issue #208 - the travel one
just here reliving my Hitha on the Go days again
Things you may not know about me: pop punk is my favorite genre of music, I can only have one coffee a day (otherwise I have the worst stomachache), and I wrote a book about packing.
How to Pack was published nearly 7 years ago, nearly 2 years to the day that I was approached to write it. And while most books’ popularity peter out a few months after their publication date (with the exception of massive bestsellers), I’m proud that this one has been a strong perennial seller - and that other folks have noticed.
I flew to LA last weekend to accept the ‘Best Book for the Traveler’ award for this book, and was honored to have the book and my packing advice featured in the New York Times magazine this weekend (calling How to Pack ‘the definitive book on the topic’).
I still have the same ambitions from 7 years ago - writing How to Pack for Families, developing a packing list app - but I’m also sitting with so much gratitude for this book and the opportunities it’s given me.
I was approached to write We’re Speaking partly because of the success of my first book. The book helped me earn my Expedia partnership. And when everything feels chaotic, a perfectly packed suitcase still brings me a sense of calm, confidence, and control over my life.
I hope you consider checking out How to Pack if you haven’t, or sharing your copy if you already own one. You can find the PDF of my packing list template - my little gift to you for being the best newsletter reader a writer could ask for.
In the rest of the newsletter, you’ll find a travel-themed Q&A and our family’s favorite Vancouver recommendations (along with a non-travel themed book obsession of mine).
Keep calm and always carry on, my friend. I’m taking a social media & newsletter break this week, and will see you in March!
Why You Should Plan a Family Trip to Vancouver - and What To Do
sponsored by Expedia
Spending a month away from home wasn’t something I envisioned doing 6 weeks after surgery, but it’s exactly what we did last summer when we decamped to Vancouver.
And it was such an incredible trip that we’re visiting the city again this summer - this time, for a week. Expedia is my not-so-secret weapon when it comes to planning and booking this trip - we’re bundling our flights and hotel in Vancouver, booking an overnight stay in Whistler, and purchasing museum and park tickets all through Expedia. And if I deal with a “Mom, I’m bored!”, I can use Expedia’s GPT planner to help me plan a new itinerary for the day.
Expedia is too good of a resource to keep a secret. And you should absolutely sign up for One Key before you do anything else, because all of these bookings will earn me OneKeyCash (which I can use on future eligible bookings on Expedia, Vrbo, and Hotels.com) and will help me earn One Key status (which unlocks discounts and perks on eligible bookings).
When I was in college in Seattle, we spent a lot of time visiting our family in Vancouver. I fell in love with the city, especially the great food and the incredible shopping (key priorities for my 20-something self). Vancouver has changed a lot in the past 20+ years, but the charm and ease of the city hasn’t. I also value how Vancouver is family first (and not just friendly). Public transportation is easily accessible and to navigate, there are endless things for families to do together, and every restaurant we went to made us feel so welcome and cared for.
I have a lot of recommendations - in an effort to keep this newsletter at its normal length, you can find them all here.
What I’ve Been Reading
Flesh and Fire series by Jennifer L. Armentrout - I am FERAL for this series, which is the prequel to Blood and Ash. I don’t know if it’s because I’m already familiar with this universe and the mentions of these characters or Armentrout found her stride with these books, but I think they’re stronger and even more engaging than Blood and Ash. I won’t say much more to not spoil either of these series for you, but please pick them up. I’m obsessed. The fourth and final book comes out in May, so you have plenty of time to read them (be warned - you won’t be able to put them down or do anything else while you’re reading them).
This Week’s Top Reads
Monday: Libraries are on the front lines of America's problems (Axios)
Tuesday: How to Turn Anything into Soup (Cup of Jo)
Wednesday: Beyoncé, The Boss (ESSENCE)
Thursday: Which Cozy Show Is Right for You? (Vulture)
Friday: The worst things you can imagine, I've already said. (Olivia’s Substack)
This Week’s #5SmartReads
Ask Me Anything About Travel
Do you use credit cards for miles? Tips? I find it overwhelming!
I personally don’t - my husband and I travel frequently enough for work that we end up having enough miles to book our family vacations. The Points Guy is clearly the king in this space, but I would also recommend Preethi’s free email course on getting started with points & miles.
Favorite small indulgence to travel with?
I purchase travel sizes of my favorite skincare products rather than decanting them into their own bottle (there’s a scientific rationale to doing this), and I always travel with a bag of Haribo Goldbears to snack on throughout my trip. Neither of these are particularly indulgent, but honestly traveling without my children feels like the ultimate indulgence.
Go to airport outfit to look chic and comfy?
I love a matching set! I’ve been wearing this top and these leggings from MM.LaFleur lately with this cashmere wrap (and compression socks with white tennis shoes and no-tie laces, always), and this roomy tote as my personal item.
Do you ever get burnt out? I’m an exec admin burnt out planning 1m miles of trips on each continent?
I can’t do it constantly the way I used to. 1 trip a month is definitely manageable, or having a long break after a marathon travel sprint helps me recharge. There are some things I travel with and do when traveling that help me recharge:
a mini version of my morning routine: a meditation and quick yoga practice, drinking my AG1 + protein and taking my vitamins (love this shaker bottle), a walk to get my coffee
I play this green noise playlist and use this sleep mask every night on the go (and stick with my nightly Equilibria sleep gummies and medication routine)
my health coach and I developed a travel routine for me - quick bodyweight strength workouts that I can do in the room, a list of meals I can order from Chipotle/Just Salad/Bareburger, an attainable steps goal - that sets my day up fairly well. I focus on winning the morning and have the flexibility to enjoy dinner or adapt it to the day.
Is it okay to repeat outfits during work travel?
Absolutely - and I do it all the time. I love a matching set because it’s easy to mix and match it up to create multiple outfits, but I’ve had no problem wearing the same dress and mixing up the shoes and accessories.
Tips for traveling to NYC in a few weeks with two under 3, thanks!
Welcome! You’re going to have the best time.
A solid carrier (if you little ones are still small enough to comfortably use one) and an umbrella stroller will be your best friend. The buses and subway are honestly the easiest way to get around and the bus can feel like an adventure for your older one.
Museums - American Museum of Natural History and the family rooms at The Met and MoMA are great, but my particular favorite is the children’s center at New York Historical Society - it’s a hidden gem and perfect for toddlers. It’s also next to Central Park and Shake Shack, which is the family jackpot in the city.
The Smith, El Vez, Motorino, Crave Fishbar, Sarabeth’s (get a reservation ahead of time!), Hillstone are all great family-friendly restaurants.
Tips for traveling with an infant
If budget allows, I really recommend purchasing a seat for your little one and bringing your car seat onto the plane (we traveled with our Doona with both boys and it was a lifesaver).
Pack a large personal item bag (I love the large Landon from Dagne Dover) with spare outfits for you and your little one, enough formula for 6 feedings (just in case), extra bottles, and emesis bags for motion sickness and disposing soiled diapers.
I would rent gear from Baby Quip versus packing all of your own things.
Preethi is truly the expert of family travel - check out her Instagram and blog.
Rapid fire - best airports for food, visual vibes, ease of navigation, and layover with kids
Honestly, the new LaGuardia hits all of these on the domestic front. Here are my international picks:
Food - Seoul
Visual vibes - Doha
Ease of navigation - Hyderabad
Layover with kids - Dubai (strollers at every gate!)
Tips to pack for a 2 week half work/half personal trip to Europe in the fall?
The NYT magazine piece covers how to pack your bag for this kind of trip. Here are some of my product recs that I would pack/use:
Non-black monochromatic outfits are really chic - think gray, navy, tan, or forest green. Pick two hues that can easily be mixed and matched to maximize your outfits (I’m partial to gray and navy).
Kick flare pants are on trend right now, but I’d also argue they’re timeless. These are a great pair that can be worn for work and wandering alike - dress them up for work with a crisp button down and blazer, and wear them with a drapey sweater and tennis shoes for wandering about.
Veronica Beard’s dickey blazers are a splurge, but they’re made for a trip like these. Wear the blazer alone with your work pieces, and add a denim or cable knit dickey when you’re off duty. I would also bring a trench.
I swear by the 3 pairs of shoes per trip rule. For one like this, I would pack my trusty white tennis shoes, a comfortable pair of heels, and a pair of ankle boots. For bags, I would do a classic leather tote for work and this roomy crossbody bag for exploring (it comes with a small pouch that’s perfect for evenings out).
Jeanelle Teves is an executive who travels to Europe for work often and has the best style, if you wanted to get some outfit inspiration!
See you in two weeks!
xo,
HPN
You are the third person today who I've seen recommend Jennifer L. Armentrout's books — this might be a sign! For someone who hasn't read any of her work, would you suggest starting with Flesh & Fire or Blood & Ash?
Love your newsletter. Curious on your mention of AG + Protein Powder if you use the chocolate flavor you linked to. Trying to imagine the two combined! Also, water or milk? Thank you!