Travel Light and in Style

Every time I go to an airport, I’m surprised by how few people have unique carry-on bags and even suitcases they check. Maybe they don’t want to stand out and like to read the tag on every bag that passes on the conveyor belt to make sure the one they are picking us is actually theirs. It could be that they just don’t care what their bag looks like as long as it holds clothes and rolls well. You don’t have to be a boring traveler, though. Let your carry-on say something about you and your personal style.

Photo credit

Chances are, if you are hoping to save money on your trips, you are trying your darnedest to fit everything you can into a carry-on bag (and your purse). That means that you won’t be checking that bag and you’ll be dragging it everywhere you go – at least until you get to your hotel. Do you want to tote around some boring black bag that looks like everyone else’s and gets lost in a crowd? Sure, black goes with everything, but it’s much easier to spot a bag that is colorful and nobody will mistake your bag for theirs in the overhead compartment of the plane.

Photo credit

Look for a bag that fits your needs and then find a color or pattern that fits your personality. There are going to be a million more bags that come in black than any other color, but that makes it a challenge and also will give you that much more satisfaction when you finally find “your bag”. I look for sturdy wheels, a long handle (since my husband may be pulling the bag at any point), a top and side handle for easy handling and separate compartments. I’m not one to be happy with a bag that is basically a box with wheels. I like pockets and separators and the ability to expand it if necessary. Make sure the bag you choose has a warranty of some kind and is built to last. There’s nothing worse than having luggage that falls apart when you are in the middle of your trip.

Photo credit

Saving on travel is great, but your carry-on is not where you want to skimp on cost if you don’t have to. Find the bag, then find the deal on it. I say, if you end up paying $300 for a great bag that you love and is sturdy enough to last you for years, it’s worth it in the long run. A round-trip for your checked luggage can cost you an average of $50. Take six trips and your carry-on bag has paid for itself in fees you didn’t pay, because you could take it on the plane with you. It’s not often you will find a bag that retails for hundreds of dollars and not find it on sale somewhere, so make sure you shop around. Amazon often has great discounts on bags, but you can also browse the sales at eBags and other luggage outlets online. Don’t be afraid to check out eBay as well. Many times you will find a gently used bag or a brand new one for much less than other places online.

Photo credit

Being the bag-lover I am, I have a selection of carry-on bags that I rotate when I travel. Some bags are good for one kind of trip and others for a different kind of trip. If you travel a lot, you may want to acquire a few. Each can reflect your personal style in a separate ways and work for weekend trips, longer trips or family trips. Maybe you’re taking a getaway with the girls where you will only need a few outfits and your beauty bag. It may be much smaller than a carry-on you take on a long vacation with your family. Don’t forget to check to be sure whichever bag you choose fits within the airlines’ carry-on size limits, too. A great carry-on will make you proud to haul it around airports and hotel lobbies and get you even more excited for travel than you already were. And once you get the right bag, you can start working on your vacation wardrobe!

Statement Pieces Can Lighten Your Travel Bag

Travel planning is not always a fun part of trips, but it is something that needs to be done in order to go on your trip. Many people hate to organize their travel and, even worse, pack. What to take, what not to take, what if it rains or you are invited to a fancy dinner? Nobody wants to look like a tourist on their trips and they certainly don’t want to look back at their vacation photos and wonder what they were thinking when they put an outfit together. There are ways you can look great and still pack light if you know how, and that’s with accessories.

At home you may use accessories as finishing touches, but on vacation, statement pieces can make a whole outfit take on a different look. Jewelry doesn’t take up that much space, so you can bring several key items that will give your plain and neutral clothing a big boost and pop of color. When you pack light, you have to make some necessary choices in what you take and what you don’t. Will you need that sparkly cocktail dress if you are planning on sightseeing all day? Probably not. Should you bring those stilettos that only work with one outfit and kill your feet after five minutes? Definitely not.

If you have a little black dress that is versatile – you can wear it to both a soccer game and high tea – then that is what you should pack. When wearing it for everyday jaunting around town, you can throw on a pair of sandals and go. If you find yourself suddenly going to a fancy dinner, change your purse, add some jewelry and you’re set. Statement jewelry is a great way to turn any boring outfit into something more fabulous. Do you tend to wear a lot of tank tops when you travel? Imagine how blah a plain black tank and jeans are. It works for sightseeing and staying comfortable. With a chunky necklace and a blazer or cardigan, you’ve immediately turned it into a date outfit.

Don’t go overboard with your jewelry choices, as you’re still trying to pack light. Two or three wow pieces are really all you need. The question you need to ask yourself is “When will I have occasion to dress up on my trip?” If it’s a business trip and you need to impress clients, you can definitely bring a few more items to look put-together and fresh every day. They won’t notice you’re wearing the same skirt suit if you wear a different top and necklace each meeting. In fact, with ballet flats being as popular as they are, you can definitely find a great pair that are comfortable for walking and also work for more formal occasions. You can wear them with everything, from shorts to dresses. They pack well, but are also perfect for wearing on the plane.

So, next time you’re packing and get a case of the “what ifs”, remember that you can stick to a neutral color palette and still look like a million bucks. Pack items you know you will need – four bottoms and five tops is the magic formula – and then choose a pair of shoes, a small clutch and your best statement jewelry to dress it up when the need arises. Just make sure you aren’t taking your most valuable jewels, because you don’t want your vacation ruined if anything happens to them. The goal is to look great, without making yourself a target for thieves. You can easily find beautiful pieces that are also budget-friendly. Who knew that you could look like a fashionista without checking any bags?

Super Useful Travel Links

Don't forget to enter to win our iPad mini case giveaway sponsored by Domeo Products.

If you’re anything like me, vacation is the time it seems any and all exercise and diet routines go out the window. With so much delicious food available and inviting stretches of beach (or just lounge-y chairs in your lodging) it’s hard to really want to eat well and get off your butt and do…something. We tend to be on-the-go most of the time, but even so it can be a challenge to maintain weight. Even if you walk all day, it’s not always enough to lose all those extra calories. This week, I found some fun links that can help you keep on track when it comes to your weight loss or maintenance and staying healthy wherever you go.

Those long airport layovers can be a saving grace. Don’t just sit around hating on the inconvenience of having to wait until your flight decides to take off. Here are 10 airports that keep you fit with their health clubs, walking paths and yoga studios. Burn off some of that annoyance by burning calories! This is a genius idea to me. I often bring active wear that doubles as my sleepwear. It’s easy to keep on the top of your carry-on if you end up with enough time to try one of these places out.

Get the kids in on being healthy with this game app that is powered by exercise. Cool, right? I think they’ll think so, too. It’s not free, but if it gets your kids up and moving, the $40 might just be worth it. Techlicious shares GeoPalz. It rewards your kids by syncing with their pedometer and when they choose healthy foods and water to drink. Start them off on vacation when you are out most of the day walking and then see if they can keep it up when they get back home. You can get the adult version for you as well.

Real Simple knows you like to eat. Whether you’re on a road trip or jetsetting around the world, you can eat better when dining out constantly. They give you tips on what to substitute at different kinds of restaurants and what to eat at your favorite fast food joints along the way. Steamed brown rice may not sound as good as chow mein, but you will have to make some concessions along your travels if you want to keep fit.

Where should you go to practice your new healthy habits? Travelers have spoken and Gogobot has logged the top 10 favorite travel destinations. Get in on these popular hotspots where you can splurge on some decadent cuisine as well as seek out some deliciously good-for-you food.

Here are some of my own tips for keeping your pants from becoming too small for your liking:

• Make use of fitness centers at your hotel if available.
• If you’re a member of a chain gym, find out if you can use your membership in other locations while you’re on vacation.
• Walk. A lot. While you’re busy sightseeing and taking pictures, as long as you have comfy shoes, you probably won’t notice how far you’ve been walking.
• I know the bread is free, but that doesn’t mean you have to eat it.
• Split a meal with your travel partner. Not only will this keep you from overeating, but it will save you money!

How do you keep from packing on the pounds when you travel?