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Our Backpack
Why I'm Ditching My Water Bottle For Good

Our Backpack

Why I'm Ditching My Water Bottle For Good

For years, I’ve maintained a love-hate relationship with reusable water bottles. I appreciate my water bottles because they’re practical, sustainable, and generally good for my health. My issue with them — and I’ve tested several over the years — is they’re extremely cumbersome, especially when it comes to travel. They’re also short-lived; I’ve broken glass water bottles, dented aluminum ones, and lost more than I can count. All this time that I’ve been using, losing, and breaking water bottles

This Japanese Eye Mask Is the Ultimate Jet Lag Antidote and My Go-to For Quick Self-Care

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This Japanese Eye Mask Is the Ultimate Jet Lag Antidote and My Go-to For Quick Self-Care

Traveling from New York to Asia is no small feat. Depending on how many layovers you have and that huge time change, it does a number on the body. After one extremely long flight to Japan in March 2017, with a brief layover in Toronto, I arrived in Tokyo. Narita Airport was completely packed with travelers trying to figure out their way around, as I stood on a chair — a huge no-no in a country that puts respect above all else — desperately trying to get enough reception to get an Uber. I had pla

How This Rolling Backpack Made Traveling More Seamless for Me

Our Backpack

How This Rolling Backpack Made Traveling More Seamless for Me

It’s late afternoon in a rural Thai beach resort. The sun is shining, but the monsoon rains of a few hours before have soaked the road, washing mud into potholes and creating wide, shimmering puddles. The bus has dropped us some way from the hotel, and we’re slowly splashing our way over, luggage in tow. My friend, strapped into her backpack, shoots me a puzzled look. How will I drag my suitcase through the water without getting my stuff wet? Thankfully, the bag I brought with me is my secret w

This Travel-Friendly Natural Deodorant Is the Best I've Ever Tried

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This Travel-Friendly Natural Deodorant Is the Best I've Ever Tried

As a self-proclaimed ingredient snob, I’ve tried a ton of all-natural beauty and hygiene products. But the most difficult category to find a good option, in my opinion? All-natural deodorants. I’ve found that organic soaps lather and natural moisturizers moisturize, but most body-healthy deodorants fail to keep you feeling dry and smelling fresh. After several years of searching, however, I’ve found the exception: Lume

Everything You Need to Know About Fondue

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Everything You Need to Know About Fondue

The Alps are a beloved ski destination for three primary reasons: steep slopes, gorgeous scenery, and cheese fondue. The popular dish is found in many restaurants throughout the French and Swiss Alps, and is one of the best meals to consume after a long day on the slopes. Derived from the French word fondre, meaning “to melt,” fondue takes melted cheese to a whole new level. Here’s everything you need to know about the classic Swiss dish. History of Fondue Photo by stockcreations.

The Reusable Alternative Making My Packed Lunches Eco-Friendly

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The Reusable Alternative Making My Packed Lunches Eco-Friendly

When I’m home (which is relatively often — I’ve been working remotely since 2016, after all), I’ve got the eco-friendly thing down pat. I store all my leftovers in reusable, locking glass containers. I use wool dryer balls instead of disposable fabric-softening sheets. I drink my smoothies out of mason jars using bamboo straws. Now that I’ve reduced waste at home, however, I’ve noticed that when I do leave the house,