Athletic-Minded Traveler

Whether traveling across town or across the world, you need essentials on your person for the day or as long as you have the urge to explore. Athletic-minded traveler Jake has advice.

Why should you follow his advice? Because Jake has been traveling the world NON-STOP for the last 5 years. Okay, Jake, tell us what you have learned.

After the travel plans have been made, the fun of packing for the excursion begins. While I want to be active and ready for anything, I know I need to be strategic about what to pack, how to pack it, and most important, where to pack it. 

The fanny pack (or crossbody bag) is often all I need, and it took me FIVE purchases to settle on the one I have now. I see no reason to experiment any more!  This Aikendo, has the size, durability, and storage options to make it a sensible, budget friendly option that one can use 365 days of the year.

Especially when on day trips or on an airplane when I've checked a bag, I can lighten my load by using this bag only. Here's how I do it. 

• In the front zippered pocket I carry my keys, a credit card, some cash in the currency of the country I am traveling in, and my noise-canceling earbuds in their hard case.
• The second pocket has plenty of space for my Google Fi, Pixel 6, my mobile device of choice. 
• In the bottom of this pocket I carry a small pen. (Some countries may still require you to complete some forms upon arrival.)
• In the third hidden inside pocket, I carry spare currency from other countries. (At the moment I have US and Canadian dollars.)
• The fourth and final pocket is home to my debit card, a spare credit card and some sort of ID, and if and when needed, my passport and my hard copy vaccine information.
• Bonus, even with the above items packed, I have room for a small tube of sunscreen, chapstick and a protein bar.

I love this bag. I use it when I go walking, cycling, hiking...pretty much it is on me when I leave my "home" and head out into the world.  The zippers are sturdy and the straps are easily adjusted and stay in place! I haven't had to wash it yet, but I have cleaned it with a wet cloth. Still looks great after 2 months of constant use. 

Get it! My bag is the black one below :) 

About Jake:

Jacob Daniel Goertzen grew up on a Mennonite farm in Canada. He worked in the lumber industry, owned a trucking company, and began a hockey career as a volunteer bus driver. He eventually became the Chief Scout for the Tampa Bay Lightning, touring the world searching for talent and playing a part in winning The Stanley Cup in 2004. Post hockey life, Jake became a Bikram Yoga teacher and full-time, budget-conscious traveler.