Tips to Passing Time at the Airport

Long connection? Delayed flight? Arrived early for your flight? Here are some tips that will help you pass--and dare I say enjoy--your time at the airport:

Get the Lay of the Land Either before your trip or when you land, get a sense of the airport: what's there, what's not, what appeals to you, what doesn't. I can't tell you the amount of times I've settled on a place to eat, drink or lounge only to find out later there's a much better place 5 mins down the concourse.  Taking a few seconds to plan ahead could mean the different between an enjoyable vs unenjoyable airport layover.

There's an App for That If you're at an airport in the US, there's an iPhone app that can tell you everything you need to know about the airport. Download GateGuru to guide your way.

Sleep Many major domestic and international hubs have airport hotels attached. Replenishing lost sleep is a commodity when traveling, so don't rule out this option.  Most airport hotels have day,  hourly or overnight rates.

Lounge Around Many airline lounges offer day-passes for those not indulging in business or first class. If you've ever immersed yourself in the serenity and service offerings of an airline lounge, you know that paying a little extra for lounge access is worth it--in food and drink alone--not including everything else.

Take a Tour Earlier this year I had a layover at the İstanbul Atatürk Airport, excited at the prospect of being in Istanbul for a few hours, I found out about Turkish Airlines free tours of the city. Turns out I didn't have enough time to indulge, but the opportunity is there, regardless of whether it's organized/available via THY or self-directed. Check out your airport or airlines touring options before you go!

Relax Most major airports have mobile spas offering nail service, massage and hair dressing. Some airports (like Singapore's Changi) even offer the opportunity to don your bathing suit and sit poolside avec un bev. If you're feeling particularly energy-filled, many airport hotels even offer a workout/shower service.

People watch People watching at airports is like a global lesson in trends.  It's so underrated.  I love playing the "where is that person from" game and spotting 'styles du moment.'  This 'game' is even more fun with a specialty coffee or cocktail in-hand.

[photo by ocean yamaha]

Shopping While High :: Pet Travel Helpers

Taunting me from the seat pocket in front of me, SkyMall has a way of luring me in every time I fly. It doesn't matter if I was on a plane yesterday or a week ago, I'll pick up the same copy and chuckle at the new gadgets and gizmos in a why-didn't-I-think-of-that kinda way. Although I haven't purchased anything to date, the day is coming.  I know it. In the meantime, here are some hand-picked helpers for trip style = pet-friendly:

PortablePET PortaBottle This product is semi-genius. No joke. I can't tell you the amount of times we've gone away for the weekend with our dog (@nachoking, yep, he has a twitter account) and needed to slip into a coffee shop to grab a plastic cup, because we forgot his portable water bowl. The best part about this PortaBottle: the "bowl part" flips up when the dog is done drinking.  Since I have a propensity to forget things occasionally, maybe I'll get two. Price: $9.99

Waterproof Hammock Seat Cover I chose the dog car hammock (yep, just uttered those three words consecutively) for two reasons: a) it's a hammock, for a car, that holds a dog...and it's waterproof which is a good idea b) the picture is funny, pretty sure the dog is photoshop'ed onto the hammock = awesome Price: $36.99

Pet Booster Seats If this giant pet holder wasn't lined with faux lambswool, I'd think it was a bath (which seems a little weird for a moving car unless you're watching the 1980's classic Beverly Hills Teens featuring a hot tub in the back of a limo).  Apparently, its height reduces dogs' motion sickness allowing them to see out the window. I support this since I'm prone to motion sickness on everything that moves, including chair lifts at the ski hill. Price: $97 - $119 PortablePET LunchBox I was only going to feature 3 items, but I had to include this pet lunch pale; it reminded me of elementary school. It holds the dog's food inside and sports a dual-purpose lid for covering and feeding/watering the pup. Pet Travel Tip: if going through the CAN/USA border, dog food needs to be its original bag. US customs won't let dog food in unless it's made in the USA. I learned that the hard way when I meticulously packaged my dog's food into individually portioned zip lock bags. Maybe the border guard dogs ended up eating it, but alas, it was probably thrown away. Price: $21.99 - $24.99

PS - if you are traveling with your pet, and brave enough to bring them on a plane, here's a great pet packing list!

Beauty in the Eye of the Beholder :: Travel Keepsakes

What are your favourite travel keepsakes? When I think about keepsakes I've purchased while traveling, a few come to mind: some ridiculous, some fabulous. The few I remember that aren't weird chotchkies or dust-collecting trinkets, are cherished items I actually use. They are authentic, sentimental and functional (to me), and a good reminder to only acquire travel trinkets with meaning vs matter.

Toffee on a Ferry I was 3, maybe 4. One of the first items "I" purchased while on vacation is no longer in my possession, but in my heart.   Each summer, every time my family would take a trip involving a ferry, I'd always get a Macintosh toffee bar in the onboard gift shop.  To this day, I can never board a ferry without craving toffee.

Mickey Hat at Disneyland It was grade 4. Disneyland was exotic. Wanting to commemorate the experience, I chose a bright blue mickey mouse hat (with mini mickey heads dotting the blue cap). My sister and I wore the same hat for many of our younger years.  Sadly, I just learned this hat was sent to a "better place." Sniff, sniff.

Beaded Chinese Bracelets in China I think the brown elastic stringing each bracelet together is about to break a) because I wear them a lot, b) because they are 9 years old, and c) because I got them in a night market in Hong Kong.   Either way, I will wear this beaded "arm candy" forever because they are timeless...to me at least.

Longchamp Bag(s) in Switzerland I remember being dazzled by all the French and Swiss girls' Longchamp Pliage bags the first time I was in Europe. I had to have one. Thankfully they were semi-affordable and not in the LV or Fendi range. I think my Great Aunt actually bought one for me.  Trading up, the next time I returned to Europe I purchased a larger bag (which I carried for years and still occasionally use), and the most recent time yet another bigger one. I'm done.  For now.  Go figure, people are now wearing them in North America.

Llama Socks in Peru My bright green llama socks from Peru are comfortable, warm, non-'scratchy' and durable. Most importantly, every time I wear them---which is a lot since I always have cold feet---I think of the amazing two weeks I spent in Lima, Cusco and trekking up to Macchu Picchu.

Painted Bone Bracelet in Kenya My trip to Kenya a few months ago was epic.  Like getting a disneyland hat in grade 4, I wanted something physical to remind me of a trip that flooded my eyes with tears of joy as I landed on a dirt runway in the middle of the Masai Mara. Going home with nothing was simply out of the question, so I chose a painted bone bracelet.   Every time I wear it I think of elephants, lions, rhinos, a baboon almost sneaking into my canvas tent, mango juice, new friends, old friends, land cruisers and "Jambo" ("welcome" in Swahili).

Nails. Before or During a Trip?

After multiple manicures ruined by the wear and tear of a typical trip (packing-airport-unpacking-hotel-packing-airport-unpacking), I decided to ask friends if they get their mani/pedis done before or during a trip. The overwhelming response was before, here's why:

Mani/Pedi - Before or During a Trip?

• Hillary - Hot destination= before trip. i always run to the water before the salon
• Heather - Going to the desert this week & did nails myself because i'm spending all my money at saks "off fifth"
• Lynnal - Both, a little pampering is always good for ya
• Heather - Before, that way you are able to hit the town, and not waste any time on getting ready to hit the town
• Karen - Before, so you show up Fabulous! And then you can pamper yourself in other ways on your trip
• Nicole - I get it done right before I go. That way my nails are nice from the moment I start my trip, and then I don't have to worry about finding a good place to go wherever I am
• Lauren - I think before. When I'm on a trip, I don't want to have to search for a good place (I'm picky about nail places- want it to be clean, nice, etc.) You want to relax and not have to do any work, so going to your regular place at home and getting it over with before a trip makes more sense to me! But a massage...that's another story.
• Christina - Get a pedi before the trip and then bring your polish to do your own mani once you get there. My toes are always fine in transit, but my finger nails always get broken or nail polish chips while travelling and lugging around my suitcase. There's nothing worse than a big chip in your hot pink nail polish for a whole trip. The other option is to get your mani/pedi in a color that you own – so you can bring the bottle for any touch ups while you are away. I prefer my usual nail place as I know what I’m going to get, whereas you are at the mercy of random strangers when you are away!
• Mel - Before! You don't know where their foreign tools have been or if they're sterile!
• Bec - Before! At a place you know and trust. You don't want to be looking for a place when you get there. Besides, you should look your best when you board the plane, maybe you'll get upgraded ;-)
• Buff - Before a trip is the only time I get a mani/pedi. If you can't afford Louis Vitton luggage, than you may as well have nice toes. ha ha!
• Maria - Before.
• Laura - Before a trip for sure. There's nothing better than starting a vacation off on the right foot....being perfectly groomed!
• Karla - Before. A pedi before you hit the beach somewhere sunny is a must! You don't want to waste time in paradise stuck inside a salon.
• Robyn - Always before ...don't want to waste the holiday on that stuff!
• Nicole - Hate pedi's. I do my own pedi's cause I do a good job and have all the fancy tools at home. Haha. Saves me the foot fungus scare also.
• Nicole - If I am traveling to a warm destination I have a pedicure before the trip. A pedicure (french or other) will last an entire 2 - 3 week trip. A manicure is not a priority for me, but on a recent trip to Maui I sought a nail place because my french manicure was chipping. After investigating nail salon options I ended up back at the Fairmont's resort salon, had a nail polish removal, file, and polish change with an amazing woman who gave me travel tips, etc...
• Erin - Depends where I am going. Hot-don't want to waste beach time. Cold and cozy-love a spa experience.
• Jen - Both.

Before & During To avoid compromising my newly-painted nails in transit, here's what I usually do: a) if I get a mani/pedi pre-trip, I bring the polish with me for touch-ups b) if I don't have time to get my nails done before, or don't want to risk ruining them enroute, I bring nail polish with me and do an impromptu 'painting session' at my destination c) if I don't do A or B above, I'll go to a recommended spa or nail place at my destination

Tips

• Bring polish, either for touch-ups or DIY nails at your destination
• Travel can wreak havoc on your mani, be careful with your hands, especially when handling your luggage
• Don't always trust nail places abroad, every country---even area---has different standards of cleanliness
• If you get a mani/pedi while traveling, make sure the nail salon is professional, the tools have been sanitized and the foot bath, etc...is sterile

Pressed for Time? Why not consider getting your nails done at the airport?

• Vancouver (yvr) - absolute spa has 5 locations in the domestic and US terminals at the Vancouver Int'l Airport. Polish change is $30, manicure from $55, pedicure from $75.
• Seattle (sea) - butter LONDON, famous for its non-toxic polish has opened a nail bar at the Seattle Int'l Airport. More details here. Polish and cuticle treatment $15, spa pedi $40.

PS - follow us on Twitter and Facebook Twitter.com/tripstyler Facebook.com/tripstyler

[photo credit: Fing'rs]

Summer Blockbuster Movies + Trip Planning

Have you made your summer travel plans yet?  If not and you need some ideas, why not inspire your travel with this summer's blockbuster movies and live like: - billionaire, playboy, industrialist turned do-gooder Tony Stark - everyone's fave fictitious New Yorker: Carrie Bradshaw - self-discovery aficionado and author extraordinaire Elizabeth Gilbert

Suit-up in Malibu The Movie: Iron Man 2

The Opening Date: May 7

Trip Style = Sun

Setting the Scene: Guys, hit-up the gym for that Robert Downey Jr. physique, grab your crew and fly to Cali.  Rent an Audi R8 and cruise the PCH to Point Dume state park in Malibu, arguably one of the most gorgeous stretches of land in the area as well as the location producers of Iron Man chose to superimpose his swanky pad for the movie.  Then, get back in your sweet ride and drive to Las Vegas to play roulette and drink an extra dirty martini while you're at it.  Bonus: in keeping with the upcoming sequel,  try to get your hands on the new R8 Spyder.

Get Carried Away in NY The Movie: Sex & the City2

The Opening Date: May 27

Trip Style = Urban

Setting the Scene: Why not take a girls getaway to NYC and live like Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda. Watch the movie in NY, sip a cosmo at Scout (O'Neal's Speakeasy), savour a cupcake at Magnolia Bakery (downtown location) or browse the Art Gallery (Louis K. Meisel Gallery) where Charlotte worked.  If you're feeling really adventurous, rumour has it the girls are jet-setting to the Middle East.

Going Solo The Movie: Eat Pray Love

The Opening Date: Aug 13

Trip Style = Adventure

Setting the Scene: Although this movie-inspired trip plan takes you a little further than NY, I don't know anyone who has regretted going to Italy.  Whether you pull a full-on Elizabeth Gilbert and visit the three I's (Italy, India and Indonesia) or travel to just one location (like my hairdresser who ventured to Ubud for a visit with Medicine Man Ketut Liyer), there's something to be said for venturing solo.

[All this talk of movies and travel takes me back to my cherished solo movie-going adventure in London: Bridget Jones' Diary.   Watching the movie in the place where it took place seemed to personalize, intensify and authenticate the movie experience.  It's something I'll never forget.]

[photo credit in order of appearance: Paramount Pictures, Marvel Studios; NewLine Cinema, HBO Films; Columbia Pics]