Wanderlust Inspired Holiday Gifts for the Traveler in Your Life
There is nothing quite like the right travel accessory to make a difference during travel. We discovered just that during our recent trip to Italy.
There is nothing quite like the right travel accessory to make a difference during travel. We discovered just that during our recent trip to Tuscany. My husband and I both purchased noise-cancelling headphones in preparing for our trip and I can’t tell you what a difference it made in our comfort level during the flights. The headphones made listening to music, podcasts and relaxing much more enjoyable. We even slept better without the constant drone of the jet engine in our ears. This is my new must have for long-haul flights. There are many decent brands and varying price points. Be sure to read the reviews before purchasing.
These are just a few of the travel accessories that caught my eye for gift giving this holiday season as I explored some favorite sites on the web today.
There is nothing quite as creative as giving the gift of travel to someone you love. Contact us at Curated Travel for ideas on travel gifts here.
Noise cancelling Headphones
My must have for long haul flights
“Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.
”
Tips for Preparing for International Travel - What You Need to Know
Planning for your dream vacation can be so exciting — you are already daydreaming of where you’re going to stay, what you’ll see, the shows you’ll take in, and all the amazing food you’ll eat. But what about prepping, packing and organizing all your travel documents? Are they all in order? It can be overwhelming. Here’s a list of everything you need, plus practical tips on how to keep everything organized, safe, and accessible.
Preparing for International Travel
Prepping, packing, paperwork...What you need to know
Planning for your dream vacation can be so exciting — you are already daydreaming of where you’re going to stay, what you’ll see, the shows you’ll take in, and all the amazing food you’ll eat. But what about prepping, packing and organizing all your travel documents? Are they all in order? It can be overwhelming. Here’s a list of everything you need, plus practical tips on how to keep everything organized, safe, and accessible.
What to PACK:
*Carry on bag: I always include a swimsuit, coverup (if headed to a beach vacation), thongs, beauty essentials like the Nars Mulitple Stick, toothbrush/paste, deoderant, moisturizer, a brush and at least a couple pair of undies. I hope you never understand the importance of this but just in case your luggage is delayed or lost as mine was for 6 days in Italy. Medications as needed. I pack a sleeping mask and a few melatonin tablets to help me sleep on a red-eye flight. I always take a wrap or pashmina to double as a scarf or a pillow on the plane. Comfortable walking shoes are a must! I use disinfectant wipes to wipe down the tray table, armrests, buttons, etc.
*A crossbody bag or document carrier to wear under clothing. The last thing you want to have happen is a stolen bag or wallet on vacation. Pick pockets are a real thing so never leave your wallet in your back pocket, gents!
*Technology: Phone charge booster, ear buds, phone (check with your carrier for international plans), kindle app for reading, entertainment app recommended by my flight carrier. Download music, movies, TV shows and a splitter for earbuds if you plan to watch with a fellow traveler.
FOR YOUR DESTINATION:
Download a language translation app like TripLingo for communicating with the locals on your vacation. This will make your ease of travel much improved and you will likely impress the locals, even make some new friends.
Adapters for electrical plugs as needed based on the country of your destination. Guide with details. To buy universal adapters.
DO take business cards, or, at the very least, plan to share your Facebook profile with travelers and locals you meet along the way. Our travels are often greatly enriched by the friends we make along the journey. With the dawn of Facebook, it is super easy to keep in touch upon your return home. Follow Curated Travel here.
International travel documents: what to bring and how to keep them safe
• Your passport. This is the big one. Make sure it hasn't expired and is within six months of being expired. And don’t forget passports for your kid(s)!
• Any visas that can be acquired in advance, including those for countries you’ll only be traveling through. If you can’t get a visa in advance, bring the letter from the consulate stating that your visa will be granted upon your arrival (the UAE and Oman are two countries that don’t issue visas outside their countries, for example).
• A copy of the picture page of your passport, and extra passport photos.
• Your airline miles card
• A copy of your itinerary and any e-docs or e-tickets
• Originals and paper copies of your tickets (plane, train, bus, etc.) and confirmation numbers (hotel reservations, car rental, etc.) and all contact info for these companies. • Travel insurance card and accompanying information
• Guidebook for the countries you are visiting and maps of your driving route — plus discreet city maps if you’ll be exploring a new city
• Your international driver’s license if you plan to drive. Italy requires an International Driving Permit in addition to home country license. Can be picked up at AAA for $20. Good for one year Link to the app is here. The document also lists countries that require this. Or you can order your International Driving permit online here.
• If you use traveler’s checks, bring a copy of your check register. (Tip: Ask your bank if you can use your US debit card at cash machines in the country you are visiting. In some cases, withdrawing cash may be easier and less expensive than cashing traveler’s checks.)
• Contact info for all the people you would want/need to contact in case of an emergency (including me!). Don’t forget the numbers of the consulates where you’ll be staying. All these numbers can be stored in your phone, as well — simply designate a consistent label for them (like “France 2017”) for easy access, and they can be easily deleted when your trip is done.
• Copies — front and back — of any credit cards you’ll be taking with you.
When you’ve assembled all the essential documents/copies, the first thing you should do is check to make sure your name appears the same on all documents. This may seem like a small thing, but it can be a big hassle during travel if your names don’t match. Next, scan the papers and send them in an email to yourself and to your emergency contact(s). In addition, you can carry a USB card with encrypted copies of all these images — so even if it gets stolen, no one could access the documents without the master password. You can keep this USB card in a tiny, discreet pocket, along with some extra cash — an absolute last resort in the extremely rare event that you lose everything. Choose a family member or close friend who will be your representative while you’re away and who can have access to major accounts if needed. This way, you have a trustworthy contact available any time, and there is someone who always knows where you are. Store copies of your major travel documents (passports, tickets, reservations, etc.) in a waterproof plastic zip bag and in a separate piece of luggage from the originals. It’s stressful enough to have your passport stolen — but having it stolen from the same bag where all the copies are is even worse. When you’re out sightseeing, always carry the essential documents on your person, ideally in a waterproof carrier that can be worn under your clothing. Once you get all this info in order, you can travel with confidence, knowing you’re covered in the event of the unexpected. And — bonus! — you’ll have laid the groundwork for future trips.
Trip Details - Use an app to gather all of your information in one place. I like the Tripit app for storing trip info - flights, hotels, transportation. For my travel clients I use a sophisticated, highly detailed Umapped app to organize their travel information at every step of the way.
How I Survived Without My Luggage for 6 Days on a Luxury trip to Italy
After carefully curating my packing list, constructing outfits and meticulously organizing my accessories for the most import trip of my travel advisor career, a luxury travel event in Italy, the unthinkable happened. My luggage filled with 9 days of outfits, shoes, accessories, makeup and hair tools, did not arrive with me in Nice, France. It didn't arrive while I was traveling on the Italian Riviera, and it didn't arrive until my last few moments at Lake Como!
After carefully curating my packing list, constructing outfits, and meticulously organizing my accessories for the most important trip of my travel advisor career, my first luxury travel event in Italy, the unthinkable happened. My luggage filled with 9 days of outfits, shoes, accessories, makeup, and hair tools, did not arrive with me in Nice, France for my first few days in San Remo. It didn't arrive while I was traveling on the Italian Riviera, and it didn't arrive until my last few moments at Lake Como!
Here I am, at the airport in Sacramento, with my roller bag that, in the end, would make additional flights to Munich and Milan without me. I had no idea I would have to manage six days of professional and semi-formal luxury events by living out of my carry-on and one quick shopping trip.
Here's what I learned about making do with the clothes on my back and in my carry-on luggage for 6 days.
1 - Create a survivor capsule in your carry on. Think through your carry-on luggage as a mini version of what you would need for (the unthinkable) numerous days. I had a skeleton version of my makeup but nothing like I needed for the semi-formal events and 2 days of professional meetings. Take small versions of all the products you need to create your look. Include the moisturizers and lip balm to keep you comfortable. I always carry a toothbrush & toothpaste, hand cream, roller ball perfume and a multiple stick (mine is Nars) for blush, but never thought to pack deodorant in my carry on. Day three this will feel like a necessity, I promise you. Also include a hair brush, accessories and hair products to tame the mane.
2 - Stick with neutrals - I debated between wearing the comfy, trendy track pants or a pair of black stretch leggings on the plane. As you can see, I went with the track pants, but in the end it was the wrong choice. Though I was thrilled to see that track pants are definitely a fashion statement in Italy (image above), what I found, over the next several days, was that the more neutral your pieces are, especially for reuse in a pinch, the better. Do you really want to see me wearing obviously the same pair of pants three days in a row? I think not.
3 - Pack jewelry and accessories - to mix up your look with basic neutrals. I got lucky! At the last minute I moved my jewelry bag from my checked luggage to my carry-on. Having a sparkling necklace and multi-strand of pearls definitely helped my basic black 'uniform' feel more festive for fancy cocktail parties. Also, scarves are ideal with neutral basics. They can be used as a scarf or a wrap as I did for a formal night at Villa d'este.
My purchases in my quick one hour to shop for backup items in San Remo
4 - Be practical (not precious) when you need to shop for necessities. When I realized my luggage would be delivered to the Italian Riviera after I was scheduled to leave for Lake Como, I knew I had to get smart. I knew there would be no time to shop at our Travelux 2018 event, so I made a quick list of necessities and walked to San Remo to power shop. Though Italy has amazing fashion, I didn't have time to browse the expensive boutiques for something special. I hit the inexpensive makeup store (mascara, tinted moisturizer, day/night cream) the pharmacy (a brush, dry shampoo) plus an inexpensive boutique (undies, black leggings, black top, a graphic scarf). At another, more hip boutique, I found a pretty green blouse with bold sleeves and a gold tank sweater with a bit of sheen (for semi-formal nights).
4 - Pack two shoe options - One pair for comfort and one pair for professional or dressy events. I had this one covered. I wore sneakers on the plane which came in very handy when I had to sprint through the international terminal in San Francisco to catch my Swiss Air Flight to France. This is where my luggage and I parted ways since it did not make the quick connection. Also, pack socks (to prevent blisters) and band-aids, just in case you end up getting blisters from repeating the same shoes day after day. Despite the band-aids, my blisters became so bad I had to wear my sneakers to a couple of the semi-formal cocktail parties and events... Seriously, sneakers at a semi-formal event at Villa d'Este? As a shoe lover, that is my personal fashion nightmare!
5 - Get creative. I had packed my black halter swimming suit in the carry-on since there was a spa at my first hotel. I considered pairing that black halter with my black legging and a long wrap for one of the semi-formal evenings. In the end, I decided it was too bare for the cold weather, but it was a creative option. I also pulled my cosmetic bag out of my purse and used it as a clutch for our spectacular evening at Villa d'este. In the end, I felt like a 'fashion MacGyver'.
6 - Pack Multi-Use Pieces - At the last moment I grabbed my reversible vest - faux fur on one side and nylon on the other. That turned out to be the most versatile piece I packed. It was a pillow on the plane, a warm/rain shield on the boat tour of Lake Como and a stylish layer (faux fur with gold tone zipper) for a cocktail party.
And when my bag finally arrived in Italy(BLISS!!) just moments before we left Lake Como for Abano, I was elated. I told my traveling companions to expect to see me in at least 3 outfits per day, just because I could FINALLY wear my packed clothing. Our last stop was at the Grand Hotel a spa hotel in Abano where robes were enocouraged for day wear. No matter, I still rocked as many outfits as I could.
Struggling to put myself together for these luxury events in Italy for six days was NOT easy. I had one moment, on the phone with my husband (furiously tracking my luggage on his end), when I wondered if I had taken on too much with this international trip for my new career. I used pretty 'descriptive language', shed a couple of tears, and then my wise husband said to me, "flash that beautiful smile and they won't notice how you look". That was just the push I needed and resolve set in. I was in ITALY invited to attend 3 hosted luxury travel events for nine days and I was bound and determined to make the best of it! It helped tremendously that I made some wonderful friends who were sympathetic and encouraging about my plight. They shared their luggage stories and agreed my situation was a tough one. They even offered to loan me clothes and do my makeup. One Italian friend brought a pair of socks to me at a fancy cocktail party. These kind gestures helped keep my spirits up for the most part.
Being without my luggage, and all the elements that make me feel like myself, was a life lesson to me. It's not about having the right clothing, makeup or the right shoes. It IS about making the best of a challenging situation, getting creative, and letting go of the things you cannot control. I also had to be self-forgetful about my appearance, which is not easy at my age, when being polished and put together feels essential at times like this. It was a mind game and I simply had to make the choice not to let this issue impact my enjoyment of the trip.
In the end, I learned new lessons about what to pack in my carry-on, to get creative with my resources, and how to make it work with the right attitude. I learned that fireworks and candlelight do wonders to hide makeup flaws and wild hair. My husband is right, if you lead with a bright smile, maybe they won't notice that you are wearing sneakers to a formal event at Villa d'este.
Bellissimo!! Heather
Packing for a Cruise Vacation to the Caribbean
While packing is always a bit of a challenge for me, I'm realizing that packing for a cruise is a bit different than a resort getaway. On this cruise, there are two formal nights. While not exactly the ball gown type, I'm happy to throw on some pretty black pieces and a statement necklace with a stylish clutch. I'll pack several pairs of low sandals with non-skid soles, a gallon of sunscreen, several sarongs and swimsuits. I purchased a new hat, especially for shore excursions, as well as a waterproof bag to house camera and essentials for our shore excursions. My iPad is loaded with new reads and tunes.
Packing for a Cruise Vacation
Are you a cruiser? I've only been on one cruise, nearly 20 years ago, so Scott (Mr. CT) and I are excited to embark on a Princess Cruise to the Eastern Caribbean in the very near future. The added bonus is that we will be cruising the high seas with my best friend since 4th grade, Deb, and her husband, Bruce. I'm already picturing the fun we are going to have onboard the Crown Princess visiting destinations such as Turks and Caicos, Antigua, St. Kitts, Nevis, St. John and St. Thomas.
With this travel adventure on the horizon, I'm in packing mode. This is my color palette above from yesterday. Though packing the right clothing is important, in my opinion, the most important packing for a cruise vacation is the paperwork. A passport is a must, but so is the embarkation paperwork and boarding pass. Review all info carefully and remember that the names on passports and boarding passes must be the same or you will not be allowed to board. Look carefully at the FAQ and information specific to your cruise.
While packing is always a bit of a challenge for me, I'm realizing that packing for a cruise is a bit different than a resort getaway. On this cruise, there are two formal nights. While not exactly the ball gown type, I'm happy to throw on some pretty black pieces and a statement necklace with a stylish clutch. I'll pack several pairs of low sandals with non-skid soles, a gallon of sunscreen, several sarongs and swimsuits. I purchased a new hat, especially for shore excursions, as well as a waterproof bag to house camera and essentials for our shore excursions. My iPad is loaded with new reads and tunes.
You can see more of my packing vibe and follow along on our cruise on IG link below.
For more of my packing list:
I have a feeling I'm going to live in caftans on our cruise, especially on 'at sea' days -and I'm such a fan of Melissa Odabash here. A sarong, or three, is a must for my tropical vacation. I like this one. I often purchase a couple of sarongs while on vacation to take home with me.
I'm packing several sundresses like this from Trina Turk. For formal dinner one night I'm packing a one-shoulder blouse to wear with a skirt, like this one. It's dramatic in black but easy to wear. Of course, a few swimsuits are essential for a Caribbean cruise. I like a one piece, especially when sunbathing around other cruisers and beach goers here, here and here. I'm packing my Jack Rogers Thongs here. As well as a couple of pairs of slides like these. I'll be taking some very simple jewelry here and a couple of statement pieces here and here, wrapped up in this. I'll always take some pretty and protective lipstick here and a powerful sunscreen here.
You can follow our cruise experience on Instagram:
Finally-- the bags are packed, our housesitter is booked, the car is loaded and soon we will be on our way!
For more on packing tips.
For more on Princess Cruises to the Caribbean
here.
If you are considering a cruise, feel free to contact me at
I'll have up to date information for you on cruises around the world.
Bon Voyage for now!
Stylish & Savvy Gifts for the Curated Traveler
It's most definitely that festive, and sometimes frenetic, time of year. Are you like me, still checking off that holiday gift shopping list? The gift of travel is my favorite type of gift to give or receive as you probably know if you are a reader of Style*Mind*Chic for any length of time. If the gift of a trip to Paris or a dreamy tropical island is not in the budget for a gift this year, how about travel accessories for the traveler in your life? These are a few of my picks for that stylish and savvy traveler that you can put under the tree in preparation for that next travel adventure.
It's most definitely that festive, and sometimes frenetic, time of year. Are you like me, still checking off that holiday gift shopping list? The gift of travel is my favorite type of gift to give or receive as you probably know if you are a reader of Style*Mind*Chic for any length of time. If the gift of a trip to Paris or a dreamy tropical island is not in the budget for a gift this year, how about travel accessories for the traveler in your life? These are a few of my picks for that stylish and savvy traveler that you can put under the tree in preparation for that next travel adventure.
Stylish & Savvy Gifts for the Curated Traveler:
Gifts for Her
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Gifts for Him
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The gift of travel makes the best gift, I'd love to create the perfect getaway for someone you love.
Contact me at
for your complimentary consultation!
How to Make Your Dream Bucket List Trip a Reality
This image was taken at the romantic and luxurious Ladera Resort while Scott and I were traveling in St. Lucia several years ago. For me, this island was definitely on my list of dream bucket list destinations and it did not disappoint. For some people, a dream destination pops easily into mind and they know exactly where they would go in a heartbeat if there were no obstacles. For others, it’s a bit more ambiguous. You might have an idea about what you’d like, but you might not be entirely certain where you’d have your passport stamped if the opportunity came up tomorrow.
How to Make Your Dream Bucket List Trip a Reality
This image was taken at the romantic and luxurious Ladera Resort while Scott and I were traveling in St. Lucia several years ago. For me, this island was definitely on my list of dream bucket list destinations and it did not disappoint. For some people, a dream destination pops easily into mind and they know exactly where they would go in a heartbeat if there were no obstacles. For others, it’s a bit more ambiguous. You might have an idea about what you’d like, but you might not be entirely certain where you’d have your passport stamped if the opportunity came up tomorrow.
We all know that the best way to make something happen is to start intentionally giving it shape — something to look at, imagine, talk about, and (most importantly!) plan for. With that in mind, here are a few questions to ask yourself so you can get started working out the details of that trip you fantasize about during those hectic workweeks.
- What’s your “happy place” when you have bad days? Again, for some, this might be a specific place — Bora Bora or the Alps or Johannesburg. But more than that — what’s the feeling you go to when you’re stressed out or stuck in traffic? Do you imagine the lazy perfection of pristine beaches? The thrill of craggy mountains? The rush and sensory feast of busy marketplaces? The smells of spicy foods? Make a quick list: 10 things that come to mind on the most fun, free, relaxed, no-obligations, open day you can imagine.
- What do you crave? Think of what you say you wish you had more of — free time, adventure, romance, time to learn a new skill, sunshine, purpose. What are you truly, deep down, just plain hungry for? What do you long for? When you imagine being your best self — what are you doing? And who is with you? Jot down 10 things you are longing for in your life right now.
- What season suits you best? Do you love to soak in the sweltering heat in your swimsuit? Or the crisp crunch of autumn leaves underfoot? Or the intense blue quiet of a mountain snowfall? When do you feel most at home in your body and most in love with your environment? Your perfect vacation doesn’t have to be the most popular! It’s your perfect vacation, remember?
- What’s one crazy luxurious thing you secretly wish for? For some people, it’s as simple as a pile of books and no emails to answer for three weeks. For others, it’s endless room service or all-day spa treatments or king-size feather beds and huge whirlpool tubs. No matter how big or small — go ahead. Write down five luxuries that would make you feel like you’d won the lottery if someone handed them to you right now.
- When you scroll through magazines, which images grab you the most? What colors draw your eye? Spicy and exotic? Cool and laid back? Misty and mysterious? Go to a bookstore, and pick up four or five travel magazines — and just notice which images you keep going back to, the ones that make your heart skip a little. You might be surprised. Some people assume that their “dream” trip is an all-inclusive resort somewhere. But if you keep coming back to the pictures of a bike tour through Tuscany — well, that’s worth paying attention to. That experience might feed something in you that an all-you-can-eat buffet might not even begin to touch. Cut out the images that speak to you the most and look for common themes, even (and especially) in images that seem to be opposites.
When you’ve had time to assemble your thoughts — and if you’re working on this with your partner or friends or family members — look for overlaps, recurring themes, those quiet nudges you can’t seem to shake. Listen to your gut. And start to dream big.
You can set a goal, start saving if you need to and start giving shape to your plan. Put your images and any accompanying words or phrases up on a cork board, or glue them to a big piece of tag board, or make a digital collage that can be your screensaver on your computer at work — anyplace where you’ll see it multiple times a day — and let those images inspire you as you get closer and closer to making your bucket list trip a reality.
The best part? I can help you design this trip down to the last customized detail. Send me an email or give me a call and let’s get started!
Yours in wanderlust!
Heather
