In fact, pretty much the only useful thing I could find (beyond pictures of girls in heels in the ruins…the last time I wore heels was May, and that was for a wedding, so, well, NO), was this post from Travel Fashion Girl. Those general recommendations are on point, and I thought it would be helpful to show some of the things I wore, given the time of year that we went (early August).

Don’t Wear Hiking Boots

If you are NOT trekking, hiking boots are heavy, cumbersome, and seriously not necessary. Machu Picchu is mostly stairs and fine gravel paths. There is no strenuous hiking involved if you are just going to the ruins. Flip flops would have been fine (I’m young, fit, and consider flip flops pretty much the most comfortable pair of shoes I own, so take that into consideration). As long as it didn’t rain–the stone does get a touch slippery. I was glad to have light trail running shoes for the hike to the Sun Gate.

Even If It’s Chilly in Cusco, Machu Picchu Gets Warm Quickly

Machu Picchu is a good 4,000 feet lower than Cusco, and even if it’s brisk in the morning, down is truly overkill in August. The coldest place–seriously–was the dining room in the restaurant in the evening. When the sun comes up, it gets warm, and it gets warm fast. Light, sun protective layers are great, but don’t expect to be cold. I wore my Patagonia Better Sweater for probably 40 minutes the morning we got up early to see the sun rise.

I Own Four Better Sweaters Because They ROCK

Sun, Sun, Sun

Beware of the sun–either wear UPF items or lots of sunscreen. The first afternoon we were there, I lathered up my arms and through a SPF shirt around my shoulders for extra protection. For the morning we were out until about 11am, I wore a UPF shirt (seen under my Better Sweater above, from Lululemon) so I didn’t have to worry about it. The altitude + the exposure means that there is a lot of sun, powerful rays, and lobster-esque visitors.

Sunglasses + Hat + SPF

Bugs + Bugs = More Bugs

I’m usually like the biggest bug attractor ever, yet I didn’t have issues in Peru. Granted, though, I didn’t give the pesky things much of a chance: long pants, bug spray with deet, and often a long-sleeved shirt. However, given the lovely welted legs we observed at Machu Picchu, and the myriad of forum posts on how bad the bugs are at Machu Picchu, I’d error on the side of caution. Bug gear may be in order, depending on the time of year you visit, and always wear long pants that they can’t really bite through.

Athleisure Items Are Fantastic

As much as that word sort of makes me want to vomit (can’t wait till THAT one goes in the Oxford English Dictionary), they are really awesome for Machu Picchu. I wore a pair of Anatomie travel pants (yup, I have multiple pairs due to an amazing giveaway win), and a cute longsleeve with a tank top every day (usually Lululemon or Athleta). Mixed and matched appropriately, many of these items can be dressed up (lose the hat, switch out the UPF top for an oxford over a tank, and gain a scarf or long necklace), and were perfect for Machu Picchu and Peru more generally.

My Fave Pair of Anatomie Skyler Pants

All photos again courtsey of my mom, who likes to take photos of me when I don’t notice because I’m a total grump about people taking photos of me.

DH and I don’t always “do” Valentine’s Day. The day is hyped, reservations are hard to come by, and beyond watching some awkward early-daters, we can have a nice dinner anytime.  So sometimes we call it good, order pizza, drink beer, and enjoy each others company.

But this year, given my 2015 Shopping Challenge, I secretly hinted strongly suggested that a gift might be nice. You know, as a way around the shopping challenge…by not breaking the shopping challenge.  So I decided to put together a list of things that are perfect Valentine’s Day gifts for the travel-luster on a no-shopping challenge.

First on my list, a Dark Wren Define Jacket from Lululemon. I really have stared liking this dark but not camo green, plus it looks nice enough to wear to a casual dinner in the fall. Plus, it would be perfect for our upcoming safari to Kenya! Also eyeing this ebb to street tank in heathered black…perfect for a short run, yoga, or spin class. And I love tops with built in bras for trips…2 in 1! I like that this is just a bit longer, for I have an annoying long torso.

Next, I had my eye on the big airplane panels for quite awhile, but seeing as we are running out of wall space, it’s pretty awesome that Pottery Barn now has a smaller version of the wooden plane panels. I mean, who wouldn’t want to see a plane every day when they walk into their house, to remind them of the next trip or the last vacation? While I could theoretically lobby this doesn’t fall into the “no shopping” challenge, which was to focus on accessories and clothes, it does seem a bit frivolous to buy, no?

Let’s get back to clothes, shoes, and accessories. I now feel like I may–may being the key word–be adult enough to wear white shorts. I’m willing to give it a try. These are my standby style–they’ve held up on many a trip, to the beach, to a city, to Africa, to Asia, and most definitely at home. I have a pair that are 9 years old, and I still love them. So…I’m ready to try a pair in white, maybe for a beach vacation, and for summer in DC.

On the jewelry front, I’m still having a love affair with BaubleBar for jewelry to wear while traveling. I like it, it’s stylish, and I don’t worry about it being stolen or breaking it. I really like this statement necklace, which is versatile to be dressed up or down, with a cute beach dress or a blazer out to dinner. I’ve been gawking at this necklace a lot, too. I love rainbow colors, which I know is weird. And it has “Frank” in it’s name, which makes me wonder if it’s a throwback to Lisa Frank. And that….I should probably steer away from. Nonetheless, it’s colorful and bright and I’m drawn to it.

And in case you are looking for more of a splurge, I’m a total sucker for all things striped, and this new Tory Burch Ella totally fits the bill. I have a large Ella that I acquired on sale, and I think the mini would be perfect for traveling (though the large works as a carry-on). Ahhh…stripes…come to me my precious…

There you have it! Good Valentine’s Day ideas for the travel-luster…or just me. But seriously, who wouldn’t want a cute coat, new shorts for spring break, and some fun accessories?

Today’s theme is WARMTH.  (We got our first snow in DC, and as usual, everyone had a total complete meltdown as the 3.5+ inches we received was more than this poor town of fair-weather birds could cope with).  Everyone wants to stay warm in the winter, right? Yea you, over in Asia or the South Pacific, put your hand down and go back to the beach. I know you really do miss snow.

Here are my recommendations for WARMTH in the winter. I’d wear all of them all year round if it wasn’t weird (and awfully hot in DC).

1. Dubarry Boots

Pictured. I love these so much, I can’t stop talking about them. No really, DH (dear husband) can attest to the annoyingness of my hopping around the house going “it’s Dubarry boot season!” These have gone gorilla trekking and played in DC snow and ice storms. They are warm–but not hot (boot liners are available, but my feet heat themselves), have great traction, and are completely waterproof. Given their steep price tag, I do keep good care of them, cleaning and waterproofing routinely. I have the Galway boot but there are some other styles that look appealing. Yes, I have even worn these out for dinner and to casual Friday at work. I’m not even going to pretend it wasn’t glorious.

2. Patagonia Nano-Puff

Pictured. I have an older version of this link, but it’s still light, fluffy, and crazy warm. If you want a packable layer, this is it. It’s been to Uganda, as well as to Wyoming for chilly nights. It’s very much a layer–not a down jacket, so don’t think you can get away with just it in freezing temps, but it does add a ton of heat with a thin baselayer and a shell on top. And it comes in all kinds of pretty colors.

3. Lululemon Fleece Vinyasa Scarf

Unfortunately this was out of stock almost as soon as it appeared online this year, but if you have a chance to snag one, I’d go for it (though the prices people pay for Lululemon gear on ebay makes me cringe…I like their stuff, but not enough to pay 4x retail on a single pair of shorts!). Anyway, their regular vinyasas are also awesome for winter, and super soft. But I find the fleece vinyasa packs so much extra warmth! I’m not going to say it’s the most stylish thing, but for warmth it’s a definite winner. Plus, totally doubles as a non-disgusting clean blanket or wrap in the plane.

4. Mountain Hardwear Monkey Gloves

Pictured. These are currently on sale here. I love these puppies. Granted, my hands are also not inherently cold all the time, but these do the trick in all kinds of weather in DC. I’ve even worn them snowboarding in Jackson Hole. While certainly warm enough–word to the wise–snow sticks to them like velcro, so keep that in mind. They are quite thick and I’ve worn them in the pouring rain. It takes them quite a while to soak through. Yes, I realize that they make you look like Elmo, but my affinity for fuzz makes me not care. I’ve also taken them to Namibia and Southern Africa, where the temps dip at night. It’s great to have a little something for early morning game drives.

5. Burberry Ear Muffs

It appears they may not be making these right now, which is too bad; they are amazing. First, they are actually stylish. You can get away with these to work as well as for a night out. Second, they are super warm and soft (cashmere!). Third, if you care, they don’t mess up your hair (I seriously care about that so rarely…but I’m sure that’s why earmuffs are a selling point for most people). I have a pair from many years ago (like 10) in a beautiful peacock color. I’ve taken these home to Wyoming for a winter trip, as well as to Vienna, Austria in February. Definitely worth the investment.

Of course I haven’t worn these all at the same time. Me? Nope. Definitely not.