Travel Talk with Friends of STOW: Abigail Harrison
STOW speaks with Abigail Harrison, also known as ‘Astronaut Abby’. At only 22, she is the founder of The Mars Generation, a non-profit organisation elevating the focus on human space exploration for her generation. An aspiring astronaut, her goal is to be the first astronaut to walk on Mars. Already an International STEAM and Space Ambassador, she is ranked in the top 10 influencers on space.
Where’s top of your travel wish-list and why?
Mars! But, here on Earth top of my travel list is the Antarctica. Antarctica is such a unique and interesting environment – living there is so difficult that it can be used to simulate living on Mars! Ever since I was a kid I’ve had a dream/bucket-list goal of joining a meteorite collecting time in Antarctica.
Who would you take with you?
I would love to take my sisters (24 and 12) with me on a trip someday! Probably not to the Arctic – my older sister doesn’t much like the cold – but I would love to travel pretty much anywhere else with them – South America, Europe, Australia – who knows!
One essential piece of kit you can’t travel without, and why?
My sound cancelling headphones! Wearing them makes airports and airplanes so much more bearable. Even if I’m stuck sitting behind a loud engine or a fussy baby, I can put my headphones on and take a nap or read a book.
Your favourite STOW piece and why?
I love all of the STOW bags – they are so sleek and beautiful, yet functional. As a lifelong explorer I’m always in the market for luggage that matches my aesthetic and can keep up with my life. I especially love the Amalfi Leather Pilot Backpack – I’m a private pilot and I imagine that this bag would work great to hold my maps/charts, e6b calculator, headset and more when I’m flying.
What would you keep in your stowaway envelope?
Glitter!!!
Luxury or practicality – which one are you?
Definitely practicality – since I donate all my earnings to charity I don’t often have a lot of extra cash to drop on luxurious travel.
Best piece of travel advice you’ve received?
My mom used to always tell me to check in online before my flights and have my boarding pass sent to my phone. I do so every time I fly now! I find it really helpful to have my boarding pass in the wallet app on my phone – it’s easily accessible and unlike a paper one I won’t lose it.
How do you stay stylish when travelling?
I stay stylish while travelling by dressing for the occasion. I like to wear clothes that are close fitting so that I can put layers on and that have lots of pockets to stick various things in throughout my trip. My favourite travel outfit is a cute pair of overalls.
How do you refresh body and mind when you travel?
When I’m on long flights/train trips/etc. I like to take some time during my connections to stretch. Whether it’s just a quick five minute ankles/wrists/neck stretch or a 30 minute full body stretch I find that it leaves me refreshed!
Which luxury item do you take on your travels?
I think my most important luxury item for when I travel is a high quality, sturdy, stylish carry-on bag (with lots of pockets of course)!
Your top tip for travelling well?
Take advantage of any and every opportunity to sleep! I like to stock up on sleep while I’m travelling, even if it’s just a couple of minutes at a time so that I can be fresh for whatever adventures are waiting for me at my destination.
