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“Go To” Travel Shoes

I have a shoe problem. I love shoes. I love buying shoes. However, my lifestyle and workstyle are not exactly conducive to the shoes I want in my life. I think I want fancy, fun, & colorful heels but let’s face it – I have two small children, travel weekly and only go out to dinner a few times a month. Somehow I still have managed to purchase over 70 pair that fill up the bottom of my closet even if there are only 7-10 that I wear on a normal basis. When I first started traveling weekly I thought there wouldn’t be much walking. I’m not sure where I convinced myself that was true but I can say that when you have to go from C5 to H(pick a gate) in O’Hare Airport in Chicago you learn quickly that shoes are important. Weather is also a component of shoe selection. Have you ever not paid attention to the forecast and ended up in Minneapolis in 6″ of snow in peep-toe wedges? Not exactly my proudest moment. (Sidenote: I didn’t have gloves or a hat either and it took hours to get all the feeling back in my extremities.) I have been told on several occasions there is no bad weather only poor shoe (and attire) choices and I’ve finally given in. 

My friend and coworker Lisa, who has a similar travel schedule, does not let anything interfere with her shoe selection. In fact she always wears heels or wedges but has been known to slip into travel flats occasionally. Flats are currently my go to. Unfortunately, I typically wear through flats within 2 – 3 months. Literally, sometimes I wear holes in the bottom of the shoes or the start to separate from the sole. I was in the habit of spending a ridiculous amount of money ($200 on Tory Birch Flats, no problem) on shoes that I would wear through quickly (within 60 days!!) and I was getting frustrated. A friend of mine mentioned Paul Green boots were her “go to” travel shoe. I looked them up – $350! I thought about it for a few weeks and decided to give them a go. Cayanne Leather Peep Toe Sandal in Cuoio Leather were added to my closet and quickly became a staple. The neutral color match almost everything. The shoes themselves are incredibly comfortable, they fit perfectly, are true to size and have a ton of arch support. They have about a 2″ heel but it’s shaped more like a block than anything you have to balance on. Even after practically running through O’Hare airport on multiple occasions my feet never hurt. I have worn them so much that they now have some permanent wear but I think it adds character, I still try to clean them at least once a month.  I’m even considering getting them in other colors! One side note is these do buzz in the metal detector at the airport approx 50% of the time so I proactively take them off before as to not hold up the line. 


Then I kept seeing ads for Tieks on Facebook and Pinterest so I decided to take a leap, I was already spending about the same and replacing flats every couple months so why not. If they even lasted four months I would be #winning, right?!

My first pair, matte black, I decided to size up based on the sizing recommendations (only available in whole sizes) and they were comfortable but a little big in the heel, but not noticeably. I started wearing them consistently on travel days where I walk around 5,000 steps in a few hours. No issues. I bought a second pair in clover green down a size. They were perfect! After a year neither pair looked severely worn, have held together and are still as comfortable as the first time input them on. In June and September I walked 3 miles around Las Vegas and my feet didn’t bother me at all. Recently I splurged on a pair called lovestruck, multicolored, that add a bit of flair to every outfit. I also don’t have significant toe cleavage, an annoyance of mine. 


Of course, if I travel with the kids I will wear my sketchers flex appeal, toms or adidas baseline sneaker if I’m not in my reef or rainbows flip flops. 

I haven’t found consistent, durable, cute and comfy shoes to wear in the winter to some of my less desirable climates but I’m working on it! These brands are my go to but I would love to hear about other recommendations. 

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Dear Non-traveler,

I recognize you from a mile away. I can see you reading all the signs before you even get up to the airport door, fumbling around, blocking the entrance. I see you, hesitating to check your bag wondering which counter to go to. I am so glad that I paid the extra fee to get Pre Check and I cringe, sometimes viscerally, when it’s closed. I watch you take 11 bins and unpack half your suitcase, which will inevitably contain 1 large (full) tube of toothpaste. I will wait patiently behind you, smiling, reminding you that you have to take out liquids and remove your shoes. It’s not that I have a secret wish to be a TSA agent, I really just want coffee before my flight and more than likely I got here with only about 15 min to spare because I assumed Pre Check would be open. 

I watch you ask for directions to your gate even if there are 3 signs and 2 sets of monitors. I listen to you talk to the agent about whether or not you have a seat. (On Southwest flights, this part is the best) I wait when the gate attendant talks about preboarding to watch how quickly you line up even though you are probably in zone 8 and won’t board for 40 more minutes. (Again on Southwest, I have seen so many people confused by the cattle call that is the boarding process – how difficult is it to understand A comes first, then B and last C – which stands for Center, no you can’t make people move, if you wanted an aisle or window you should have paid the $40 for early bird (ok, $15) or business select) I listen as you try to convince that same agent that your purse doesn’t count as an extra carry on, even though here have been about 262 announcements that prepare you. 

As you board the plane I watch you attempt to shove suitcases that obviously will not fit into the overhead compartment and then watch you leave it there for the flight attendant to handle. I see you fumbling around trying to figure out where to sit or where your seat is. I watch you ignore the safety information (or intently read the section around water evacuation when we are flying from Nebraska to Chicago). I watch you as the plane begins to take off and hits air pockets on the way up, breathing deep but still managing to take pictures out the window.  I hear you ask for a sparkling water and get frustrated if it isn’t your brand. I see you. I watch you stand at the front of the plane waiting to use the tiniest bathroom ever when, if you had just paid attention to the safety commentary you would know you can’t congregate up front. 

I love how you ignore the fact that I have earbuds in, am reading, watching a movie or working. You still ask me 30 questions about where I’m from or where I’m going. You don’t hesitate to tell me your whole life story. I listen to you complain about the cabin temperature. Usually, being too cold – a way to keep nausea down. Trust me, this is a benefit for all of us! You sometimes tell the flight attendants they need to get the speaker system fixed or turned up bc you couldn’t hear the captain’s announcements. They don’t mock you or tell you it’s because your ears haven’t popped and you won’t be able to hear for another 45 min after you land. 

When we land you jump up and try to get in the aisle ahead of at least 3 rows. Didn’t anyone tell you it’s proper etiquette to wait until your row is next – unless of course the flight attendants make special arrangements because you have a tight connection and, well, that’s good customer service. 

I see you non traveler. I’m sure I made some of the same mistakes as you once. All I ask is that you don’t cause a scene, don’t jeopardize my flight leaving on time and please get out of my way on the jet bridge when my bag arrives so I can get home. 

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7 P’s of Packing

Air travel is not an option for me, nor is it a luxury, it’s part of my job. The word ‘part’ is used loosely since I live in a city that is not currently in my Region. In fact, the closest company that I support is four hours away. The furthest would take 23 hours driving – if I didn’t stop for bathroom breaks. And let’s be real for a minute, my bladder is about the size of a hummingbird so now we both know I have no intentions of driving to Boise, Idaho – unless I’m on some kind of road trip extravaganza where I’m seeking out the best attractions possible. (Curious of what those might be: Click Here)

Most of my trips average three nights away from home and anywhere from two to six flights a week depending on the number of cities I plan to visit. I take one carry on bag and one backpack on every trip. When I first started traveling consistently I found that I unnecessarily overpacked and consistently brought things I never used, had overstuffed suitcases, at times had to purchase additional luggage or check bags if I bought any items.  Over the course of three weeks I tracked what I used most often and what I could live without for a few days.

Proper Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance so I start with the backpack filled with what I deem Work Essentials. Most of these items (sans large electronics) stay in my bag full time and I purchase a second set for home if needed.  This ensures I don’t have to repack every week before I leave and can use that extra time to get a few extra snuggles or giggles with my girls.

  • Cell Phone (and charger)
  • Wristlet or Wallet – Large enough to carry phone and essentials
  • Laptop (and charger)
  • Spiral Bound Planner (Yes, I’m old school but this Best Planner Ever  is perfect for taking notes and writing down messages throughout the day)
  • Portable Charger
  • 2 Quart Size Ziplock Bags
    • Charger cords, mifi & cord, earbuds x2, portable mouse, thumb drive & wireless presenter
    • Common Medicine: Excedrin Migrane, Day/NightQuil, Melatonin, Bonine (motion), vitamins, Aleve, Chapstick, hand/surface sanitizer wipes
  • IPad or Tablet
  • Snacks: Fruit, Granola, Almonds
  • Scarf
  •  Oddball items – 1-2 Magazines or Books, Thank You notes, 2-4 pens, hairties, sunglasses & case, work badge, gloves

Then I focus on the wardrobe essentials. My position is business casual and I have a relatively classic style. I also visit several different climates as I cover from Fargo, North Dakota to Albuquerque, New Mexico so checking the weather is a MUST before I leave. A good friend and colleague once told me, “There is no bad weather only bad clothing/shoes.”

Side story:  Not that long ago, was caught in Mounds View, MN with peep toe wedges, no gloves or hat in 3 feet of snow. It’s a good thing all cars in the North come with a scraper for your car but no so good when it takes a few hours for the feeling in your extremities to return.

I digress, when I think about packing I start with the shoes – appropriate for the weather – and work backwards. I use a Samsonite Lightweight 21″ spinner. For a typical 3 night, 2 city, fall trip I would pack the following clothing items:

  • 2 Pair of Dark Slacks / 1 Pair Jeans
  • 3 Camisoles/1 Bra/4 Pair Underwear/Socks (dependent on Shoes)
  • 3 Blouses (*Always have 1 extra shirt in case of an incident)
  • 1 Sweater (To be worn over Cami or Blouse or in the event of chilly offices)
  • 1 Blazer (White is my favorite)
  • 1 Dress (tights if necessary)
  • Tieks (Best Walking Flats)
  • Black Pumps

Optional For Exercise

  • Tennis Shoes
  • 1 Pair Running Shorts / 1 Pair Yoga Pants (If you run everyday or sweat consistently then add 1)
  • 2 Sports Bras (See note above)
  • 3 Athletic Tops
  • 1 Travel/Folding Yoga Mat 

I also have a Cosmetic Bag that holds makeup essentials, contacts, deodorant, wide tooth comb, and toiletries.  I have a separate jewelry bag that I add a few statement pieces. I always try to wear no more than 3 pieces of jewelry including a watch. (BTW – Bracelets count as 1).

**Anytime I am flying with the twins I check our largest suitcase with clothes and my carry on (I use a Weekender Bag) has these items:

  • Phone (cord and portable charger)
  • SNACKS
  • Pull Ups/Extra Panties
  • Flushable Wipes
  • SNACKS (Fruit, PB&J, trail mix)
  • Kids Tablets (power cords, ear phones – the big ones that cover their ears in the most popular kids print – Find some Here)
  • Extra Shirts/Shorts or Leggings (For me and each child)
  • Pullover (Each Child)
  • Scarf (For me)
  • SNACKS
  • Water Cups (to refill at anytime – TAKE these through security EMPTY)
  • Medicine Quart Bag (From my normal travel bag but I add Children’s Tylenol, Dramamine, and vitamins) *Extra hand sanitizing wipes
  • Coloring books & Crayons
  • 2-3 Paperback Books (Child)
  • SNACKS (I cannot stress how important this has been in my travel experience with kids)

At the end of the day it is easy to overpack, even if you are only going overnight but I have rarely found myself in a position where I had to purchase something I couldn’t live without.  Happy Packing.