As much as we love traveling, it’s definitely not always a breeze. Nowadays, there are so many options and products designed to ‘make your life easier’ while traveling. But how many of these really do? We’ve put together our tried and tested top 5:
Here’s our list of the best travel essentials for women:
1) Suitcase: Tech friendly, durable and lightweight
Rushing through busy airports and train terminals is something we can’t avoid but having a suitcase that handles it with ease certainly helps. It’s essential to have a bag that’s easy to handle, durable, and equipped with the latest technology, while also being lightweight, sleek and affordable. Away products are lightweight and durable, with a variety of sizes and colors, plus fun accessories. Away makes your travel days a little less stressful.
2) E-reader: Compact, waterproof, long battery life
Bored with all that wait time while traveling? Pick up an e-reader! E-readers have so many advantages over reading e-books on your phone or tablet. Their screens are designed for reading by limiting eyestrain and the glare of the sun, are lightweight, relatively inexpensive and have a battery life of weeks. Kobo products have multiple e-reader choices, including waterproof (yes, you can read in the pool!!), a large selection of titles and are reasonably priced.
Being comfortable while looking chic in transit is something many women struggle with. Finding the fine line between ‘I’m wearing my yoga pants’ and ‘I’m about to rip through this blazer’ is critical for everyone. ADAY has created a comfortable and chic wardrobe to fit your lifestyle. All while being technical, sustainable and seasonable.
4) Reusable Water Bottle: Eco-friendly and chemical free
Staying hydrated is especially important when traveling. With so many eco-friendly reusable bottle options out there, it’s hard to pick one. As a modern lady, being environmentally conscious is essential but so is looking chic. Glass bottles are great but the fear of smashing them on the way out of your hot yoga class is not. That’s why BKR is our pick. Their bottles are chic, good for the planet and good for us. Plus they donate a portion of proceeds to good causes worldwide.
5) Travel Pillow: A yoga mat (that doubles as a travel pillow!)
Having a pillow while traveling can be a hassle, but provides so much comfort (and a chance to get in a quick nap) so we think it’s worth it. Finding the right neck pillow that doesn’t take up too much space, while still being comfortable can be challenging. Further, if you’re a yogi on the move, bringing your yoga mat usually isn’t an option. But with this 2-in-1 neck pillow and travel yoga mat from Om The Go you can have comfort while traveling, and squeeze in some yoga at your destination.
With so many women traveling everyday, we love brands that help make it easier for us! At Behere we’re making it easier for you too, by helping you travel to cities around the world, without the hassles of getting set up.
At Behere, we’re constantly inspired by the amazing women in our community. We’re thrilled to feature some of their stories and share how they’ve made traveling while working possible. From unconventional roles, to starting businesses abroad, these women have made exploring new places a priority. They share their biggest learnings, favorite memories, and advice for someone thinking about living in a new city for a month. Today’s Behere community feature, Carrie, is a consultant and writer from San Francisco. Carrie spent the summer living in new cities across Europe, snapping amazing photos and writing her book. She booked her time in Lisbon and Split on Behere, and although she’s returned home, she’s already planning her next adventure. Read her story below!
You’re able to work remotely, what is it that you do?
“While I primarily work as a consultant helping companies with operational challenges, I’m also a writer. I’m currently working on my first memoir about travel, love, and the difficult process of trusting yourself (working title “Bamboozled”).
Six-years ago, I was laid off from a job I enjoyed. At the time, it seemed like I had everything – I had spent 15 years working long days for – and should have made me happy. I had a promising career, a condo in San Francisco, and a partner that wanted to make plans with me. And yet, something was missing. Instead of taking the safe path, and against others’ advice, I took the severance from my layoff to pursue a lifelong dream to travel the world solo.
My story is about coming to terms with what we think we want, versus what we really want– as well as my misadventures from Reykjavik to Tokyo and many points in between.
In addition, I’ve been brainstorming new business ideas on how I can help other women transition from their “safe path” jobs, into more entrepreneurial and creative pursuits. I think it’s vital to share success stories and experiences of women living life on their own terms. I met many of these women during my time in Lisbon and Split.”
What was the most important thing you learned while living in new cities?
“I think living in a new environment helps us discern what we think we want, versus what we really want at a lightning-quick pace. Where ever we are in life, it helps right-size our boundaries to shut out less of what we don’t want, and open us to more of what we do want.
Because we can’t rely on our regular structures, environment and assumptions, we have to rely on our instincts and intuition. We’re forced to live in the moment and listen to our own inner voice, versus researching the pros-and-cons of every decision.
For example, if I’m exploring a new, unfamiliar city I have to make split-second decisions on whether a certain street may be safe to walk down at night, or whether a person I meet has good or ill intentions toward me. At home, I have more resources to research these things. I may have friends, family, or coworkers providing me input that runs counter to my gut instinct. But the more I make decisions with limited input, the faster I’m able to make them and have more confidence that they are the right decisions for me.
On the opposite side, I found myself more open to different opportunities than I would have been at home. I connected more deeply with people at restaurants, in classes, in public spaces than if I was at home among familiar friends.
I learned to say ‘yes’ to things more quickly and definitively because I realized those opportunities were unlikely to re-present themselves. Once I was able to right-size my boundaries to shut out what I didn’t want, open up to what I did, and trust my instincts, I found myself in a travel flow where I seemed to be in the right place, at the right time, with the right people, hearing the right message.
I experienced so many moments of synchronicity, I feel like I could write a separate book on the topic! Maybe it’s my sequel.”
How did Behere help on your journey?
“Behere helped provide access to communities where I could really feel connected to a place and its people. As an experienced traveler, I could have piecemealed flights and accommodations for myself, but I wouldn’t have had the in-depth experience I was seeking without Behere’s help.
The founders and their amazing team were instrumental in connecting me with people and organizations within the community that shared my interests. As a result, I was able to walk Lisbon’s winding streets with a fellow photographer, continue my meditation practice in Portugal, talk Croatian design with a former NYC fashion industry professional, and even tour an eco farm in a kaštela outside Split.
The options Behere provide are flexible, enabling you to be able to participate as little or as much as you like. There is no one to define what your time in that new city should or shouldn’t be – just resources and people to help along the way. I loved feeling the flexibility to explore and play in my new surroundings, knowing the Behere team was supporting and encouraging my journey.
Plus, their entire team is inspirational. It’s easier to feel inspired when you are surrounded by inspiring people.”
We love hearing highlights from our communities adventures, what was one of yours?
“There are too many memories to choose from!
But if I had to choose just one, it was speaking at my workspace in Split’s, ‘Sofa Series’ event about the power of travel. Beyond being able to speak about my passion, how it started and came together was the perfect application of all the travel lessons I had learned on the road, especially the ones about trusting yourself.
I had gone to Montenegro for three days to relax and write. While I had the opportunity to extend my stay a few extra days – and some intriguing incentives do to so – I had a gut feeling I had to return to Split. There was a party at my workspace that I felt I couldn’t miss.
I should mention I’m not the most naturally outgoing type, so I would be happy to bypass a networking social for a glass of wine with a friend if I was home.
At the party, I had a conversation with the founder, Tanja, and somehow the idea came up that I should talk about my book and travel experience at their kick-off Sofa Series – at the end of the week, no less.
While my initial thought was, “Wow, I would love to share my travel experiences,” it was also joined by thoughts of, “What am I getting into? I have never done this before.”
At home, these more “rational” thoughts may have outweighed the loftier ones, but I decided to trust that I was there for a reason and said yes.
I had prepared notes to talk about how travel helps clarify our self-concept, leads to better decision making, and helps us strengthen our intuition. Now I was being put to the test in not only living it but sharing it with others.
The day of the event, I was nervous. I was used to speaking to clients in a business suit and with PowerPoint presentations, but not to people halfway around the world about my passion! My fears soon dissipated when handed a glass of wine and comfy seat on the sofa.
For the next hour or two, I had a dialogue with the most interesting and insightful group of individuals – who also shared their travel experiences, fears, and aspirations. Sometimes as a solo female traveler, I’ve felt like an outsider and that there’s not a place where I comfortably fit in, but among that group I felt at home.
It marked the close of my Croatian experience, but beyond that, it marked a feeling that one can have a sense of belonging and home in a place as far away as Split. And that if we share ourselves openly and honestly, there are always opportunities for genuine connection wherever we roam.”
How did living in new cities affect your work?
“Living abroad improved my creativity and problem-solving skills exponentially.
The break from my daily routine ushered in a flood of new ideas – from novel ways to approach my book to an entirely new business idea. My ideas finally had space to roam and develop. I saw new connections between the various – and at times competing – aspects of my work.
The best part is my creativity hasn’t waned since I’ve returned home. Perhaps it’s because traveling helped me recognize when I’m in a rut and what I need to do to break free from it.
For example, some of my best ideas came while hiking through Marjan Park outside Split. Alenna, Behere’s Split City Host, encouraged me to hike the park with her at day-break one morning, which was 4:30am.
Anyone that knows me knows I don’t get up at 4:30am for anyone or anything! But at the end of it, I was refreshed, renewed and refocused. I had so much energy to tackle the day and pages of new ideas to act upon.
Now I know when I need inspiration or to view a problem from a different vantage point, I need a long hike. Which is another benefit of living abroad and setting your own schedule. It becomes a little trickier to block your calendar for a 2-hour walk in the middle of the day at a traditional 9-to-5 job – and yet so much more productive at times than 2-hours’ worth of conference calls.”
Finally, what’s your #1 piece of advice for someone thinking about living in a new place for a month?
“Beyond just making the commitment to yourself to do it; travel light.
I mean that mentally, emotionally, and physically. That’s not to say don’t be prepared; but leave behind any expectations about how you think the experience should be.
Allow your best plans to bend, shift, and be arranged. Experiencing a new place is about finding flow and freedom –not checking off a do-to list or seeing certain sites just because you feel the obligation.
Living abroad also allows you to reset some of the less-savory habits and patterns you’ve accumulated. Make a resolution to leave these habits back home. For me, that was creating a new morning ritual that did not include reaching for my cell phone upon waking.
Finally, pack less than you think you need. Pack your bag then unpack a third of it. It makes saying ‘yes’ to last minute excursions easier when you don’t have to schlep (and possibly pay for) that extra suitcase. And I promise you will not miss the shoes, that shirt, the books you left behind.
In fact, you may feel liberated to discover how little you really need to be happy.”
Do you run a business or work flexibly? (If not, we’ve got you covered with our Free Resources). Do you also dream of traveling but feel overwhelmed with where to begin? Booking on Behere helps make traveling to a new city seamless, learn how here.
[vc_row padding_setting=”1″ desktop_padding=”no-padding” ipad_padding=”sm-no-padding” mobile_padding=”xs-no-padding”][vc_column][vc_column_text]At Behere, we’re constantly inspired by the amazing women in our community. We’re thrilled to feature their stories and share how they’ve made traveling while working possible. From unconventional roles, to starting businesses abroad, these women have made exploring travel a priority. They share their biggest learnings and favorite memories. Plus, they share advice for someone thinking about living in a new city for a month.
Today’s Behere community feature, Tiff Ng, is a social storyteller. She became her own boss to have more freedom and this is how this freelancer keeps focused while traveling. Originally from Australia, she’s visited over 12 countries and is a creative, adventurous soul. She booked trips to Barcelona and Belgrade on Behere this summer. She returned home to Australia, already itching for more adventures. Read her story below.
You created a job that enabled you to work from anywhere, tell us about it.
“I’m a social storyteller; I help small businesses and influencers to tell their unique stories through a social and content strategy that is bespoke to their business and the audiences with whom they want to connect.”
What was the most important thing you learned while living in new cities?
“To be honest, it’s not always that easy. We often fall into the trap of thinking that quitting our jobs to travel, or having this Instagram-worthy ‘nomad’ life, is the dream. But it does take a lot of hard work and can be really tough. Having a positive mindset, the courage to keep going and a solid support system (and yes, that includes Behere) is key to helping you get the most out of this experience. But it is all up to you and your mindset.”
How did Behere help in your journey?
“It can often get very overwhelming being so in charge of every decision in your life. While I’ve been adjusting to location-independent work and building up my own business, it’s been amazing to have Behere take care of the rest. It’s given me peace of mind. I can focus on my work and have the comforts and WiFi I need to support that.
In particular, the network of city hosts and members of the Behere community have gone above and beyond to help me settle into each location. They were a friendly face on a journey that can often feel very isolating.”
We love hearing highlights from our communities adventures, what was one of yours?
“It’s not quite one, singular memory but rather a thematic experience throughout my time abroad. But my favourite will always be a sunset. There’s something about the rainbow of colours and the poeticism of another day passing that is truly spectacular. I particularly love chasing sunsets as I travel.
For one, it’s a luxury I wasn’t always afforded while working long hours in a corporate job. Now, working remotely, I can afford myself that break to just take a beat, wherever I am, to acknowledge that moment and appreciate it every day.
But secondly, and perhaps more importantly, it’s a phenomenon that happens every day in every place. It’s the unique combination of where you’re enjoying it – because it’s casting crazy silhouettes against the light or reflections over the horizon – or who you’re with, or what you may have been doing at the time, that can make each sunset unique, every single day. I love being able to make this daily moment an adventure wherever I go, by changing one of these variables each time.”
How has living in new places affected your work?
“I hate to sound like a cliché, but living abroad has really changed my life.
Living abroad has felt like taking a giant leap off the deep end and learning to fly. While it can be terrifying to think how far you can fall, for me, it’s given me the blind confidence to keep going and back myself in this whole journey. With this confidence, I’ve been able to grow a business that is more meaningful to me. It’s more aligned with where I want to go with my life and career. I’m clearer in my mission, more inspired in my work and I’ve never been more excited about what’s to come.”
Finally, what’s your #1 piece of advice for someone who’s thinking about living in a new city for a month?
“Go for it.
If it’s on your mind already, it will never go away. Take the risk and enjoy the ride. It might not always go to plan but constantly learn and grow from each experience. It will all be worth it.”
Have you been wanting to take the leap to travel for a while? Or travel without the headaches and work of planning, so you can be productive from the get-go? Learn how Behere helps make this possible here.
Connect with Tiff at anytiffng.com, or on Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn.
Grizzly bear encounters, earthquakes while hiking, and erratic temperature changes in the Alaskan wilderness made my worries—about job security, about finances — seem so small. Interior Alaska was unpredictable, and it was frightening to have no control over this uncertain environment. But with every moment that I accepted the harsh tundra of Denali National Park and Preserve as it was, I felt more alive. Acceptance made me fearless, and if I could allow myself to be vulnerable in this uncontrollable landscape, then I could confront all of life’s challenges—including the fact that my father had taken his own life a mere three months before.
Living by the rules
I had always lived life by the rules. I went to college, got a business degree, and got a job in marketing. There, I wore suits, carried a briefcase, and had my own office. I had control (or I thought I did), and that meant life was good. At least that’s what I was told, especially by my father, who’d spent 24 years teaching me what it meant to be successful.
Though I wanted to do more with my life, my dad’s approval of it was validating. But somewhere, what I truly wanted him to understand was that this briefcase-carrying career woman was not me. I had dreams of becoming a travel writer. “Dreams are just that—they’re not meant to be acted upon,” he would say. To him, the illusion of stability and security that comes with a salaried job was not worth giving up. Fear of losing my safe life and his approval turned this into gospel.
Then, on the morning of May 12th, 2014, my father, Mark Edward Kennedy, wandered into the woods and ended his life. I was in my office when I got the news. As the enormity of the situation became clear to me, my mind short-circuited like a clock, ticking progressively more slowly until it stopped: Tick—how can I fix this? Tick—this wasn’t part of the plan. Tick—where did I go wrong? Then time ran out on life as I knew it, and there was no going back. Between convulsive screaming fits, I repeated the words “What do I do? What do I do?” I was directionless. The man who taught me how to live had just given up on living.
Dad’s philosophy of life had been to avoid anything uncertain. He never took a vacation because bosses would see that the company could continue without him, and his fiscal plan consisted of stashing large amounts of cash away in a tin can, never spending a cent on anything he considered frivolous. Of course, in practice that meant travel was often out of the question. He protected himself from pursuing a life of deeper meaning and wanted to shelter me as well because in his mind there were too many chances for it all to go wrong.
At his funeral, a slideshow of pictures highlighted the events of his life. Pictures of birthdays and holidays brought back pleasant memories, but there was no sense of life-fulfilling accomplishment. I mourned losing him, but what I mourned more than anything else was his lost potential and a long list of dreams unrealized—unrealized except for one: traveling to Germany.
Family Trip Memories
My mother and I spent much of our family trip to Germany trying to convince him that the experience was worthwhile, but he was reluctant to venture outside of his comfort zone. His misery peaked somewhere between Ulm and Schwangau on the way to visit Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria. We’d left Heidelberg at 4 a.m., and we were about five hours into our six-hour train ride. Sore from the uncomfortable seat and exhausted from sleep deprivation, he made it clear that he wasn’t happy being yanked from his routine. “I don’t see the point of jumping through all of these hoops just to see a damn castle,” he said and proclaimed that he would go straight to sleep once we got to the hotel. But when the snow-capped Alps came into view and we saw the fairy-tale castle perched among the clouds and mountain peaks, his perspective on the situation changed.
Suddenly he was leading the charge. We explored Neuschwanstein and the town of Schwangau. He sampled blood sausage, bought a traditional Bavarian Alpine hat, and even tried to speak German (he knew more of the language then he gave himself credit for). But the moment when I sensed that he was authentically happy was when he marched toward the Alpsee Lake with an ice cream in his hand, singing an old song from Looney Tunes: “You Never Know Where You’re Goin’ Till You Get There.”
At the end of the journey, he finally understood that it wasn’t just about seeing a castle — it was the reward and the thrill of fearlessly facing the unknown in pursuit of a dream. He talked about that trip for years, completely forgetting how miserable and uncomfortable he had been at the beginning.
After Dad’s funeral, my roommate, Nicole, and I talked about dreams. “I want to look at a mountain from another mountain,” she said, “but it’s stupid.”
“Never call your dreams stupid,” I replied. But who was I to judge? I had been sabotaging myself, downplaying my own dreams for years. Nicole, my dad, and I were not so different. But what was the worst that could happen? Why not look at a mountain from another mountain? Why not take a shot at becoming a travel writer?
So I broke my dad’s rules. That August I quit my job, and a day later Nicole and I headed to Alaska. I had been shown firsthand that life’s too short and fragile to live in fear, so I vowed to pursue a life where I would leave no dream untouched.
The Alaskan wilderness tested my limits. My sunburned face and callused feet ached; the idea that wolves could be stalking us was unnerving; waving my arms in the air to scare away bears sounded like a bad joke. But as Nicole and I approached the cliff and looked out over the grandeur of Denali National Park and Preserve, 20 miles from Mount McKinley, North America’s tallest mountain—much as my dad did when he saw the Alps—I recognized that being fearless and risking my comfort to witness this majestic mountain made life worthwhile. We were looking at a mountain from another mountain, and living this dream was more fulfilling than any promotion, raise, or record month of sales. We made it. I made it.
On May 12, 2014, my father walked into the woods and was too frightened to confront life’s uncertainty. And in that final act of suicide, he taught me the greatest lesson of all: that a life worth living is one lived fearlessly.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text “help” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
This article was originally published on Yahoo and reshared here.
About Kae Lani: While some travellers follow their hearts, Kae Lani follows her gut. In addition to working as a travel writer, photographer, and videographer for USA Today 10Best, Kae Lani is also the co-creator of their newest venture, Eat Sip Trip. She has shared her love of food and travel on live broadcasts and has appeared as a guest on Cheddar TV and NASDAQ.
A quick trip to Lisbon can leave you overwhelmed with where to eat. So we thought we’d share our top spots for each meal, so you can be ready to hit the tiled, hilly roads running (all 7 of them). From breakfast, to lunch, to dinner, we’ve got you covered on the tastiest spots to eat.
Breakfast in Lisbon: La Boulangerie (Docas)
Our personal breakfast fav!
There is only one thing better than the scent of freshly baked croissants and that is the taste of a croissant. La Boulangerie, serves some of the best croissants for brunch, along with scrambled eggs, a bread basket, homemade jams, Nutella, fresh cheeses, cured hams and sausages, salad and fruit. Who could forget the famous Portuguese tarts as well! Recommendations Food: Try the delicious Croissants & the Pastels de Nata
Drink: Espresso & Fresh Orange Juice La Boulangerie
Rua do Olival, 42 Lisboa
Lunch in Lisbon: Time Out Market Lisboa
With something for everyone, this seaside market is a must visit when in Lisbon! Always busy, the food is fresh and the wine is pouring. With over 40 options, including a restaurant serving just tartar (with vegetarian options of course), the best food from all over Portugal is brought together in one place. Recommendations Food: Fresh tuna tartar
Drink: Vinho Verde (Portuguese green wine) Time Out Market
Avenida 24 de Julho,
Mercado da Ribeira, 1200-479 Lisbon
Dinner in Lisbon: In Boca Al Lupo (Amoreiras)
Lisbon’s first organic pizzeria, this is a must visit for those who love thin-crust pizza. The restaurant is simple, but expect to eat well here. You can also watch them prepare your food in front of you, from the rolling of dough to the fresh baking. You can taste organic mozzarella from Italy and legumes from a farm in Portugal. With vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options, everyone can leave satisfied. Recommendations Food: Pizza Caprese & Ravioli with hokkaido squash and goat cheese
Drink: Quinta do Côa (Red wine from the Douro valley) In Bocca Allupo
R. Manuel Bernardes 5, 1200-009 Lisboa
Some of our team connected with this positive, friendly woman in Chiang Mai and hit it off right away. Nubia Younge is the founder of a fantastic podcast that shares our values at Behere in so many ways. Nubia has managed to travel extensively, move abroad, start a company and fill her life with purpose. Find out how she’s done all this and moved to Northern Thailand below.
What inspired you to start traveling?
“I took my first international trip back in 2011 to Paris and Europe. Once I traveled overseas, it was a wrap! Travel became an insatiable habit. I fell in love with the different cuisines and connecting with new people from all over the world.”
What inspired you to ultimately start your podcast?
“Over the last several years, I’ve traveled to 30+ countries, chronicling my journey on social media. I would find great travel deals and learn new things, every place I went. People started reaching out to me on social media, asking how I could afford to travel as a single mother of 2. At the time, I was a full-time employee, a part-time student and a small business owner. Yet, I still found time to travel internationally several times a year.
One day I was having a conversation with my friend about all these questions I was getting in my inbox. She and I decided to create a platform where we can reach like-minded individuals, who share a love for travel, and are looking to connect with those who are currently traveling, working and/or living abroad.”
What is your podcast all about?
“Chronicles Abroad podcast is as a platform used to communicate with individuals from all over the world. We share stories from world travelers, digital nomads and entrepreneurs, to inspire people to travel and live or move abroad. We explore a holistic approach to traveling. This includes creating healthier mindsets, finances, and spirituality, so people can travel better or make that final decision to move abroad.”
“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” ~ Maya Angelou
