Kevin and I are headed for Spain and France next week! I am besides myself with excitement and joy. I love to travel. It feeds my soul and inspires me. Having lived in California the past 5 years without traveling out of United States much (except for going to Singapore and Shanghai 2 years ago), I am so looking forward to going back to Europe. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love California and what it has to offer. But exploring new cities, cultures and revisiting old places, plus I get to do it with Kevin! 3 weeks of city-trotting on our own, in my most-loved part of the world. Can you tell I'm really REALLY excited?
Having said that, I need to pack! Even though I'm still in Sedona transitioning Kyan into his new routine with preschool and grandparents, I'm starting to plan in my head what I need to bring. Now that I have birthed a child out of my pelvis and nearing thirty-six, my body is starting to ache in places that's never given me problems before, namely my lower back, and more recently my heels. I find myself looking for shoes with more support and cushion. Living in California, driving everywhere I go from door-to-door, I can afford to wear flip-flops with next to no cushion and no support. But I have a feeling for this trip, I am going to need something more functional than my rainbows.
I have a few pairs of Birkenstocks that I love that is cute, comfortable and cushioned. I can wear them all day, around the house and not feel like my back or heel is killing me. But that's about it for long walking. For shorter walking, I have my go-to Bensimons that I practically lived in when I was living in Paris. They are cute, easy and comfortable. I call them The French Converse - every French girl wears them. I also recently bought a pair of Soludos and they are super comfy too, especially for hot weather, but unfortunately lack cushion for my heel for all day walking. And my favorite Repetto ballerina flats which I love, goes everywhere with me, because it is super light, but they absolutely kill my back so I reserve only for short (fancier) outings.
So, you see, I keep wondering about better options out there and I'm stuck. Everything I've looked at, that are more functional, are either too clunky or too touristy. What do you wear when you know you have to walk a lot and definitely need cushion, comfort and cute? What are your favorites to bring on a vacation that won't blister or kill your backs and heels? I would love to know!