Aventura ambassador and travel writer Heather Mundt of Momfari knows a thing or two about the struggles of packing. From Cancun’s beaches to Colorado’s mountains, Heather’s suitcase has taken her to all sorts of destinations (and climates). Fortunately, she has a few tips to share from her many trips.
Fewer tasks are more daunting to me as a family-travel writer than packing for a trip. Whether heading to a warm-weather destination, traveling to colder climates, or landing somewhere in between, I’ve yet to perfect the craft some 15 years into my career.
But that’s precisely why I became an Aventura Ambassador: Despite my inability as a packing expert, I can always count on a few standby pieces to get me through any trip. Regardless of where I’ve visited this summer, from beachside to mountaintop, these Aventura styles have been my go-to traveling companions:
Amberly Dress (Black)—Aventura dresses are often my favorite every spring season because I can wear one for a neighborhood cocktail party, a semi-dressy professional event or any warm-weather vacation. My favorite pick for this season is the Amberly Dress, it’s lightweight and easy to roll up in my suitcase—just the LBD I needed for dinner one night at the Seadust Cancun Family Resort.
Who needs formalwear when you can jump for joy in this Amberly Dress (on the beautiful beaches of Cancun)?
Applegate Short (Gravel)—It’s no exaggeration to say these shorts have been my EVERYTHING this summer. Not only have I worn this pair at least weekly since the Colorado weather has been warm, but the shorts have traveled with me from Mexico’s beaches to my home state’s Rocky Mountains.
On a recent trip to Crested Butte, for instance—a former coal-mining town and “last great Colorado ski town” recognized as the gateway to some of the best recreation the state has to offer—I wore the Applegate religiously. In a town known as the Wildflower Capital of Colorado (about 230 miles southwest of Denver), replete with rugged peaks and legendary mountain-biking trails, it’s an outdoor-lovers playground. This style was perfect for any activity because it’s comfortable and lightweight for hiking, yet sturdy enough to endure all manner of adventure, including when I accidentally dumped my bike on a steep hill of thorny wildflowers. (We both survived!)
Biking through the wildflower-filled backdrop of Crested Butte, Colorado in the Applegate Short.
Blakely Tank (Pagoda Blue)—Lightweight and airy with a stylish fit and eye-catching pattern, this shirt was a good option for the 5-mile hike from the top of Crested Butte’s Red Lady chairlift to the summit of the town’s iconic peak, Mt. Crested Butte. If you’re not into hiking, it’s also a perfect style for being outdoors or simply enjoying some beers in town with friends.
Fiji Tie-Dye Tank (Silver Lining)—The perfect combination of style and whimsy, this is the shirt I pick when nothing else seems right, i.e., roughly every other day! I wish I’d bought one in every color and it is, hands down, my favorite top from Spring 2018.
The Fiji Tie-Dye Tank is my favorite Spring 2018 piece for anything, including day trips to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park–America’s only mountaintop theme park–located in Glenwood Springs, Colorado (about 62 miles west of Vail). Pictured: riding the gravity-defying Glenwood Canyon Flyer, which includes panoramic (and heart-stopping) views of the canyon.
Shelton Camp Shirt (Porcelain Green)—During a June trip to Montana and Yellowstone National Park with Austin Adventures (in partnership with outdoor-apparel company Life Is Good), my two boys and I hiked through Big Sky country, rafted the Yellowstone River and rode horses in Paradise Valley amid a sea of stunning wildflowers. And while I’m not much of a “plaid” girl, I liked the look and cut of this short-sleeve, button-up top. The cut was as flattering as I hoped and the material the perfect weight for moderate temperatures. Most importantly, it looked amazing against the Alps-like backdrop!
Tempo Hoodie (Black)—Traveling means packing layers, and this has been in my suitcase for cool evenings at home or away, or while hiking to the chilly heights of a mountain. And if I get too warm, it’s light enough to tie around my waist. Again, I wish I’d purchased this in every color.
On a mid-June Austin Adventures/Life is Good trip through Montana’s Big Sky and Yellowstone National Park, the Shelton Camp Shirt and Tempo Hoodie were essentials.
For the boys:
Ecōths Beck Polo (Hydro)—My husband’s favorite shirts for summer include this style, a super-soft, sustainable polo that’s a good pick for any semi-dressy event or summery evening
