Respect The Journey: Notes On Traveling Through Asia
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In the newest episode of Wear Who You Are, Natalie opens up about her month-long adventure through Asia, sharing some valuable lessons she picked up along the way. With stops in Thailand, Cambodia, and Japan, she reflects on the theme of respect.
It can be strange to reconcile life in America with the incredible cleanliness and respect for public spaces she witnessed in places like Tokyo and Bangkok. Nat shares how the principle of loving-kindness influences interactions with both the environment and each other. There’s a refreshing take on shopping, too (of course!)—she noticed how shopping in these countries feels more social and community-focused, rather than just transactional. Where do you go to gather in a public space? The mall, of course! It’s like a return to the 80s and 90s.
In terms of what Nat packed for her trip, she shares her strategy. No secrets here. Her choices emphasized comfort and versatility in the scorching Bangkok heat and cool Tokyo nights. She leaned on breathable fabrics and versatile pieces that could serve different purposes, perfect for navigating the varied climates and activities of her trip. There are also some revelations about how some of her outfits might just have to be “good enough,” rather than fixating on clothes too much to the point that it distracts from the real reason you’re there. To enjoy traveling and be part of another culture!
All of this emphasis on community and respect ties into the BU Style Circle community, a membership-based platform where people can connect, share resources, and discover fashion inspiration together. We hope you check it out!
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Natalie’s Packing Strategy for this Trip:
Itinerary: 1 week in Tokyo & 3 weeks in Bangkok w/ 1 weekend in Siem Reap, Cambodia
Tokyo forecast: highs in the high 40s/low50s; lows in the 30s
Special activities: NYE celebration [black dress]
Other activities: site-seeing during the day [lots of walking]; 2 nicer dinners & otherwise casual dinners
Bangkok & Siam Reap forecast: highs in the 80s/low 90s/ lows in the high 60s/70s
Special activities: 2 activity-filled days at Angkor Wat [walking, climbing old temple stairs, plus need to cover knees & shoulders]; 1 sky bar evening; 1 fancy dinner
Packing List:
Troy and I were traveling together, so I separated each leg of the trip by suitcase: one for Tokyo and one for Bangkok. I noted ahead of time the items that would be used for all locations and that I would have to transfer from the Tokyo suitcase to the Bangkok suitcase at the end of our stay in Tokyo. Since I was staying longer in BKK, he took back all of the Tokyo-only items when he left. I rented a furnished flat in BKK, so I knew I would also have a washing machine in my unit, so I prioritized packing machine-washable and quick-drying items for BKK.
Shoes:
Shoes were a priority for the varied forecasts, comfort needs, and settings. I packed more shoes than usual, making sure all took up minimal space except exercise sneakers & ankle boots
Exercise sneakers [Tokyo & BKK]
Comfortable fashion sneakers [Tokyo & BKK; wear on plane]
Nice flats [Tokyo & BKK]
OTK Nomasei boots [Tokyo evenings; tall but soft leather takes up little space]
Black ankle boots [Tokyo day & evenings]
Flat Sandals [BKK for days & evenings]
Nomasei white-heeled sandal [BKK evenings]
Bottoms:
1 loose comfy jean [Tokyo & BKK; wear on plane]
1 straight-leg smart-casual jean [Tokyo & BKK]
1 black jean [Tokyo]
1 black mini skirt [Tokyo evening]
1 cotton olive-green pants [BKK days & casual evenings; can wear to wats]
1 linen/cotton [BKK days & casual evenings; can wear to wats; can dress up or down]
1 drapey black pants [BKK days & evenings; can dress up or down]
1 denim skirt [BKK days & evenings; can dress up or down
1 tailored black short [BKK days & evenings]
Tops:
1 travel sweatshirt
4 thin sweaters [Tokyo for all + 1 cotton one for BKK evenings
2 button-downs [Tokyo & BKK evenings & air conditioning day]
2 thin long-sleeve T-shirts [Tokyo layering & BKK evenings & air conditioning days; can be used as layers]
2 long-sleeve blouse [Tokyo & BKK evenings]
3 short-sleeve blouses [BKK & Siem Reap days for shoulder covering at wats & BKK evenings]
2 short-sleeved T-shirts [BKK
4 Uniqlo tanks—2 white; 2 black [Tokyo layers & BKK everything; build in bras; wash & wear; super easy; great for long plane rides]
Layers:
1 linen-blend light-gray blazer [BKK evenings]
1 black thin blazer [Tokyo & BKK evenings; thin and takes up little space]
1 mid-weight coat [Tokyo; wear on plane]
Dresses:
1 black dress [Tokyo & BKK fancy evenings; pair with different shoes]
Bags:
1 everyday crossbody bag
1 small sling backpack [Siem Reap]
1 black evening clutch
Other Items:
2 sets of workout clothes
1 pair of tights for OTK boots
2 bras
10 pairs of underwear [I had a washing machine in my BKK unit]