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The Correct Way to Choose a Travel Backpack
One of the most exciting moments in preparing for a trip is picking out your backpack. For some, you’ve already experienced the advantage of ditching the suitcase for a more useful tool such as the backpack, but for others, you may be wondering what the perks really are. For one, it leaves you much more mobile and handsfree. If you are an adventurous wanderluster like myself, having a backpack is not only more simple and stress free, but you’re also able to roam around unencumbered. Many small towns or third world countries do not have the smooth, paved sidewalks you may be used to rolling your suitcase on back home so to avoid being that clumsy tourist trying to lug your suitcase over cobblestones or dirt roads, it is wise to opt for something as uncomplicated as a backpack.

The other concern many have is space. It’s true, you’ll likely have less space than a big boxy suitcase but in reality, if you know how to pack efficiently and choose versatile clothing options, you’ll still be able to bring everything you need, regardless if you’re planning on traveling for 2 weeks or 2 months. It is definitely a transition that can take some practice and getting used to, especially for the ladies that love fashion/shoes (again, guilty as charged), but what you’ll find is that when you can simplify your material items, you tend to focus more on the actual experiences you are there to have.

Your backpack becomes a part of you throughout your travels and will likely be with you for many years to come, so it is crucial to not only choose one that suits your upcoming itinerary, but fits your body correctly. Buying a quality one can be a little pricy but just think of it as an investment into your future comfort and convenience, two things we can all use more of when on the road. Luckily, there are a lot of options out there, you just need to know what factors to look for when determining which will become your new travel partner. So, without further adieu, here are the most important things you need to know about when purchasing that pack.
- Size matters! This is the most important detail in the entire process and will heavily influence how comfortable you are throughout your travels. Depending on your torso length, you’ll want to make sure the backpack you choose, fits on your waist/hips correctly. Most of the weight in your backpack will rest evenly on your hips, easing up tension on your shoulders and back. I would highly recommend you have a knowledgeable sales rep at a reputable recreational equipment store take your measurements for you. They have a simple tool that will measure the distance between the top of your hip bone and your C7 vertebrae so you can choose a backpack that fits your frame best. You’ll also want to be sure your bag isn’t too tall or wide, making it more difficult to see around you or take as a carry on item if need be. (Be sure to check airline regulations for current weight or dimension limits.)
- Functionality is key. You want to make sure your bag offers additional exterior compartments for organizing and storing items. The outside of the backpack should have at least a few loops to hang things from and perhaps even a holster for a water bottle. It’s also very handy to have a backpack that offers multiple access points to the main compartment. Trust me, when all your personal items are condensed into this small space, you’ll be glad to be able to get in and search for something particular through other portals.
- Water resistant material is a must. I wouldn’t worry about a water-proof backpack unless the conditions of where you’re going will absolutely require that. Even with a water resistant backpack, I’ve made it through rainstorms walking to train stations with a cheap poncho and trekking through humid jungles without a bit of my clothes or personal items scathed. Inevitably there will be a time when your backpack comes into contact with a liquid of some sort (hopefully just water) but you’ll want to make sure it doesn’t soak through or cause mildew so keep your eye out for resistant material when choosing a bag.
- Padded support will save you from pain. Make sure your backpack has contoured back and spine support. Additionally, padded shoulder and hip straps are very necessary. It’ll make a big difference in your comfort levels, especially on longer trips. The padding on the back should also put some space between your back and the pad, allowing for air flow. If you’re trying on backpacks in-store, put one on and have a rep add some weight bags to it. Any legit recreation equipment store should have them. Walk around the store and get a feel for it.
- No need to spend an arm and a leg. There are plenty of quality backpacks on the market for around $100 or so. Search for coupons online, outlets or upcoming in-store sales for additional savings. R.E.I. has an online outlet as well as periodic “garage sales”.
- Frame or no frame? Internal frames are always going to be better that any external ones. If your backpack is small enough, it may not require one, however, if it does, internal frames tend to be more comfortable, lightweight and durable.
- Extra bells and whistles. Ok, maybe not actual bells or whistles, but there are definitely some additional features that surely add the cherry on top when picking the perfect backpack. Such features might include but are not limited to: zippered hip pockets for easy access items, attached lightweight day bag, rain poncho, luggage transport cover and so on. Select bags may also offer independently adjustable shoulder straps. These components may not be necessary but they are totally helpful to have if you can.
There are many backpacks out there and they are certainly not created equal, so do your due diligence and research before you shop. Remember, the first step is knowing your correct size and from there, it’s like building your perfect pack piece by piece. Putting your comfort and convenience before aesthetic preferences and even price will help to ensure you have an all around better experience with a backpack that will last you many more adventures.

Happy Hunting!
July 13, 2016
Getting the Glow Without the FOMO

Ambergris Caye | BELIZE

Americans are particularly fond of sunbathing, and who’s to blame them? It wasn’t that long ago when girls would slather themselves in baby oil and bake to a crisp. We know a little better these days and the younger generation of girls have learned to start taking care of their skin at a much earlier age. We now understand, more than ever, the grim realities we face with overexposure to the sun – wrinkles, tough looking skin, sun spots, freckles and even cancer. That being said, we all want the benefits of a great looking tan– the healthy glow, the bronze highlights, and the way colors like mint, pink and white just seem to glimmer off your skin. Just because we shouldn’t prolong our exposure to the sun doesn’t mean we can’t take advantage of its magnificent powers, especially if you just so happen to find yourself on a tropical vacation!

I recently found myself on the wonderful island of Ambergris Caye, a modest bit of Belize’s archipelago just off the mainland. If you caught my last post, you might remember the bountiful list of fun bikini-clad adventures that one might encounter while in Belize. It would be nearly impossible, and most certainly depressing to travel all the way to such a irie island and skip out on the outdoor activities.

From food to daily lifestyle, even transportation and hobbies, the Belizeans embrace a more self-sustaining, natural approach to life on the island. With so much to do and the intensity of the sun beating down without much of a break throughout each day, it was particularly important that I remember to take care of my skin and pay it a little more attention than usual. Between the brazen sun, the weathering wind and salty sea air, my hair, nails and skin needed a bit of TLC.

Whether on vacation or just on the road, it’s easy to neglect our skincare routine, after all we aren’t doing much of anything that’s routine when we’re traveling, are we? So let’s go over some ways to pamper our skin, keep it happy, healthy and protect it from all the harmful stuff while we’re off traversing the world. I wish I had a list like this 10 years ago which is why I’m sharing what I know now, with you all. Much of this has been trial and error, as I’ve been learning as I go but I think I’ve found a pretty good balance. I believe that is the key to everything; balance. Oh, and going to dinners that don’t require shoes. I really enjoy that, too.

1. Firstly, if you’re going to fake bake before a trip, be very selective about which brands you use. Do your research, read the ingredients, find out what’s in them and test it out on a small discreet patch of skin before applying it all over. There are plenty of brands that claim to be organic but there are still synthetic chemicals in them. To ensure you are getting a 100% organic product, look for the USDA Organic seal. This guarantees each ingredient has been organically produced, which bans genetic engineering, toxic pesticides, and synthetic fertilizers.

2. If you’re skipping the fake bake session for the real deal, there’s ways to prepare. To get your skin ready for optimum tanning conditions, shave any areas you wish to tan (i.e. your legs, bikini area, armpits). Although removing the hair won’t effect the overall tan, it is still recommended in order to remove dead skin cells, allowing the tan to penetrate into fresh skin and last longer. It is also recommended to lightly exfoliate prior to being out in the sun. If you’re going to fake bake, I would recommend these steps before applying as well.

3. Find a natural sun screen that doesn’t leave a greasy or filmy looking residue. Yes, you still want to wear sun screen even if you’re trying to catch a tan. It will protect your skin from harmful rays and allow you more time for fun in the sun while giving you more of a gradual tan. This is especially important for those that burn easily. You don’t want to spend the rest of your vacation in pain or thinking about how you’re going to look like a boiled lobster in all your photos, trust me.

4. Buy a hat with a wide brim. Not only will you look super chic, but you’ll protect the most fragile skin on your entire body, your face! I admit that I learned this one late in life. I loved the feeling of the sun in my eyes, and from years of sports, it was a feeling that was more than familiar to me. However, to prevent sun damage and crows feet (from squinting), I rarely leave the house without a hat of some sort if I know I’m going to be outside. Don’t worry about your face being a different shade than the rest of your body after tanning, that’s what a quick dab of bronzer is for!

5. Tan or do outdoor activities in intervals. Give your body a break from the UV rays and rest in the shade intermittently if you are going to be outdoors most of the day. Try to limit direct sunlight to about 1-2 hours a day. Remember, you’re going for that natural, gradual tan so it’s better to spend a little bit of time each day working on it instead of all those hours in one day.

6. Avoid peek hours in the sun. As a general rule of thumb, doctors recommend staying out of the sun from 10a.m. to 3p.m. when the UV rays are the strongest. This seems like a pretty broad time frame for me, so I try to avoid sun bathing or doing too many outdoor activities between the hours of 12-2p.m. instead. Granted, that can’t always be arranged when you’re on limited vacation time but it’s good to keep in mind when scheduling snorkeling tours and such.

7. Moisturize, baby! Dry, ashy skin is not cute. Be sure to give yourself a generous rub down at least twice a day, once in the morning, and again after your shower in the evening. I keep a ‘Costco size’ container of organic coconut oil in my bathroom and have made it a habit to do whenever I brush my teeth, since that is usually at least 2x a day. Keeping skin moisturized offsets the effects of aging, brings about a radiant complexion and prolongs the lifespan of your tan.

8. Stay hydrated! I can’t stress this enough! As important as it is for you to moisturize your skin, it’s just as vital to hydrate your insides. Most of us don’t get the recommended daily intake of water as is. It’s crucial for your overall wellbeing but also helps keep your skin looking supple and lively.

9. Eat a nutritious diet. Believe it or not, there are certain foods containing antioxidants and carotenoids that act as a natural sun block. Carotenoids can be found in most foods with vibrant colors or leafy greens. Think carrots, beets, oranges, etc. These carotenoids protect cells from oxidative damage and acts as natures very own sun screen. Aside from all that, eating clean gives your skin a luminous complexion and clears up most skin issues. *For additional information on going about diet reform the right way, get in touch with a certified nutritionist or acupuncturist.

Dress by Nookie

Special Thanks to CLD Style House

Photo by Richie Chance

Ambergris Caye, Belize

February 10, 2016
New Kid on the Blog

So here it is! Finally! My blog. My precious. It’s been months in the making and I couldn’t be more excited to share it with you. To be honest, I couldn’t figure out how to launch it. I’ve been up to my elbows in articles about the who, what, where, when and why on launching a blog and the do’s and don’ts that come along with it. I thought about giveaways, throwing an event, parties, donating to my favorite charity…you name it. I just wanted it to be special without having to set off fireworks or fly a banner off the tail end of a plane, but nothing seemed right– it all felt “gimmicky”.

I remembered something a mentor of mine once said which was, “showing up is half the battle”. How true is that? What truly is important is the action of doing, creating and sharing. All else should fall into place, or so we hope. This blog is something I’ve talked about doing for a long time so I decided to throw it all out the window and just DO IT!

So what can you expect? Well, aside from my attempts at witty anecdotes, my goal is to share my tips, trips, secrets of the trade and all around lifestyle with you. I hope to teach you, help you, inspire you and motivate you just as much as I hope there is some reciprocal effect that takes place within myself as well. I’ve always loved writing, photography, fashion and travel so I couldn’t imagine doing anything that makes me happier to share.

Throughout the process of planning and developing DeziStyle I’ve challenged myself to create a site that captures more than just a photo, but encompasses the complete essence of who I am. As a newbie in the online blogging community it’s a little scary to jump into such a big pond of well established bloggers but that’s where you come in! With your support, the blog has so much potential to grow so please take a moment and subscribe for free by entering your email in the ‘Follow Me’ box on the homepage and share the link with friends!

Thank you for stopping by and sharing this journey with me! And please, feel free to leave me comments below on what articles you would like to see on DeziStyle! I’d love to hear your ideas for upcoming posts. 🙂

xo

Desirée

*A special thank you to Garrett Langford for designing the #DeziStyle logo and a very big thank you to Vin Suh for being so patient with me while creating the website and doing a such beautiful job.

August 25, 2014

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