TRAVEL CLOTHING GUIDETROPICSTravel Clothing is a very important consideration no matter your destination. Each destination is unique in it's own way, even if you are only traveling a hundred miles from home. First off we will cover "Tropical" weather travel clothing, which could be actual tropical destinations or "semi-tropical". You've made your reservations so now take in to consideration what will be the best fabrics for the weather. There is an incredible array of clothes for the tropics, from quick-dry polyester fabrics to cotton blends. Your polyester fabrics have a draw back they do not "breath" so if choosing a quick-dry polyester be sure it has ventilation and airflow. With out this you will be wet & sticky most of the time. All of the great outdoor gear manufacturers have quick-dry products designed with the tropics in mind. Some of the shirts that seem to work best come from Exofficio and Patagonia, but their amazing technology comes with a hefty price tag. The selection is not necessarily the most stylish either. It can also be bulky to pack. There is a much better choice when it comes to shirts, tops and dresses. You can also fine women's pants in this fabric. Silk is an incredible naturally quick drying fabric that allows your skin to breathe. You can find silk in many different finishes also. It can be shiny, flat or slightly nubby. Just be sure that it is washable silk. You don't want dry clean only silk for traveling. If you sew in are really in luck because of all the different silk fabric available and they are not expensive either. A regular long sleeve shirt with collar is great for sun protection while staying cool. I'd pack 2 or 3 along with a couple short sleeve shirts or tops and include tank or sleeveless also. There is another fabric that is even better, in my opinion, than silk and it doesn't have any of the negative care problems that silk does. It is not available every where so you might not have ever experienced wearing this fabric. Bamboo fabric is a perfect choice for travel clothing. It is very comfortable, breathable, wicking, durable, organic, washable, antimicrobial, soft and best of all sustainable. Soft Bamboo fiber is softer than the softest cotton, has a natural sheen to the surface and feels similar to silk or cashmere. It can have the silky feeling of silk or the feel of a favorite t-shirt. It does not require chemicals to be anti-microbial, it is naturally this way. Bamboo apparel is comfortable, thermal regulating and will keep you cooler, drier, warmer and odor free.What other fabric can claim all these properties? Non that I know of and I've sewn for many years and have never found another fabric that does this, let alone be stylish too. It comes in all colors and you can even get under garments, bandanna's, robes, wrist bands and other articles in bamboo. Men are in luck too because this is a fabric they will be comfortable wearing, unlike silk which most males shy away from. Once you put on a shirt made of bamboo you will fall in love with this fabric. Bamboo clothing is prefect for travel clothing and also at home. Travel clothing for the tropics should include a hat.The Tropical sun is strong and you need to consider what type of hats you will be able to wear and travel with. A large brimmed Panama is a great choice if it can be rolled or folded and retain its shape. Another choice is a vented canvas hat or a Tilley Hat. Also consider wind factors, hats blow off with out ties to keep them in place. You don't want to lose it when you need it the most. Bandannas are a necessity also, pack a few of these too. Travel clothing options should include at least one pair of convertible pants. These pants convert from long pants to shorts by unzipping the leg portion. Generally the shorts will hit just above the knee. Both come in men and women's styles. Another style of convertible pants are the ones that have tabs to hold the folded up section in place. Capri length for long pants and I have also seen them in a long short that can be made shorter. Which ever you chose be sure the fabric weight is light and breathable. When selecting your travel clothing remember you need to pack light. Pack separates so you can mix and match, giving you a number of different outfits from a few select pieces. Pack your tops in favorite colors and wear earth tone pants and skirts. Add one black pair of pants which will give you another whole set of new outfits. If you will be wearing dresses keep them simple and very light weight. You don't want to have to iron anything so be sure travel clothing dresses are easy to pack and wear. Foot wear depends on activities also but most important be sure you have "broken" them in prior to traveling. Beach travel clothing is usually very casual and packs well.If you'll be spending most of your time on the beach take different bathing suits, minimum of at least 2. If you can take 3 I encourage you to do so. A couple different types of cover-ups need to be included also. Another light weight fabric for women is gauze. You can find gauze mix and match outfits that are comfortable and stylish while keeping you cool. So don't forget this travel clothing option either. Another simple way to have mixable out fits is to go with a 3 color combination. My favorite is Red, Black and white, but choice your favorite color combination and go with it. Keep it fun and lively for the tropics. If you will be carrying a handbag try to find a convertible one that is easy to carry and secure. Keep money, credit cards and room pass cards on your person if at all possible. One more thing for females to consider has nothing to do with clothing but is important. Your hair style needs to be simple and easy to maintain. I know my hair tends to become very curly in humid weather so if yours does the same be prepared for handling this change also. I have included a link to a very reasonable Bamboo clothing site which is an affiliate business of mine. If you choice to purchase from them please reach them through this link. If you decide to purchase at a later date please come back to this page first and click link, this will help me keep The-Retirement-Road-Map.com up and running. Thank You for keeping this site active in this way.
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