Whether it’s a romantic 10-day trip to Paris or a family weekend getaway to the Poconos, the Luxe Lady wants you to travel smart and in style.
The first thing to pack is peace of mind. It just takes a little prep work. Research your destination, create an itinerary and share it with someone in case of any emergencies. Make sure your credit card company knows you will be traveling. Otherwise your fraud protection may kick in while your souvenir shopping.
Upload your GPS with maps of the area you’re visiting. They are just as helpful for walking as for driving.
Download travel applications to your smart phone or ipad. I love the one that gives you wait times for Disney World rides in real time. Need free calling? Set up Skype.
A few days before the trip, start packing. If you’re packing lots of shoes (who me?) or gear such as snorkel equipment, ship ahead to your hotel.
“Pack This!” Pads keep me from forgetting my toothbrush.
"Pack This!" Pads
For your carry-on or weekend bag:
I used to pack enough makeup for an entire Vegas showgirl lineup until I discovered the Chanel Collection Essentielle palette. It covers eyes, cheeks and lips. All I add is a waterproof eyeliner and mascara. There are travel-size palettes available from many brands at all price points.
Not every destination includes the complimentary robe. The Solitude micro-fiber bath wrap doubles as a pool cover up. It’s lightweight and rolls up tight for packing.
Who wants the hassle of transferring boutique brand toiletries into containers? Check out – 3floz.com. I especially like the Go Smile Jet Set tooth whitening travel kit and Supergoop Sunscreen Swipes in SPF 30.
Spiegel’s Travel Collections by signature style offers absolutely brilliant collections of travel-friendly outfits and accessories based on style and destination. Think Garanimals for grownups who globe trot.
Create an emergency kit of Shout It Out wipes, Band Aids, pain reliever, Benadryl and any prescription medications you may need. I always throw in ear plugs for the plane and noisy hotels, too.
Speaking of planes, here are a few more things you may want to pack:
· Inflatable travel pillow.
· Cashmere wrap (keeps you warm on flight and in air conditioned restuarants).
· Snacks. Airplane food has taken a nosedive.
· No Jet Lag homeopathic pills.
· The Lights Out REM sleep mask (doesn’t smear eye makeup and allows for deep rapid eye movement sleep).
For your checked luggage:
· TravelPro luggage from Macy’s (25 to 30 percent lighter than same-sized traditional luggage – great for women who over pack – who me?
· Sturdy, Bright Luggage Tags. I can’t believe how many people rely on the ones provided by the airline. They are paper and can be easily torn and lost. Bye bye bag.
At your destination:
You’ve seen the TV news specials with the blacklights. Enough said.
· Flip flops for the shower.
· Silk Dream Sack sleeping bag for hotel bedding that is suspect. Matching pillowcase.
· A compact, flat, automatic umbrella that won’t blow inside out.
What are your favorite travel items and tips?
About Susan Matthews
