5 summer travel outfits you can replicate for under $100

Travel

5 Summer Travel Outfits You Can Replicate for Under $100—Including Bags and Shoes

Drescription

So many aspects of traveling can be expensive, but what you pack doesn't have to be. It's totally possible to build cute vacation outfits on a budget, and that's where these Amazon options come in handy. We found the best vacation-worthy clothing, shoes, and accessories—all for under $100 per outfit. And as a bonus, the items are easy to mix in with your regular summer wardrobe to wear long after your trip ends.

Whether you're spending your summer sightseeing in a city, hitting the beach, checking out local hiking trails, or just enjoying the nightlife, here are five complete summer staple outfits that will work for your travels and beyond. And they can all fit in your carry-on.

Summer Travel Outfits Under $100

Tanming 2-Piece Knit Lounge Set, $36 (was $40)

Odoly Cork Sandals, $25 (was $30)

Sojo Round Polarized Sunglasses, $16 (was $20)

Yesno Puff-Sleeve Maxi Dress, $40

Upopby One-Piece Swimsuit, $34

For the Flight

One buyer raved that this lounge set was "elegant, comfortable, and breathable" for their 15-hour flight. The knit material helps keep you warm while the short sleeves and split hems allow enough airflow to help prevent you from getting too hot. Plus, it comes in 12 colors and is totally chic enough to wear out and about when you're done flying.

Pair the lounge set with these canvas sneakers that come in 35 colors and have cushioned insoles. One happy customer took them on a vacation and said they were "super comfortable" even while walking "a ton."

And if you're looking for a new personal item for the flight, this zippered quilted tote will fit neatly under the plane seat but can carry your laptop, water bottle, and tons more in the multiple interior and exterior pockets. Plus, as one reviewer noted in their five-star review, it's lightweight and can slip over your suitcase handle for easy carrying.

Tanming 2-Piece Knit Lounge Set

Rocket Dog Comfort Plush Foam Sneaker

Bagsmart Lightweight Quilted Tote

For City Strolling

Throw on these linen pants for an elevated casual look while doing city sightseeing. They come in 25 colors in sizes XS to 5XL. Pair them with this comfy T-shirt that has chic lace detailing on the sleeves and comes in 18 colors.

And if you're going to be walking around a lot, you'll need a shoe that both looks good and feels good. These adjustable cork sandals come in 11 colors and are designed to mold to your foot to provide custom cushioning and arch support. One happy shopper raved that they were "so comfy and they don’t rub and give you blisters when you walk around."

Finish off the look with some polarized sunglasses. These come in 15 colors and have more than 1,500 five-star reviews.

LNX Drawstring Linen Pants

Automet Short-Sleeve Lace Top

Odoly Cork Sandals

Sojos Round Polarized Sunglasses

For Date Night Dinners

This flowy maxi dress comes in 33 colors and patterns—including many floral ones that would look great for a vacation date night and beyond. The dress is sure to pair well with these block heel mules that come in 14 colors. The heels are designed to be super comfortable with a padded insole and a subtle 2.25-inch heel. Shoppers confirm they’re "very easy to walk in."

Complete the outfit with this cute straw clutch that can be converted into a crossbody with the included strap. And throw on this stack of 14-karat gold-filled bracelets for a bit of added glam.

Yesno Puff-Sleeve Maxi Dress

Dream Pairs Strappy Block Heel Sandals

Cookooky Straw Handbag

Dearmay Gold Bracelets

For a Day Hike

Workout dresses are trendy for a reason. They make for cute athleisure, but they also perform well for vacation activities. This one comes in 17 colors and is the perfect garment for hiking because you just have to pack one item. One shopper praised its soft, but supportive material, and another added that “it’s comfortable for working out, hiking, kayaking, everyday errands and walking around. It’s gorgeous, doesn’t show sweat, [it’s] airy, and feels comfortable all over.”

Grab these slip-on sneakers to go with the dress. They come in 10 colors and are designed to be breathable with a memory foam insole for added comfort. One happy buyer who took them hiking said they were so lightweight that "it almost feels like you're not wearing anything."

And you can carry all your hiking essentials in this 4.7-star rated belt bag that's water resistant and has several pockets for safely storing your items.

Ewedoos Athletic Dress with Built-in Bra & Shorts

Keezmz Slip-On Sneakers

Pander Belt Bag

For the Beach

For a fun beach (or pool) day, check out this highly rated swimsuit with over 2,300 five-star reviews. It comes in 25 colors in sizes 6 to 18 with pretty front ruching. "Very flattering," one buyer said, adding that the suit "held up for five trips to Mexico."

When you're done swimming, you can throw on this cute cover up you can wear to a beachside bar or hotel spa. The button-up is designed to be breathable and lightweight for use even on hot days.

Complete the look with a roomy woven tote bag and these nonslip rubber flip flops. As one happy customer noted, it's easy to wash any sand off the shoes and they dry quickly, making them ideal for beach days.

Upopby One-Piece Swimsuit

Ekouaer Swimsuit Cover Up

Trifabricy Large Straw Beach Bag

Lavau Waterproof Flip Flops

Really Good Spring Break/Vacation Dresses

It’s 60 degrees and sunny in Portland (February 28th) so people are in shorts and drinking margaritas (I’m cutting out early at 3 pm to go on a long family bike ride along the river). And while we have a couple more months of potential rain up here, I know a lot of people go to the sun for spring break (including us – we are off to Belize with the kids which I’m INCREDIBLY excited and grateful for – never been and the personal reviews from so many people have me pumped). When we went to Costa Rica for Spring break a couple years ago, I didn’t bring the right humidity-friendly clothes – too many jean shorts which is decidedly not what you want to wear when it’s 90 percent humidity. And yet at night you don’t want to just sit in a tiny dress at dinner. So I did shop a bit and after trying on many many dresses, these were the four that I thought were worth recommending. Here you go :) This was my #1 – so soft and drapey, thin (but not see through), drawstring but not tight, flattering but not fitted. I have been shopping and wearing Emerson Fry since before DesignStar (budget depending) and it’s just such high quality made in America stuff that is so timeless and lasts. The prints say “spring/summer/vacation” without just screaming “TROPICAL RESORT” so I think I can also wear this all summer long up here. So flattering, such good details with the stitching – a 10/10. Oh, and I have found that with the bugs it’s actually nice to be more covered up at night for dinner. I loved the color and pattern of this dress – with big balloon sleeves. This one is a bit warmer (still cotton, just slightly thicker) and yet still drapes really well (not too stiff). It has pockets, too. Definitely a great boho dress all spring/summer, especially if you live in one of the southern states. I was surprised how flattering this dress is for being really voluminous. Because I have bigger ladies, these types of dresses don’t always work on me (just where the umpire seam hits at the mid-boob) but this one was fitted enough in the armpits, and the seam was low enough that it falls really well into the tiered skirt. I don’t need all four of these so I’m still deciding between this one and the brighter pink one – literally can’t decide!! This one is so fun and swingy – with pockets and a low V. My only issue with this (and why I decided to return it) is that the V comes so low into a drawstring that you either have to not wear a bra, wear a pretty showy bra or wear a swimsuit underneath. Here I’m not wearing a bra because the one I had on yesterday was NOT a pretty showy bra (flesh toned and meh), and that 5 minutes of shooting this bra-less felt VERY scandalous :) No thank you! But it’s a really pretty dress and comes in a pink color as well. Ok, this is such a fun look, but pretty specific, ie, very resortwear. People love Farm Rio and I do, too! But I find that I simply don’t have enough opportunity to wear this type of look in Portland (and the set together is expensive). This does scream resort or SoCal summer and it’s undeniably cute, but I don’t think I have the lifestyle to support wearing it enough to spend the money (and have it take up real estate in my closet). But if you are going on vacation and want a cute set to show off – I LOVED THIS. Oh be warned, I ordered a small top (which fit great – so good over a suit) and a medium bottom and the bottom still cuts in too much in the waist for me. All in all, I’ve learned that I don’t really wear very cute “looks” on these more kid-focused adventure jungle vacations. It’s a lot of playable swim suits, cute swim shorts, and Tevas, then loose clothes at night that don’t stick to me, so I’ll likely bring that first dress for dinners and I’ll wear it over and over :) We are so excited to explore some Mayan ruins, zip line, snorkel, and do lots of cave exploration (i.e, I’m not bringing any platform sandals on this one). Let me know if you want me to do a recap on the Belize trip – I never did a Costa Rica blog post, actually, so if you want our itinerary from that trip let me know and I’ll share (it was a 15/10 itinerary, BTW – the entire family loved every second of it – thus us going back to a similar vibe, but with ruins and Caribbean waters instead). Often recapping these trips feels braggy so I kinda avoid it but I also know how helpful it is so share our experience in case you are planning yours (and these beautiful countries are still really affordable once you get down there.) We rounded up more vacation dresses for you – Sandals, Affordable Spring basics, and “New Spring Refreshingly Good Head to Toe Denim” posts are coming soon… Love the colors and the mix of prints! The reviews say the fabric is lightweight, but there are differing views on whether or not you need a slip if you want to use it more than a vacation cover up:) So pretty regardless and also worth a slip purchase if needed! This might be a little more “spring” than “spring break” but either way it’s so pretty! For only $42 you get the chinching, the puff sleeves and that beautiful pink color. But if pink isn’t your thing, it comes in two other colors. Now this screams spring break. That bold pattern is extremely fun and the green is so bright and happy. Did I mention it’s only $35 and comes in two other colors? This colorway is decidedly the most “vacation-y” but all of them are fun. Such a pretty Farm Rio dress that could effortlessly work for both a vacation and a fun spring event. The colors feel fun but not too bold and the pattern is just so beautiful. If you like a shorter cover-up, both of these are great! I love how the colors are the main event for the one on the left while the pattern is the statement for the one on the right. You can’t really miss with either. This one looks very chic and sophisticated but it’s only $45. A steal! This is great for someone is who doesn’t love super bright colors but sill wants a classic vacation look. Oh, this one is good. And from the over 300 reviews giving it over 4 stars, we are correct in our assessment. The warm pink strips are so pretty and the added orange accents make it “vacation”. Love it. Another super affordable ($30) spring/spring break dress! A belt is always a nice option for some shape too. That print is really good. For my simple stripe lovers, this dress is for you. It’s so versatile and could go from the office to the beach to brunch with a change of a few accessories and shoes. It comes in two other colors if you prefer a solid color. I wanted to throw in a couple more slightly “formal spring” options because they were pretty and some of us need those too. That white eyelet dress is so pretty and under $100! Then the print and shape of the floral dress is real good. Perfect for Easter, a spring trip to Europe, or any other slightly dressier occasion:) Hope this was helpful.

Beauty Advice From My Friend That Tries And Tests Everything So We Don’t Have To

We all wish we had this friend – the one that has tried every single beauty product. I’ve only met Whitney once, but my friend Suzanne has talked about her for years, mostly saying, “Whitney says we should be using _______” or “Whitney found this new product that is way cheaper and better for your _______”. I would ask Suzanne to ask Whitney questions for me all the time (until I got her number and cut out the middle man) not because she is a dermatologist or a makeup artist but because she literally TRIES EVERY NEW PRODUCT. She’s my trusted beauty expert hobbyist who now runs an instagram called, The List (follow her!), who has sacrificed her own money in the name of beauty research, regardless of price. And when you are around her you believe every word, her opinion is so strong. She is SO adamant, that you find yourself buying the item mid-conversation. I’m running out of all my beauty supplies as a lot of us are, so before I buy what I always buy, I found myself wanting to ask this friend who I barely know what I should be using because I trust her and right now I don’t want to waste any money nor do any returns. So I figured we could all use a bit of Whitney in our life. Take it away… Whitney here, and I’ll start by saying I am not an expert. Just a product obsessed beauty lover. I am continuously testing, updating, and replacing the products in my line-up. Through all my trials and errors I’ve found some solid products that I know I can always rely on, as well as a few tips and tricks that will help them work and look better. FIRST UP, SKINCARE . . . . Let’s start with skin care first, because healthy skin is the first step to a better overall makeup application. I have a pale complexion and sensitive skin that can lean on the oily, break-out prone side if I am not properly taking care of it. When trying a new skin care product there can be a purge phase where you might break out and there can also be an irritation phase, especially when initially introducing acids or retinoids/retinol. It is normal for some products to make things worse before they get better. This doesn’t necessarily mean you should give up on it. Try lessening the frequency of the product while continuing a consistent routine to build up a tolerance. My nighttime cleansing routine is the most impactful routine I do for my skin. It’s a simple three-step process, that involves breaking down and removing make-up followed by a two-step cleanse. I find that washing my face at night is super important, as it gives my skin a break from pollution, dirt, and makeup. STEP ONE – REMOVE YOUR MAKEUP Organic avocado oil is my go-to makeup remover. It’s nourishing to the skin and super effective at removing stubborn foundation and eye makeup. I rub a little less than a quarter-sized amount into my palm and massage into my face (including, carefully, my eye area). Then I use a warm, damp face cloth to wipe the oil and makeup away. These organic hemp face cloths are thick, fleece-like, and glide over even the most sensitive skin. STEP TWO – OIL CLEANSE This is a thoughtfully crafted oil cleanser that will rebalance and reset your skin. This is also an effective makeup up remover but a somewhat pricier product. If you have the budget you could absolutely use this to remove your makeup with a double oil cleanse and forgo the avocado oil altogether but I prefer to make this product last longer. I use the same face cloth method to remove my oil cleanser as I do to remove my avocado oil. Make sure to use a fresh side of your face cloth with each oil removal. STEP THREE – GEL CLEANSER I usually feel traditional cleansers dry me out and cause skin imbalance, but this has done the complete opposite. It is moisturizing and exfoliating while protecting the balance and pH of my skin. Because this cleanser has (biodegradable) exfoliation beads, you are in control of how intense the exfoliation will be. The less water you use the more intense the exfoliation will be. I tend to start on the drier side and once I’ve achieved the exfoliation I am looking for I then add more water to my fingers and it turns into a more traditional cleanser feel. [HOT_TIP title=’Hot Tip’ content=’Remember to rinse your skin thoroughly. I literally put my head under the faucet and let the water run over both sides of my face. The ring around their face of leftover cleanser that gets “wiped away” with a towel will get you into some clogged pore trouble!’] And the most important (daytime) step: SPF is an absolute must, even if I am having a no-makeup day at home. I will still apply SPF because the UV rays are coming through the windows even when you are inside. If you use peels/acids or retinoids/retinols your skin is now more vulnerable to sun damage/aging. Once you start regularly using these types of treatments for anti-aging you could be doing more harm than good if you are not religiously using SPF. For example, I always tell my friends who want to start a retinoid/retinol that if you are not committed to protecting your skin with SPF then I would not start it at all. I love this particular sunscreen because it is a duel product for me. I use it as my makeup primer to blur my pores and as my daily protection from the sun. I think it is also amazing on its own because it gives you a subtle blurring and evening of skin tone when you want protection for a natural no-makeup day. NOW FOR THE FUN PART, MAKEUP . . . I have two big notes I want to start with before we dive into the makeup products I put on my own face almost every day. First, if you’re using sponges or brushes you’ve had for a long time, consider replacing them. Even if you clean them regularly. It can be hard to prioritize your tools, but dirty or worn tools can cloud your judgment as to whether you like a product or not. If your tools are not performing to the best of their ability then it will result in less than stellar makeup application. Secondly, test new makeup products on their own to see how they perform before you use them in conjunction with your other products. For example, if you are trying a new foundation try it without primer to see its true nature first! Ok, let’s dive into some products . . . . CHEEKS Setting powder for me is something I use strategically and in places that accumulate oil and unwanted shine. Be intentional in your placement. I do not put powder all over my face. I focus on my t-zone and under my eyes to ensure my concealer is set properly. This powder melts into the skin flawlessly and doesn’t have talc in the ingredients. [HOT_TIP title=’Hot Tip’ content=’When applying powder I want you to gently press it into the skin as opposed to brushing it all over. When you press your powder into the skin it will give you better coverage as well as minimize the disruption to your foundation/concealer. I like to press my powder in with the Morphe M536 brush, or I use my sponge for even more coverage. ‘] It’s a drugstore product, but when it’s good, it’s good! If you prefer a cream blush, this is my go-to. LIPS I love a nude lip. With that said, nude is relative to skin tone and I am on the paler side – be cautious when buying my version of nudes because it could wash you out the deeper your skin tone is. I gravitate to brown lip liners/contour colors and a soft matte pinks for my lipstick. These are my favorite lipsticks to pair with the above lipliners. I use all of these interchangeably, combine them, and switch them around. If you’re into a glossy lip, I love to top any of the above combinations with a swipe of this. [HOT_TIP title=’Hot Tip’ content=’Combining a contour shade lip liner with a nude lipstick will give your lips the illusion of being larger.’] EYES I am a complicated mascara person. I prefer one mascara for my top lashes and one for my bottom lashes. This has been the case for years and years. I want my top lashes to be a bit fluffier and I want my bottom lashes to have a more twiggy feel. (editors note: I, Emily, can’t stop laughing every time I read this – the level of obsession, detail, and enthusiasm is amazing and I get it – we all have our things – Whitney, please continue). Right now my daily top lash mascara is the Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara by Estee Lauder ($28). This mascara has a large bristle wand and a formula that gives your lashes volume, length, and thickness. The formula has a blend of three high volume fibers that are combined with a conditioning vitamin complex base that creates a lash extension look. This is a wetter formula and when you combine that with a big brush it can be a bit messy if you are not careful, so make sure to take your time applying so you don’t have a messy application. This mascara is buildable, does not flake, and gives me the dramatic lash that I love! My favorite bottom lash mascara is Loreal Telescopic Mascara ($11) (the gold tube version is my favorite). This mascara provides length, drama, and it separates lashes really well! I am a multi-coat mascara applier – you can go as natural or as dramatic as you like! The brush is on the thinner side with what I am assuming are short silicone bristles. There is one downside to this mascara – over time it can be hard to get the wand back in the tube because there is some flexibility where the wand and brush meet. This is usually my signal to buy a new one – for me it’s worth it but I know that might be frustrating for some. To be honest, most of the brow pencils and powders I have used over the years are all very similar to each other. The only brow “product” that has truly stood out to me is Soap Brows – this is more for hold/thickening than for filling in – you will still need an additional product to do that step ). Soap Brows used to be my go-to daily brow but it is a more complicated process that I now reserve for a more glam special occasion brow look when I’m going for a bigger bushier brow. I feel confident in Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz Pencil ($23) and their Brow Powder Duo ($23). They perform well consistently and are not over the top expensive. I think a great inexpensive dupe for Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow wiz pencil is the NYX Micro Brow Pencil ($10). APPLICATION TOOLS Real Techniques and Morphe brushes are my two go-to brands for brushes. They are both inexpensive and deliver amazing application! I also love the Real Techniques sponge. It’s made well and performs as well as the more expensive version. I believe makeup tools should be replaced far more often than they typically are and these price points allow you to do that more easily without sacrificing quality. [HOT_TIP title=’Hot Tip’ content=’Clean your brushes with two parts mild soap (I use Seventh Generation dish soap ) and one olive oil. Whisk the soap and oil together and it will emulsify. The olive oil will break down your makeup like an oil cleanser would, while conditioning the bristles. The soap will help you thoroughly wash away any residue. Dampen your brush with warm water and then lightly dip it into the solution and work it in with your fingers, or makeup brush cleaning pad if you have one. Depending on the condition of your brushes you might have to repeat this process. Make sure to run your brushes under warm water until the water runs clear. You want to give your brushes a good shake and dry them laying flat on your counter, using a clean towel. I generally leave the bristles hanging off the counter to ensure water does not accumulate during the drying process. You never want to dry your brushes upright because the water will run down the bristle to the base of the bristles and accumulate causing damage and possibly mold.’] OUR FINAL BURNING QUESTIONS: The nightly toner I use is iS Clinical Active Serum ($138). This is a very expensive toner and for many people, it may seem really out of touch and crazy to spend that much on a very small dropper bottle that is $138 which I get. But sadly there is not a hack for this little gem. I am prone to breakouts and this serum has helped keep my skin in check and has evened out my skin tone. It has a water-like consistency and I use more drops in the palm of my hand than they have recommended and gently press it all over my face. This is a toner that I am desperately trying to avoid any waste so I skip the gauze step entirely. I tried to drop it directly on my face for an even more efficient application but it absorbs too quickly in my opinion for it to have a thorough application. You will feel an immediate tingly sensation – I look forward to this nightly. This toner has never irritated my skin but I do feel like it is a product that needs to be eased into. Biossance Squaline + Tea Tree balancing oil ($49) is an oil I keep in the rotation that I will apply day or night depending on my need for it. This is a clean beauty product that is EWG certified. This oil has never clogged my pores, feels hydrating, and lightweight. I think oils can have a tendency to sit on top of the skin without ever absorbing fully and I really like that this one seems to penetrate easily. I use this when I feel like I have a break out coming for its antibacterial properties that help to keep acne from thriving. 2. Do you have a go-to foundation that has SPF? Foundation is such a complex situation. I started writing it in my initial email to you guys and then it was like – this option for this skin type and categorized by coverage – it kind of got out of control – so I deleted it all. I do think if you are specifically looking for a foundation that has SPF – It Cosmetics cc+ cream ($39) is an awesome option. It is a lightweight feeling foundation that provides medium to full buildable coverage. It comes in three different versions depending on what kind of look you are trying to achieve. Original, oil-free matte, and illumination (my personal favorite). I apply this foundation with my Real Techniques Sponge. Start with one pump and build your way up if needed. The better primed your skin is the further a pump of foundation will go and the more natural-looking it will be. If you are overly dry it will absorb quickly and you will need more product and it can end up looking cakey. Skin prep is key! When applying foundation, I like to focus on the center of my face/cheek area to begin with because that is where I need the most coverage and then I work outward towards my hairline using less and less product. I try to use the residual foundation left on my sponge in the places that I do not need as much coverage. If you have a blemish try to spot conceal with the foundation instead of adding more product all over. This will help you achieve the coverage you need and have a more natural finish. 3. Do you use any products that make your skin look especially glowy? I think the more hydrated the skin is prior to foundation application the more naturally glowy your makeup will be. If I want a more matte finish I will use my moisturizer sparingly before my foundation application. If I want a dewier finish I will prep with a little heavier handed moisturizer application. Do use caution when applying more moisturizer before makeup application as it can affect the longevity of your foundation and create unwanted movement. There is a sweet spot you will have to find for your moisturizer ratio and foundation ratio so it will not completely break down throughout the day when you want to go more glowy. This is very individual to your complexion and will take some trial and error. Emily here. HUGE thank you to Whitney for giving us tons of great advice and product recommendations. A few of us already bought the Supergoop Sunscreen and Ryann bought the Reflekt Exfoliating Face Wash and LOVES it. If you want more beauty advice and product recommendations be sure to follow Whitney on Instagram :) If you are looking for ways to help support artists in the beauty, Support Creatives is filling the gap in the world of charities by providing artists in the industry with the proper support system they require during this tough time and beyond. The programs include: Grants for Beauty Professionals: Financial Assistance for Beauty Industry Creatives to support their artistic endeavors, so that practical financial needs don’t get in the way of their artistic pursuits in difficult times. DONATE HERE Mentorship Program: Guidance from well-established artists in the industry, both for artists just starting out or those interested in taking their careers to the next level. Education Programs: Live, online courses taught by industry professionals with an emphasis on current (and future) trends.

You Should Never Grow Mint in Your Garden, Gardeners Say—Here’s Why

Herb gardens are a staple for many gardeners. Not only are herbs fairly easy to grow, but you also get the added benefit of being able to harvest them on a regular basis for your cooking—and say goodbye to wasted store-bought herbs that go off in your fridge. But if you're considering adding mint to your garden—or are already growing it—you may want to think twice. We talked to expert gardeners to find out why you should never grow mint in the garden, and what to grow instead. Meet the Expert Anna Hackman is a farmer and managing member at The Naked Botanical. Edwin Dysinger is the co-founder of Seedtime, a garden planner app. Why You Shouldn't Grow Mint in the Garden Gardeners say you shouldn't grow mint in your garden because it can spread rapidly. "The main reason to not grow mint is that it tends to be very invasive and difficult to get rid of once it has become established," says Edwin Dysinger, co-founder of Seedtime. Anna Hackman, farmer and managing member at The Naked Botanical, agrees, and says mint can very easily crowd out other plants so they don't receive enough water, soil, nutrients, or even sunlight. Want more gardening tips? Sign up for our free gardening newsletter for our best growing tips, troubleshooting hacks, and more! Can You Still Grow Mint at Home? If you still want to grow mint at home, you have some options. First, Hackman suggests having dedicated beds for your mint, which is something she does herself in her own garden. "I have dedicated beds for my mints and each mint is separated so one doesn't push the other out," she says. Hackman also says if you do want to grow mint but are worried about it taking over your garden, there's an easy answer: grow it in containers, but don't plant the container in the ground. "You will need to pull out some of the mint periodically, so it doesn't choke itself," she says. "I made the mistake thinking I could contain it in a container buried in my garden bed and mint found its way out." Alternatives to Growing Mint Hackman has a self-professed "mint addiction," and grows several varieties like pineapple mint, green apple mint, spearmint, peppermint, and chocolate mint. She also suggests a couple of alternatives, if you like the aroma and appearance of mint but would rather grow something less invasive in your garden. "If you want to grow a mint-like plant, I recommend mountain mint or lemon balm," she says. "Lemon balm will self-seed but you can cut it before it flowers. It generally stays in the same vicinity and doesn't get that large." Mountain mint, she says, is pollinator-friendly and will attract lots of bees, but is a larger option and can grow up to 40 inches. Hackman says there are a range of varieties of mountain mint to fit your needs.

7 Tips for Traveling Alone for the First Time

If you’re like me (a chronic worrier and overthinker), the idea of solo travel can be a daunting thing. From going out at night alone to not speaking the language, there are lots of potential questions that may be preventing you from booking a trip. But while the scariest part of solo travel is that you’re in charge of everything, the most rewarding part of solo travel is, well, that you’re in charge of everything. Whether you like to have a loose itinerary or one packed as tight and seamless as your suitcase, you have no one to tell you differently. And as someone who has now experienced it personally, I’m here to tell you that there’s nothing more exhilarating and introspective than a solo adventure. To help you step out of your comfort zone and prepare mentally and physically for your next trip, here are some tips for dealing with travel anxiety. 01 of 07 Do your homework. For your first solo trip, it’s probably a good idea to choose a destination with a developed tourist infrastructure. Locals will be used to dealing with visitors and many people will also speak English, which will be helpful if you don’t speak the local language. Wherever you choose, make sure to research the locale beforehand to get a lay of the land and a sense of where you should (and should not) go. Are some places dangerous to go alone past 9PM? Is it going to be pouring rain the whole time you’re there? What time do things close? How does public transit work? These are all things that you’ll want to go into knowing. 02 of 07 Look for all-inclusive resorts. If this is your very first international solo trip, I recommend choosing an all-inclusive resort to stay at. This will be great if planning an entire itinerary is daunting to you or you’re intimidated by navigating directions in a foreign country. You can get everything you need without going far, and there’s comfort in knowing that you don’t have to leave if you don’t want to. Don’t worry—you’ll still be able to meet a lot of people on the property and you’ll feel entirely immersed in another world. For example, Delta Hotels by Marriott Riviera Nayarit, An All-Inclusive Resort is surrounded by a variety of zen pools in the remote mountains that makes you not want to leave, but you also have the option to take their shuttle to relax by their nearby Beach Club if you want different scenery and a bit more bustle. It also has a variety of cuisines for dining options and a couple bars that will allow you to meet tons of locals there for staycations and fellow travelers passing by. 03 of 07 Be open to talking to people. Speaking of other people, while traveling alone might sound lonely, the best part of traveling alone is you actually end up being way more social and meeting new people you wouldn’t have talked to otherwise. Don't shy away from the locals who know the place much better than you and can help you explore some cool places that are unheard of. Engaging with other travelers on a solo trip can also make your trip more enjoyable—and who knows? It may lead to lifelong friendships and future travel partners for future trips. 04 of 07 Ask the hotel for itinerary recommendations. First time traveling solo at all? In that case, it might be a good idea to start with something domestic where you can get a foreign cultural experience without actually leaving the country. Look for hotels with options onsite that you can partake in. For example, Nobu Hotel Miami Beach offers cultural experiences like Japanese whiskey tasting, Japanese tea ceremonies, origami lessons, and Japanese calligraphy that makes you feel immersed in a completely different culture without traveling abroad. 05 of 07 Split up cash and cards. I always recommend keeping your passport in a hotel safe since that’s the worst thing you can lose, but you’ll also want to keep some of your cards separated too. It’s surprisingly easy to misplace your things when traveling, and since you’re in an unknown environment it makes it even harder to track something down once you realize it’s gone. If you happen to lose your purse or fall victim to a pickpocket, having backup cash and cards in your suitcase or hotel safe can really save the rest of your trip (can you tell I’m speaking from personal experience?). 06 of 07 Be prepared. It’s true that it’s better to be overprepared than underprepared, especially when you’re by yourself in a foreign city. Make a small list of things you’ll want to carry around with you when exploring, and don’t forget to check it off before leaving the hotel. My must-haves: a small battery charger (there’s nothing worse than a dead phone when you’re by yourself), medication, Airtag (this has saved me so many times), and some extra cash if you’re in a pinch. Another hack? Download the place you’re going to on Google maps-—you never know if you might run out of data or signal, so it’s super useful to have your maps offline. 07 of 07 Learn the language. Before you go anywhere, learn a little of the local language. Even if it’s just ‘good morning’, ‘thank you,’ and ‘a coffee please,’ it will go a long way and make it more likely to get help or recommendations should you need it.