John Cox

Blogs · @wyome

Tagged packing · everything

www.travelawaits.com

10 Things Solo Travelers Should Know Before Going To South America

A first-time solo traveler recounts her 2019 journey across seven South American countries, challenging her preconceived fears about the region with practical advice for future visitors. She covers essential logistics like bus travel safety, altitude sickness management, and language preparation, while also addressing cultural expectations around social interactions and local customs that differ from North American norms. The piece emphasizes that despite South America's negative reputation in Western media, the continent offers welcoming communities and unforgettable experiences for those who approach it with respect and an open mind.

Permalink safetyculturetraveladvice

www.nytimes.com

How to Fold a Suit, According to King Charles’s Former Suit Maker

Frequent travelers should choose suits made from wrinkle-resistant fabrics like hopsack or high-twist wool rather than delicate linens, and fold them carefully using soft garments like rolled socks and sweaters for padding to maintain structure. The proper packing technique involves laying the suit flat, positioning padded items at stress points like shoulders and the jacket waist, and folding methodically to create a compact parcel. Contrary to popular travel advice, steaming or hanging suits in humid bathrooms damages the internal construction and finish; instead, simply hanging a suit in a dry, warm room for 12 hours should allow wrinkles to fall out naturally.

Permalink travelclothingpackingtips

www.nytimes.com

The Best Gear for a Walking Vacation

This New York Times gear guide recommends specific shoes, packs, clothing, and accessories tailored to four types of walking activities: casual city strolls, trail running, day hikes, and multiday pilgrimages. Each section lists 3-7 products with prices and explains how their features—like weight, waterproofing, cushioning, or compression—suit that particular activity's demands. The article emphasizes practical considerations like packability for travel, quick-drying fabrics for extended treks, and the importance of proper footwear and sun protection across all walking pursuits.

Permalink hikinggearfootwearrunning

www.gearpatrol.com

The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks for Any Adventure

This article reviews nine carry-on travel backpacks in the 35–55 liter range, testing each for storage capacity, accessibility, durability, and comfort during real trips involving planes, trains, and various modes of ground transport. The Peak Design 45L emerges as the overall best for its versatility and premium construction, while alternatives excel in specific areas—the Tortuga for maximizing airline carry-on space, the Aer for budget-conscious travelers, and the Osprey for those needing the largest capacity with a detachable daypack. The guide includes practical considerations like luggage pass-throughs, water resistance, harness quality, and organized pockets to help readers choose based on their travel style and needs.

Permalink geartravelpackingbackpacking

nytimes.com

The Gear You Need to Hit the Trail

This gear guide recommends specific equipment for four different types of walking activities: casual city exploration, trail running, day hiking, and multiday pilgrimages. For each category, it provides detailed product suggestions across relevant gear categories (footwear, packs, clothing, accessories) with prices and brief descriptions of why each item is suited to that particular activity. The recommendations emphasize lightweight materials, durability, and functionality appropriate to the intensity and duration of each walking endeavor.

Permalink hikinggearpackingoutdoor

www.onebag.com