Ice, Ice-breaker: The Clothing Every Traveler Should Have

Marie Edwards, owner of Southern Treks, and I modeling our Icebreaker shirts while hiking the Coast to Coast Trail in England (2008).

Icebreaker offers a wide range of clothing made from fine merino wool. Icebreaker is the perfect garment for travel. It is fast-drying, temperature regulating and does not hold odor like most synthetics do (so you don't have to wash them after each wear). Plus, many pieces are stylish enough to be worn as regular, everyday clothing.

Keeps you cool when it's warm and warm when it's cool!

I have worn the Tech T Lite (140 weight) in August in Georgia - yep, you read that correctly. I have donned wool in the hottest and most humid month in the South. I also always layer several long-sleeve pieces to ski (and have yet to be cold or too hot), hike (in all kinds of weather) and lounge around the house. In fact, I am currently wearing Icebreaker pants (discontinued unfortunately) and a new Icebreaker 260-weight Long-sleeve Crewe I received as a Christmas gift.

Avoid Sticker Shock (plus tips on Clothing Care)

You may find the products to be a little pricey (the Tech-T Lite is around $55), but I can assure you they are worth it. Just make sure that you take of them properly and they should last a long time. Icebreaker articles can be washed in the washer. I wash mine on the cold cycle, usually on delicate - although I don't think this is necessary - and let them air dry. Occasionally, a piece or two has found its way into the dryer but ultimately survived in tact.

My Testimony

I found out about Icebreaker five years ago while living in New Zealand. I arrived unprepared for a hiking trip and the guide suggested I buy Icebreaker long underwear. Since that faithful purchase, I have never been too cold or too hot while wearing my long johns - and this is coming from a girl who used to shiver at the mention of snow! After several weeks of hiking success and a 21-day Outward Bound course, I purchased a bit more to get me through the ski season and then a few more pieces before leaving the country. Although my Icebreaker wardrobe has expanded a good bit, I still have and wear most of the original pieces - many have survived three seasons of working on the slopes in addition to other multi-adventurous uses. Icebreaker is currently available at Changes In Latitude Travel Store and other outdoor retailers.

A New Quick & Easy Way to Check Luggage Limits

Before you fly, check Luggage Limits' new Web site to make sure you know, well, your airlines luggage limitations and restrictions. Because restrictions seem to be changing every time you get ready to board a plane, Luggage Limits' Web site can keep you up to date with an easy online form specifying airline and airport.

Iceland Named Top 2010 Destination for Best Value

Lonely Planet ranks Iceland as one of the top 2010 Best Value Destinations. For more information on Southern Treks June 2010 Iceland tour, visit our Web site.

A Quick Seattle Trip

Me catching the fish at Pike's Place Fish Market in Seattle, Washington.

Thinking of planning a weekend trip to Seattle? I have compiled a short list of must sees and dos based on our late October 3-day family adventure to help you with yours. Of course, seeing a place in just a weekend will not allow you to hit every site. However, you can cram a lot into a few days, even with the entire family (we had 11 adults and a baby)! In our short trip, we were able to see a lot of the beautiful area. The weather was fantastic - no rain - and the leaves were changing for fall. Here is a list of highlights from our October Seattle adventure...

1. Taking a ferry ride to any of Seattle's surrounding islands or suburbs is definitely worth the few bucks it costs and your time. We rode out to Bremerton mid-day and then back just before dinner. Doing so allowed us to see Seattle (and the surrounding islands) in daylight and the city lights at night by water. We also had an amazing lunch/afternoon snack at the Boat Shed in Bremerton. Mmmm...there's nothing like fresh seafood in the Pacific Northwest!
2. Although it may sound super-touristy, I would also recommend a quick visit to Seattle's Space Needle. We opted for a Saturday morning visit (to avoid other tourists, I recommend going as early as possible). From its top, you can see the city and its gorgeous surroundings - think mountains, ocean, islands and skyscrapers! Plus, the Space Needle's history is rather interesting and you can learn all about it with a nice exhibit on the top's interior.
3. After our early morning visit to the Space Needle, we hopped in our cars (all 12 of us) and headed over to Pike's Place Market. Pike's Place Market is a MUST when visiting Seattle! However, I might not recommend 'fresh catch challenge' at Pike's Place Fish Market unless you are ready to take the heat if you drop it! I was tricked by my lovely in-laws into stepping up to the challenge and you bet I was not about to drop the 9 lb. salmon after hearing the employee's heckling at previous attempts. With a little help of my face and jacket (see above), I was successful in 'catching' our dinner that night. We had an amazing feast of salmon, oysters, crab legs and salad full of fresh goodies all purchased from PPM. I also snuck in a quick snack of delicious and award winning clam chowder from Pike Place Chowder and a sample or two from local cheese and veggie vendors.

USA Today Ranks Iceland as Top Destination 2010

Iceland has been ranked as a top destination for 2010 by USA Today. Southern Treks already knew this and has planned a trip to see (and hike) around the country's best highlights. Southern Treks' Iceland tour was named one of the top three walking tours in Iceland by Frommer's Iceland Guidebook. For more information on our exciting adventure, please visit our Web site.

Combat 3-1-1 Woes with GoToobs!

GoToobs have been flying off the shelves at Changes In Latitude Travel Store since their release earlier this year. These colorful bottles are top notch in every way for travel. The wide mouth makes them easy to fill and clean. Plus, the soft (but sturdy) silicone tube is super easy to squeeze.  The bottles feature a "no-drip" valve on the cap and the rubber seal helps to ensure your liquids won't leak.  The best part is that they are TSA carry-on compliant - so feel free to stock up on as many that will fill your 3-1-1 clear, plastic, 1-qt. bag. GoToobs are available in two sizes, 2 oz. and 1.25 oz., and four colors: pink, green, blue and clear. 

 

QUICK TIP: Combat Jet Lag

Flying across time zones and don't want to lose a day of your vaca to drowsiness? Try No Jet Lag. It's a homeopathic blend made in New Zealand that works to decrease the symptoms of jet lag. Just take one pill (some say it is best to let it dissolve under your tongue since it is homeopathic) on each take off, each landing and every two hours you are in the air unless you fall asleep.  In that case, just take one pill when you wake up - don't wake up to take it. For me (and for abour 90 percent of our Changes In Latitude customers) it really works!  I've used it going both ways (England/New Zealand for example) and I swear by it!