Tag: tips

Things to Consider When you Book a Seat on Your Next Flight
Ronald Sarayudej

On my most recent flight, it really dawned on me just how often I go down a checklist of preferences when picking a seat. There is much research and scrutiny that goes into choosing a flight and that’s to be expected, but what I’ve realized is that snagging a great seat is a feat of its own. It’s getting more difficult to select a seat without paying and sometimes they don’t offer online seating charts at all! Luckily there are ways around almost everything these days. Here is the criteria that I try to consider with each flight to make the most informed decision and have a pleasant experience. It may seem like a lot to assess but the more often you use these methods in your selections, the more routine it will become.
- The first place I look on a seating chart is the front of the aircraft. I am always determined to sit as close to the front as possible, as long as it’s not in front of an exit row. I prefer sitting closer because it’s easier to board and de-board the plane which gets you through customs or to baggage claim quickly before the crowd. It also tends to be convenient for access to the restrooms, both on board and once you de-plane.
- As mentioned above, I try to avoid the rows in front of the exit rows. For safety reasons, many, if not all, flights do not have reclining seats in this row and can make for a pretty uncomfortable flight, especially when the person in front of you decides to recline into your limited space. *Side note, Spirit & Allegiant Airlines do NOT have any reclining seats.
- On the contrary, you may want to aim for an exit row so you’re guaranteed to keep the space in front of you open. Keep in mind the exit rows are said to have more narrow seats and you can’t keep your personal items stored under the seat in front of you, but it all depends on what trade offs are worthwhile to you.
- When traveling with a partner, and you’re not expecting it to be a full flight, chose an aisle and window seat wherever there is a middle seat also available. Chances are you’ll end up with the entire row to yourselves.
- For more legroom, go for the first row in economy. These usually carry a little bit heavier of a price tag when reserving a seat or are held for frequent flier upgrades, but if you’re willing to take a gamble on waiting until the last minute for a seat assignment, you may be able to score a bulkhead seat at no charge at all. I would recommend evaluating the passengers waiting to get onto your flight, too. If someone is traveling with a baby or small child, there is a strong chance they’ll be sitting in bulkhead as well. If the coast seems clear, check in with someone who works at the airline once you’re at your gate to see if you can switch your seats.
- Another row you’ll want to avoid at all cost is the last row on the plane. Not only do the seats not recline and you’ll be last off the plane, but you’re in position to become very well acquainted with the smells and sounds of the restroom. This is also the area that people tend to hover around while they wait for the toilet or stretch their legs. This happens to be the bumpiest and nosiest part of the airplane. And if you thought it couldn’t get any worse than the last row, the cherry on top is getting the aisle seat in that last row. It’s nearly impossible to sit in it and not have your elbows knocked up or your space encroached upon. The only true benefit I could see out of this row is if you need to use the restroom frequently, otherwise, STAY AWAY!
- USB and power outlets are like hidden treasures in some planes. Not every seat has these features. Personally, I’ve mostly only seen them under the seat of the middle passenger, unless the TV monitors have a port on them. If the airlines do not provide this information, try a site like Seat Guru or Seat Plans.
- Seats near the galley can either work in your favor or be your worst nightmare. If you’re on a day flight, this could mean easy access to service and refreshments. However, on an evening flight, it can be noisy and very active or bright.
- Keep in mind, the front of the plane will be less noisy since it sits in front of the engines, but it’s also supposed to be statistically safer to sit in the back third of the plane in the event of a crash.
- Picking a window seat for an overnight flight means you can sleep uninterrupted by fellow travelers and use the window shade as a head rest. If you are taller though, this seat can actually make you feel more claustrophobic because of the curvature of the walls.
- Choosing an aisle seat will allow you easy access to restrooms and getting off the plane, however it can be more difficult to rest when people are constantly walking by or needing to get past you to use the toilet.
- Don’t be afraid to use apps! There are a lot of tools out there to help facilitate the process and many have free versions available so why not utilize them.
July 27, 2016
10 Countries to be Thankful for (and Travel to)

With almost 200 countries in the world, 196 to be exact..unless you don’t count Taiwan as a country (yep, that’s a thing), there are a ton of places that I still need to check off my bucket list. This can pose a serious question to an avid traveler like myself. Where should I go? Why that city? And, what good is it anyway?

These days my destinations of choice have less to do with nightlife and more to do with beautiful scenery, delicious cuisine and most definitely, some adventure. That’s not to say that culture, history and their overall propensity for peace don’t also play a role. Each country has it’s pro’s and con’s but there are some undeniable attributes as well as contributions that many have made that should be recognized.

So, in honor of Thanksgiving, what would be more appropriate than to pay respect and give thanks to the countries around the globe who are truly doing their thang?

10. Germany is a wondrous place for many reasons. If castles and cold beers don’t interest you, a). I don’t think we could be friends and, b). there are still plenty of volksfests (aka festivals), outdoor activities, museums, hot springs and a world famous food scene. They did invent the gummy bear after all. We need to show a little respect!

9. Costa Rica was rated one of the top 25 places in the world on many different grading scales. It has a reputation for it’s relaxed “Pura Vida” attitude that draws in millions of travelers each year and offers world class entertainment provided by Mother Nature herself. You may have heard about the zip lining or volcanic heated hot springs but many don’t know that Costa Rica is, in fact, a very charitable country. Seems all that karma is working!

8. Thailand is hands-down one of my favorite countries on the planet. Between city and island life, you can choose which vibe you’re going for, knowing it’s a win-win situation. Inexpensive massages by the beach and locally caught seafood dinners are an easy sell. No wonder they coined the term, “same same, but different”. It’s like everywhere else, but not. We totally get it.

7. Canada has a pretty solid reputation for being clean, pleasant, stunningly gorgeous and leading the way on some pretty important social issues. It’s also one of the world’s most ethnically diverse nations, with a bilingual status on the federal level. Not bad, eh?

6. Switzerland is a magical place. Being born in Zürich may have made me a bit biased but the rest of the country is just as wonderful. This notoriously neutral country lays home to many of the worlds patent holders, nobel peace prizes and international publications. While the city is fun and entertaining, don’t neglect the spectacular countryside in all its splendor. Food and adventure galore await you in this little slice of European heaven.

5. Australia may be home to some of the world’s most dangerous creatures but for those that dare venture to the continent, you will find incredible farms, cities, beautiful beaches and diverse cuisine choices. The famous (pink) Lake Hillier can be found here as well as over 10,000 beaches to choose from! You could literally visit a new beach every day for 27 years! Australia just moved up a notch in my book.

4. Chile comes in under the radar but holds the record for being the longest country in the world, housing over 100 wineries, and the Chilean Patagonia is recognized as one of the cleanest places on the planet. Not to mention, penguins can be found in several regions. What more can you ask for?

3. The United States tends to take a back seat when planning my next trip but the more I explore my country, the more I realize just how much it has to offer. America is a melting pot of all cultures, races and religions in an equally as diverse landscape. Variety is the key word when it comes to the States. And we are surely the Cheesecake Factory menu of a travelers world.

2. Ireland may not have been first on your bucket list but it ranks first place according to Good Country Index. This means Ireland trumped every other country when it comes to overall health, technology, culture, equality and peace. We also hear they’ve got a lively nightlife scene along with all the adrenaline pumping outdoor activities one could desire. Need a little liquid courage? I think they’ve got you covered.

1. Spain will always be #1 in my heart. Who doesn’t love tapas and siestas, or Gaudî inspired architecture and sangria by the pitcherfuls? Even with all these wonderful distractions, Spain still leads the way in humanitarian and food aid, pharmaceutical exports and excess donations to the WHO. Spain truly is a diverse country with everything to proffer. And for that, I thank you, Spain.

Happy Holidays!

November 25, 2015
Travel Hacks: How to be Smart and Efficient

“If we were meant to stay in one place we’d have roots instead of feet” Rachel Wolchin

In the past, I found myself basing café choices on establishments that were openly willing to share their wifi with me. Do you know what it feels like to be smack dab in the middle of a foreign city with no clue how to proceed or communicate? Well, gone are the days where I travel without access to unlimited free data, thanks to T-Mobile. Phone calls are pretty reasonable as well. However, there are undoubtedly times when wifi just works better. A quick way to access wifi is to utilize the Foursquare app to find passwords for the places around you. Handy for travel abroad, low mobile signal or when you just can’t foot the bill.

Bring a power strip so you can charge all of your devices at once. (OK, and maybe his, too)

Bring your own thermos and tea bags. As a daily tea drinker and enthusiast, I find the tea offered on airplanes to be unappealing. I also prefer to indulge in a bit more than a tiny styrofoam cup’s worth at a time. That being said, my Thermos has traveled the world with me for many years and I’ve never regretted it. It adds a touch of home to foreign hotel rooms and it’s ability to keep the contents either cool or hot for about 8 hours, makes it great for life on the go.

For those that travel for extended periods of time, you know that the hard plastic vitamin box either doesn’t last as many days as you need it to or is just an inconvenience to lug around. I do, however use a vitamin box at home since I only need to refill it once a week. Alternatively, it can be utilized to store smaller jewelry like earrings and delicate necklaces when traveling. As far as my vitamins go, I store each daily dose in small jewelry sized resealable bags, or as some might know them by…dime bags. You can find these at any craft or bead store. Since I tend to dine out more frequently when traveling, its incredibly convenient to throw one in my day bag to take later on after I’ve eaten. A little switcheroo that saves space and makes life a little easier.

Try sites like AirBnB, VRBO or Homeaway for a more intimate, unique way of experiencing a city. Renting an entire apartment can cost you just as much, if not less, than a hotel and I find that it’s so much more rewarding. You can pretty much guarantee that the owners will be more than accommodating and happy to dish out some advice for the best local digs. It can also save you money depending on your length of stay, not to mention the ability to shop at local markets and prepare meals or snacks in a home environment. Now that has a good feeling to it.

Many of us run out to get manicures just before we jet set but as you know, they don’t usually last very long before chips occur. I used to get acrylic nails many eons ago in order to keep my nails looking fresh throughout my travels but since I’m au naturel these days I’ve found two things that help me keep my nails in tip top shape. First, ditch the square nail shape for a more rounded, almond shape. This simple alteration in how I file my nails has improved overall sturdiness and they break or flake WAY less! Secondly, try wearing a polish with glitter or sparkles. There’s something about them that last longer. I’m not saying you have to opt for anything crazy. There are many beautiful, chic polishes out there that don’t scream Lisa Frank. If you’re really not into it, just add a couple extra clear coats on top of your regular manicure for longer wear.

Most tv’s have a USB port now, just in case you forgot the wall plug. Take that, MacGyver.

To save a map in the google maps app, type “ok maps” and it will save the shown area offline. This has saved my butt on many occasions out of the country.

If traveling with a partner, reserve the window and aisle seat on a flight. Most people won’t want to reserve a middle seat, leaving you with a whole row. Now you just have to decide who gets to lay down first. Might I recommend rock, paper, scissors?

If traveling to a tropical destination, or one where a pool may see its way into your future, having a sarong can come in handy. I have a couple Sandcloud towels for that very reason. Use it as a blanket or shawl on the plane, wear it as a sarong or use it as a cute towel for laying out. There have been many occasions where my hotels didn’t offer towels for beach use or charged a fee, if so. This takes care of that problem and doesn’t take up much space at all.

Bring an empty water bottle with you in your carry on bag so you can fill up at a water fountain instead of buying one inside the terminal. Unless you actually like paying $5 for it…

I haven’t tried this one yet but I’ve heard its quite a useful travel hack. Use a binder clip to wrap and secure headphone wires so they remain untangled when not in use. You can also use a binder clip to cover the head of your shaving razor to prevent accidental nicks.

My sunglasses cases have lasted much longer than the actual glasses themselves over the years, leaving me with plenty of cases to use for things like: carrying international plug converters, jewelry, charging cables, feminine products, hair ties and bobby pins…you name it.

Stuff your shoes with your socks/underwear to save additional space.

This is a MUST! When searching for flights, tickets or any kind of booking online, ALWAYS enable your private browsing before you begin. Bots track your searches and often times will raise the price to match sites you’ve already visited or will predict what you are capable of spending and adjust its price accordingly.

Dryer sheets are great to throw in suitcases for a fresh scent and to keep clothes static free. (I also heard a rumor that dryer sheets can help to repel bees, gnats and mosquitoes…) Alternatively, you can throw a bar of hotel soap into your dirty clothes bag to keep the smell from penetrating your clean clothes.

Pick your seat with confidence using seatguru.com. You’ll be able to view current seating charts for all flights, review baggage requirements, make reviews, find out which rows may not recline or if there are seats with extra leg room.

Download your airline’s app. They will provide you with information and updates regarding your flight and usually offer paperless tickets as well. Saving time AND the environment!

Before you begin the packing process, go online and request free trial size samples from each of your favorite bath and beauty companies. These are great for travel and don’t cost you a thing!

Some airlines offer free stopover’s in their hub cities. My very first trip to Dubai came about in this way. Emirates flies to 140 destinations around the globe via Dubai and encourages you to spend a few days exploring the city! This link for Emirates will take you to the page with the offer. I might also add that Emirates is my favorite airline to travel on thus far. This being just one of the perks.

A multitude of credit card companies offer benefits for those who travel. The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card waives foreign transaction fees, doles out reward points for travel and restaurants and gifts you with a 40,000 point signup bonus upon registering. There is an annual fee but it’s much less than American Express and can save you a significant amount of dough when you redeem your points.

To make fashion easy, pack clothes that fit in the same color schemes. Neutrals and black are always a safe bet and are versatile for night and day.

Ladies, how many times have you gotten out your makeup bag after a long flight, only to discover that your favorite pressed powder has been broken into a thousand pieces? A quick trick to help prevent such things from happening is to stick a cotton ball inside the case prior to flying. That way if anything gets dropped or knocked around, your makeup will still be intact.

Fun fact: You are allowed to bring miniature bottles of alcohol on your flight. I learned this a little late in the game but, better late than never!

And lastly, keep a copy of your passport and credit cards in your email. Hopefully you’ll never have to thank me for this one.

Related DeziStyle articles on travel:

Travel Hacks: Beating Jetlag

Travel Tips: How to Keep Your Immune System Happy & Healthy on the Road

8 Great Gift Ideas for Jet Setters

Travel Tips: 9 Ways to Make Life Easier

July 8, 2015
Travel Hacks: Beating Jet Lag

“To travel is to awaken” Lily Tsay

There’s nothing worse than showing up to a beautiful destination after a long flight and having to wrestle with a bad case of jet lag. You can easily miss out on the first day of your adventure or business trip by suffering from exhaustion, dehydration and more. With the help of some travel hacks, it should alleviate the severity of your time traveling woes and help get you back on track.

T I P S

* Determine the time you’ll arrive and plan your in-flight sleep schedule around the local time of your destination. If you have difficulty falling asleep, melatonin is recommended as a more natural sleep aid.

* Don’t nap. Napping at off times when you first arrive can prolong jet lag. Try your best to stay awake until bed time in order to adjust quicker.

* Use the help of Lavender oil to calm your senses and relax. If you’re using a face mask, put a drop or two on it, or a couple on your pillow. The aroma will promote some much needed tranquility

* Wake up in the morning at your normal hour even if you’re still a little tired. I prefer to get out and explore the area. The fresh air and sunshine always fill me with renewed energy and help reset my internal clock.

* Avoid coffee the day of travel if you plan on sleeping during the flight. This is pretty self explanatory.

* Stay hydrated and limit your alcohol consumption. Being dehydrated leads to headaches, disrupted sleep and dry skin.

* Download a soothing playlist to play while resting on the plane or as you prepare for bed. I have a propensity to let it play continuously through the night to put me to sleep but avoid it if you are a light sleeper.

* Take stretch breaks. Stretching keeps you limber and provides a good supply of blood to your extremities. Without it your muscles become stiff and feel more bent out of shape, literally.

* Refresh your eyes with cucumber slices. Long flights make my eyes feel tired and dry but sometimes with some cucumber slices and a little R&R, it brings them back to life. P.S. Sometimes you can shmooze room service into including a couple with your order.

* Soak. Treat yourself to a long hot shower or soak in the tub to help you unwind and rejuvenate. Long flights dry you out so don’t forget to moisturize your skin after a shower when your pores are open!

Happy travels!

May 12, 2015
Summer Beauty Essentials
Summer is my absolute favorite time of year. The world seems alive and there is so much to see and do! Most notably, summer brings the warmth and plenty of afternoons spent under the sun. I certainly don’t like spending a lot of time getting ready for a beach day or brunch with a girlfriend but I also like to feel like I’ve put myself together. Lately, I’ve been using these products as my key essentials for creating a soft, fresh look when I’m on the go.

Tarte Cosmetics Amazonian Clay Foundation – The Tarte Cosmetics Amazonian Clay offers full coverage as well as SPF-15 which helps protect your skin against sun damage and premature aging.

Tarte Cosmetics Cheek Stain – Their cheek stain is a great way to add a pop of color to your face and it also adds a dewy, hydrated look.

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer – This is my all-time favorite concealer ever, ever, ever. I can’t emphasize that enough. It has the best coverage and a creamy texture that gives skin a smooth and porcelain like appearance. This is a must have no matter what the season.

Benefit Cosmetics Sun Beam Highlighter – I just discovered this baby a few months ago and really love the subtle shimmer it gives my skin. You need to use it sparingly but it’s guaranteed to make you glow like a goddess.

Lancome Juicy Lipgloss – Juicy tubes are where it’s at. These pocket-sized lip glosses give you just the right amount of sheer color and glazed goodness.

Maybelline Great Lash Mascara – The mascara really finishes off the look for me since I don’t have very dark eyelashes. I always feel like I look a bit more awake once I put it on. I’ll probably never stop using this mascara no matter how old I get. It really is one of the best ones and you can’t beat the price.

***

A P P L I C A T I O N T I P S
- Always prep your face before applying makeup by cleansing and moisturizing
- Use NARS creamy concealer under your eyes to create a more ‘awake’ look
- Apply a small amount of cheek stain to the apples of your cheeks and use your fingers to blend
- Cheek Stains can also be used as lip stains
- Curl lashes before applying mascara. To retain a curl longer apply more mascara to the roots of your lashes than the ends
- Apply a waterproof mascara over your regular mascara for long lasting wear
- Use a small dab of the Benefit highlighter on your cheek bones, cupids bow and the bridge of your nose
- A small amount of lipgloss can also be used to create a dewy look by adding it your cheek bones or eyelids
What are some of your favorite summer essentials?
April 9, 2015
10 Fascinating Facts About the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi

If you’re in the UAE, The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque should absolutely be added to your bucket list! It’s an easy day trip from Dubai and well worth the hour drive. There’s plenty of culture, design and record-setting feats to uncover that make this mosque an magnificent place to explore. Added bonus: entry is completely free! Keep reading to discover 10 fascinating facts about the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.

Check for updates, pricing, hours and directions here before your visit.

Circumstances throughout the day prevented me from the mid-afternoon stroll I had originally planned on. Instead, I ended up exploring the grounds at dusk. I’ve come to learn that the best time to visit happens to be in the early morning or evening, as it can be quite hot throughout the day.

As I arrived, a stealthy crescent moon peeked out above the bulbous Moroccan inspired architecture like a beautiful lunar accent and glowed softly against a pale purple sky. The call to prayer suddenly came on and as the hypnotic cry drifted through the air and the wind gently twirled around my head scarf. I felt a great sense of peace come over me. The Grand Mosque is an incredible sight to see, meticulously handcrafted and breathtaking in every direction. Regardless of religion, there’s a level of artistry and respect unquestionably due to Sheikh Zayed and his team for constructing such a magnificent piece of cultural history. I learned a little something along my journey through the Grand Mosque and now, so can you. Here are 10 fascinating facts I learned about the Grand Mosque.

10 facts about the Grand Mosque

10. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the third largest mosque in the world. Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia being the two largest.

9. This was an AED 2.5 billion (more than half a billion USD) project beginning in 1996 and finishing in December 2007.

8. There are 82 marble domes, designed with Moroccan influence.

7. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is also the last resting place of the man himself, who passed away in 2004.

6. Grand Mosque can accommodate up to 41,000 worshipers at once. The main hall alone can house up to 10,000 people!

5. There are more than 1,000 columns made of inlaid marble panels donning floral designs with semi-precious stones and another 96 columns in the main prayer hall.

4. Building materials were sourced from all around the world and include marble, stone, gold, semi-precious stones, crystals and ceramics.

3. Inside you will find the world’s largest chandelier, made of thousands of Swarovski crystals, stainless steel, 24 karat gold and brass, with the glasswork from Italy. It weighs an astonishing 12 tons!

2. Once inside you’ll notice the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet, designed by Iranian artist Ali Khaliqi and hand crafted by 1,300 artisans. The carpet was designed in 8 months, took a year to knot and 2 months to transport and assemble amongst 1,200 workers.

1. A unique lighting system gradually changes with the phases of the moon to become lighter as the moon becomes full, making for a breathtaking backdrop.

Discover more unique experiences in the UAE! Explore the magical Dubai Gardens or go Dune Bashing in the Al Hatta desert!

PIN THIS FOR YOUR TRIP!

March 31, 2015
8 Great Gift Ideas for Jet Setters

Shopping for gifts can be hard and with the holidays just around the corner it’s time to start thinking about checking some names off your list! If you’ve got someone in mind who’s been known to traverse the globe, look no more for the perfect gift. I compiled a list of 8 great gift ideas to choose from that can be appreciated by one experienced traveler to another.

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Personalized Travel Accessories: These leather accessories from Neiman Marcus are the perfect gift for anyone who’s always on the go. Choose from passport covers, luggage tags, travel wallet and zippered carrying cases with chic graphics and a variety of colors to choose from. $22+

The Perfect Weekender: I seem to always have a travel bag packed whether its for darting from photoshoot to audition or getting the hell out of dodge for the weekend. Needles to say it’s something I basically use on a daily basis so it might as well be pretty! This weekender by Tuscany Leather is quite a show stopper in red but there are other options for those who prefer to be a little more demure. $290

External Charger: This little gadget has saved me on so many occasions when my battery was dying and there’s no time or place to plug in. I personally recommend this charger by Mophie. I’ve gotten about two full charges on my iPhone from one battery life cycle, which is pretty darn good if you ask me. There’s no more stressing the next time you board a long flight with one of these bad boys in tow. $130

Bluetooth Travel Speaker: As most know, I’m somewhat “ambiance obsessed”. I love having certain comfort items with me when I’m on the road, including my music. It makes me feel more at home when I’m staying in hotels or even just lounging by the pool. iHome is a great brand and after a year of constant use, mine is still as good as new. The sound is great and so is the price. What more can you ask for? $30

Ear Buds: Traveling with your own pair is necessary. Yurbuds are a great fit for those who want to utilize all of the convenient features they offer such as remote volume control, a speaker for taking calls, and being sweat & water resistant with a twist lock feature. They’re great for travel and the gym! $20

Travel Organizers: If cleanliness is next to godliness, I’m sure organization is somewhere in the mix. These bags by Travel Smith are a great way to access exactly what you need and keep track of what you brought. They can also come in handy for those times when your bag is overweight and you need to stuff a few things in your carry-on. $23

Hero 4 GoPro: Let’s put it this way- I have two. Some of my favorite videos along my travels were taken on GoPros. The newest GoPro, the Hero 4, features 4K30, 2.7K50 and 1080p120 video, 12MP photos up to 30 frames per second, built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth®, and Protune™ for photos and video. Waterproof to 131’. $499

International Converter: I’ve been through several over the years but I really like this iGo because it allows me to simultaneously charge two other devices through it’s USB ports. $20

December 4, 2014
Travel Tips: 9 Ways to Make Life Easier

In honor of my upcoming trip to Europe on Tuesday, I wanted to share some of my top travel tips for preparing and packing. Over the years I’ve learned to whittle it down into something easy and manageable to handle when the daunting task comes up. Everything about travel is exciting but I’d say packing for a trip is just a notch above the unpacking part. So, I’ve devised a plan for your convenience (and mine) to help alleviate some of that pressure. And please, feel free to comment below with some of your travel tips, tricks, life hacks or suggestions below. I’m always happy to add another skill set to my repertoire.

1) Pick luggage that doesn’t complicate your life.

So, the first thing to consider when traveling abroad is what you’re going to be carrying everything in. Depending on what kind of trip you’re doing you might only be taking a backpack along, which I’ve done on multiple occasions, but in this case, let’s assume you are planning on taking a suitcase. Ever since some genius finally decided to put 4 wheels instead of 2 on suitcases it’s made traveling SO much easier. I definitely recommend buying one with four 360 degree wheels, dubbed ‘spinners’, if you are in the market for new travel ware. They’re becoming standard in all the newer suitcases being made these days. I know there are designer suitcases out there, and some of them are gorgeous, but for this trip I just wanted something I could lug along and not worry about scuffing up when bouncing around from city to city catching planes, trains and automobiles. And would you believe it, Costco had just what I was looking for. Lightweight, durable polycarbonate suitcases that come with a smaller matching jr. suitcase for only $130. Also, they are cat approved- just ask my two fur babies.

2) Strategically pack your carry-on

Packing your carry-on can be just as important, if not more important, than packing your main suitcase. I think of my carry-on as my survival bag. When you’ve been stuck for days in a foreign country with nothing but the clothes on your back and the random array of personal items stashed away in your purse, you learn very quickly how necessary it is to pack key essentials in your carry-on. Generally if the airline loses your bag, the daily allowance they reimburse you still does not cover the bare minimum you’d require to replace the missing articles needed, so it’s better to be prepared. Just keep in mind that some airlines have more strict rules than others about the size of your carry-on so always check ahead of time and remember not to fill it up too much in case your suitcase is overweight and you need to stuff some things in it. Overage fees are no joke and can be easily avoided by being vigilant. With that being said, here is a list of things I always take on board with me:

– At least one utility travel converter. I prefer ones that also have a USB plug-in.

– All chargers for phone, camera, travel speaker, etc. These can be expensive to replace, if at all.

– All my vitamins (pre-organized into daily packets) and medications, if necessary. I also like to stick some cough drops, gum, advil and a couple of my favorite tea packets in there too.

– A sweater & an extra pair of underwear (trust me, you’ll be thankful if your suitcase ever gets lost after a long international flight).

– A compact tote in the chance that you need an emergency bag for those spontaneous shopping sprees at the airport souvenir shops or if you feel like putting a few select items in it to have under the seat in front of you for easier access. I have a little drawstring pouch that’s smaller than the size of a donut when its folded up so it hardly uses any space at all.

– Travel sized toiletries: deodorant, anti-bacterial gel, moist face wipes, chapstick, lotion, toothbrush/toothpaste, eye drops, nail file and comb.

– My iPad, a good book and my ear buds

– Healthy snacks

– A pair of sunglasses/reading glasses and my eye mask.

– An external battery- because there’s nothing worse than dying electronics when you’re stuck on a plane.

3) Invest in a travel steamer

You’ve probably already heard that rolling your clothing helps to prevent wrinkles. And it does. Significantly. But, anyone who’s done it knows that some wrinkles are just kind of inevitable. Now before you freak out about taking a steamer along in your luggage, let me assure you that it’s been one of those items that I’m always so relieved to have brought. The travel sized one I purchased from Target for $30 has already flown around the world with me and will embark on this next journey without question. With this baby, I could literally fold my clothes into airplanes and it wouldn’t make one bit of a difference once I use my handy-dandy steamer. I actually use this when I’m at home instead of my bigger one since assembling and disassembling it is more time consuming.

4) Pack dual use items

It can be tricky but, I try my best to consolidate my clothing and pack articles that can be used for more than one thing. A great item that can be utilized in hot or cold weather is a light scarf. It can be worn as the obvious but also as a shawl, sarong, head wrap, impromptu belt or sometimes I use it on the plane in place of my eyemask. Other items might include leggings that can be dressed up at night or worn for exercising and exploring during the day. Finding things like these will cut down your packing list and give you more options when you don’t have the accessibility you have at home.

5) Don’t forget the little things that make your down time better

When the day is done and you finally make it back to your hotel room, there’s a couple small things that will make life a little more enjoyable and give you a touch of home. I always pack a portable speaker, a couple tealight candles, my robe and a wine opener. There’s nothing worse than getting back to your room to unwind with a nice bottle of wine only to discover there’s no way to pop the cork!

6) Bring carabiners!

This one may have caught you by surprise but I have found so many different uses for them throughout my travels. I’ve used carabiners to secure my sneakers to the outside of my backpack after trekking through mud, keeping keys or my camera attached to me/my bag, hanging grocery or shopping bags, attaching tarps, clipping zippers together to deter theft, keeping hair ties or jewelry together, or even tightening your pants (true story). I usually have a variety of sizes and randomly clip them to my luggage and bags.

7) Bring a drawstring laundry bag

Hopefully you get a chance to hit a laundromat while you’re on the road but in the meantime, all that dirty laundry has to go somewhere. I can’t stand the thought of it laying against my clean clothes so I bring a separate bag to house it all. Large Ziplocks can work as disposable ones or Target carries laundry bags for as little as $1.99 . Throw some dryer pads in there to mask any odors or just keep your suitcase smelling fresh.

8) Cover your shoes

If you think about where the bottom of your shoes have been you probably wouldn’t want them rubbing up against everything in your suitcase. For this reason, I put each pair of shoes into their own dust bags. As an alternative, you can buy shower caps from the Dollar Store or even use plastic grocery bags.

9) Take pictures of the belongings you’re bringing

Now I know this may sound completely paranoid and before my bag was stolen, I would’ve agreed. But, a lesson was learned and now I feel compelled to share it. If the unfortunate case should ever arise that your suitcase goes missing, the first thing baggage claim will want is an exact description of your bag. Sounds easy but try describing your suitcase out loud right now. Do you even know the brand name of your suitcase or it’s dimensions? You’d be surprised by how many people don’t have a clue. They’ll also want to know the contents in it. Again, it sounds easy but once you’re actually required to itemize each individual article to feign a chance at reimbursement it becomes quite a mission. Not only does it make your life easier but you also have picture evidence.

So there you have it, my top 9 tips for packing. More travel posts to come so be sure to subscribe. Now it’s time for me to pack my things and jet! First stop: Copenhagen!

September 1, 2014

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