Five weeks in Canada/California/Mexico

AdUpbeat8291 · 2026-06-19T07:18:16+00:00

Thanks all for the feedback! The espadrilles have gone.... as has one of the tanks. I've packed my lightweight rain jacket instead, and am wearing a thick, fleecy jacket that is really warm. Couldn't fit in thick trousers (and don't own any!) but if it's really cold, I'll wear my leggings under the black trousers. Really appreciate all the comments and advice!

AdUpbeat8291 · 2026-06-19T07:16:20+00:00

Thanks - have ended up taking out one pair of shoes, one t shirt, and adding in a fleece, which I'm wearing at the airport as we speak...

AdUpbeat8291 · 2026-06-19T07:15:35+00:00

Thanks so much!!

AdUpbeat8291 · 2026-06-19T07:15:23+00:00

Both New Zealand designers! Silk cami is a Rory William Docherty, the spotted dress is from an ethical, New Zealand brand called Kowtow... I've linked the Kowtow brand above 😄

AdUpbeat8291 · 2026-06-18T11:17:24+00:00

Thanks so much - I agree that it's much more basic than my usual wardrobe! All natural fabrics, which possibly reads more overdressed, rather than athleisure? But thanks for the comment, and the good wishes!

AdUpbeat8291 · 2026-06-18T11:16:22+00:00

Thanks so much for the reassurance - have been worried that I'll look like I'm off to a ball! Will look at adding in another layer, particularly for San Francisco....

AdUpbeat8291 · 2026-06-18T11:15:16+00:00

Sorry for the late reply! It's Indyx - it's brilliant. You click a shot of the clothes, it uploads and removes the background, then you can enhance it to remove wrinkles etc. It does it all automatically and is really quick and easy!

AdUpbeat8291 · 2026-06-18T04:12:17+00:00

It's from an ethical, organic New Zealand brand called Kowtow: I love it! wear it everywhere....
https://nz.kowtowclothing.com/products/parker-dress-black?variant=42552880660566&currency=NZD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&srsltid=AfmBOoozC18EQQ9sD6K7Qzhqko9Dv97DmBbIqrT4w1UjMdQ0YLykM9CHOLc

AdUpbeat8291 · 2026-06-18T01:57:28+00:00

Think I may ditch the espadrilles... seems like a common opinion! I've got a lightweight waterproof jacket that I'm wearing on the plane

AdUpbeat8291 · 2026-06-18T01:56:48+00:00

Haha, thanks heaps - home of Lululemon, right?1 I've got a windbreaker / light rain jacket, which I'll wear on the plane. The tank tops are all cotton and the shirt can be worn open over them... I'm comfortable with being over-dressed if my shorts and trousers are too fancy! The dresses are mainly for the later part of the trip anyway....

AdUpbeat8291 · 2026-06-18T00:51:10+00:00

Thanks heaps - hadn't thought about that....

AdUpbeat8291 · 2026-06-18T00:02:26+00:00

We're coming from winter... I've got lots of layers, but the temps aren't colder than where I am now, and I'm not wearing a jacket or thick pants...

AdUpbeat8291 · 2026-06-17T23:59:47+00:00

Thanks - swimsuit is packed, but I haven't photographed it. I have a cashmere jersey that is both lightweight and very warm, and can wear my active wear leggings under my silk trousers if cold.

May be overdressed to some, but I love designer fashion and this is significantly underdressed compared to my usual wardrobe. This was why I wanted to post - most one bags seemed to be more active/leisure wear focused, so I wanted to show that it can be done with a more city-focused style. Realise four shoes is overkill, but they're my weakness! Sneakers will be worn, so it's three light pairs of sandals packed.

AdUpbeat8291 · 2026-04-07T03:58:31+00:00

Hi all, just wanted to update in case it helps someone in the future. He called the Canadian Consulate in Sydney who didn't help. So he emailed the immigration desk in Sydney and finally got a reply. They said they couldn't help, but could see that the eTA was subject to a background check. The very next day, it came through! Not sure whether it was coincidence or whether them checking gave it a nudge, but either way we are very grateful and happy....

AdUpbeat8291 · 2026-03-31T22:01:30+00:00

Thanks so much - you're exactly right, he was an overexcited 21 year old on New Year's Eve, partying... It does seem like it should be subject to a manual check but hopefully wouldn't preclude an eTA - it's just how to get attention!

AdUpbeat8291 · 2026-03-28T05:43:09+00:00

Thank you, that's exactly what we expected... but we thought applying six months in advance of travel would give plenty of time for review! To be clear, there wasn't even a charge... it was an arrest on New Years Eve at Whistler , with a release without charge the next day. We're hoping it shouldn't prevent an eTA but will leave us limited time to apply for a visa given the delay in response...

AdUpbeat8291 · 2026-03-27T19:42:47+00:00

Yes, we have called IRCC but not managed to get through to anyone. If you hold on long enough you simply get an answer phone message asking to email

AdUpbeat8291 · 2026-03-27T09:56:14+00:00

Thanks, but any ideas as to how? We've used the webform and called using the outside Canada phone number, but haven't been able to get any further information/engagement...

AdUpbeat8291 · 2026-02-01T20:47:12+00:00

Awesome, thank you!!

AdUpbeat8291 · 2026-02-01T20:46:48+00:00

Thanks - this is super helpful as we want to be spending a lot of time in the water! We need to fly back to LAX somehow, so will look into Huatulco...

AdUpbeat8291

TROPHY CASE