putting Our New High Sierra Gear to the Test!

Shannon — Wed, 23 Nov 2016 23:52:34 +0000

Travel and luggage go together like bread and butter, like Mickey and Minnie, like peanut butter and Nutella (yep, nectar of the gods, Nutella). Beyond being a vehicle for getting your toothpaste and underwear from here to there — when on the go, your luggage is an essential piece of equipment. For the past 10 years we've stuffed everything from arctic gear and computers, to snorkels and bikinis into our High Sierra bags.

(Apparently this is what Michael thinks of when he hears "bikini," so he made me put it in)

We've probably put 100 years' worth of wear on our bags in just 10 years' time. So before we hopped over to Norway for a sure-to-be epic adventure, we reached out to High Sierra to get our hands on their latest and greatest collections so we could put them to the test! When it comes to packing, there are really just two types of people: (1) those who consider the trip they're going on and make smart decisions based on weather, time, and mobility and (2) those who have to carry everything in their closet with them in a ridiculously overstuffed and heavy monstrosity that no doubt has leopard print on it, and at least a few... Sorry, sorry... I digress. As you may have guessed, I humbly categorize myself with the first crowd. After traveling from the South Pacific to the Arctic Circle, I can confidently say that less is more. And while there may not always be a one-size-fits-all for every occasion, we'll focus on that first type of traveler.

SPORTY & STOUT

Ultimate Access 2.0 Carry-On Wheeled Backpack w/ Removable Daypack This light and sporty bag is a classic example of why High Sierra is the ultimate brand for adventure luggage. While space is limited, not an inch is wasted in this carry on. Good for smart packers/travelers that need to be able to get around quickly without a ton of bulk. This can be wheeled or worn as a backpack, and has a removable daypack - perfect for hiking or other outdoor activities. Finished off with lots of pockets and zippers for your goodies, this bag is extremely versatile and great for on-the-move travelers. I will say, it does seems to be made for the more active traveler who's mostly concerned with size and mobility. If you're looking for something with big wheels, and a protective shell to roll around your expensive electronics in, you might want to check out the AT7 below.

HIDDEN HYDRATION

Classic 2 Series Longshot 70 Hydration Pack This is kind of my new favorite thing. We chose a hydration pack because we were doing a ton of hiking in Norway, and it just seemed like one of "those things" that we had to have, but now I'm convinced I'll use this all the time. Hiking aside, I picture myself carting this baby with me in the city, through the woods, and to grandma's house! It's incredibly lightweight and compact, holds up to 2L of water (if you need that), and has several compartments for organization. My favorite part about this bag though, is the holster on the front. I really didn't know what to use it for at first. It's advertised as the perfect spot for a bike helmet, but I ended up putting my camera bag in there. A hidden feature, it provided easy access to the camera while holding it completely secure (a big plus considering I thought about purchasing one of those expensive camera bags, but the hydration pack checks that box, and then some).

CLASSY CONVERTIBLE

AT7 Carry-On Wheeled Backpack Still very much a versatile piece of luggage, it's the sharper, sleeker cousin of the bag above. Fitting nicely in an overhead carry on compartment, it's equally fitting for a business trip in London or on a ferry to Martha's Vineyard. The detachable backpack is just the right size for a 15" laptop, and the main luggage compartment is roomier as well, so even on trips where packing light is a must, your things won't feel cramped. I think Michael and I will even share this bag on some of our shorter jaunts. It's got larger zippers, wheels, and a sturdy exterior than most. I see tons of usability and longevity in this one, for everything from work trips to weekend getaways.

BIG MAMA

AT7 26" Wheeled Duffle

(Meet Sumo, our unofficial mascot and quite possibly cutest dog ever. Plus, he's good for size reference.)

...At least big for us. Believe it or not, we don't always use carry ons. Don't start screaming, "Fraud!" quite yet, but yes, it's true. When we don't have to get on an airplane, and are much less concerned about cargo space, we'll sometimes use a "standard" size luggage. Perfect for road trips, or train rides, or even a flight if you don't mind those pesky fees, this duffle is super easy to get around. The main compartment and top netting makes it so we can ~~cram~~ neatly organize a ton of things in here. The bag is surprisingly light weight, and has all those sturdy zippers and such that all the bags in the AT7 line have. I don't think we're going to change the name of this site quite yet, but this really will be a great addition to our collection.

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Many thanks to the fine folks at High Sierra for providing us with gear for our Nordic adventures and sponsoring this post. Please note, we have used High Sierra luggage for many years prior to this, all on our own. As always, all opinions, text, and images are truthful and our own. See our ethics page for more information.

The post Putting Our New High Sierra Gear to the Test! appeared first on Camera & Carry On.

Our Favorite Metropolitan Hikes in Europe

Michael — Mon, 18 Jul 2016 01:46:14 +0000

What's the first thing you think of when you picture a great hike? Mountains? Wildlife? Being out in the middle of nowhere, traversing rugged terrain, mud on your face, blisters on your feet, and the sent of poop in the air?!?! Well, maybe not all of that, but probably something close. One thing I've come to learn is that there are many great "hikes" that are a short jaunt, subway, or bus ride from your hotel. Many bustling cities have exciting treks that offer stunning sea views alongside incredible city architecture. I call these "metropolitan hikes," and Europe is full of 'em! Below are my absolute favorites! (I tried my best to mark exact locations on the maps below)

Oia to Fira (Santorini, Greece)

Santorini never seems to disappoint, and the trail that leads from Oia to Fira won't either! It was a little tricky to find the starting point, but once you're on the trail it's 6 miles of pure splendor. Many hikers tend to start in Fira and walk towards Oia. It's a bit easier to find the path coming from Fira, but since we were staying in Oia, we did it backwards. Either way, have your camera ready to capture the bluest blues and whitest whites in Greece.

Path of the Gods (Amalfi Coast, Italy)

Whenever someone tells me they're visiting the Amalfi Coast I always tell them the same thing: find the Path of the Gods. You may plan to spend your time on beaches and boats, but make sure to build in a day to gaze above it all. The Path of the Gods is an old donkey path above orchards, farms, and the sea. While we traveled along this path, we were also greeted by many, and I mean many, goats!

Slieve League Lookout (Ireland)

Slieve League is the tallest sea cliff in Ireland. The 1,972 ft drop will land you right in the Atlantic. That's nearly three times the height of it's more famous cousin, the Cliffs of Moher! To get the best view of Slieve League find this lookout point. A fairly short walk from a parking lot will have you among the vast meadows and dramatic drop-offs of Ireland's coast. And if you're lucky, you may find a delicious ice cream truck waiting at the end.

Cap d'Ail Coastal Path (Nice, France / Monte Carlo, Monaco)

Ah the magical coastal path between France and Monaco. While Shannon and I were in Nice we thought it'd be fun to take a quick side trip to Monte Carlo. Although Monte Carlo was interesting, it was the walk back to France that really made the day. Like all of these metro hikes, there's no shortage of views, but the Cap d'Ail Coastal Path also offers a number of secluded spots to sunbathe or take a dip in the Mediterranean. To get here we took an easy bus ride from Nice into Monte Carlo, found the path, walked to Mala Beach, then took the bus back to Nice.

Mt. Salève (Geneva, Switzerland)

From Geneva take the #8 bus for about 12 miles, all the way to the end... welcome to France! From the bottom of Mont Salève you can either hike or take a cable car to the top. Once up there you'll likely find a plethora of paragliders (people running off the mountain with a parachute on their back), perhaps the best view of Lake Geneva, and on a clear day, a view of Mont Blanc.

Path Around Toledo (Spain)

A common day trip from Madrid is the old world town of Toledo. Toledo is known for it's history and craftsmanship. Whether it be steel, plaster, or food, these Spaniards know what they're doing. If you want to get a look at the town as a whole, cross the moat and climb up and around. There's a quazi path/sidewalk that hugs the town from a far, and provides a really nice overview.

Cinque Terre (Italy)

Ah the famous Five Lands of Italy! Hardly a secret, but never to be missed. Unfortunately massive flooding destroyed many of the walking paths several years back, but even still Cinque Terre is a great area to explore. We took the train from La Spezia, and between the 5 towns, as most do. Along with the beautiful cliffside dwellings, make sure to catch a glimpse of Il Gigante in Monterosso.

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What To Do & How To Prepare For the Ultimate Irish Vacay

Shannon — Mon, 02 May 2016 11:56:57 +0000

I’ve never been a fan of the, “What’s your favorite place in the world?” question, because frankly, it’s impossible to answer. Like, “Which kid do you love most?” Wait, don’t answer that. I don’t want to know, and I’d hate to be the reason you now have to put your secondary child(ren) in therapy. Let’s just say I appreciate and admire unique destinations for what they are. That said, there miiiight be a select few I hold dearest, Ireland being one of them. Once the haunt of my dreams, the Emerald Isle has secured a spot on my Go Back Someday list after our grand, three week visit. If an Irish vacation is on your travel list, you'd better learn how to say, “Cheers!” in Gaelic (it’s, “Sláinte,” by the way) and check out these 12 tips for traveling the clover country!

1. Visit the big stuff everyone talks about

The Blarney Castle, the Cliffs of Moher, Slieve League, the Giant’s Causeway, Ring of Kerry... They’re popular for a reason. Except drive the Ring of Beara instead of Kerry (less busy and more scenic). And whether you’re more city or country - forgive the cliché - there is something for everyone. Dublin and Belfast check the culture and entertainment boxes, while heart and charm fill picturesque towns from coast to coast.

2. Get a set of wheels

Dublin and Belfast are a cinch to explore on foot, but you’re going to want to ditch the city to explore the rolling hills and seaside cliffs on your own. “So I can just arrange to be part of a tour group!?” Wrong. Well, you could, but I highly suggest you put that idea in the can. Tour bus, schmoor bus. Rent a car! The roads are very easy to navigate and I can assure you, you’ll never wish you didn’t rent a vehicle, whether you’re off trailblazing or following suggested routes. Just make sure to pay attention when you cross from the Republic of Ireland into Northern Ireland (right… no left!).

3. Don't wear a skirt when you kiss the Blarney Stone

Or hey, maybe that’s your thing: making entirely inappropriate wardrobe choices and regretting them. Whatever you do, know that the smoochable rock is tucked in a precarious spot that requires some - ehm - tricky maneuvering and a bit of assistance to reach. On the note of clothes and packing, bring stretchy pants (and an umbrella, sweater, boots...). Your muffining belly, courtesy of Irish breakfasts and pints of Guinness, will thank you for the wiggle room. You can also count on the weather to be as fickle as a pickle. Rain, shine, wind, or calm; unpredictability comes with the territory, as you’ll find weather (arguably) the no. 1 topic of conversation among locals. Feel free to join in the banter!

4. Put yourself out there

Get your head out of your bum (or cell phone) and actually talk to people. Meet locals. Go to bars! Irish folk are warm, welcoming, and incredible storytellers. Masters of the tale, the list of notable Irish authors is hefty. Ever heard of James Joyce? Irish. Oscar Wilde? Irish. Bram Stoker? Irish. J.M. Barrie? Actually, he’s Scottish. But still! Writerly talents abound among infinite shades of green. A special sauce for good times, mix in a touch of liquid courage to instigate hours of yarn spinning with strangers.

5. Take a black cab tour in Belfast

Arranged just a day in advance, our personal guide took us to some of Belfast’s most infamous sites associated with The Troubles, a 30+ year period of civil unrest and violence. Take some time to do your research to best understand the content, but know that successful guides will present a fair and (as much as possible) unbiased account of the conflict. Do be a dear by keeping your opinions to yourself; the wound still feels very fresh in a recovering community. I found it one of the most enlightening and heart wrenching experiences we’ve had on our travels, not to be missed. And since we’re on the subject of tours, do the free walking one in Dublin, too!

6. Look out for fairies

Magic is real. Don’t believe? You will once your eyes feast on sights, or after you’ve sucked down eight, proper pints. Magic comes from within! Not really; that’s just you being drunk and thinking you’re awesome. As for the fairies, they are totally a THING here. Remember the bit about the Irish being stellar storytellers? Wisps, mythical creatures, figments; just more fodder for folklore. Keep your eyes peeled for the whimsy (like sweet, petite fairy doors) and maybe you’ll find a surprise. As for leprechauns, never mind those shifty buggars.

7. Watch your step, and try not to give your wife a heart attack...

...by doing crazy things like hanging over the edge of the Cliffs of Moher, for an (admittedly) kickass photo. Be adventurous, but don’t be a dope, and certainly don’t take a selfie doing it. Have you read the stats about selfie-related mortality? Serious #facepalm action. If you want to eat blood sausage (Eww!), pet mountain goats, drink Guinness for breakfast… that’s your prerogative! Just try not to make the rest of your traveling party anxious every time you get the twinkle for thrills in your eye.

8. Come thirsty, and exercise your vocal cords

It's not hard to find yourself a nice pub with musical entertainment. Songs and brew are as much a part of Irish culture as, well... they ARE Irish culture. You’ll never know true joy until you join a lively sing-a-long at a cliffside bar in Donegal. Well, you probably know all sorts of joy, but I assure you this kind of fun settles in your very being. Your mood will improve, you’ll search for excuses to turn life into a musical a-la-Once, and days will slowly shift to center around pub outings.

9. Stay in B&Bs

Say ta-ta to big name hotels in favor of the little guys. You don’t really want to stay in a Hilton again, do you? Regardless, you’d be hard pressed to find one of those outside a major city, and Ireland is where B&Bs were BORN! I think. Feels like it anyway, with uniquely Irish lodgings a cinch to find. Some are quaint and country, like grams & gramps’ doily-infested abode. Others artfully blend classic Irish touches with a modern aesthetic. Whatever you choose, you can’t go wrong so long as there’s afternoon tea and fluffy pillows.

10. Don't close your eyes

Keep those peepers open, like, ALL the time, because you won’t want to miss a thing. One of the most strikingly beautiful destinations, the island is a two-for-one jackpot. Whether you’re sticking to Northern Ireland or venturing ‘round the Republic; eye candy is all around (see: every photo in this post). Soak up every ounce of beauty that pours from the landscapes of dreamers and lovers. Oh, and you may want to stock up on SD cards, because shutter-happy is a common affliction among first time visitors.

11. It's not all corned beef & cabbage

It’s bacon & cabbage in Ireland, but there's also savory pies, stews, sausages, and other stick-to-your ribs delights. I wouldn’t consider it a haven for vegetarians of the world, but there are always the rooty veggies to turn to! Like the always satisfying potato... These tubers live up to the stereotype as staple foods of Ireland; boiled, baked, or fried, they’re fair game any time of day. Along coastal areas, seafood takes the show, and a beer rounds out any meal, any time of day (obviously). And as luck would have it, we had some of the best damn ice cream from a food cart at the cliffs of Slieve League. Eat up!

12. Get moving!

For goodness sake, what are you waiting for? Go north! And south, east, and west. But whatever you do, go to Ireland. Get off the beaten path and really explore. What’s the worst that could happen? You get lost then find your way again. Just DON’T try to cram everything in unless you’ve got the time. You’ll find yourself rushed and disappointed. Ireland is a smart and sassy girl but doesn’t want to rush things. Take it slow, have a few drinks, and let the layers peel off one by one. Or if you’re a Game of Thrones fan, just Google filming locations and hit those up. You can’t lose. Let Ireland happen.

There you have it! Rent a car, get lost in the beauty, and drink some beer. Adh mor ort!

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A Complete DIY Traveler’s Guide to Reaching MACHU PICCHU!

Shannon — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 17:50:30 +0000

A complete guide to reaching Machu Picchu in an easy step-by-step list and know before you go tips -- all the info I wish I had planning our Machu Picchu adventure!

Want to visit Machu Picchu independently but nauseated by the idea of planning it yourself? Your head is probably spinning from all the tour companies vying for your booking. The plus of going the tourist route? Just follow along and have your camera ready. The con? A micromanaged schedule with little wiggle room for free spirit, and a hefty price tag. I know it sounds like a mother to organize on your own considering all the nuances and moving parts. But I assure you it's tots doobs (totally doable -- try to stick with me here). Know how I know? Because I am a magial, DIY-travel wizardress. I've been there, done that, and have put together a step-by-step guide to reaching Machu Picchu, and other tid bits you'll want to know before you go. Basically, all the stuff I wish I could have found in one place before planning our grand adventure.

GETTING THERE + BACK // How to Reach Machu Picchu

PLAN AHEAD. I cannot stress this point enough. This is a trip you can't do in a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants style. You'll want to have your Machu Picchu tickets (and Inca Trail pass with guide, Huayana Picchu tickets, etc.) or whatever you plan to do BOOKED IN ADVANCE. More on that down the page.
Fly to Cusco and spend the night, unless you manage to get a super early flight and still have time to catch the last train to Machu Picchu. Not likely, though, so rest up!
Leave your bags at the hotel in Cusco and pack your trip essentials in a day/backpack. Most hotels will let you without a charge.
Ride the train to Machu Picchu Pueblo. The train station is actually in Poroy, just outside of Cusco. Plan for 30 minutes to get there by taxi. Then enjoy the passing scenery through the big windows. Note: the photo below is from the Expedition train.
Buy your bus ticket for the next day to Machu Picchu. Unless you'd prefer to hike up the steep and winding path to the citadel (if you ask me, a complete waste of energy and you won't see anything pretty!), you must get your ticket a day ahead of the ride. Make this a priority upon your arrival to Machu Picchu Pueblo.
Wake up bright and early for Machu Picchu! You're going to want to reach the summit before the crowds. Big groups start rolling in around 9 or 10am, then again in a big wave around 1pm. We recommend hopping on the bus up to Machu Picchu around 5:30am. Hop down the page to see more about your actual Machu Picchu ticket. You will need to have purchased this IN ADVANCE!!!
ENJOY! You've been planning this trip for months, and now you're finally there. Enjoy every minute. Don't rush. Stop to smell the llamas. Take a zillion photos. Close your eyes, then open them and soak in every bit of ancient splendor.
Freshen up and eat something. If you've still got your hotel room for a bit, take advantage and shower your stinky self. Then fill your belly! A day walking around Machu Picchu will leave you feeling ravenous or thirsty for a pisco sour.
Catch the train back to Cusco/Poroy around 3:30pm (the earliest departure). You'll be exhausted and ready to move on from Machu Picchu Pueblo by then. It's overpriced, small, and touristy, so get outta there.
Spend some time in Cusco. Now's your chance to savor a really nice meal and stock up on cozy alpaca gear. If you can schedule in a little extra time, you'll be glad you did.

COST BREAKDOWN // Help! How much will it cost?

With the exception of your flights to/from Cusco, here's a pretty good idea of what you can expect to spend on some of the key items of your Machu Picchu journey. The conversion at the time of our visit in August 2015 was about 1 PEN to $0.30 USD. Prices listed per person (unless otherwise noted) in USD.

Taxi from airport to historic center of Cusco, $6/taxi
Taxi from center of Cusco to Poroy station, $10/taxi
PeruRail roundtrip ticket Cusco/Poroy to Machu Picchu Pueblo, $157
Roundtrip bus ride to Machu Picchu site, $24
Machu Picchu ticket, $41

PACKING ESSENTIALS // Don't forget these items

Check back in the near future for the whole kit & caboodle packing list, but there are some standout items you'll absolutely want to bring. Get your list started now with these:

Bug spray
Sunscreen and a hat
Light (but warm) jacket
Hiking/walking shoes
Comfortable, breathable pants
Motion and/or altitude sickness meds (more info below)
PEN, aka Peruvian Nuevo Soles (order ahead from your bank at home to avoid yucky exchange booth fees)

BEFORE YOU GO // Need to know stuff...

Know what you want to see before you decide on dates. This is crucial, especially if you're planning on climbing Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu. If you don't know what I'm talking about, you're still in the early stages. Do a little more research on what there is to see/do, then come back here.
Book your Machu Picchu tickets + hikes + climbs in advance. This ties into my first point above. Very limited quantities of visitors are permitted to climb the mountains around Machu Picchu, and those tickets are sold MONTHS in advance. To check availability and book your tickets, visit the official booking site here.
Your train tickets to Cusco are also important to buy ahead of your trip. You can purchase those here. Tip: Go for the expedition class train. Not worth the cost for the Vistadome (just slightly bigger windows, but the same view!). Take into account your flight schedule. If you're able to go straight to Machu Picchu Pueblo upon arrival in Cusco, do it! But don't forget to spend a few days in the gateway city at some point.
Visit your physician to see if you need any vaccinations, and also request altitude sickness meds (like acetazolamide). Many visitors suffer from mild symptoms as a result of the dramatic change in altitude. At nearly 8k feet above sea level at the summit, and 12k in Cusco, chances are you'll find yourself taking a little longer to catch your breath and get from A to B. Obviously do what you're comfortable with, but I was only too happy to fill a rx to ensure my body would adjust easier.

Be practical and avoid anything flashy. Leave the gems and stilettos at home. Peru is a relatively modest country and I assure you, your trip to Machu Picchu is not the appropriate place to show off your hottest fashion finds.
Most likely, your suitcase will not be making the journey to Machu Picchu and Machu Picchu Pueblo (formerly Aguas Calientes) with you. There are additional fees on the train for oversized bags (daypacks are suggested), so pack as light as possible OR leave your luggage in your hotel in Cusco for a few days. This is very common and many hotels will store your big bags until you return.
Buy drinks and sandwiches in town before taking the bus to Machu Picchu. Technically, food is not permitted inside the Machu Picchu site. However, many people bring snacks, sandwiches, and beverages. Be smart - don't litter - and you can find a quiet spot to sit down, relax, and enjoy lunch with a gorgeous view of the citadel!

For more on exploring the ancient site, sign up for our newsletters (see sidebar!) and we'll alert you when the new post is up. I'll be talking about how much time you need at the citadel, what to bring for the day, where to snag the quintessential MP shot, sharing gorgeous photos... you get the idea.

RESOURCES

In case you missed these links above, you will find these sites VERY valuable:

PeruRail roundtrip train tickets -- http://www.perurail.com/
Official Machu Picchu Tickets -- http://www.machupicchu.gob.pe/
Reward Boss's " How to Book Machu Picchu Tickets Online" -- http://therewardboss.com/2013/10/08/how-to-book-machu-picchu-tickets-online-in-only-a-few-minutes/

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P I N M E !

Save this "How to Get to Machu Picchu" image to your Pinterest board so you don't lose these awesome tips in the interwebs. Happy Travels!

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How to Show an Airport Layover Who’s Boss… Yeah!

Shannon — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 15:16:28 +0000

I'll get straight to it. The key to successfully dominating your airport layover lies in the slap-happy part of your brain; a region delicately balanced on the edge of exhaustion, hanging dangerously close to clinical insanity. Coupled with a complete disregard for public opinion, then, and only then, will you unlock the door to your inner weirdo.

Show that airport layover who's boss.

Sure, you could find a mediocre airport chair to sit in, open a book, and make a halfhearted attempt at reading over the noise cloud - shrieks of toddlers that missed naps and boarding announcements - because that's always fun. Or pony up to the nearest overpriced bar with a cowboy theme and drinks in cactus cups. Blah. Lame. Borrrring.

You know you're not nuts, so it's all good.

BEHOLD! As I, master of odd behavior among strangers, demonstrate how to kill time like a boss - as they say nowadays - in the duty free shopping zone of Lima's international terminal. Trying on hats, impersonating statues and male models, carrying on conversations with an inanimate llama... basically making a complete fool of myself while my husband giggles and pretends not to know who I am.

Cost: Absolutely FREE Enjoyment: Limited only by your level of dedication Embarrassment: Varies

Carry on a full conversation with a display piece.

Try on tourist garb. Hats are always a good choice.

Be the llama.

Play hide and seek.

Don't fight it; let your model material shine through. I call it red iron.

Befriend the livestock.

Peanut M&M and a Llama? Hmm...

Test out new travel gear. I think 3 is the magic number.

Just blend in.

Get stupid. It's the best pick-me-up.

You don't have to wear a Jurassic Park tee, or look like you just rolled out of bed, but I only see it as an enhancement to the experience. And it helps if you've got a couple layovers on the trip, so you can ease into this. By your 3rd or 4th, you'll be game to mix it up and that's when the good stuff happens. 'Cause you're close to rock bottom and couldn't care less.

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Packing for a Week in the US Virgin Islands

Shannon — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 14:10:28 +0000

Warm weather, beaches, hiking, rum cocktails, driving in a jeep, afternoon showers: these are the things I considered when packing for a week in St. Croix. Part of the US Virgin Islands and sleepiest of the 3, St. Croix provided a much needed respite from the mighty Northeastern winter we'd "survived," and more importantly a reset for our minds & spirit. I admit I put off packing til the last minute (nearly 11pm the night before our 9:30am trip, to be exact), but packing in a carry on comes pretty easy when the only item on the itinerary is soaking up vitamin D.

Packing for a Week in St. Croix, USVI

I kept it pretty simple with black and white as my base, but used a good amount of color, too! This is the Caribbean, after all, and bright pinks, blues, and yellows go so well with the sun, sea, and sand. If you want to shop these and similar items for your next trip, check out the links below! Carry On • Sailor Stripe Weekender Bag | Suit Bag & Case • Wet Suit Bag & Multi Color Carrying Case | Swimsuit • Havana Soul Bikini | Tops • 4 Tees, 5 Tanks, 1 Striped Sweater, 1 Jersey Dress | Bottoms • 1 Chino Pant, 2 Shorts (Jean & Cotton), 1 Skirt | Hat Not pictured • Shoes (1 Pair Sandals, 1 Pair Sneakers), Undergarments (2 Bras, 10 Underwear, Nightie, Socks), Accessories (Purse, Daypack, Earrings), Electronics (Nikon camera, Kindle, Laptop, Headphones, Cell Phone, Chargers), Toiletries (Sunscreen, Hair Product, Toothpaste/brushes, Comb, Mascara, Lip Gloss, Chapstick, Hair ties, Headband, Deodorant), Light Jacket

A Few Looks

In beachy destinations like the Virgin Islands, you don't have to worry about getting too fussy even to go out for dinner at night. In St. Croix, casual clothes are good for most every occasion. Here are a few ideas for mixing and matching pieces for the beach, a night out, and travel days. Needless to say, I had everything I needed for my warm weather getaway. I left room in my bag for souvenirs but as expected, didn't spend much time shopping anyhow. Let's just say I was preoccupied with coconut drinks and lounging in the sand. More on that here. And thanks to the wet suit bag, I was able to take a final splash in the ocean before heading off to the airport.

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A big thanks to We Travel Far and Forty Winks for sponsoring this post. Check out their online shops for travel gear and lingerie & swimwear. As always, all opinions, text, and images are my own. See our ethics page for more information. Thank you for supporting the sponsors that make life a little better here at Camera & Carry On.

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