It's officially summer!!! Well to me I started in the beginning of April! And with summer comes lots of lovely vacations(tell your boss that you'll have a breakdown if you don't get at least 3-4 weeks off). Now since I am going to consider myself a professional traveler at the moment, I have a lot of wonderful travel tips that can help you our where ever you may be headed!
Being a very lucky gal, I have been fortunate to have last summer and this summer at my fingertips to do whatever I please(unless one my freelance jobs interrupts). Now if you are like me, I always say "if you going to go.....you might as well stay a while." With that being said you have to have much in order when leaving. (Having all of your bills in order, having the correct funds in your account to be taken out, having someone to feed your cat and someone to look after the dogs, and all those other "adult" things we must do.) You'll likely be with your friends or your significant other and that also helps in case you're having a panic while packing. "I just now I'm missing something" is always said when I am walking out the door but as soon as I get to the airport and am sitting in Starbucks I realize the only thing missing are my headphones for my iPhone(bought 2 pair on my way to Cali and another on my way home from Florida. And that's just this summer!) I'm also known for literally just picking up and going. Which requires a fast pack, and a fast flight purchase. Let's begin with packing! (BTW I hate/scared of driving so I almost always fly.)
I don't give a crap if it costs $25 to check my bags. They will be getting checked. A few times I have made the mistake of doing the carry on, which now means leaving it plane side before you get on. For some this may be fine but I have 2 bulging discs in my back that do not agree with carrying or wheeling luggage around. This is an important topic because you must know how much your airline is going to charge you both ways and add it into your flight fee. Also add in your extending parking funds if you plan on leaving your car at the airport. As my carry on I usually always do a wardrobe bag. Do you really want your cocktail dresses or suits rolled up in your suitcase. I don't think so, unless you plan on going to the dry cleaner to get everything steamed(which sometimes you still must do if you are attending a big event or wedding.) And what is in your suitcase and where?! Play around with it and you only have a 50 pound leeway so you must get it right. Here is what I do and it's done the job.
1. shoes on bottom. stilettos pit perfectly into the little crevices.
2. fill every empty spot on the bottom where your shoes don't hit with small objects. I do sunglasses(in their case of course), underwear, swimsuits, camera and mini cams, hair bows, and so on.
3. roll instead of fold all clothing
4. leave an empty hole for your make up bag
5. Cardigans on top lying flat with 1 fold
Now on the outside pockets.
1. hairdryer(if that doesn't fit then shove it on the inside side of suitcase)
2. plastic zip lock of ALL products (I had decided not to use a bag on my way home from LA and had to take half of it to the dry cleaner) Not a fun bill to pay!
3. jewelry in it's cases and bags
4. medications that if your luggage gets lost you can live without for a couple days. Sleeping, anxiety, and anything else that can cause withdrawal, KEEP IN YOUR PURSE.
5. Nail polishes
Alright I may have missed some things but that's ok. Hopefully you get the point. Keep your chap stick, sunglasses, glasses, headphones, and a pony tail holder near at all times! As for the phone charger, some pack, some keep it on them, it's up to you. And of course the packing items vary due to where you are headed. You're not going to bring a dress bag to Hilton Head for a week, unless you are attending a wedding while there. And you're not going to pack your swimsuits if you are headed to NYC, when the only two rooftop pools(although they are fab) that I can think right off the top of my head are Gansevoort and Soho House. So what I am trying to say to pack for the location.
Are you going to NYC, DC, or LA? Then as a tourist you should always have cash on hand. It was my 1st time to LA so I didn't worry about cash but I found it to be quite similar to NYC with all of the privately owned convenience stores that only except cash. Along with the amazing taco stands! They are to die! And NYC is the exact same with food and mag vendors, chinatown, gray's papaya(yumm), and convenience stores. Everywhere else now a days pretty much accepts cards. On top of the cash rule, you have to remember you will be walking a lot. And in the evening you will be fine dining and attending fabulous parties so you really must bring it all. LA is the only place where you can in front of Fred Segal and see the beach at the same time. Soo amazing!
Headed to the beach? Throw in all your flip flops, sundresses, coverups, swimwear, and sunscreen in your suitcase. Don't even bother with the stilettos or make up. This is your time to relax! And laying around watching DVD's and playing yatzee are actual priorities. Unless you're heading to South Beach, which you would want to follow the next instructions. Vegas huh? Pack glamorously. The pool parties there are even dress to impress. So throw on the skimpy bikini and stilettos and look glam. Same goes with the nightlife.
I will even give you an outline on what to bring if you are coming to Pittsburgh, PA for some reason. Now even though I am a tad over this town, I do love coming back to it when I have just been in a small town. You most likely will go see sme kind of sporting event. It's just what Pittsburgh does. The Strip District, Shadyside, and the Southside are wonderful for walking around, shopping, and restaurants. Getting a Primanti's Brother sandwich is a must. People actually travel here just to go to a Primanti's. And the nightlife can be very chill with bars and bands or luxurious with the many ultra lounges and nightclubs where you can celebrate with a private table or bed.
So that's that with that. Now as for out of the states, you may need to help me out. I, personally, love city vaca's. Lot's to do! But I also love chilling in a beach town where there is absolutly nothing to do but enjoy the weather and your company! Either way, I hope you all get to take a little time off and go somewhere you enjoy and can destress.
What are your favorite places to visit? Do you like to dive or fly? Beach or City?
Peace & Love
S
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