30 Days of Indie Travel | My Travel Style, Day 3

My travel style is summed up pretty well in Alessandra's Gypsy Girls Guide, that I've been following since around 2009. I like to think my style is aware, bohemian, creative, fearless, nomadic, sometimes poetic and whimsical all wrapped up into one. All these flowery adjectives I'm at the liberty of taking, apply to a wide range of travel modes I find myself in: from staying up all night to fly across time zones, to sparse camping, to adrenaline rush stuff, to seeking out the best delectable foods, to helping and loving those around me that need it. I could be walking, out at sea or using a motorized means; it doesn't matter to me.

Currently, I am on a home exchange in Denmark. I'm two weeks in so far. Everyday I start small and get creative with what's right outside my door. This has included reusing things, recycling, re-arranging (my thoughts, plans, ideas), and foraging. I adore foot paths that already exist here as short cuts to the beach and forest, instead of walking all over the place. I think it's inherent in the human soul to be nomadic, and some of us have lost that! I try and reflect what I feel inside and simply open my eyes and heart to the place I'm in. This style is not about puffing up anything into a romantic view. Certainly situations will challenge me and keep me on the ground. My style is also about asking other people for help, such as confirming I'm on the right platform to catch the S-train. Love, Sharon

Camping over Christmas

This past few days were magical in the most lovely and simple way. There wasn't anything fancy and there was less (monetarily) but in a good kind of less-is-more spirit. I think anyone can see from the looks of the pics, that we needed so very little to bring us to great joy and fulfillment. Keeping things simple and personal, we recreated the familiar experience we so love of camping into a sweet and special Christmas.

These pics were taken in and around the Rawhide Mountains in Arizona.

Our first real winter weather is predicted to blow into town tomorrow, so I need to stock up with more simple items of merriment before we're bombarded with snow. Happy New Year! ~Sharon Marzonie

Sharon's Top 10 Necessities for Travel

My husband and I are going to be traveling a lot this spring and I thought it would be a great opportunity to relay my top ten travel necessities, whether I'm camping or going abroad.
1. Sarong- use as a blanket on airline flights, a coverup over a bathing suit, or a little wrap for sleeping in.
2. The perfect walking shoes- either my Keens or Lowas, both can surely out walk me and I can hike in them too.
3. Simple accessories- hats and wristwarmers (that I've handmade and will protect me from the elements), as well as a pair of simple earrings.
4. Head lamp- I have a cute little Petzl Tikka Plus to use at night navigating the halls of the hostel or for camping.
5. Address book- for emergency calls and/or addresses for postcards.
6. Emory board- my nails always seem to get little ripples and rough edges so this way I can keep them smooth. I don't bother with nail polish.
7. Shea butter body lotion- great for face and hands, and occasionally will run through my hair to keep static cling down.
8. Lip gloss- I love Burt's Bees lip balm with pomegranate oil (and the smell is wonderful), and when I want a little more color, I use Revlon LipGlide in glazed almond.
9. Local guides and maps- such as Lonely Plant or Rick Steves, and a road atlas.
10. Chocolate bars- for when we're starving and driving each other crazy, and there's no restaurant for another 70 miles.