New Frontiers: From the Salish Sea to the Savannah
Published: 02/23/2026
Whether I’m navigating the PNW at the helm or trekking the savanna, I rely on the same technical systems to stay field-ready. Ready to take the guesswork out of your next bucket-list trip? Let’s get to work.
If you’ve followed me for a while, you know me as a Registered Dietitian and Master Personal Trainer—someone obsessed with the science of how we fuel our bodies. But there is another side to my life that informs every piece of advice I give: I am a boat captain, a mountaineer, and an explorer.
Whether I am navigating the tidal currents of the San Juan Islands, trekking through the high-altitude terrain of the Pacific Northwest, or managing life on the road in an RV, I’ve learned that the success of any adventure depends on two things: technical preparation and intentional systems.
For me, travel isn't about sitting still. It’s about movement, discovery, and testing our limits. But "going big"—whether that’s a month-long road trip, a transoceanic cruise, or a remote expedition—requires a different level of planning.
In this category, I’m bridging the gap between my life at the helm in the PNW and my adventures across the globe. You can expect:
- Healthy Boat & RV Living: Strategies for staying fit, fueled, and organized while living in small, mobile spaces—from the galley to the campground.
- Active Cruising: How to navigate the "all-you-can-eat" culture of cruise ships while staying energized for shore excursions and onboard fitness.
- Technical Gear Guides: My "Layering Logic" for unpredictable climates (because a cold morning in the Maasai Mara isn't that different from a misty dawn in the San Juans).
- Field-Tested Packing Systems: Practical, weight-sensitive checklists for bush planes, backpacks, and boat lockers that ensure you have exactly what you need—and nothing you don't.
Prepared for the Journey
My goal here isn't just to show you where I've been, but to give you the tools to get there yourself. Using my background as a professional in both health and the outdoors, I’ve distilled my experiences into guides that take the guesswork out of your "bucket-list" trips.
The Gear & Systems I Trust
To take the guesswork out of your planning, I’ve curated two specific resources based on my own field-testing:
My Amazon Storefront: Here, you’ll find the exact technical gear and accessories I rely on—from my favorite hiking layers to the specific "dust-proof" tech I used in the Kenyan bush.
My Etsy Shop: This is the home of my systems and comprehensive, downloadable checklists. These are the exact systems I use to stay organized.
So, whether you’re gearing up for your first safari, prepping the boat for a long trip, or packing for a cruise I’m glad you’re here.
Let’s get to work—the adventure is waiting!
Ready to start packing and planning ? Check out my The Ultimate Menu and Meal Planning System for RV, Boat Camping & Instructions on Etsy
Field-tested Safari Packing Checklist here
About the Author
Field-testing the 'Layering System' in Kenya. From the helm to the savanna, my systems are designed to keep you organized, and ready for the elements
Maria Faires, RD, is a Registered Dietitian, Master Personal Trainer, and licensed Boat Captain with over 30 years of experience in the health and fitness industry. As the founder of My Active Nutrition, she specializes in transforming the way people take care of their bodies for high-performance living—whether they are at home, on the road, or at sea.
Maria’s expertise is rooted in real-world adventure. A seasoned mountaineer and maritime explorer, she spends her time captaining and navigating the San Juan Islands, trekking the Pacific Northwest, and embarking on global expeditions like her recent 12-day Kenya Safari.
Through her Active Travel series, Maria combines her scientific background with her field-tested systems to help travelers master technical layering, small-space galley cooking, and weight-sensitive packing. Her goal is to take the guesswork out of "bucket-list" adventures so you can focus on the journey.
When she’s not coaching clients or drafting new Etsy Packing Systems, you can find her at the helm of her boat or exploring the world via RV, cruise ship, or bush plane.
