We have chosen three of our creations to show you how they are the perfect easy, comfortable and useful carry-on items for your next adventure.
Our unisex Versa Throw is multifunctional and remarkably comfortable, which is essential for travel. The throw can be worn more than 7 ways: a blanket, a hooded cape, a wrap-around shawl, an open shawl, a wrap-around poncho, an open poncho and a scarf.
We love using the Versa Throw on airplanes as a blanket or a wrap-around shawl. When boarding, planes tend to be warm so you can wear the throw as a poncho. Once seated and the plane's AC is turned on, you can take the "sleeves" down to cover your arms and extend the width of the throw, which allows for extra coverage.
Like the throw, our unisex Versa Toque, is multifunctional and can be worn as a beanie, a scarf, a mask and a headband.
We all know keeping hair looking great can be difficult on a plane especially if it’s a long flight and the Versa Toque is here to save you from a bad hair day. Since the toque doubles as a headband and planes can get loud it is great for covering your ears and blocking out some of the unwanted noise. We've also had some travellers share that they've used the versa toque as an eye mask! Simply pull the front down.
Another notable feature of our versatile hat is its interior emergency cash stash (pocket) which is helpful when travelling - if you don’t want to carry your cash in your wallet or pocket. It's a good way to out-smart pick pockets, don't you think?
Our eco mini backpack will blow your mind. It's a backpack that can fold up into the size of your hand. While travelling, our carry-on's can often be larger sized bags that we wouldn't want to drag with us when exploring a city. So it’s nice to have a light day-to-day bag for your destination adventures.
Our eco mini backpack is extremely lightweight and can fold up into a small pouch (about the size of your palm) when it’s not in use. The worry of having to make room for another bag will no longer be an issue with this mini backpack! This backpack is perfect to throw in your carry-on bag or even be a carry-on bag (if you are packing extra light).
____________
Bonus Items we love and are excited to carry in our online store:
We all know how tired travel can make us and sometimes neck pillows just don’t cut it and can be annoying to carry around while travelling. The light inflatable pillow is amazing because when it is not in use, it deflates and folds up into the size of your hand (similar to the mini backpack). The pillow is ergonomically curved so it is perfect to put to use anywhere: the airport, the plane, on a train. The pillow is also very easy to inflate. It only takes about 5 seconds to set up and you’re good for a nice beauty sleep!
The waterproof camera bag is ideal especially for rugged travel because it is dust proof, wear resistant, easy to use and portable. The bag can be used for anything - not just a camera. It also has a clip to attach to your carry-on for extra storage - in any weather. With the clip feature this bag is also good for the stuff you want to access easily on the plane instead of digging through your big carry-on.
]]>Vdora ambassador Beatriz suggests looking at the journey as the adventure itself. She describes why choosing greener, alternative travel arrangements make getting from point A to point B more interesting:
When planning the next trip, one of the major concerns is how we are going to get there, isn’t it? And usually the first choice that comes to mind is buying airline tickets. Milles from credit cards and loyalty programs make prices attractive, trips tend to be the shortest possible even when long distances are involved and arrangements can be easily done online or by phone.
But, of course, all the drawbacks of flying are also well known by everybody: Airports often have long lines for the check-in and security procedures, boarding gates can get cramped, seats on planes are not so spacious, during layovers in large airports travelers need to get from one gate to another in a very short amount of time and luggage can be lost or damaged.
What people normally have in mind when they travel is that the adventure begins only when we arrive at our destination. Why not consider the journey itself as the beginning of the adventure? Forget the "comforts" of flying.
Let’s check out our options:
Green Trivia: Did you know that travelling by rail is on average 3-10 times less CO2 intensive compared with road or air transport?!
Source: (http://www.cer.be/publications/latest-publications/rail-transport-and-environment-facts-figures)
Who said only cargoes should travel by sea? The oceans can be a good alternative to the sky as your means of travelling. For short distances, FERRIES may be a a good choice to cross waters.
Green Fact: Did you know that new technologies have been developed to make boats and ferries more eco-friendly vehicles?! Electric power boats that can be charged overnight are already available in the market, also new diesel-electric ferries with emission-reduced technology are already been used in some countries of Europe! Source: (http://www.maritimejournal.com/news101/vessel-build-and-maintenance/ship-and-boatbuilding/eco-friendly-ferry-ready-for-service)
Another good option for SEA Traveling are CRUISES. They are a pretty good example that the journey can mean more that the arrival. Usually they come and go the same departing point, and the EXPERIENCE during the journey is ALL THAT MATTERS.
3. Traveling by Car (carpool)
Since we are thinking about making the journey an adventure, what is better than a ROAD TIP?! Everybody should do it at least once in life.
Is it tiring? Yes, it is. But the memories you create on the road will be worthwhile. For many reasons, carpooling is our favourite:
Green Tips:
GET YOUR CAR TUNED UP.
Problems such as a dirty air filter or tires that are not fully inflated can reduce your car’s fuel efficiency.
When you can, opt for a HYBRID ELECTRIC CAR, which will reduce your emissions by up to 51%
Source: (https://www.terrapass.com/road-trip)
4. Traveling by Bike
Bicycles can be a good option to EXPLORE A CITY. If you're feeling extra adventurous, you can even see the world! It surely will demand a lot from your body condition, but it also will be a memorable achievement. If you think this is a crazy idea, here are some POSITIVE ASPECTS of traveling by bike to help you get in the mood:
Green Fact: Riding bikes = emits ZERO GREENHOUSE POLLUTION
If you are tired of planes, the good old bus is still there for you! Traveling by bus can be a unique experience as it is a different travel style and it can change completely your perception of the surroundings. Here is a list of reasons to consider a BUS TRIP:
In case you are looking for a completely unique experience, consider the most basic means of travel: WALKING! Of course, a journey like this requires specific planning and good body condition. You will be your own means of transportation and luggage carrier. If you decide on trying long distance walking, have in mind that:
One of the most FAMOUS routes for walking trips is the CAMINO DE SANTIGO, or The Way of Saint James, which is a network of "pilgrims’ ways". The routes are spread along many countries, through many routes, for example Portuguese Way, Primitive Way, English Way and French Way, which is the most famous starting in Pyrenees - all of them leading to Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Depending on the route you choose to take, the journey can span from one day to five weeks.
__________
For your next trip, plan something different! Give yourself the opportunity to not only cut your carbon footprint but also tackle on travel a different way. Be open to the adventure in front of you!
Have a nice trip!
- Beatriz
]]>As travellers, we often find ourselves meeting & bonding with fellow travellers on the road. Each of us coming from different backgrounds, we discover a new friend and ally in each other, spend a portion of the journey together, then part ways to begin the next adventures.
With a hug and/or besitos, we say goodbye and tell one another assuringly, "we'll stay in touch!" Easier said than done.
Vdora ambassador, Danny, shares a few ways that can help us follow thru through this infographic:
We no longer need to wait weeks to hear from the opposite side of the world. Nowadays, we can reach someone who is thousands of kilometers away within seconds! Take advantage.
The great thing about having friends all over the world is that you have a reason to visit places that you probably wouldn't think of visiting in the first place, If the city's already on your list, even better! You'd have a local to show you around and maybe even a place to crash.
Nothing like hand written snail mail to make it more personal and exciting.
Yes, there's an app for it! Nothing beats bonding over a new episode of Stranger Things, are we right?
Updates, photos and instant messaging... Need we say more?
#QueVdora!
We'd love to stay in touch with you, too. Find us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest
Emily, of Two Dusty Travelers (formerly Backpacks & Bandaids), shares why she believes that homestays are much better than hotels when it comes to budget, culture and responsible travel:
The first time I traveled to Kenya, I was nervous about signing up for a homestay. What would my hosts be like? Would we have anything in common? But by the end of my first day, I was sold. Homestays are a great way to travel ethically and sustainably, plus you’re guaranteed to have an experience completely unlike anyone else’s.
If you’ve never lived with a local while traveling, here are five great reasons to go for it:
1. Support the local economy. Why not invest in a local family rather than giving your money to a faceless hotel chain? Not only will it be easier on your wallet, it will shift resources to a community that might otherwise never see tourism dollars. Just be sure to do your research to be certain your host family is being appropriately compensated!
2. Home-cooked food. No restaurant dish will ever live up to the authentic Kenyan meals my host mother cooked in her basic kitchen. Knowing how much I loved the flatbread called chapati, she even made extra the night before I left so I would have a snack for the long flight home.
3. Completely unique experiences. Walking the streets of Nairobi with my host brothers as built-in tour guides was exponentially better than exploring on my own. I always felt safe, and I had them to answer questions and point out things I wouldn’t have seen otherwise. At another homestay in Tanzania, our host took us to stunningly beautiful hot springs in the middle of nowhere - which we would never have found without her. While other tourists are stuck on buses and fighting crowds, you’ll be having adventures that can’t be found in a brochure.
4. Cultural exchange. As an American, I see plenty of negative news about other countries. A homestay will break down those preconceived notions literally overnight. You’ll get to experience real life at your destination, rather than glimpsing it from a passing tour bus. My host brothers and I passed many hours comparing and contrasting life in our two countries – it was fascinating, eye-opening, and often hilarious. They’d been worried that I would break their bunk beds after hearing rumors of America's obesity problem, and I’d been afraid they wouldn’t speak a word of English. Turns out, we were both way off. I ended up having more in common with them than I do with plenty of people from my hometown!
5. You'll make friends for life. More than a decade later, my first Kenyan host family are still my good friends. Any time I’m passing through, I know I’ll be welcomed with open arms. We’ll sit squished together around the dining table, sharing favorite dishes and laughing at old memories. No hotel can beat that!
- Emily and Aaron blog about ethical and off the beaten path adventures at Two Dusty Travellers
Follow them on...
Get more travel and lifestyle tips here and on our Pinterest boards!
]]>Here's a short list of ways you can start traveling sustainably:
Leave all unnecessary items at home. Better yet, donate them to those in need. Only bring with you things that are compact, smart, versatile and truly essential.
Slow travel allows you to get to know places better, meet and create meaningful relationships with locals, walk more, take manual (ie. bikes, kayaks, etc.) or ground transportation (instead of flights), and understand the native culture. Not only would you minimize your expense and carbon footprint, you'll also grow your insight.
Respect the environment, the people, and the cultures.
You know what they say; "Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but photographs."
That's it. Safe travels!
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more travel inspiration.
1. Check your airport/airline's security and baggage allowance
2. Pack accordingly. Weigh your bags. The lighter you travel, the better.
3. When packing your carry-on, make sure all your liquids are within the max. allowable (usually 100 mL) and in a clear Ziploc bag. Place them in accessible compartments so you can easily take them out at security. If you are carrying gear (i.e. cameras and laptops), separate and keep them in one compartment so you won't have to go through your entire luggage when taking them out.
4. Check in online to avoid long line-up's.
5. Wear simple comfortable clothing. Avoid wearing too many accessories, difficult shoes, belts, scarves and jackets as you will most likely be asked to take them off when passing through security screeners.
6. Check flight status and departure terminal.
7. Have all your belongings stowed away, with only your travel documents in-hand. Make sure to empty your pockets.
8. Look for your designated check-in counter (usually published on screens). Either line up to check in (if you didn't do so online), or at the baggage drop-off. If you have already checked in online, thus have your boarding pass, and are only traveling with a carry-on, go straight to security.
9. At security, take off your jacket, scarf, etc. Place them in a bin along with your Ziploc of liquids and gels. In a separate bin, take out your electronics.
10. Check the screens for your boarding gate. Make your way there and relax.
Happy travels!
]]>2. Pack only versatile clothing. No, we're not just saying this because of our own Versa Line. The more functions a piece of clothing has, the more valuable it becomes. If you want to pack efficiently, you'll need to pack clothing with maximum wearability (clothes you can wear more times before needing a wash) that is light, durable and temperature regulating. That's why Merino is awesome. Let's not forget colour coordination. Pack pieces that don't clash.
3. Carry only a week's worth of clothes. It will be a lot easier to wash your stuff once a week at a laundromat, your accommodation, or even a public washroom than hauling a heavy luggage the entire trip.
Extra tip: take only 2 pairs of shoes, including what you're already wearing
4. Don't carry full-sized bottles. Bring small reusable containers for your toiletries such as shampoo and soap. Better yet, buy the travel sized items at your destination.
5. Compartmentalize and roll. Save space and stay organized by separating your (rolled - not folded) tops, bottoms, underwear, shoes, accessories, etc.
6. Pack only essential equipment. In the age of social media, everyone wants to capture almost every other travel moment. Unless you need to take these photos professionally, consider going with a smaller, lighter camera. If you need to take semi/professional shots, assess where you will be, what shots you'll need and how important it is that you take those shots. Choose you camera and lens accordingly. If possible, pack them separately - as a personal article (allowed by most airlines).
Extra tip: check destination's socket/voltage, pack smallest adapter
7. "Do I really need this?" - ask your self this repeatedly. Remove excess stuff.
----
When we leave familiar territory we tend to surround ourselves with familiar things to make us feel secure. Based on experience, one can learn that we don't need as much stuff as we think.
Happy travels! #quevdora #whatalife