I have spent years refining my packing system, testing different kinds of luggage for different trips, and figuring out exactly how to make carry-on travel work. Ever since I needed help lifting my overstuffed backpack on a train in Italy in 2008, I’ve refused to pack more than I can carry myself. Since then, I’ve…
Gear & Essentials
Why I Travel Carry-On Only for Every Trip
If you overpack, hate dragging luggage, or think carry-on only travel is just for minimalists, let me show you the benefits of traveling with less. You’ll leave believing you can do this and why it is worth it. In another post, I even share exactly how to pack carry-on only for every trip, with a…
What’s in My Architect Bag: Site Visit Essentials I Actually Use
The site visits I’ve done as an architect have changed throughout my career, depending on the projects I’m working on—and how much travel they require. Right now, I’m focused mostly on single-family remodels and ADUs (accessory dwelling units), which means my “office” is occasionally someone’s home: sometimes mid-construction, sometimes before anything has started. Recently, my…
Books to Inspire Your Trip to Italy
I’m an avid reader and tend to move between genres depending on the season of life – or the season of travel. Leading up to a trip (or even while I’m there), I love reading books set in the places I’m exploring. There’s something special about experiencing a destination first through someone else’s words, then…
How to Pack for a Road Trip with a Dog
My dog Pepper has become an experienced road‑trip companion over the years. From a month‑long loop through Arizona, Utah, Idaho, and Nevada during her puppy days to a 2025 adventure across the Pacific Northwest and a month in Seattle, she’s explored more miles than many humans I know. Along with countless shorter trips around Northern…