Advice

How To

A lot of the time travel guides will tell you the most popular places to see, eat, dance, play, drink, even a brief history lesson around the place, telling you why it’s worthwhile to visit.

But rarely do I see them telling you what to bring.

Especially if you’re new to the game of travel, packing can be a daunting task. Whether you’re moving into a hotel for a week, a dorm for a year, traveling with work for a month, or moving to a new home there are ways to make things easier on yourself. Here are some tips for efficient packing.

1) Boxing

If you’re boxing your things, I recommend first checking your local grocery store to see whether they just got any shipments in. They’ll most likely have collapsed cardboard boxes they’re willing to give you. Once you have your boxes, your first step is to gather materials. You’ll most likely need:

  • Packing tape
  • cling wrap
  • paper
  • bubble wrap

Note: DO NOT USE STYROFOAM PACKING PEANUTS! They do not provide the padded protection they promise. They’re only an extra hassle to clean, while being made from one of the most harmful materials to the environment made by man.

Instead, gather your clean linens, including towels, comforters and mattress pads. As you pack a box with fragile items use them to pad each individual dish and glass. The key to optimizing this protection is to keep each object from touching each other, as well as the walls or floor of the box. As you pack the box, periodically shake what you’ve packed, gently. Listen for any clinking sounds, and if you hear them, find which things touched and add extra padding between them. As long as you don’t hear any sounds of fragile material hitting fragile material, you will not unpack the box to find anything broken.

When taping a box, particularly if it’s heavy, don’t just tape the seams. The weakest points of the box’s floor are halfway between the edges and the center seam. Taping these parts of the bottom of the box, making it so there are three strips of tape at the bottom of each one, reinforces the box.

Delicate decor such as china and porcelain should be wrapped in bubble wrap. Paintings and posters should be wrapped in cling wrap. If you’re soliciting the help of professional movers and would prefer privacy over more valuable items, they can be wrapped in packing paper.

2) Packing a Car/Trailer

If you’re packing a car or a trailer put boxes with more fragile contents, oddly shaped objects, and heavier boxes towards the front. The front experiences less shifting while turning. Lighter boxes should be put towards the back.

3) Packing a Suitcase

To save space in your suitcase, fold your clothes in half the long way, then roll them into cylinders. Keep toiletries separate in a plastic bag. A shower caddy is often useful for not forgetting anything in your temporary space. If you’re traveling by plane, be sure your toiletries are either in a bag you plan to check, or are in travel-sized bottles. If you’re packing light in order to save money on checking for an overseas trip, you can find travel sized toiletry bottles marked TSA approved on Amazon.

4) Traveling with Pets

There is always a risk to traveling with pets, even if they are seasoned to being in a car. Bring all of their normal food, water and treats, as well as a leash, and bags and bags and towels for any leavings. You should have sealable bags to prevent smell, and if it’s a short trip, of course take them outside before you leave, for less chance of an issue later.

If you are traveling with a pet on a plane make sure you’ve called your airline beforehand to understand their regulations. There are TSA Approved travel kennels available at PetSmart. Be sure to have trained your pet to be comfortable in this crate long before travel, and consult your vet on whether they believe your pet might benefit from an anti-anxiety medication for the ride. If you would like more assurance of safety, organize your pet’s trip plan with an organization like PetRelocation.

5) Settling Into a Hotel

There is a luggage rack in every hotel room closet to store your suitcase. I don’t recommend putting your clothes in the dressers, both because you’re less likely to leave them behind after the trip and because I don’t always trust the dressers’ cleanliness. In the same vein, before sleeping, lift the linens off of one corner of the bed. If there is any blackness in the corner of the mattress, there are bedbugs, and you should ask to be moved rooms immediately.

I hope these tips help make your trip more enjoyable!

 

 

 

Feature

Disclaimer: This feature is based on a trip before the Covid-19 Pandemic.

European sailors observed the sport of surfing for the first time in 1769, but historians believe the art of wave-catching dates back to ancient Polynesia. Duke Kahanamoku, a legendary surfer, introduced the sport to the world during the twentieth century and now surfers can be spotted catching waves all over the world. Somehow or another, the sport traveled up to Canada and the hamlet of Tofino became the country’s only surf town. Today, Tofino is a hotspot for North American surfers with a climate that doesn’t always feel that way.

I learned about Tofino while living in British Colombia and I knew I had to check the place out before leaving Canada. I didn’t know how to surf at the time, truth be told I still don’t, but that didn’t stop me from planning a very impulsive trip. Friends joined in, I called in sick, and before we knew it we left the mountains and headed for the beaches.

There is something uniquely fun about traveling long distances without a car. It forces you to engage with the world around you and rely on your problem-solving skills to acquire transportation. With this at heart, my travel companion, Daisy, and I used a smartphone to download a ride-share application to which we hired a ride to Horseshoe Bay. Ok, we kind of wimped out on that one. Coming off our culturally rich car ride, we purchased two tickets for the ferry bound for Vancouver Island. To Daisy’s dismay, I decided to use the remaining ten minutes before the ferry departed to grab a coffee from Tim Hortons across the street. In my opinion, traveling in Canada is not done properly without a visit to the country’s famous coffee chain. I don’t think Daisy shared this sentiment as I quite literally was the last person to get on the boat.

The ferry, which runs daily, is enormous. Three levels of passenger decks sit overhead a massive hanger where cars and trucks await to drive again on solid land. The trip takes about an hour and we spent the entirety of it on the top deck, looking for whales. Whales are spotted often by Vancouverites and an hour-long journey on the Pacific Ocean seemed to be our best bet to catch a glimpse of these sea mammals.  Sadly, no whales felt like breaching that day.

View from the top deck of the Ferry

At around 4 pm, we docked at the small port city of Nanaimo and made our way to the hostel. Nanaimo is a hard-working city that has its fair share of quirks and family-owned shops. We spent our evening at the waterfront, continuing our search for whales.

The next morning, we planned to make our way to Tofino. With our backpacks on, we walked straight to the nearest rental car service and forked over some cash. There is something uniquely fun about traveling long distances with a car. You have the freedom to go anywhere and do anything that you please. On this particular three-hour drive from Nanaimo to Tofino, we did just that.

We found ourselves stopping every thirty minutes or so to experience the beauty that Vancouver Island has to offer. Waterfalls and streams run alongside the highway, beckoning us to pull over and explore. Massive Douglas Fir trees surround the road, as Vancouver Island is part of the Pacific Coast Forest, the densest forest in the world. We had to make a stop at The Cathedral Grove, a provincial park with trees measuring as tall as 240 feet.

Me standing inside a Douglas Fir Tree

It took us more than three hours to get to Tofino, but the drive had turned out to be the best part of the adventure thus far. We stopped in the nearby town of Ucluelet and reunited with some old friends who decided to move there for the summer. Ucluelet is a gorgeous town situated right on the shoreline. The housing is sparse, so our friends would spend the entire summer living out of their tent. We could understand why, like many others, our friends sacrificed their comfort to live in such a breathtaking place.

View of the Ocean in Ucluelet

Following in their footsteps, we set up camp right on a beach in Tofino. I highly recommend staying at Bella Pacifica campground for an amazing experience. A trip to the local brewery quickly put us to bed and we dozed off to the thought of riding big waves.

On par with being in a rainforest, the clouds above Tofino sent us some freezing rain in the morning. I began to question how we were going to stay warm in the water. The surf pros had a solution that came in the form of 5mm thick wetsuits with hoods and booties. Covered head to toe in thick neoprene, Daisy and I carried our surfboards down to Cox Bay. Before heading into the waves, Daisy tried to give me a few pointers on the beach. I practiced “popping up” onto my board while lying on the sand. It was definitely going to be a challenge in the water.

It seemed like I was the only person on the beach who did not know how to surf. The cold water helps discourage the crowd of eager tourists. I was shocked to learn that the winter season in Tofino brings the best waves, a phenomenon that benefits those most committed to the sport. Eager to join the ranks of wave riding individuals, I made my way into the water. I immediately forgot everything Daisy taught me as I got blasted by saltwater. I would be lying if I wasn’t cold or in pain, but the beauty of the whole experience made me forget about all those things. For three hours I practiced standing on the board. The training I did with Daisy on the sand began to come back to me and on the final wave of the day, I stood up!

Retiring back to the campsite after a long day of surfing, I couldn’t have been happier with my decision to embark on this impulsive trip. The beauty of Canada is incomparable and being able to experience it with friends far from home is beyond special. I didn’t do much planning for this adventure but it sure had plans in store for me and my friends. I think that is the best way to travel. Your trip to Tofino may look and sound a lot different than mine, but I can assure you it will come with some gorgeous views and unforgettable surprises.

And, hopefully, you’ll spot some whales for me and Daisy.

Me, Daisy, and some friends enjoying the evening on the beach

 

How To

Pulling up to that small patch of open land in the middle of the forest can be riveting. You open the car door to the smells of damp Earth, evergreen, perhaps even remnants of a campfire. The sun sparkles through the trees and you think “this is what they mean by the great outdoors”. You may even begin to wonder why you don’t camp more often, until you remember– we have to set up that darned tent.

Setting up a tent can be frustrating. Whether it is your first time spending the night outdoors, you’re introducing your kids to the wilderness, or you are hoping to avoid a fight on that romantic outdoor getaway, we have all the tips to setting a tent without tearing your spirts down.

Woman takes a deep breath in the outdoors to relax
Take a deep breath. Credit: The New York Times
  1. Take a Deep Breath

Look around, remember where you are. Perhaps you are here to reconnect with nature and relax, or are maybe getting a good nights rest before a pack day of oudoor adventures. Either way, this tent is your home for the night. Setting it up can be a headache, but with your goals in mind, the process an go smoothly. Take a deep breath of mountain air and get ready to roll.

Little kid picks up sticks at the campsite
Gather sticks for the fire. Credit: GetOutWithTheKids.com
  1. Delegate

Before even toughing the tent, it might be a good idea to assign roles to everyone in your camping party. Tents rarely require more than two people to assemble so there is no need to over complicate it. If you have little ones running around or extra friends along for the ride, suggest they collect sticks around the campsite to start a fire later or have them unload the car to distract them. Now that it is just you and a partner, or if you are taking on this task solo, you can focus in on what needs to get done.

The items to build a tent include poles and tarp are laid out.
Items for tent assembly laid out. Credit: FreshAirJunky.com
  1. Locate all Items Needed for Tent Assembly

Tents typically include a ground mat, the tent itself, tent poles, a rain tarp, steaks, and instructions. Locate each of these items and lay them out in an easy to access location so you don’t have to scramble for them when you need them. Laying them out beforehand can help eliminate stress when each item needs to go into the tent.

Woman prepares to put a rain tarp over her tent
Putting on the rain tarp. Credit: NC State Parks on YouTube
  1. Get Down to Building

This is where those instructions will come in handy. Read them over once and then keep them nearby for reference. Generally, assembling a tent will involve setting down the ground mat, laying down the tent, inserting the tent polls, attaching the rain tarp, and securing the tent with steaks. However, each tent is unique and may have its own specific requirements. Remember, it is okay to rely on instructions or even a how-to site like WikiHow’s How to Set Up a Tent (With Pictures). When frustration arises, check back in with your instructions to get the job done.

From the inside of the tent you see out into the mountains with a gorgeous sunset.
Relax in your newly set up tent! Credit: Self.com
  1. Celebrate Your Accomplishment

For many of us, setting up a tent is no simple feat. Whether the process went smoothly or had some bumps along the way, don’t forget to pat yourself on the back. If you set the tent up with a partner, thank them for their work. Now that the worst of it is over, you can sit back, roast some marshmallows, and crack open a beer by the fire. Relax, you’re camping now!

Listicle

I know. It seems like we have been in lockdown forever. And even worse, it sometimes feels like we’ll never get out of it. I want to stress that right now, it is so important to socially distance and stay safe. But, one day these dark times will be memory, and on that day, these are a few things I’ve missed that I’m going to do ASAP:

1) Red Rocks Amphitheater

I have still never been able to see a like show at Red Rocks, a very well-known outdoor venue for live concerts and shows amidst the red clay rock of the mountain. Once it opens back up you’ll see me there!

2) Denver Performing Arts Center

As a performer, I’ve missed being able to dress up, sit in a theater, and watch the shows I hope to be in one day. Some shows scheduled in the 2021 season that I’m dying to see include My Fair Lady, Hamilton, Hadestown, Dear Evan Hansen, and so many more (it is a fantastic line-up!) Be sure to pre-order spots for some of your favorites!

3) The Church

The Church is a club, built into a church. (The irony!) Different dance floors (on different levels of the building) have different DJs playing different genres of music. Whether you’re the one who’ll be dancing (or in my case more like thrashing) all night, or the one who’ll just happily pick a floor and listen with a drink at the bar, The Church is a unique clubbing experience. So once it’s safe, grab a group of friends and spice up your weekend to celebrate that you made it through this pandemic!

 

Listicle

For many University of Denver students, one of the largest draws to the campus is, without fail, the spectacular view of the Rocky Mountains. With mountains lining the Western sky, Denver is celebrated for its stunning sunsets.

The trick is finding that perfect spot to catch that mountain view, but with an ever-changing campus and several locations to choose from, it can be easy to find yourself frustrated with your options. Fortunately, current DU seniors have scoured the area for nearly four years, providing you with the five best places to enjoy everything a University of Denver sunset has to offer.

Sunset over Denvers Washington Park LakeImage taken at Washington Park Centennial Halls from Pinterest.com/AshStrick5280

5. Washington Park

Located a mile North of the University of Denver campus, Washington park provides spectators with an opportunity to experience beauty in an adventure off campus. With mountains and trees filling in the backdrop, the magical look is complete with a clear lake reflecting the world within. If you come in the spring and summer months, you may even see birds landing in the lake, adding to the sense of wilderness that one may find for a moment in the midst of a city scape.

Sunset over Rocky Mountains from Centennial HallsImage taken from the 10th floor of Centennial Halls by Alex Koon

4. Centennial Halls 10thFloor

For many first-year students, making the decision to live in one residence hall or another can be a headache. However, living in Centennial Halls (or befriending someone who does) sure comes with its benefits. Any resident may venture up to the 10thfloor lobby to witness the spectacular view of both the mountains and the city skyline. With a collection of shorter buildings in Denver, a 10-story residence hall is a treat for any site seeker.

Sunset over University of Denver CampusImage taken from the 5th floor of the SIE Complex from DU.edu

3. The SIE Complex 5thFloor

The SIE Complex is accessible to all DU community members, providing anyone with the opportunity to venture up to the striking 5thfloor. The modern building provides comfortable couches and billowing windows to watch the night sky creep in. In addition to the classic mountain view, sunset lovers also witness the picturesque view of the University of Denver campus from above, adding to the beauty of the sunset sky.

Pink sunset from Denver's Kunming ParkImage taken at Kunming Park by Alex Koon

2. Kunming Park

Most any warm Denver night, Kunming Park is filled with picnic blankets and photographers alike, all hoping to enjoy a near perfect view of the gorgeous mountain sky. Just West of the DU Campus, Kunming Park sits atop a small hill, creating the perfect opportunity for mountains to peak above the bustling neighborhood, an almost rare site from the ground in the University area.

Sunset from Evans Parking GarageImage taken from the Evans Parking Garage by Alex Koon

1. The Evans Parking Garage

Located on the Southeast corner of Evans and High street, the Evans Parking Garage is accessible for anyone to venture to the top. The steep incline combined with the open air provides a perfect 360 view of all that Denver has to offer. With mountains to the West, downtown to the North, and DU Campus to the East, it seems as though this entire sliver of the world is dazzled with color. At the top of the Evans Parking Garage, you are guaranteed to find beauty in any direction.

Listicle

Local businesses are booming here in Denver, especially clothing boutiques. As a fashion lover myself, I have spent my fair share of time visiting the local clothing stores Denver has to offer.

I have compiled a list of my personal favorites, differing in location, style, and price point in hopes to offer a well-rounded shopping experience!

  1. Melrose and Madison
Image taken from instagram.com/melroseandmadison

The first that comes to mind is named Melrose and Madison, which features an expansive space, which is impressive for a boutique. It is on the premium side of shopping because it carries designer brands, which come with a higher price point. I buy my denim from here because they carry the brand names I prefer, like Mother Denim and Agolde. I feel good about supporting a local shop as opposed to a department store. It is located on Old South Pearl Street, a popular place to dine, walk, and shop. Their website is currently down, but their Instagram can be found here. 

2. Pinks Denver

Image taken from https://pinksdenver.godaddysites.com/

The second store I recommend checking out is called Pinks from LA. Trendy styles “straight from L.A.” prompt an appeal to a younger crowd. Many high school and college girls shop here because of this, and because of the reasonable prices, uncommon to see at boutiques. I shop here when I need a dress for an occasion, or just if I want a new top, and I can count on not overspending. They have lots to choose from and are constantly getting in new arrivals! This shop can be found on University Blvd, in between the I-25 exit and Cherry Creek area. Stalk their Instagram here.

3. Patterns and Pops

Image taken from instragram.com/patternsandpops

Next up is this bright shop which claims to have “sweet treats for your closet” featuring bright and unique styles for women of all ages. They carry baby and kids clothes too! They keep prices on the affordable side, without sacrificing quality. Their Instagram is very popular, especially for their try-on parties, which are helpful in seeing the clothes on a person! Patterns & Pops is on a busy block near Downtown Denver, in Lohi.

4. W Boutique

Image taken from instagram.com/wboutiquedenver

W prides themself on “East Coast meets West Coast fashion” with everything under $100. They carry a variety of styles and cater to woman of all ages. For example, I consistently find things I like here, and my mom also picks out stuff she would wear! This local boutique actually boasts two locations in the Denver area, one on Old South Gaylord Street near Wash Park, and the other in Southeast Denver off of Happy Canyon Road, near Cherry Hills. See their Instagram here. 

5. Meraki Moon

Image taken from instagram.com/shopmerakimoon

Lastly, I recommend stopping at this boho-inspired boutique  It is a cozy shop with carefree, yet aesthetically pleasing merchandising. They carry a range of brands, meaning the prices vary. Personally, I remember seeing a few designer brands with a higher price tag, but they also have sales! I scored a brand name tee shirt for $20! Wedged in a strip of local businesses, you can stop by Meraki Moon in the up and coming River North neighborhood in Denver. Check out their Instagram here . 

Review

1000 Acoma Street
Denver, CO 80204 CO

Plants are lined up along a store front with a cute yellow wall and a big red umbrella

Plant Garage is a plant lovers paradise! They have a wide variety of plants, including an outdoor section filled with native Colorado plants and succulents, as well as an indoor section with house plant favorites such as pothos, spider plants and a variety of rare plants. Located in downtown Denver off of North Broadway, the intimate shop gives you a real feel for the flare of Denver with its cute yellow walls and local, handmade plant holders. Despite the store itself being somewhat small, the uniqueness and quality of the plants makes it worth the trip. When I walked into the shop, I immediately fell in love with a particularly large Arboricola, a small, tree like house plant. Unfortunately, it was out of my price range due to its size. However, the staff were incredibly helpful, directing me towards a smaller, more affordable version of the same plant. Additionally, they gave me tips on how to support rapid growth and provided the store’s email address, noting that I could reach out at any time for all my plant related questions. The friendly employee reminded me, “we are plant people, were here to help keep your plants alive.” In the end, the healthy, foot tall Arboricola I purchased came to a total of $13. Overall, reasonable prices, helpful staff, and a great selection.