Travel Intelligence: What to Wear, Where
November 15, 2012
3 min readHere are tips from the experts on how to dress for success in three very different landscapes.
The African Safari-goer (by Steve Boyes, National Geographic Expeditions Africa expert)
- Good chemistry: New insect-repellent fabrics last for 70 washes but can be uncomfortable; opt for whatever makes you most comfortable.
- How low can you go: Power at safari camps is spotty. Carry a flashlight and low-light binoculars.
- Do: Bring a hat (wide-brimmed for walking/boating, baseball cap for game drives).
- Don’t: Wear whites or brights, which can both attract and scare wildlife.
The Urban Culture Vulture (by Tim Jepson, National Geographic Traveler Italy guidebook author)
- Does not compute: Bulky in the city is not a good look — leave the laptop at home.
- Clothes call: Pack a lightweight rain pullover that can slip into a pocket or purse.
- Do: Bring a pair of foam earplugs. Towns and cities can be noisy at night, from church bells and motorbikes to carousers.
- Don’t: Carry a conspicuous foldout map. Instead, make photocopies of detailed street maps.
The Rocky Mountain Hiker (by Boyd Matson, National Geographic Weekend radio host)
- Think in Threes: Pile on a base layer (form-fitting, fast-drying), warming layer (sweater, fleece), and light shell (wind/rain jacket).
- Stick in the mud: A collapsible hiking pole buoys stamina.
- Do: Bring convertible zip-off pants.
- Don’t: Wear denim.
Go Further
Animals
- What La Palma's 'lava tubes' tell us about life on other planetsWhat La Palma's 'lava tubes' tell us about life on other planets
- This fungus turns cicadas into zombies who procreate—then dieThis fungus turns cicadas into zombies who procreate—then die
- How can we protect grizzlies from their biggest threat—trains?How can we protect grizzlies from their biggest threat—trains?
- This ‘saber-toothed’ salmon wasn’t quite what we thoughtThis ‘saber-toothed’ salmon wasn’t quite what we thought
- Why this rhino-zebra friendship makes perfect senseWhy this rhino-zebra friendship makes perfect sense
Environment
- What La Palma's 'lava tubes' tell us about life on other planetsWhat La Palma's 'lava tubes' tell us about life on other planets
- How fungi form ‘fairy rings’ and inspire superstitionsHow fungi form ‘fairy rings’ and inspire superstitions
- Your favorite foods may not taste the same in the future. Here's why.Your favorite foods may not taste the same in the future. Here's why.
- Are the Great Lakes the key to solving America’s emissions conundrum?Are the Great Lakes the key to solving America’s emissions conundrum?
- The world’s historic sites face climate change. Can Petra lead the way?The world’s historic sites face climate change. Can Petra lead the way?
History & Culture
- Hawaii's Lei Day is about so much more than flowersHawaii's Lei Day is about so much more than flowers
- When treasure hunters find artifacts, who gets to keep them?When treasure hunters find artifacts, who gets to keep them?
- Meet the original members of the tortured poets departmentMeet the original members of the tortured poets department
- When America's first ladies brought séances to the White HouseWhen America's first ladies brought séances to the White House
Science
- Should you be concerned about bird flu in your milk?Should you be concerned about bird flu in your milk?
- Here's how astronomers found one of the rarest phenomenons in spaceHere's how astronomers found one of the rarest phenomenons in space
Travel
- On this Croatian peninsula, traditions are securing locals' futuresOn this Croatian peninsula, traditions are securing locals' futures
- Are Italy's 'problem bears' a danger to travellers?Are Italy's 'problem bears' a danger to travellers?
- How to navigate Nantes’ arts and culture scene
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