Packing 103

[trip style = any]

Aside from talking trip styles, one of my favorite topics is packing: tricks, tips, carry-ons, new suitcases, etc.. Recently my friends asked me how I managed in Australia for just under 3 weeks of travel with one carry-on and a purse. My brief thoughts and strategies below.

Every trip I've taken since starting Trip Styler in late 2009 has been with a carry-on, whether the trip style is weekending, urban, beach, sun, spa, adventure, ski, or a combo of styles, it's always, always carry-on. The only exception I'd make is a ski trip abroad, which involves a ton of winter gear---unless you were to rent it there.

Why Two months before I started Trip Styler, I took a trip to Europe and Africa. That was the final straw. I brought a carry-on and big backpack. Big mistake on all fronts: a) I wasn't backpacking b) I brought too much. Combing through two bags to find clothes every time I moved from one city to the next was a nightmare. And given we're all time-strapped, why would anyone want to wait an extra 20 mins for their luggage to arrive on a carousel, or worse, have it misplaced {used to happen a lot to my husband} or lost by the airline?

How to Pack Light

• You have to want to pack light.
• Get a carry-on that's on the top-end {but just "under"} of carry-on size requirements for most airlines, or the airline you fly most frequently.
• Wear your bulkiest shoes on the plane, it's shoes that are packing light's biggest deterrent.
• Do you need 20 tops and 7 bottoms? I brought a fairly small carry-on {20 x 13 x 8} and this purse/tote with me last week to NYC, and managed to bring my toiletries, computer, 3 scarves, jewelry, a clutch, 2 shoes {heels and flats}, 2 bottoms, a leather jacket, blazer, a sweater and 10 tops.
• Bring more tops than bottoms.
• Accessories like scarves, wraps and jewelry are your friend. Men, this goes for you too with scarves. They can dress an outfit down or up, and keep you warm.
• Layer-up on the plane a) to protect against air temperature changes, and b) to diminish what needs to go into your suitcase.
• Roll almost everything.
• Go with a colour scheme.
• Ladies, leggings are your friend: they are light, small, easily washable and can be dressed up or down in an instant.
• If you're flying an airline known for being strict with carry-on size allowances, bring a non-structured, malleable bag {like this Ben Sherman or Kenneth Cole for men, and this Longchamp Expandable Le Pliage for ladies} that can be pushed and shoved into the baggage measurement cube to fit to size. I use this strategy each time I fly a discount airline!

Luggage "Like" I've talked before about the world's lightest suitcase, the Sub-O-G {now called IT-O-2} before, but I'm seriously considering purchasing the 21" upright carry-on only weighing 5 pounds with dimensions that fit within most airlines' carry-on size restrictions. Though I wouldn't suggest it {or a bigger version} for checked luggage, it is great for traveling extra light.

Challenge If you're an over-packer {like I was until I started getting serious about packing light}, tell us about it! What inspired you to pack light? Will you go back to schlepping baggage on an off the baggage carousel?

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[photo features the IT-O-2 ultra light carry-on suitcase and a Clare Vivier La Tropezienne purse, discussed above]

Travel Essentials for any Trip Style

[trip style = any]

There are a few items that make always make an appearance on my packing list, regardless of the trip style. Whether it's a weekend away, a sunny send-off or a European sightseeing excursion, I've put together a list of packing necessities that make it into my bag 100% of the time. Aside from cash, sunglasses, bathing suit and documentation, here are my travel essentials for any trip style. What are yours?

Travel Essentials for any Trip Style An Extra Bag A little white cloth bag always takes up residence in my purse for day-to-day shopping, but it has also come in handy while traveling. I've used it to protect my behind when sitting on the grass in front of the Canadian Parliament buildings in Ottawa, as well as an overflow bag for extra clothes or Tar-Yay {Target} purchases while weekending in the US. For longer journeys, I throw my Longchamp Le Pliage bag into my carry-on as a plane-to-pool tote or I-shopped-more-than-expected bag...

Pashmina I've said it a million times before and I'll say it again: a big scarf or pashmina is a lifesaver while on the road. Use it to keep warm, add an extra pop of colour or style to an outfit, or as an in-a-pinch blanket when the plane's recycled air is a little too cool. I even have a friend who used hers as a serong and beach towel while in South East Asia. In that case, maybe you'd have two, one for warmth and style and the other for beach.

Lip Stain I'm a big lip gloss fan---my friends will confirm this---but when it comes to packing for any trip style, a lip stain will go in my bag first. Why? With lip tints you can lightly apply a natural-hued colour for day and with a few more passes, a more intense colour at night. In other words, one lip stain allows multiple day-to-night looks. And when the colour lasts for 4 - 8 hours, you don't need to worry about re-application. My current go-to tint is $6 stain from Joe Fresh. Add a little vaseline to the mix and you're good to go...

Vaseline What doesn't vaseline do? It's the travel beauty workhorse, acting as an intense moisturizer for dry hands, feet and elbows, an on-the-road under-eye moisturizer and brightener {especially helpful for combatting the plane's dry air}, an eyebrow sculptor, lip gloss, etc....

Nail Buffer For long trips, manicures are out. After 5 days my once red nails go from class to trash. Since gels or acrylics don't work for me either, any trip longer than a week requires a buffer {available at any drug store}: a great way to keep nails looking smooth and naturally shiny---almost like you've applied a coat of clear polish. Before you go out at night, re-buff nails with the "shine" side for a natural glam look.

iPhone/Macbook Air I put these two electronics into one category because they are both essential and both computers. And aside from an off-the-grid camping trip, they are my faithful travel companions. Here's why: my iPhone allows me to send and receive texts and phone calls {if needed}, connects to wifi for email and simple internet usage, takes pictures and stores apps {my first travel 'love'}. My brand new 11" Macbook Air is small and light enough to throw into my purse, and helps out when my iPhone's 2" screen just doesn't cut it.

Disposable Slippers I'm a take-my-shoes-off-on-the-plane kinda gal and the only way to make that classy is to bring washable slippers along for covering socks or bare feet. They are also helpful when your hotel doesn't provide slippers. Trip Styler Tip :: Next time you're at a hotel that offers slippers, take yours home and transition them into your travel slippers. Despite their disposable nature, hotel slippers wash well.

Emergen-C A little over a year ago I started traveling with little packets of Emergen-C {available at most drug stores in Canada and the US} to help keep my immune system strong for times when flights, time zones and uncomfortable hotel stays negatively impact my sleep. So far, taking one a day while on the road has worked well for my travel health. I take the packets with water at least a week before I leave and during my trips.

Gum / Pearly Whites Clean teeth and minty breath make you feel fresh. Instead of schlepping out my toothpaste and brush while in a plane bathroom, at the airport or after an intense meal, I use Pearly Wipes {a circular, super thin pad soaked in baking soda, salt & peppermint oil} to freshen and whiten my teeth. Bonus: Pearly Wipes come in a mini travel-friendly compact. Follow this up with a mint or gum and you're good to go.

Wipes Wipes are a girl or guy's best friend for travel. I once used them after a 4-hour downhill mountain biking journey in Peru to remove head-to-toe dirt when my hostel's shower didn't work. Aside from use on big adventures or while camping, they're great for keeping hands sanitized and doing mock showers on long traevel days.

Travel Etiquette :: Flights

{Thank you to The Sky Steward, plane etiquette expert, for the above sneak peak at your Jetiquette Card. More info and the full card below!}

Unless you're flying in Singapore Air's all business class plane {yes, please}, air travel can test your patience.

Whether it's the stinky guy sitting beside you, the lady with a toddler a day shy of 24-months sitting on her lap while eating off your tray table for an entire 8-hour flight, or the dad who abandons his wife with a screaming baby {all situations that I've witnessed or been on the receiving end of}, plane etiquette is important as far as extending common courtesies to the people you're riding with for up to 15 hours. So, let's make it great.

Plane Etiquette Aside from our regularly scheduled content, this month's feature is travel etiquette. As part of the series, two weeks ago we gave some travel tipping suggestions, last week we discussed hotel guest etiquette and this week we're broaching plane etiquette. Here are the dos and don'ts of passenger air travel:

Overhead Bins

• If you follow airline baggage requirements, you should be able to fit your carry-on suitcase into the overhead bins straight in, wheels out and down. Don't put your bag in sideways and make poor use of the bin's precious real estate.
• At all cost, put your bag in the bin directly above or slightly in front of you, so you don't have to backtrack when everyone's exiting the plane.
• If you're able, offer to help someone who is struggling to get their bag up or down.

At Your Seat

• Don't be a kicker or knee-er of the seat in front of you.
• Share the arm rest with the person beside you. It's generally accepted that the person in the middle seat gets both armrests, since the outside seats have a little more space.
• When reclining your chair, double check the person behind you doesn't have water on their tray table, etc...
• If you like to drink a lot of water, opt for an aisle seat for frequent trips to the washroom.
• When it's time to sleep or watch a movie, close your window shade.
• When you land, don't get on your cell phone and have a lengthy conversation when you're surrounded by people. Unless you're Lady Gaga, no one wants to hear about your personal life.

Bathrooms

• Be courteous about the amount of time you spend in the bathroom.
• Men, put the seat down when you're done, no joke, it happens every flight I'm on.
• Clean up the toilet seat.
• Empty the sink's drain.

Overall

• Don't wear bear feet. Gross.
• If you like to fly sans shoes and wear travel socks like me, bring washable slippers for wearing in-flight and to the bathroom.
• Make sure you are recently showered, nobody wants to smell your armpits for 10 hours.
• Go easy on the perfume, cologne or smelly lotion.
• Don't bring on smelly foods like tuna, opt for blander foods so the entire plane doesn't feel like they're eating your lunch with you ...

Check out the great visual air below. For more information about the Jetiquette Card and all things Jetiquette related, check out The Sky Steward, a flight attendant, media presonality and flight etiquette ambassador!

[Images by The Sky Steward]

Travel Beauty :: In-Flight Essentials

When I get on a flight, I have a full on beauty routine that begins as soon as I sit down. I think of those travel hours as valuable beauty time, and a chance to try new products. Here are some of my tried and tested favorites that allow you to walk off a plane feeling and looking totally pampered!

Bliss Softening Socks The gel lining in these socks contains hydrating ingredients like Olive Oil and Vitamin E, allowing your feet to soak in moisture. For an extra treat, slather on foot lotion before the socks. Get it: Sephora or Sephora.ca

L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream Nothing, I repeat, nothing makes hands softer than this hand cream! I worked at L'Occitane during college and fell in love with this product---there is absolutely no better hand cream on the market. I reapply it throughout my flight to keep hands hydrated. This hand cream comes in a travel-friendly size (30ml). Get it: L'Occitane stores

Fresh Sugar Rose Tinted Lip Treatment I love this product because not only does it keep your lips ultra moisturized but it gives them the most beautiful flush of natural color. I like walking off a plane looking refreshed and this product definitely helps. Get it: Sephora or Sephora.ca

Alterna Caviar Overnight Hair Rescue This treatment is applied to dry hair and left on overnight (or "over-flight") to repair dry damaged hair. I like to apply it from root to tips, put hair into a ponytail, and wash it out that night or the following morning once I reach my destination. The result is very shiny, extremely soft, smooth hair, and it comes in a travel-friendly size. Get it: Sephora and salons worldwide

Evian Mineral Water Spray + Creme de la Mer My in-flight skincare routine includes a spritz of Evian Mineral Water Spray, which I let dry, followed by a thick layer of Creme de la Mer. This combo protects your skin from dry plane air and lets you walk off a flight looking radiant. Go to your local beauty counter and ask for a Creme de la Mer sample to test it out---it's a big investment so make sure it's right for your skin type. Get it: Sephora or Sephora.ca, Neiman Marcus or Holt Renfrew

{Want more travel beauty? Get your fill the third Wednesday of every month. Lauren, our travel beauty expert is already whipping up her next concoction post!}

Travel Etiquette :: Hotel {Guests}

Acting with grace and class at hotels is about the common, greater good. It comes from the knowledge that you're not an island, but part of a community during your stay. Aside from applying the golden rule to the way you interact with other guests, treating hotel staff with respect goes a long way as far as building them up and ensuring you'll be treated well in return.

Last week as part of this month's travel etiquette refresher, we featured tipping etiquette which is closely related to this week's topic: hotel guest etiquette. Since we've all woken up by the loud hall yellers and disturbed by the poolside cell phone talkers, along with the Fairmont Pacific Rim's Director of Housekeeping, here are some suggestions for how to be a good hotel guest respecting others' vacations or business trips.

In Your Room

• Don't leave a giant mess for the housekeeper. Think about the number of rooms they have to clean---don't be one of their horror stories. Also, if you expect daily cleaning, consider tipping as a thanks...
• Remember, housekeeping staff are in charge of cleaning the room, not tidying your giant mess.
• Gather all your towels and place them in the bathtub, as well as put the blankets back on the bed, a) because it's nice to do, and b) you might find something under one of those towels or blankets.
• Leave your valuables {passports, jewelry, etc... in the in-room safe}. {Trip Styler Tip: to avoid forgetting your valuables in the safe, put something you won't forget in the safe, or write a sticky note to yourself on the door or bathroom mirror.}
• Quiet hours are in place for a reason. Don't forget about your TV and radio/iPod volume either...
• Most hotel room doors are not soundproof, so late night/early morning loud talkers/screamers or hallway runners are not appreciated, and other guests don't take well to an interruption in their beauty sleep. It's always my practice to talk in a low decibel during the day and whisper at night when walking back to my hotel room.
• Most hotel doors are heavy and loud, so be courteous to those around you by guiding your door shut at night or in the morning, so there isn't a big slam every time you enter and exit the room.

At the Pool/Beach

• No loud cell phone talking! If you must, go to a private area to carry-out the rest of your conversation.
• A little PDA {public display of affection} is cute, but too much and it's awkward.
• If there's only one pool, be respectful of those around you {this includes your volume}.
• Don't save pool/beach loungers at 6am and then arrive to claim them at 11am.
• In addition to the above point, don't leave your pool towels sitting on your chair when you're done. It's courteous to other guests and the hotel to either drop them in the hamper, or advise the attendant that you are finished with them.
• Although you may be the only guests at or in the pool doesn’t mean that you can’t be seen. Many guestrooms have views that overlook the beach or pool so activities and/or noise levels should be conducted accordingly.

Housekeeping Tips {by the Fairmont Pacific Rim}

• Let us make your stay memorable! Join the hotel’s loyalty program before you arrive and enjoy a range of benefits. At Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, for example, members of the Fairmont President’s Club receive complimentary newspaper of their choice, free local phone calls, and use of BMW bicycles, along with the Fairmont Fit program which provide use of running shoes, shorts and tshirt so you don’t have to pack your running gear. {Editor's Note: I am passionate about the Fairmont President's Club Benefits (one of best in the industry) and have been a loyal member for 3 years. However, being an online trip stylist, I often stay with other hotels too, and when I do, I always make sure to join their loyalty program before my arrival for the value-added benefits.}
• If there are allergies or sensitivities, let the hotel know in advance so they can make your hotel stay an enjoyable one. Hypo-allergic pillows and duvets can replace feather items.
• A hotel wants to provide a “home away from home” during your stay and their main priority is the safety of guests. Use common sense when visiting, ie, don’t prop your guestroom door open with the deadbolt while you dash down the hall to get some ice.
• Before you depart, do a last minute check…it’s surprising how many guests leave items in the safety deposit box, in the closet or on the back of doors! {Editor's Note: This is so true! I recently had to have my Mac laptop's power cord shipped back from my hotel room in Mexico...}
• A hotel wants to provide a comfortable environment and does its utmost to ensure that facilities are in top condition. If there is something wrong, let the front desk know so that it can be rectified. Let us have the chance to make it better.

{Editor's Note: this post is not sponsored by the Fairmont Pacific Rim. I asked them to contribute a) so readers would get a balanced perspective from a frequent traveller and major hotel, and b) because they are my favourite hotel in Vancouver.}

[photo by @nate_fri, taken in a 22nd floor room overlooking the Vancouver harbour at the Fairmont Pacific Rim.]