The Savvy Traveler :: Jason

[trip style = beach + sightseeing + weekend getaway]

Jason's got it down. Each year he travels to a trio of far-flung locales on a big trip and a bevy of beach destinations on smaller trips. Along with weekends away, this has him escaping Vancouver at least once a month, all while holding a major role at one of Canada's most respected and longstanding retailers. The only way to couple his long work hours with his love of travel is to plan ahead and then go for it---even when it seems inconvenient. Extended weekend in Chicago, why not? Three-week, multi-country itinerary? No problem. Spot this stylish jetsetter---with a penchant for layering grey tones---traveling alongside his globetrotting partner, Hjalmar.

1/ What are your top 3 trip styles & why?
We typically break down our yearly vacations into major trips, minor tips and weekend getaways:

[trip style = weekend getaway] Managing the hectic work schedules of two people who live to travel is tough. Weekend getaways are a must! Our two-day escapes range from trip style = wine tasting in Kelowna to trip style = skiing in Whistler. Extended weekends involve trip style = beach'ing it in Hawaii or checking out the trip style = urban restaurant scene in Chicago.

[trip style = sightseeing] Every year we plan a longer vacation {anywhere from 2-3 weeks} focusing on destinations we haven’t yet explored. We love to experience new cultures, architecture, cuisine, etc. During this type of holiday, we typically pack in as much as possible, jetting to 3-4 different cities/countries. A few years ago we did London, Egypt and Dubai and last year we did Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong.

[trip style = beach] Since our major trips aren’t always the most relaxing and weekend getaways are too short to unwind, we definitely look forward to a week to 10 days on the beach, and nothing more. It’s usually a week in Mexico. It's the kind of trip where I don't feel guilty for doing absolutely nothing!

2/ What items are always on your packing list?
- Kiehl's Facial Fuel {moisturizer and SPF in one}
- Anything in grey {this color goes with everything and it's seasonally neutral}
- Flip flops
- Summer scarf
- Christian Dior duffle bag {the perfect carry-all...and it's grey of course}
- iPhone {I don't leave home without it -- staying connected is a necessity for me}

3/ Carry-on or checked bag?
If it’s a week or less, carry-on! I avoid checking luggage whenever possible. It slows everything down from the check-in to the baggage claim! When I'm only doing carry-on, I can get through check-in, security and customs in less than 10 minutes, and for weekend getaways, this is a must! However, for those longer trips where I do check a bag, I still tend to pack light. It’s less about what I’m bringing, and more about what I’m bringing back!

4/ Last trip, next trip & what destination{s} are on your radar?
Last Trip: Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong

Next Trip: Yearly pilgrimage to Coachella in Palm Desert

On My Radar: Later this year we’re headed to London, Holland and Turkey. We’ve also planned a weekend trip to NYC. Our next two major trips in the coming years include Australia and climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro.

5/ Do you have any travel rituals you follow each time you jetset?
Naps! We tend to always take a nap or rest between 4-6pm. This way we recover from a long day of sightseeing and are ready for a night on the town. Splurge! We seek out and splurge on the best restaurant in town, usually relying on the recommendations of locals or friends. Research! We always figure out the must-sees and the must-dos everywhere we go. The internet is good, but pair it with the advice of people you trust!

6/ What's the one destination you could return to year after year?
Puerto Vallarta. For the past couple years we've spent our New Year's Eve holiday in PV. There’s a large group of our friends who go every year. It’s a great way to relax after a long year and a crazy holiday season, and re-group for the coming year. It’s a quick, fairly cheap way to holiday in sun and sand.

More Savvy Travelers
Marisa, Vacation Time Escapist
Shaun, Packing Like A Rock Star
Christina, Taking Care Of Biz

{If you know anyone who should be featured in our once-monthly The Savvy Traveler series, drop us a line!}

[photo c/o jason]

Roam+Board :: Postcard Inn At Holiday Isle

[trip style = beach + sun]

{Editor’s Note: We haven't been to this newly revamped hotel, but this Florida Keys property is on our list.}

What Transplant a whimsical Nantucket cottage onto a prime, shore-front plot along a hundred mile chain of small islands, and the result is the Postcard Inn At Holiday Isle. With a beachy colour scheme---headboards and benches wrapped in rope, whitewashed wood plank feature walls, driftwood-base lamps---this property re-imagines the family vacation destination without skimping on design.

Fifteen acres of private beach, two pools, fishing, diving, snorkeling, water sports and the world famous onsite "Rumrunner" tiki bar make this trip style = beach + sun spring break spot a win-win with every member of the fam.

Where Islamorada, Florida Keys, about a 1.5 hour drive from the Miami, Fort Lauderdale or Key West airports.

When December to May is high season with agreeable temperatures and droves of winter escapists. June through October are the transitional months with a rainier forecast, which also happens to coincide with hurricane season. November and May are the travel sweet spot: warm temperatures and fewer crowds.

Who/Why You want a Caribbean experience---balmy weather, laid back locals, world-class above- and below-surface water activities----without traveling too far or leaving the US.

Cost From $230/night in high season. If you're traveling as a family, ask for a room with mini fridge and microwave. A $15 per room/night resort fee covers self-parking, wifi, etc...

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More Roam+Board Nira Alpina – Switzerland Rockhouse – Jamaica Hotel Bellevue – Near Seattle Rolling Huts – Methow Valley {WA} Golden Rock Inn – Nevis The Ace NYC – New York The Viceroy – Palm Springs Sorobon Beach Resort – Bonaire From ice hotels to Anna Wintour’s steal-of-a-deal holiday escape, find all featured R+B properties here.

[photos via PCI beach resort & marina]

IMG_FRI :: Bora Bora

[trip style = beach + sun]

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"The most captivating natural beauty I've come across was in Bora Bora, the sand was like flour and the water was so clear you could see down to your feet perfectly." -Marisa

Earlier this week we interviewed Marisa for our monthly The Savvy Traveler column. This NY-based jetsetter works hard in PR to play hard in distant destinations like Spain, Brazil or Istanbul, allocating every available ounce of her vacation time to travel. She gushed most about Bora Bora, so I thought some IMG_FRI photos would be a welcome end-of-the-week distraction.

On my radar: Le Taha'a Island Resort and Spa, a Relais & Chateaux property with a constant position on the Condé Nast Gold List, a 10-minute helicopter ride from Bora Bora.

[photos via la taha'a]

Roam+Board :: Rockhouse

[trip style = sun + budget conscious]

{Editor's Note: In the fall, Trip Styler ran a Romantic Caribbean series breezing over this budget-conscious, seaside gem. I haven't stayed here personally, but I've sailed along its shoreline, and in that instant, decided I'd one day be a guest.}

What With thatched-roof bungalows connected by cliff-side bridges and boardwalks, the Rockhouse boutique hotel and spa is an eco escape that actually looks the part. Forget about shoes and ditch most items you thought you needed in your suitcase in favour of a bathing suit and casual cover-up.

Start your day in a downward dog and savasana pose beside the resort's sea-swept outcroppings, snorkel into the afternoon, and get to know your beach-read as the sun sets. Finish with a jerk chicken roll-up or banana leaf-steamed snapper and a Red Stripe {the local beer} at one of the hotel's restaurants {whose chef won Jamaica's chef of the year in 2010 and 2011}.

Blurring the line between raw and refined, and value and style this Design Hotels member has won enough prestigious international awards to fill its eight lush acres.

Where Negril, Jamaica, an hour and a half transfer from Montego Bay Airport {MBJ} and a six-hour flight from the West Coast.

When Jamaica is blessed with tropical temperatures throughout the year, and is most crowded and expensive in high season: mid-December to mid-April. May, October and November account for Jamaica's rainy season---the latter corresponding with the tail-end of hurricane season {June - November}. The worst storms tend to hit from late July to late September.

Who/Why Sand gets in your bathing suit and crowds get on your nerves. You prefer a less fussy escape characterized by sunsets and seclusion atop your Caribbean cliff.

Cost From $160/night in winter, and $125/night in summer. Includes wifi in the lobby and restaurant.

—————————————————– New here or faithful TS reader? Get daily trip style tips delivered right to your inbox or RSS reader, and find and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram! ——————————————————

More Roam+Board Hotel Bellevue - Near Seattle Rolling Huts – Methow Valley {WA} Golden Rock Inn – Nevis The Ace NYC – New York The Viceroy – Palm Springs Sorobon Beach Resort – Bonaire From ice hotels to Anna Wintour’s steal-of-a-deal holiday escape, find all featured R+B properties here.

[photos via Rockhouse & other online sources]

IMG_FRI :: Honolulu

{Hilton Hawaiian Village's famous tiled rainbow wall}

[trip style = sun + beach]

{Editor's Note: Enter to win a travel set from Shaffali Skincare, inspired by Ayurvedic herbs aromatherapeutic essences including French lavender, Croatian sage, Italian orange blossom, and Egyptian geranium! Contest ends Wednesday, Jan 25th, 2012.} 

Yesterday we wrote about a more modern Honolulu. Here are some some additional photos from dawn to dusk. See the full gamut on Instagram {@tripstyler}.

{Lagoon at the edge of Waikiki}

{Koi pond at The Hilton Hawaiian Village}

{Pool at The Modern Honolulu}

{View of pools at The Modern Honolulu and lagoon}

{Black and white sky}

{Afternoon sun at The Modern Honolulu's private beach pool}

{Sunset}

[photos by @tripstyler and @nate_fri]