A Travel Writer Shares Her Top Packing Tips

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.

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!)

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.

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.

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