Charlottetown: Style tips for backpacking trips
With summer fast approaching many of my nearest and dearest are gearing up for their first ever overseas backpacking adventures. While travel plans differ wildly from person to person it seems like everyone has been asking the same question: What the heck am I going to pack? Fear not young backpacker! My unscientific and informal poll has yielded the following helpful backpacking hints.
Comfortable-but stylish shoes Comfy shoes are a backpacking necessity but that doesn‘t mean you have to trek around the globe in horrible tennies. I recommend Converse sneakers. They’re perfect for walking and look smashing with jeans or a skirt à la Leighton Meester. I love the new special edition Chucks emblazoned with Pink Floyd cover art.
Convertible clothing I purchased a black and red strapless American Apparel bathing suit last summer and I practically live my life in it. It works as a bathing suit or as a top (especially when paired with high-waisted denim shorts). Convertible clothing equals more space in your bag for souvenirs.
Chic sunglasses I usually forget to bring sunglasses when I travel and they really should be the first thing I pack. I like aviators for travelling; they have an air of adventure and mystery around them and have been favoured by all the best travelers, including Hunter S. Thompson, Ernest Hemingway and Jack Kerouac.
An iPod. Although technically not a fashion accessory an iPod is a must-have. Backpacking means long stretches on the road and a little music might help fight boredom. I also recommend making a different play list for different countries. It isn’t Germany if you haven’t listened to “Du Hast” by Rammstein.
My name is Amanda Bulman and I’m a 22-year-old freelance writer, graphic novel fanatic, vintage fashion fiend and photographer in the beautiful city of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. This Island is not known to our more obviously stylish neighbouring provinces as being a hip, fashion-enlightened, happening place, but I’ve found that once you look around you’ll find that some of Canada’s most talented (and underrated) designers, stores and musicians call the birthplace of Canada’s Confederation home.