I am a walker and am planning on doing the El Camino de Santiago in May 2017. I have followed bloggers, read tour company websites, bought books, and watched movies and You Tube videos about the Camino. I love Spain and when I go back I want to not just drink the wine, eat the food, watch the dancers and bull fighters. Next time I want to participate in the pilgrimage as well (along with all the rest of the fun stuff course… after a bit of a rest). I like this site for planning as well as for the videos and insights. http://www.caminosantiagodecompostela.com

As you might guess walking/hiking/tramping long distances requires training. I live in Canada and am lucky enough to have the Trans Canada Trail close at hand in some of the places that I frequent. I have also decided that as I travel to other provinces taking the Trail will be a part of my journey. The TC Trial website has an interactive map that you can use as you hike different sections of the trail or even if all you want to do is to cross Canada virtually. Check out their website for spotlights on trail sections, a virtual walking map, news, events and stories from those who have walked the trail: www.tctrail.ca

I’m hoping to get back to Panama in the near future. I have heard and read quite a bit lately about cacao plantation tours and can not wait to go on one and see the process that takes the humble pod to a luscious chocolate. I thought that this site looked like one that has similar values as me and will contact them next time I’m there. http://www.hablayapanama.com/ecotourism/bocas-del-toro/cacao-plantation-tour/

The fabric will probably last forever! And the only time I see myself replacing it is when I get bored with the pattern or want something in a different colour. It is water resistant, doesn’t stain and is really comfortable against your skin. The daypack has padded shoulder straps and a chest strap which I use most of the time. I’m only 5’3” and where many daypacks can feel too long the chest strap and adjusted shoulder straps hold the pack it the right position for me so that I don’t end up with all the weight landing in an awkward spot on my lower back or hips.

There is a roomy compartment for all your carry-on items or daytime needs (or books if your buying this for school) and lots of pockets that work great for taking the pack out on day trips or with you on the plane. It has a fleece lined sunglass pocket which I love, mesh side pockets for your water bottle and guide book, an organizer pocket with tabs for  your pens and is also a great place to keep your passport and other important papers.

Another great feature is the insulated cooler pocket. This comes in handy when you want to take along a small lunch that is best kept cool – like my favourite egg salad sandwiches and a juice pack. I have a small flat ice pack I throw in with my lunch and find it will keep for hours.

There is also a padded laptop sleeve which I use for my iPad and Kobo Reader. Or if I’m out on a hike I’ll stick some of my photography equipment in like my Go Pro or extra lenses – properly protected of course.

So I will most likely replace this daypack in a few years but I picked the Majove pattern because I like it – a lot! It won’t be because it needs it though but because I want something shiny and new.

That is why I decided I would write to preserve the Links I Love on most Friday posts. I have followed the Modern Mrs. Darcy for a few years now and love her bookish life and blog.

From her book reviews, her yearly reading challenge and her viewpoint on life she is both a charming and captivating blogger. She is my inspiration for this Friday post and so here is the very first link that I love; www.modernmrsdarcy.com

www.routeperfect.com This is a great website for planning your European adventure. You can plug in your start and end points and planned length of trip and their software develops a travel plan for you. Or if you are looking for inspiration have a look at some of their pre-designed itineraries. From there you can plan your own holiday or let them do it for you.

www.jpeterman.com Do you like shopping online? CHECK! Do you like fiction? CHECK! Do you like Seinfeld? CHECK! Yes, the infamous J Peterman Catalogue of whom Elaine Benes of Seinfeld fame worked for really does exist. It’s fantastic and I’ve already picked out numerous items I would like to buy!

Do you remember the old song by Jim Stafford called the Wildwood Weed. He sings, that we can “take a trip and never leave the farm.” Well, I’m not advocating anything here at all other than dreaming big about your next magical adventure but research and planning have been such a big part of my life that extending into my travel habits was not a big leap. So plan, and then check your plan and come up with some contingencies. This is the way you avoid as many bumps in the road as possible.

The next stage is the travel itself. Yes, admittedly this is the best part of all but the planning was your key. I love discovering that I have made the near perfect plan (perfect never really happens, of course). I love delving and even diving into the local culture so I can find out what local people are doing, where they are eating and what they like to do on weekends. Don’t get me wrong, I like to see the touristy things too – they are touristy for a reason presumably. I want to make up my own mind if they have value or not. Most of all though, I like to learn about the local culture of a place before, during and even after my trips. Cultural tourism has been an interest of mine for over 20 years and I am happy to observe is now, finally, a growing form of travel.

This site is about all aspects of travel. From the beginning, through the middle and to the end of your journeys. All of these stages are very important aspects of the travel experience in my view.

This site will provide you with reviews on travel gear, luggage, gadgets, and other related travel products. You’ll find useful travel tips, a bucket list, information on the travel culture and lifestyle of every day people as well as a shopping page with all my favorite things.

I fund my travel and life now through affiliate sales and Google so don’t be surprised by the links. You won’t be paying anything extra for items I recommend and I make a small amount on any purchases made through items that you link to from this site and then buy so I appreciate it immensely when you do that! If you are here only as a research and learning experience that’s okay too. Welcome everyone, have fun and travel safe!

That’s the thing – you read on someone’s site that the best things to have for a sailing trip are 3 dresses, a shawl, shampoo and conditioner, 2 bathing suits, etc.  You make your own list based on a few readings and your own preferences and then you pack and go.

Inevitably, on your trip you see that that the best choice for your shower gear would have been biodegradable camp soap and some body wipes a better choice and forget the three dresses, one would have been enough – three bating suits and 4 coverups would have worked better for the kind of activities that you find yourself and your crew are interested in.

I never trust that I will remember all the little things I learned on this trip a whole year later when I am about to embark on another similar type trip. That is where these handy apps come in. At the end of your trip or even while you are on it, go into your app and update your list. It’s as simple as that!

As I mentioned, I use Essential Travel Checklist, it is simple, easy and elegant, but there are quite a few packing list apps out there to choose from. If you like an app with tons of lists that you can choose from, then Packing Pro, with 9 lists to build off of looks like it would be very useful. From the reviews it sounds very customizable and easy to use. I thought TripList looks good too. A bit pricey to upgrade to the Wizard but it will determine a list for you based on your destination and the weather at the time of your trip. Well, that might be worth looking at! All three of these apps have a 4+ rating in the reviews.

When choosing a Packing List app, look for the following:

• What is included in the freemium version?
• What in-app purchases are available and how much do they cost?
• Does it provide customizable lists and can you create your own?
• Does it have good reviews?
• What are your specific needs as far as travel is concerned and does the app look like it will fulfill those needs?