When I arrived in Belgrade on the last day of September, I knew drizzly walks and brisk fall temperatures were in the cards. But on my third day in Serbia, less than two weeks into autumn, the snow started falling-and when I woke up in my cozy mountainside hotel in Zlatibor the next morning, it was piled 10 inches high.
Since getting a dog, this seasonal displeasure has only gotten worse. In the spring and summer, I adore getting out for long, rambling hikes, exploring new areas and getting lost in the English countryside with no one around but me and my f our-legged friend. But autumn brings with it the promise of dark morning walks before the sun's risen, pulling on waterproofs and treading through sludge and mud while the dog gets progressively more muddy and sopping wet.
Don't let a trip of a lifetime to Machu Picchu be ruined by forgetting the right gear. I learned this the hard way when I packed at the last minute and left my rain jacket behind. Luckily, a friend saved the day with a spare-but you don't want to rely on chance. Packing smart doesn't mean overpacking. Whether you're arriving by train, bus, or on foot, a few key essentials can make all the difference. Think comfortable hiking boots, insect repellent, and a lightweight daypack.