First thing in the morning is our favourite peaceful moment of the day. Coffee in hand savouring in its aroma and taste. Every morning we start our day with a cup of coffee in silence. It does not matter if we are in the comfort of our home or on vacation. We have tried many ways to brew on vacation and the best way is to have a Bodum handy or an AeroPress with AeroPress Stainless Steel Filter both travel well. To carry our java on the go, we use the HydroFlask Tumbler. Something about coffee just makes us feel good. We enjoy tasting the different beans from around the world. Some of our favourites have included Dominican Republic, and Mexican coffee. So next time you are in the mood for a cup of java, try something new and different. Pick a bean from a different region and try it out, let it be the inspiration for your next trip. Dream, inspire and travel mindfully.

Have you ever taken the time to listen to the different sounds when you are traveling? The sounds of the world around you can be so peaceful and calming. Today take the time to intentionally connect with the sounds you hear and make the most of your time with them. Today I am lucky enough to be listening to the waves of the ocean crashing into the shore as I write this. I hear birds that sing, dogs that bark and some Bob Marley music in the background. Telling me everything is gonna be alright. Take time to unplug and to listen to the wonderment of the world around you. Remember to breathe and to live with intention. Have a joyous day!

Walking on vacation is a great way to see new sights and slow things down. It is essential to have proper footwear for the adventures. But even the best shoes, socks and sandals can fail. We have had our fair share of blisters and bruises.The best protective socks we have found are feetures. We try to pack blister bandages just in case, but if you are like me these toe sleeves may help prevent the blisters. We also always make sure to wear a good hat, apply sunscreen and use lip balm to prevent chapped lips. Water and a snack are also very important on these day walks and to carry it all in we adore our Osprey backpacks they are lightweight, sturdy and durable

Have you ever stopped and thought of all the wonderful people you meet on vacation? Some become friends, some become acquaintances, and some become unforgettable memories. Some people have left a lasting impression that will stay with you for years to come. Through our travels we have met so many wonderful people and we have been blessed with the opportunity to make some of them life-long friends. Today take the time to intentionally connect with the people you meet and make the most of your time with them.

Packing Cube to the Rescue

The packing cube is a must-have item for travelers. It is a small, portable bag that can be used to store your clothes and other items. It is a great way to keep your clothes organized and easy to pack. It saves you time and space in your suitcase, which saves you money We use the Thule Packing Cube (Amazon.com) that is a compact and durable bag that fits in our Thule carry-on suitcases (Amazon.com). This bag has a double zip system that allows you to easily separate your clothes and keep them organized. It is durable and overall quality of product is great!

It is easy to forget to be present while eating. We are often rushing to get to the next meal or snack. But taking time to be present while eating can help us savor the flavors and textures of our food. When we travel, we can feel rushed and sometimes we don’t have time to eat properly. Take your time to enjoy what is front of you and be prepared by having a reusable water bottle and healthy snacks on hand. There is nothing worse then getting “hangry” or dehydrated while traveling.

A universal power adapter is a must-have item for travelers, as it allows you to charge your devices in any country, regardless of the voltage or plug type. This is especially important when you’re traveling to multiple countries or when you’re staying in a hotel that doesn’t have a power outlet.

For a complete packing checklist including the universal power adapter and other essentials, see our Essential Travel Packing Guide.

Why a Universal Power Adapter is Essential

While traveling the world, you will encounter various types of power outlets. There are two types of adapter, one that will convert the voltage and plug into the outlet, and another that will plug into the outlet only. We have an adapter that will plug into the outlet and allow to charge your phones with USB ports.

Waking up with the sun is a beautiful moment. The world is still quiet and the sun is slowly rising. This gives you a moment to pause and reflect on the day ahead. The beauty surrounds us and we can take time to appreciate it. As I look to the water where the sunset was last evening, I am reminded to be present and to take time to appreciate the world around me. Life is full of beautiful moments for reflection. Remember to breathe and to live with intention. Have a joyous day!

Introduction

In today’s digital age, staying connected while traveling is essential, but it comes with its own set of risks. Public Wi-Fi networks, often found in hotels, cafes, and airports, can expose your sensitive information to cyber threats. A travel router serves as a crucial tool to enhance your internet security, ensuring that you remain connected to a trusted network.

For a complete packing checklist including the travel router and other essentials, see our Essential Travel Packing Guide.

Here is a beautiful moment of a sunset in Puerto Vallarta, México.

These are the mindful moments when you take time to breathe and to connect with the world around you. Each night the sun sets and takes about 60 seconds to fall below the horizon. This gives you a moment to pause and reflect on the day that has passed. The beauty surrounds us and we can take time to appreciate it.

Traveling with health conditions doesn’t mean missing out on amazing culinary experiences. With proper planning and knowledge, you can safely enjoy local cuisines while managing your health conditions. Here’s our comprehensive guide to eating well while traveling with health conditions.

Before You Travel

Research and Planning

• Research traditional dishes of your destination
• Look up restaurants with nutritional information available
• Learn basic phrases about health conditions and food restrictions in local language
• Check if your destination has food delivery apps with nutritional info

Essential Phrases to Learn

• “No sugar, please”
• “Is this sugar-free?”
• “Can you serve sauce/dressing on the side?”
• “How is this prepared?”

Global Cuisine Guide

Mediterranean Cuisine

Best Choices:

One of the most common questions we get is “What should I pack?” After years of travel, we’ve refined our packing list to include items that make our journeys smoother, healthier, and more comfortable. Here’s our comprehensive guide to what we always carry with us.

The Essentials Checklist

Essential Documents

• Passport (valid 6+ months)
• Visas (if required)
• Driver’s license
• Travel insurance documents
• Flight confirmations
• Accommodation confirmations
• Emergency contact list
• Copies of all documents (digital & physical)

Health & Medical

• Extra batteries for medical devices
• Prescription medications (in original containers)
• Doctor’s note for medical supplies
• Basic first aid kit
• Pain relievers
• Anti-diarrheal medication
• Bandages and antiseptic wipes
• Insect repellent
• Sunscreen (reef-safe preferred)
• Blister prevention, toe sleeves, Amazon.ca | Amazon.com

Electronics & Tech

• Phone & charger
• Travel router Amazon.ca | Amazon.com
• Universal power adapter
• Portable charger/power bank Amazon.ca | Amazon.com
• Laptop/tablet & charger
• Camera & charger
• Headphones/earbuds
• Small surge protector
• Bluetooth speaker (optional)
• Copies of prescriptions
• Passport and visa copies
• Emergency contact list

Clothing

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Light jacket or shawl
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Underwear & socks
• Sleepwear
• Swimsuit (if applicable)
• Hat/cap
• Rain jacket/umbrella

Toiletries

• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Shampoo & conditioner
• Soap/body wash
• Razor & shaving cream
• Hairbrush/comb
• Feminine hygiene products
• Contact lens solution/case
• Glasses/contacts
• Sunscreen
• Lip balm

Comfort Items

• Reusable water bottle
• Healthy snacks (nuts, dried fruits)
• Eye mask
• Earplugs
• Neck pillow
• Quick-dry towel
• Tissues/wet wipes

Organization

• Clear toiletry bags (TSA-friendly)
• Packing cubes
• Dry bags for electronics
• Small day bag/backpack Osprey backpacks | Amazon.com
• Zip-lock bags
• Laundry bag
• RFID-blocking wallet

Money & Security

• Credit/debit cards
• Cash (local currency)
• Emergency cash stash
• TSA-approved locks
• Money belt/hidden wallet
• Portable safe (optional)

Destination-Specific

• Beach: Beach towel, snorkel gear, waterproof phone case
• City: Comfortable city shoes, umbrella, city map
• Adventure: Hiking boots, backpack, first aid kit
• Cold weather: Insulated jacket, gloves, scarf, thermal layers

Pre-Trip Prep

• Check medication expiration dates
• Verify travel insurance coverage
• Research local medical facilities
• Download offline maps
• Install travel apps
• Inform bank of travel plans
• Set up emergency contacts
• Research local customs
• Learn basic phrases in local language

On-the-Go Essentials

• Hand sanitizer
• Pen
• Notebook/journal
• Plastic bags (for laundry/wet items)
• Reusable shopping bag
• Portable laundry detergent sheets

Pro Tips for Packing

1. Medication Management

• Pack medications in carry-on luggage
• Bring extra supplies in case of delays
• Keep a list of generic names for medications
• Research local pharmacy options at destination

2. Smart Organization

• Use packing cubes to separate clothing
• Keep medical supplies in clear bags for security
• Pack a small “emergency kit” in your day bag
• Label everything in multiple languages if needed

3. Climate Considerations

• Research weather patterns
• Pack layers rather than bulky items
• Include rain protection
• Consider humidity impact on medical supplies

4. Security Measures

• Use TSA-approved locks
• Keep valuable items in carry-on
• Make copies of important documents
• Use RFID-blocking wallet for cards

Special Considerations

For Long-Term Travel

• Prescription plans for extended periods
• International pharmacy locations research
• Medical supply shipping options
• Local medical facility information

Before You Go

Check medication expiration dates Verify travel insurance coverage Research local medical facilities Pack spare prescriptions Inform travel companions of medical needs Set up emergency contacts