How to pack lightly for a long trip

Reading Time: 7 minutes I write this article with a smile, the kind that rises slowly, irresistibly, and unapologetically — the same one that overcame me as I drove up to the Emirates Palace; the same smile that had me glowing when I was upgraded to business class while flying Etihad Airways; and the same one that marks my satisfaction every time I review photos from my trip. Abu Dhabi, you win. I adore you, and I can honestly say that I am fascinated by your culture, politics, economy, architecture, people, and of course, shockingly exponential growth. Quite frankly, I didn’t know much about Abu Dhabi before my arrival. All I knew was that I could at least capture great symmetry at the Grand Shiekh Zayhed Mosque — a bucket list *check.* In my home base community, I have never met an Emirati. I knew little about Muslim culture and the Middle East outside of the war and controversy portrayed by the media. Given that media portraits of Islam are not always cohesive, I thought I would...

This small island on the edge of the southern Pacific Ocean, is nonetheless property to the descendents of the famous “Mutiny On The Bounty.” At least for now. This Telegraph report notes the individuals at present living in Pitcairn could be the last generation to eek out a living there. Heavily subsidized by the British government, it just started a campaign to boost tourism, in hopes of sustaining solutions for its individuals. At the moment with no a deep harbor, passengers arrive by way of lengthy boats, and lacking any major hotels for visitors, dwelling stays seem to be the only existing solution, it may appear this island is an unattractive destination. Hold that believed. I see this island as far more of a location since of these reasons. Plans are to improve both the harbor, housing options, and, in time, number of guests. You know what that means… Hiltons lining the rocky coastlines, cruise ships queuing up outdoors the breakwater, and hoards of sunscreen drenched touris...