Taking Better Vacation Pics

Today is National Camera Day and while most of us don't travel with a traditional camera, we all carry one in our pockets all the time. Your phone is probably your number one travel buddy, so making the most of the pictures you take with it is a way to capture your amazing memories. Here's a guide to taking a great selfie, which is a big portion of the photos I take on my trips, that can also help you take better regular photos. 

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I hope this helps you capture those vacation memories better and make you feel better about any photos you take of yourself, so you can make your friends even more jealous when you post on your socials. Do you have some tips on how you make your own vacation pics, selfies or otherwise, awesome?

Packing Your Perfect Mix and Match Summer Wardrobe

If, like me, you're going on a summer trip (or trips) and are looking to pack a perfect bag and not spend all your money on baggage fees, then I'm here for you. It's all about the capsule wardrobe. Most travel sites will suggest the 5-4-3-2-1 strategy, and I also love the 3-3-3 strategy, but I'm going with 3-3-1-2, unless you're going on a long trip. 

What the heck am I talking about? Quick catch-up: 

The 5-4-3-2-1 packing method is 5 tops, 4 bottoms, 3 dresses/shoes, 2 bags/swimsuits, and 1 bag/sunglasses. I will agree with 5 tops for most trips, but the rest is just too much. The 3-3-3 method is 3 tops, 3 bottoms, and 3 shoes. It's pretty minimal, and I like that, but it also limits you pretty hard, especially when you are going to hot destination and will need to rewear things. No one wants to do laundry every other day.

No, we go with the 3-3-1-2 packing method, which allows you to bring everything you need, but also can fit in a small carry-on, and gives you a good variety. Let's look at what those numbers mean: 

• 3 tops, which actually ends up being 4, because you're going to wear one on the plane or in the car, if you're road-tripping
• 3 bottoms, 2 of which you pack and 1 of which you wear on the way there (this is usually how I bring a pair of pants or a long skirt with me)
• 1 dress that can be worn for sightseeing, but can also be dressed up for a nice dinner or a show
• 2 pairs of shoes that go with everything. I always choose a pair of sandals that I can walk in all day and wear to the pool/beach and then a pair of nicer shoes that you can also walk in all day, like some cute ballet flats

You're going to need some wildcard pieces. In addition to your normal all-day clothing, you want to include a wrap (this one is insect-repellant, can be used as a beach towel, a sarong, and even a wrap shirt in a pinch), sunglasses, a swimsuit, a lightweight, packable rain jacket, and comfy pajamas that are good for lounging, too. 

When you pick a color palette to pack, everything should go with everything else. I chose a pink base here as a way to show how you can go with a brighter color and still maximize your small wardrobe. Not everything has to be boring neutrals. Choose your own fave color and work around that. 

First up, I chose these berry-colored water shorts from Columbia. You can wear them to the pool and you can wear them shopping and sightseeing, so they are a great multi-use item. Depending on what you're doing, here are some ways to wear them:

• With a cute white (or black) linen tank and matching sandals. I'm a fan of Clarks shoes. They are always classic and they are comfortable to wear all day long, no matter what you're doing. I love the fun lace details on these.
• Cover up a bit in the A/C by throwing this button-up from Columbia on over the top.
• Pair a complimentary pink tee from Columbia with these berry shorts. You will be cool, since the whole outfit is moisture-wicking.
• Add that button-up back for a different layered look.
• Wear the button-up alone for a easy casual look.

Next up, a longer neutral short from Prana in "mud" color: 

• With a cute white (or black) linen tank and matching sandals or some nude/cream ballet flats. I wore these Cleo Skechers all over Las Vegas and they were both cute and super comfy.
• Hide your shoulders with the button-up from Columbia on over the tank.
• Give a Neapolitan vibe pink tee from Columbia. Brown and pink always reminds me of ice cream.
• Add that button-up back for a different layered look.
• Wear the button-up alone for a easy casual look.

If you're going to be inside where it's cooler or the temps drop a bit at night, we're going with these lightweight Prana joggers in gray that I would have worn on the plane with a cropped tee or another comfortable top to sit in for hours in fluctuating temps:

• With a cute white (or black) linen tank and matching sandals or some nude/cream ballet flats. 
• Add a little flair with this button-up over your tank.
• Get a little sporty by wearing with the pink tee.
• Throw on your button-up over it for a casual patio dinner.
• Wear the button-up alone with your flats for just a wander through a museum. 

Lastly, let's check out this sporty travel-friendly dress from Prana. I have several dresses from them and they are so comfortable and flattering, plus they all have pockets! 

• Wear it alone with sandals while out and about. 
• Add your wrap and ballet flats for going out somewhere a bit dressy.
• Layer your pink tee over the top of it to give it a skirt feel.
• Toss on the button-up for a little extra sun protection or to cover up the open back if you're inside somewhere that needs a bit of modesty.

So, there you go. You can make almost 20 outfits with just 8 pieces and you have shoes that go with everything you've brought. Save even more space by wearing your flats on the plane, though if you don't have PreCheck, then you might not want to take them off and go barefoot in through security. Of course, you can always pack a pair of slipper socks for that. I like to wear those while lounging around my room, too. 

Now you can spend your vacation budget on awesome foods and activities. Don't forget your sunscreen! See how I put together my own mix-and-match wardrobe on my Instagram.

Where are your summer travels taking you?

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More Affordable Beach Vacations

Got aspirations to go to the beach this summer? Well, you’re likely not the only one, especially since the kids are out of school and the sun is out and that makes people flock to beaches near and far. The problem with heading to the beach during the warmest months is that it is often quite expensive and crazy crowded. Considering most people are just lying on the beach on their trip, it makes no sense to spend a ton of money that you don’t have to. So, here are some tips on how to spend less than expected.

It’s summer, which means you don’t need to take much with you. Getting everything in a carry-on will save you checked bag fees and also get you on your vacation as soon as possible after your plane lands. Keep your travel wardrobe to a minimum by taking one nice outfit and then several tops and bottoms that mix and match. This way, even if you took only 3 tops and 3 bottoms, they could make two week’s worth of different outfits. I then suggest taking two pair of shoes that will work with your outfits as well. Normally, I take a nice pair of sandals that can also work with dress clothes and a good pair of walking shoes. This way, you will be prepared for anything. Throw in a pair of flip flops (which I don’t count as shoes, since they take up almost no space) and you’re set for bumming around on the beach or at the pool.

Change Location

Trade in the ocean for a nice lakeside location. Not only will it be a fraction of the price of an oceanfront property (or even an ocean “view” one), but you can do almost the same things you can otherwise. You can lay out on the beach, make sandcastles, go snorkeling, fishing, swimming, jet skiing and almost everything else you can do at the beach by the ocean.

Book a Rental 

Look for an apartment/condo/house rental instead of a hotel. I keep saying this, but it really can save you a lot of money. Many times you can find something for $300-400 per week, when most hotels you find are going to be well over $125/night, and that’s only for two people. On top of the savings per night and per person, you’ll also be able to shop for your own food and make as many meals as you like. I tend to like to buy breakfast fixings, because I don’t usually like to go out for breakfast and I don’t like to rush in the morning. I can eat a bowl of cereal or a bagel while I’m getting ready for the day and I’ve saved at least $8/day just for me alone. A lot of restaurants charge more than that. Heck, you could easily spend that much at Starbucks for a muffin and a coffee. And if you come back in the middle of the day for a nap or to rest your feet, you can make yourself a sandwich for lunch, too!

Go on a cruise

There are tons of deals going on right now, which means you can hang by the pool on the ship and then check out different beaches when you reach port. You also have the option of trying cool cuisines, saving money on food and accommodations while at sea and having a lot of shopping and sightseeing options.

Go South

Head to South and Central America where even during the summer, rates for hotels are pretty affordable. Places like Ecuador and Belize have wonderful beaches and budget-friendly food and lodging. Stay at a more luxury resort for a fraction of the price, which will help you stay on track with your travel budget and also give you more for your money. The beaches are just as good, plus you get to brush up on your Spanish or Portuguese.

Become Unpopular

Head to less-popular locations like Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and other beachfront locations that have late summer travel deals. Many of these are located in the Southeast and in smaller towns, like Daytona Beach. While they may not seem very exciting at first, there are plenty of things to fill your spare time with, yummy fresh seafood and cool day trips as well. Fodor's has this great list of spots to go instead of the most popular beaches in the U.S.

So, if you’re hoping to work on your tan and enjoy some sand between your toes, don’t forget to pack your swimsuit, your sunglasses and a bunch of sunscreen and start booking your flights, which will not be cheap this time of year. Where will you be headed this summer?