Every year around this time in the Northern Hemisphere, the gray skies that often bring coastal fog as thick as a wool blanket and damp evenings fresh with moss scented stone from afternoon rain begin to recede as the sun emerges on a more regular basis. The taste of Summer is an ice cream cone lick away, yet the dwindle of an airy Spring fresh with emerging flowers and opportunity lingers in each hour. Four years now from the very beginning of a global pandemic, it’s tempting to pretend like life has resumed as if the misfortune and devastation were only an inconvenient pause. Pretend as we may, traveling has evolved and shows no signs of returning to its former costs or accessibility. We also know more about the effects mass tourism can have on the environment as well as various cultural impacts. According to Charles Darwin, evolution is survival. More so, a species ability to adapt to their evolving environment is also- you guessed it, survival. On a planet in flux with 1.9 billion traveling humans each year, how do we adapt mindfully to the evolution of travel? Do we choose our escapes based on survival or revival? There may not be one correct answer, but we have some ideas for you when pennies are pinched, desperation strikes and burnout menacingly lurks around the corner.

     C.O.O. When my mother first mentioned that she was going to attempt this for an upcoming trip to Hawaii, many possibilities of what this acronym could mean flashed through my mind. Cocktails On the Ocean (cue Sade)? Chief Operating Officer (she is the mother, afterall)? The answer was neither. “Carry On Only. C.O.O.” she replied. As a lightpacker myself, the idea of carry-on only was neither new nor challenging to me. But observing an overflow of bags at the check-in counter and, upon arrival in Hawaii, a long line of tourists awaiting the car rental shuttle with suitcases stacked as high as they were tall, I quickly realized that cramming a life into a suitcase was more the norm than C.O.O. for most. For those dreaming of lighter travel, zipping through lines, and all around faster moves, I will tell you from personal experience that it is all possible with one simple rule: versatility. Take a body grazing linen dress from INIZIO, for example. During the day, a GOLDHAWK tee layered underneath this linen dress and a pair of your most comfortable sneakers are perfect for exploring. By night, ditch the shirt, bare your sun-kissed shoulders and slip into strappy sandals (ideally lightweight!) If you get chilly, the MAISON HOTEL Pareo that you equip as your cozy neck scarf and pillow against the window of the plane will serve you here as a beautiful wrap. It can even triple-down as a beach cover-up or a casual skirt with an easy vibe. And the tee you wore on Monday under the linen dress? Well, there’s no day like a Wednesday to pair it with some denim trousers. Hot Tip: You can always find a washing machine nearby- or at the very least a sink and a packet of Tide from a bodega. Taking the time to think through each piece's potential will free your soul, mind and spirit, not to mention some time and few pounds in cargo. The days of wrestling with your suitcase can be packed away for good. It’s time to adapt and survive, like our good man Darwin would say.

     When the time comes to decide on your next departure, there is always much to consider. Are you planning a roadtrip through the Southwest? A scenic train through Switzerland and France? Ocean Lining through the islands of Fiji? RV’ing through America’s National Parks? Wherever the wild wind might blow your desires for escape, consider the weather, terrain, day trips, nightlife and bucket list stops. Challenge your overdoing self with a more thoughtful approach. The zippers of your luggage will thank you and you may even feel like you did, in fact pull off your greatest escape yet.