How to Preserve Your Wanderlust Spirit In Uncertain Times
It’s been a challenging couple of weeks for travelers as well as the travel industry. With news of the expanding outbreaks of Coronavirus making an impact abroad, and now in the USA, it’s a concerning time. How are you dealing with it? Is it impacting your life and travels at this point? Are you stocking up, scrubbing down and washing your hands constantly? Personally, I had a much-anticipated trip to Northern Italy in late March postponed by the host. It is disappointing and yet understandable.
High above the French Riviera
It’s been a challenging couple of weeks for travelers as well as the travel industry. With news of the expanding outbreaks of Coronavirus making an impact abroad, and now in the USA, it’s definitely a concerning time.
How are you dealing with it? Is it impacting your life and travels at this point? Are you stocking up, scrubbing down and washing your hands constantly? Personally, I had a much-anticipated trip to Northern Italy in late March postponed by the host. It is disappointing and yet understandable.
As I connect with so many of my wonderful travel clients about this turn of events, I’m relieved that most all of them are staying the course for upcoming travels. They are choosing to travel smart, have the necessary insurances in place and stick with their plans.
How do you preserve your wanderlust spirit in challenging times?
One of my favorite things about travel is the anticipation. It's natural for us to want to look forward to something to keep us engaged, energized and (on occasion) daydreaming about the future. In my mind, there is almost nothing better than to have a travel adventure on the horizon.
This current epidemic will calm down and then the opportunities for travel will be huge. What to do for now? Take a breath and be ready to jump on the next wave of opportunity. During this uncertain time, we don’t have to stop dreaming of and planning for future travel adventures.
Here are a few tips to keep your wanderlust spirit alive:
1- Look further ahead on your travel calendar. Rather than focus on a postponed spring break trip turn your focus to summer travel dreams.
2- Rather than a rapid-fire booking, take the time to thoroughly research a destination: scroll through Instagram and bookmark favorite views, points of interest, hotels, restaurants, and excursions. Use Pinterest boards to collect your favorite tips on a destination and refine your travel and packing style in anticipation of upcoming travels. Savor your travel planning experience.
2- Read books set in specific destinations to fuel your wanderlust. Imagining the sensory experience, sights, sounds, tastes, and scents, of a destination, only serves to enhance the anticipation. Best Travel Books from Town and Country Magazine
3 - Refine your long-term travel calendar. Where do you want to travel in 2021? Where does that bucket list trip fit in? Consult your travel advisor (us!) to help create your long-range travel plan.
In the meantime, if you are like us, you are stocking up, ordering groceries online, door dashing dinners on occasion, and eliminating unnecessary running around. It’s a good time to tackle those projects around the house, spring cleaning, and experiment with some new recipes. We find ourselves spending more time reading and watching films about travel and gearing up for our upcoming travel adventures on the horizon for a bit later in 2020. Stay healthy!
Fresh songs to sing while washing your hands for 20 seconds
What Your Travel Advisor Wants You to Know
A Handy Shopping Guide for Stocking Up During the Coronavirus
If you are refocusing your travel horizon contact us to start planning your next dream getaway.
French Riviera from Chateau Eza in Eze
More Travel Inspiration from Curated Travel:
Curated Travel: Stylish & Savvy Travel Tips from a Travel Advisor
There’s nothing like arriving at your destination and feeling like a hot mess to lessen your enjoyment of a much anticipated trip. I know this from personal experience when my luggage was delayed for 6 LONG days on a luxury travel event in Italy last year. Just imagine wearing sneakers to a posh dinner at Villa d’Este and using the rosegold makeup bag in your purse as a clutch. Yes, it happened to me. Here are a few savvy tricks I’ve learned along the way to keep things more stylish than hot mess while traveling.
Enjoying cafe’ life last month in Paris
There’s nothing like arriving at your destination and feeling like a hot mess to lessen your enjoyment of a much anticipated trip. I know this from personal experience when my luggage was delayed for 6 LONG days on a luxury travel event in Italy last year. Just imagine wearing sneakers to a posh dinner at Villa d’Este and using the rosegold makeup bag in your purse as a clutch. Yes, it happened to me. Here are a few savvy tricks I’ve learned along the way to keep things more stylish than hot mess while traveling.
Packing Strategies
The most effective way to insure your items will arrive at your destination is to pack only a carry-on bag. If that is not an option, create a capsule carry-on bag with all the essentials to get you through several days if your checked luggage doesn’t arrive. Wear a monochromatic outfit on the plane, and include an additional blouse/top and pair of neutral (black) pants in your bag. If possible add an additional pair of walking shoes (and socks). Pack mini sizes of all necessary beauty products, makeup, hairbrush, all-in-one styling products, a hair tool, toothbrush/paste and anti-perspirant. As I learned the hard way, it’s difficult to recreate your skincare and makeup on the fly with little or no time to shop. Pack all necessary medications. Include a swimsuit if you are headed to a tropical or spa vacation. Scarves are also a way to change up your look. A couple of statement accessories can update your look even if you are wearing the same basics for a day (or 3) in a row.
My Packing List for the Plane
Crossbody bag
Capsule collection in my carry-on rollerbag
Mario Badescu Rosewater Facial Spray
Sanitizing wipes (for the seating area)
Travel pillow or neck roll
Disposable toothbrush/toothpaste
Chargers for devices
Downloaded entertainment apps recommended by your airline
A new book downloaded to my devices
My Bejeweled app to keep me occupied when there is turbulence
A healthy snack like almonds, a meal bar or (let’s face it) M&Ms
Bottle of water purchased at the airport
Travel Tips for International Travel
*Passports - Extra pages required and be sure your passport is due to expire more than 6 months from your travel end date. Your passport is your most essential item while traveling internationally. Pack it first and keep it safe!
*Call your mobile carrier and check on international plans. AT&T can roll you into a $10 per day international plan while traveling. Other carriers may do the same. If you are considering a pocket wifi, sim card or data roaming this article discusses pros and cons for you.
*Credit cards are easy to use and are accepted in most places of business these days. Alert your credit card company (and bank if need be) that you will be traveling internationally or they may hold up charges.
*Put a hold on mail if you don’t have a housesitter.
*Charge all devices and carry a universal international adapter.
*Download itinerary apps as needed. I use UMAPPED for my client itineraries. Tripit is a great one for personal travel.
*Download a language translation app like TripLingo or better yet learn the language before you travel. See a breakdown of a variety of language learning programs from Consumer’s Advocate.
*An International Driver’s Permit if you plan to rent a car on your trip. Apply here.
*Bring your state driver’s license if you plan to ride a scooter or drive a car during an excursion.
*A note on tipping: Tips are usually included in the meal price (check the receipt) so it is not always necessary to tip at a restaurant unless service is above and beyond. In Europe, they typically won’t bring you the bill unless you request so as not to rush you. Essentially the table is yours for the evening if you like. That said, Tours/Transfers do not include tips in the pricing. Common practice is in the range of 5 Euros for half a day, or 10 Euros for a full day, per person for gratuity.
Clients often ask me about my favorite new must-haves for travel and I’m happy to dish. My most important tech accessory has become my external charger for my iPhone. I like the built-in cables on this one. It’s sleek, compact and will charge your iPhone and another device at the same time. It’s all in one so there are no extra cords to pack.
As for adapters, you will need a universal adapter (or two) if traveling internationally. This Universal Adapter is a great option. Most European countries have the same style so this universal adapter should work as well in Italy, France, Spain, etc.
I’m a new convert to noise cancelling headphones, and they make a huge difference in noise fatigue/exhaustion on the plane and jet-lag recovery upon arrival.
Travel packing cubes are my new obsession! If you tend to wear lots of neutrals while traveling (black), your suitcase can look like a tornado hit and it’s hard to find what you are looking for. Packing cubes will keep you organized AND keep your clean and dirty clothes separated. I’m a fan!
Strategies for Beating Jet Lag
Pack eye shades, a travel pillow (my favorite brand is Savvy Sleepers founded by my friend Dale Janee') or neck roll, and download an app for ambient music to help you sleep on the plane. I also take melatonin, but you can take whatever sleep-aid works best for you as needed. As always stay hydrated.
Upon arrival, I adjust to my new time zone immediately. I used to leave my watch set on my ‘home’ time zone but that made me even more tired. My advice is to freshen up at your hotel and head out for a little exploring and a great meal on the first day. Try to stay up for a typical bed time in your new time zone if possible. This will get you acclimated more quickly. More melatonin and doses of vitamin D sunshine are also helpful to reduce jet lag.
What to Purchase While Traveling
While traveling, I often bring home the sensory experience of my destination. Flavors, fragrances, candles and fine linens are the perfect consumables to bring to your home or as gifts.
On my recent trip to Paris and the French Riviera I purchased Caudalie serum and day creme from the fabulous French pharmacy (like a candy shop for us French skincare and makeup fans).
In the charming mountaintop city of Eze, I visited the parfum shop and purchased a locally made fragrance by Fragonard, ‘Soleil’. It’s a sunny fragrance that transports me to the French Rivieria with each delightful spritz. Tours of the Laboratory are offered at the Eze location. During our trip we also collected truffle mustard, regional flavored salts and Herbs de Provence. I’m a fan of local linens. They are essential for the home but have that local vibe to remiind you of your travels.
Purchasing items that transport you to the sensory experience of your destination is a wonderful way to relive those special moments of travel.
My best advice, since travel is always an adventure despite our best preparations, even if you end up feeling like a ‘hot mess’, is to lead with a smile. If your smile is bright enough maybe no one will notice that you are wearing sneakers at a fancy event at Villa d’Este at Lake Como.
Learn more about what I learned when my luggage was delayed for 6 days in Italy here.
Today I’m pleased to be joining this fabulous group of experienced bloggers. Stop by their links and learn about their tips for stylish travel:
"How to Pack Your Suitcase Like A Pro" by After Orange County
"How to Take the Stress Out of Packing When Every Outfit Counts" by Brenda Kinsel
"Steps To Plan An Unforgettable Large Group Vacation" by Classic Casual Home
"Stylish & Savvy Travel Tips from a Travel Advisor" by Curated Travel
"How to Pack for a Weekend Getaway" by Most Lovely Things
"How to Rock an Over 50 Travel Wardrobe" by Rough Luxe
"Footloose: Shoes For Spring and Summer Travel" by Une Femme D'un Certain Age
Feeling inspired like I am? Contact me to get started planning your dream getaway here.
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Five ‘Life-Saving’ Items to add to Your Regular Packing List
You’re getting ready for your next trip. The suitcase is open on the bed, and you’re going down the list of everything you’ll need to take with you.
Toothbrush? Check. Walking Shoes? Check. Sunscreen? Check.
Packing Tips!
from Curated Travel
You’re getting ready for your next trip. The suitcase is open on the bed, and you’re going down the list of everything you’ll need to take with you.
Toothbrush? Check. Walking Shoes? Check. Sunscreen? Check.
Duct tape? Wait….what?
You read that correctly. A small roll of duct tape takes up a tiny bit of space, but can save you in tons of different ways. Patch a tear in your shoes, jacket, or trusty bag. Baby proof a hotel room in ten seconds by covering outlets and taping drawers shut. Hem your pants. Use as a bandage in an emergency. The list goes on and on.
Here are four more things that should become part of your regular packing list:
External USB battery charger. Nothing is more exasperating or panic-inducing than finding yourself lost and needing to pull up that email with directions, or that map to your hotel, or make a phone call — and having your smartphone conk out on you. Save outlet space in airports, hotels, train stations, and other oft-traveled places. Always have a way to charge up your phone, tablet, or other USB powered electronic device, even if there are no outlets available. This is a gamechanger!
The humble safety pin can be an amazing asset. Aside from the usual functions — holding your pants or shirt together, for example, when you lose a button — they also can serve to bundle small items like jewelry or keys, to keep everything organized and in one place. Discretely place a pin on the inside hem of a slip or satin jacket lining to eliminate static cling. Use them to attach easily-lost things like mittens to the zipper or hood of your kids’ jackets.
A few strips of chamois (or other absorbent fabric) in different sizes. You can keep them all in a zip-lock bag (along with a couple of other bags for temporarily storing used cloths until you can wash them) — but having different sizes helps for different situations, and it’s best to choose fabrics that are also quick-drying. Small squares for cleaning glasses. A washcloth for bigger spills or for freshening up on a train, plane or automobile. A long, narrower strip can serve as an emergency belt, hair tie, ace bandage, or even a way to tie a bag closed if a zipper breaks. They even make fantastic travel towels, because they roll up into a compact size, suck up the liquid, and dry completely in no time at all.
My contact information. As your travel advisor, my job doesn’t end when your trip starts! It’s not common, but sometimes complications arise while you are traveling, and I am always available to you to assist with sticky situations you might find yourself in. (This is, of course, just one of the many perks of working with a travel advisor!) Before your trip, you can make a “favorites” list in your phone of all trip-related contact info — my number and email address, hotel, car rental, reservations, etc. — for easy access. That way, I’m always just a text or email away. If I have created a UMAPPED itinerary for your trip, you will find all contact information in the app at your fingertips.
For more Tips for preparing for international travel.
Tips for Prepping the House and Packing.
My new Must Have for Long Haul Flights.
To learn more about how I survived in Italy when my luggage was lost.
To learn 5 Easy Ways to Boost the Joy of Every Trip You Take.
To find out more about the benefits of working with me and to plan your next trip, contact me today. Click here now.
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Holiday Window Displays Around the World
One of my favorite reasons to book a visit to the city is to indulge my affinity for festive holiday window displays. San Francisco is our go-to during the holiday season and the city by the bay always puts on a brilliant holiday display.
One of my favorite reasons to book a visit to the city is to indulge my affinity for festive holiday window displays. San Francisco is our go-to during the holiday season and the city by the bay always puts on a brilliant holiday viewing. Over the years I’ve also enjoyed the holidays in London, Paris and NYC. I don’t have the photos on my computer but someday I will share photos from the merry holiday season in Salzburg, Vienna and the Christmas markets in Germany-pure holiday magic!
Enjoy this vibrant collage of holiday window displays (and decor) from a few of my favorite holiday destinations. Scroll down for a link to the best of the best from Condé Nast Traveler.
LONDON
PARIS
SAN FRANCISCO
NEW YORK CITY
Read more from Condé Nast Traveler:
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!
