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I packed for a 7-day trip to Canada with just a backpack. Here are 6 items I’m glad I brought and 4 I wish I had.

by with No Comment Xpandfy

In August 2022, I decided to do something I’d never done before — leave my home for seven days with just a backpack.

I spent a week visiting Canada for the first time. And I didn’t want to bring a carry-on luggage because my plans had me constantly on the move.

I traveled by train from NYC to Niagara Falls, New York, and walked into Niagara Falls, Canada, on foot. Three days later, I took a bus up to Toronto for a night. From there, I traveled by train to Montreal and Quebec City, spending one night in each city before flying home to New York.

I explored each destination on foot, taking photos and notes along the way. I also stayed in a variety of accommodations, from Airbnbs to luxury hotels.

While packing light made the trip easier, I did forget a few critical items.

I used a 32-liter backpack for my weeklong trip to Canada.

Items the author packed for her trip to Canada 

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I used a 32-liter backpack, the largest one I own, to hold everything I brought. I packed my work computer, camera, and chargers; my tripod, toiletries, and medications; one packing cube stuffed with clothing; and additional necessities, like a raincoat, a tote, and a pair of comfy shoes. 

I think I did pretty well for my first time packing this light, but I missed a handful of items. 

One of the most important things I packed was laundry sheets so I could wash my clothes every couple of days.


Green and floral clothing being washed with soapy water in a bathroom sink.

The author washes her clothes in a hotel bathroom. 

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Laundry sheets are small, dry, scented squares that look like dryer sheets, but they’re actually pads of laundry detergent that turn into a bubbly soap when mixed with water. They’re great for on-the-go use, and I like to pack them when traveling so I can do my own laundry in sinks and then air-dry my items.

I’m glad I came prepared so I could pack fewer clothes without spending time and money at a laundromat. 

Laundry sheets allowed me to pack fewer outfits, but I wish I’d brought more socks because they took longer to air-dry than the rest of my clothes.


Clothing the author packed for the trip

The author’s clothing for her Canada trip. 

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I only brought five pairs of socks for this trip. I thought it would be enough, considering I planned to do my own laundry, but I wish I had packed one pair for each day rather than trying to wash and rewear some of them.  

Drying my socks took much longer than the rest of my clothes, and waiting for them made me leave for the day later than I expected a couple of times. 

My quick-dry clothing dried much more quickly in the sun, and I’m glad I brought some.


A composite image of the author standing outside in quick-dry clothing and her clothes hanging from a hotel balcony with Niagara Falls in the background

The author packed quick-dry clothing. 

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

For clothing, I brought a couple of quick-dry shirts, shorts, and pants made of thin, moisture-wicking materials that dry quickly in the sun.

Most of my quick-drying clothes are from Under Armour or Prana and are good for exercise, but I thought they’d serve a dual purpose on this trip, considering my laundry strategy. During my trip, I dried my freshly laundered clothing on hotel room balconies and Airbnb porches, and it never took longer than 20 minutes.

I wish I had packed pajamas to make the evenings more comfortable.


The author wears pajamas in an Amtrak roomette

The author didn’t pack pajamas. 

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Once it was time for bed the first night, I couldn’t believe I had forgotten to pack pajamas. I was so focused on preparing for each day, I forgot to consider my nighttime routine.

Although pajamas are bulkier than much of the other clothing I brought, it would have been worth it to pack them to have a comfy pair of sweats to sleep in, instead of my daytime clothes.

I’m glad I remembered to use a packing cube to keep my clothing from taking up too much room in my backpack.


The author's cruising clothing inside an open packing cube

The author used a packing cube for her clothing. 

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I think packing cubes make backpack organization easier.

I used one packing cube to stuff all my clothing into, and it took up less space in the bag by keeping it compact. 

I’m also glad I packed a tote bag to keep some items separate and easier to access during my travels, like my phone, wallet, and headphones.


A tote bag on a train seat

The author’s tote on a train. 

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

On travel days, I used the tote to separate and hold personal belongings I’d want to use on trains or buses so that I could stuff my backpack into the overhead bin.

This made it easy to quickly find items I needed, such as my headphones, and also kept my bulky backpack out of the way. By stowing my backpack on the shelf above me, I was able to maximize leg room, too.

But I wish I’d remembered to bring a portable charging battery for long days of exploring when my phone nearly died.


Ski trip packing regrets.

A portable charger would’ve worked wonders on this trip. 

F.J. Jimenez/Getty Images

Some days, I was out of my hotel room for 12 hours at a time, and not every train I rode had an outlet. During these times, I had to use my phone less to conserve battery life.

Since I was traveling solo, I couldn’t risk letting my phone die for safety reasons. But I wish I had brought a portable battery pack so I could have used my phone as much as needed to snap extra pictures or take notes.

For those long days of exploring, I’m glad I packed Mio, a caffeinated, fruity addition to water that also packs in B vitamins.


A hand holds a mio energy bottle

The author packed Mio. 

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

In the summertime, I drink Mio every morning, a caffeinated fruit-flavored addition to water with B vitamins. I can’t stand drinking hot coffee in the heat, and I find it gives me the extra jolt of energy I need.

Since I visited Canada in the summer, I brought my Mio, and it helped me feel comfortable and alert while on the go.

I thought it would have been nice to pack some tea bags as well, since all my hotels had hot water available.


The author's current tea selection in her home in NYC.

The author’s tea selection in her home in NYC. 

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

While on the road, I noticed that every hotel and Airbnb I stayed in had a kettle or a pod coffee maker, so I could have easily boiled water. 

Since I enjoy tea and my lodgings were cool and climate-controlled, I would have loved to sip on a freshly brewed cup. Next time, I’ll bring my favorite flavors since each tea bag is so small.

I was glad I packed my reusable water bottle, so I didn’t have to purchase disposable plastic water bottles to stay hydrated throughout my trip.


A hand holding a water bottle with a sticker on it

The author’s reusable bottle. 

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Hydration while traveling is important, and bringing your own water bottle can save you money while limiting your use of plastic bottles, which also helps the environment. 

I thought bringing my own water bottle also saved me time and space since my backpack has a water bottle holder on the side. 

Ultimately, I think I did a good job packing light for this trip, but bringing a few additional items would have made my trip more comfortable without weighing me down.


The author wears her backpack in a hotel room

The author prepares for a day of exploring in Canada. 

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Next time I pack for a trip like this, I’ll definitely reach for my backpack and packing cubes, but I won’t forget my socks, my pajamas, or my tea. 




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Take a look inside the Air Force One plane that carried 8 presidents and brought home JFK’s body from Dallas

by with No Comment Xpandfy

Updated

  • SAM 26000 operated as Air Force One from 1962 to 1998, carrying eight US presidents.
  • Lyndon Johnson was sworn in on board, and the plane transported John F. Kennedy’s body from Texas.
  • SAM 26000 is housed at the National Museum of the US Air Force, where visitors can walk through it.

“If history itself had wings, it would probably be this aircraft,” Vice President Al Gore said of the SAM 26000 Air Force One plane upon its retirement in 1998.

The first Air Force jet designed and built specifically for US presidents, SAM 26000 (pronounced two six thousand) carried eight presidents between 1962 and 1998 — every leader from John F. Kennedy to Bill Clinton.

After 13,000 flying hours over 36 years of service, the plane was retired to the National Museum of the US Air Force in Dayton, Ohio, where it remains on display.

I visited the museum in August and walked through the historic aircraft. Take a look inside.

The SAM 26000 Air Force One jet, a Boeing VC-137C, was completed in 1962 for President John F. Kennedy.

SAM 26000 at the National Museum of the US Air Force.

US Air Force photo by Ken LaRock

The Boeing VC-137C was a customized and modified version of a civilian 707-320B airliner. It was powered by four Pratt & Whitney TF33 engines, each with 18,000 pounds of thrust.

First lady Jacqueline Kennedy chose the plane’s blue and white paint colors in coordination with industrial designer Raymond Loewy.


A blue and white plane on display in a museum, with

Eight US presidents flew on this Air Force One plane known as SAM 26000.

US Air Force photo by Jim Copes

The first lady also added the words “United States of America” to the aircraft to signal its importance as the president’s plane.

In a tragic period of American history, SAM 26000 transported President John F. Kennedy’s body home after his assassination in 1963.


Air Force One arrives with President John F. Kennedy's coffin.

President John F. Kennedy’s coffin was transported on Air Force One after his assassination.

Schulman-Sachs/picture alliance via Getty Images

President Lyndon Johnson was sworn in as president aboard the plane hours after Kennedy was pronounced dead.

Now an interactive museum artifact, visitors can board the plane the same way US presidents did via a staircase leading into the cabin.


Air Force One at the National Museum of the US Air Force.

Air Force One.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

Admission to the National Museum of the US Air Force is free.

SAM 26000 is located in the museum’s William E. Boeing Presidential Gallery, which includes other presidential planes such as the Douglas VC-54C, the first presidential aircraft, which was known as the “Sacred Cow.”

The first stop on my self-guided tour was the cockpit, which featured a four-person crew.


The flight deck of SAM 26000.

The cockpit.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

The crew consisted of a pilot, copilot, navigator, and flight engineer. The navigator and flight engineer roles were eventually replaced by GPS and computerized technology on later Air Force One planes.

Two phones were located behind the flight deck.


Two phones aboard Air Force One, SAM 26000.

Two phones aboard Air Force One.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

A plaque above the phones read, “This telephone is subject to monitoring at all times. Use of this telephone constitutes consent to monitoring.”

An equipment storage space featured a first aid kit and firearms.


A first aid kit and weapons on Air Force One SAM 26000.

A first aid kit and weapons on Air Force One.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

The closet also had a rack to hang suits and coats.

Next, I walked by the plane’s communication facility.


The communication facility on board SAM 26000.

The communication facility.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

The secure communication center allowed presidents to place calls anywhere in the world while in flight.

Meals were prepared in the galley.


The galley on board SAM 26000.

The galley.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

The galley included a stovetop, oven, and sink.

This seating area was used by presidential staff, members of the press, and Secret Service agents.


A seating area aboard SAM 26000.

A seating area aboard SAM 26000.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

The aircraft could hold up to 40 passengers.

The seating area, like many areas of the plane, is now protected by plastic barricades.

I noticed fox decals above the seats, which a museum volunteer told me was a nod to the 89th Airlift Wing, which operates Air Force One.


A fox decal on Air Force One SAM 26000.

A fox decal on Air Force One.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

Stationed at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, the 89th Airlift Wing is tasked with flying the president and high-ranking government officials. The group is also referred to as “SAM FOX,” which stands for “Special Air Missions Foreign.”

The presidential stateroom was located down a long hallway.


A hallway on Air Force One.

A hallway on Air Force One.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

The benches in the hallway were hollow to offer additional storage.

The president’s spacious quarters featured a desk, couch, television, and private bathroom.


The president's stateroom aboard SAM 26000.

The president’s stateroom.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

In 1969, Nixon redesigned Air Force One and moved the presidential quarters over the wings, which was the quietest and smoothest part of the plane during flight.

The stateroom came with two phones, each with different purposes.


Two phones in the president's stateroom on Air Force One SAM 26000.

Two phones in the president’s stateroom.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

Presidents used the white phone to communicate with crew members and other passengers on the plane, while the beige phone could be used to call anywhere in the world.

Behind the presidential stateroom, a conference room provided more meeting space.


A conference room on SAM 26000.

A conference room.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

The room was furnished with throne chairs, a folding table, and another TV.

Additional conference areas provided more seating for staff, Secret Service members, and VIPs.


Seating aboard SAM 26000.

A conference room aboard SAM 26000.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

Presidents Nixon, Ford, and Carter sat here while flying to attend Egyptian President Anwar El-Sadat’s funeral in 1981.

An office area across the aisle featured an electric typewriter, scanner, and more phones.


A conference room with a map of the United States aboard SAM 26000.

A conference room.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

Presidents used the electric typewriter to write and edit speeches while on board the plane.

The wall of the office space was decorated with a map of the United States.

President Lyndon Johnson was sworn in as president in this area of Air Force One’s cabin after Kennedy’s assassination in 1963.


Lyndon Johnson takes the oath of office aboard Air Force One after the assassination of John F. Kennedy.

President Lyndon Johnson was sworn in on board Air Force One after President John F. Kennedy’s assassination.

Universal History Archive/Getty Images

Kennedy was assassinated on November 22, 1963, while visiting Dallas. He was pronounced dead at Parkland Memorial Hospital at 1 p.m., and Johnson took the oath of office at 2:38 p.m.

Jacqueline Kennedy’s pink suit was still smeared with blood when Federal Judge Sarah T. Hughes administered the oath of office on Air Force One. Johnson’s wife, Lady Bird Johnson, stood to his right.

Standing in the very spot where Johnson was sworn in after Kennedy’s assassination was awe-inspiring.


A hallway on SAM 26000.

A hallway between conference rooms on SAM 26000.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

Even blocked off by plastic barricades, the plane’s cabin preserves a pivotal moment in US history.

These four seats toward the back of the plane were removed to make room for Kennedy’s coffin on the flight from Dallas back to Washington, DC, in 1963.


Seats on Air Force One.

Seats on Air Force One.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

The Secret Service had to break the handles off the casket to make it fit through the plane door.

Air Force security personnel operated out of this area at the back of the aircraft to secure the plane while it was on the ground.


Seats for security personnel aboard SAM 26000.

Seats for security personnel.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

The seating area featured six seats, a phone, and a folding table.

My tour ended at the back of the plane with a view of its call sign on the tail and an American flag.


The tail of SAM 26000.

The tail of SAM 26000.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

According to US Flag Code, an American flag decal must always be positioned so that the stars face forward.

Air Force One remains an instantly recognizable symbol of US might, making my walkthrough tour a memorable experience.


The presidential seal on Air Force One.

The presidential seal on Air Force One.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

Like many modes of presidential transportation, such as the bulletproof limousine known as “The Beast” and the Marine One helicopter, Air Force One is about more than simply getting the president from point A to point B. It symbolizes the power of the United States and its elected leader wherever it goes.

The image projected by presidential planes remains of great interest to President Donald Trump, who opted to accept a luxurious Boeing 747-8 jet from the Qatari royal family instead of waiting for Boeing to deliver its long-delayed new Air Force One jets.




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I spent 2 weeks in Italy. Here are 5 things I’m glad I brought with me, and 2 I should’ve left at home.

by with No Comment Xpandfy

  • I travel to northern Italy often and have a good idea of what to pack.
  • However, I still find myself bringing along a few items I don’t need.
  • Some of my must-have items include a small umbrella, a good travel adaptor, and a tripod.

I’ve traveled to northern Italy for the past three years in a row, and there are a few things I never leave for my flight without. However, I still learn something new on every trip about what I need to bring and what I should have left at home.

This time, after two full weeks of trains, spritzes, hilltop towns, and cobblestone streets, I finally have a clear list of what actually earned its spot in my suitcase — and what I’m officially retiring from future Europe trips.

Here are five items I’m glad I packed for my trip to Italy, and a few things I could have done without.

A packable umbrella came in handy and didn’t take up too much space in my suitcase.

I always bring a small umbrella with me when I travel.

Chloe Caldwell

It has rained at least one day on each of my trips to Italy, so this time, I prepared by ordering a compact umbrella that came with a small, packable case.

It was easy to fit in my purse or backpack during our outings, and I whipped it out more than once. It wasn’t the highest quality, but it was convenient and portable.

A tripod makes it easy to get group photos.


Chloe and her friends pose for a photo in a vineyard.

Having a tripod means I no longer have to ask strangers to take my photo.

Chloe Caldwell

We’ve all asked a stranger to take our photo on vacation, and when we get the phone back, it’s fuzzy and there’s a thumb in the corner of the frame.

That’s why I bring a slim and easy-to-pack phone tripod with me on every trip. It fits in most small totes and can be propped up in seconds. The one I have also operates as a selfie stick.

Just set your phone on self-timer or download a remote shooting app, and you’re ready for finger-free group photos. This has also come in handy many times while I was solo traveling.

A backpack with a luggage flap is essential for seamless transportation.


Chloe poses on a train platform with a suitcase and backpack.

I love my Beis travel backpack.

Chloe Caldwell

Getting through airports, hopping on and off trains, and dragging my stuff across bumpy cobblestone walkways is the price I pay to visit such a beautiful destination.

One way I (literally) take some of the weight off my shoulders when moving from place to place is by using a backpack with a flap on the back that slips over the handle of my luggage.

I actually have more than one backpack with this feature now because it’s that much of a gamechanger for traveling. I regularly rotate between my Beis backpack and Portland Gear version.

I always bring a travel adaptor that works for multiple devices.


Chloe holds a travel adaptor.

I have a Tessan adapter for several regions of the world.

Chloe Caldwell

I love this Tessan adapter from Amazon because I can plug in multiple devices at once.

It has four outlets, two USB-A ports, and one USB-C port, so I know I can rely on it for charging my phone, plugging in my hair tools, and anything else I might need.

Plus, the plug folds down, making it even easier to pack. In addition to my universal adapter, I have this specific converter for several regions of the world.

I always travel with a small belt bag for daily essentials.


Two belt bags on a bed.

A belt bag makes it easy to stay hands-free during tours and activities.

Chloe Caldwell

When wandering through major tourist cities, I always carry an over-the-shoulder belt bag to keep my money, passport, phone, and cards safe and within arm’s reach.

These bags are also practical for sightseeing. For instance, I went on a three-hour walking tour of St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, and wanted to participate without worrying about carrying or keeping track of my things.

Being hands-free for big activities like this always makes the experience more convenient and enjoyable.

On the other hand, I’m done bringing outfits I’ll only wear once.


Chloe smiles over her shoulder while posing on a bridge.

From now on, I’m prioritizing versatile clothing options.

Chloe Caldwell

Planning outfits for a trip is one of my favorite parts of travel prep. I love to dress on theme and get a snapshot of the moment.

However, on my last trip, I realized that packing items I’ll only wear once for a couple of hours just isn’t worth the hassle. For example, I packed a long red gown to wear just in case we went to a fancy dinner. And, yes, it did sit folded in my suitcase for two weeks.

Next time, I’ll bring more versatile items that I can mix and match for various occasions throughout the trip.

I also brought too many pairs of similar shoes.


A pair of white shoes dangles out of a plane.

I don’t know why I brought two pairs of white sneakers with me.

Chloe Caldwell

Don’t ask me why I packed two pairs of white sneakers. It seems silly now, but my logic was that one pair was for active outings and one was for more fashionable outfits.

However, this was unnecessary, and I could have just brought one pair and been fine. In fact, I’d avoid white shoes altogether in the future, as they can get dirty and matted on the cobblestone streets.




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