Top 10 Travel Essentials :: Summer Weekend Edition

[trip style = weekend getaway + sun]

This post is written by Trip Styler's Assistant Wayfarer/Editor Heather.

If Buzzfeed, David Letterman and magazine culture have taught us anything, it's that we love lists. 21 Animal Photos That Will Make You Go Awwwww? Click! 52 Places to Go in 2014? Click! Summer Packing Essentials? Click! {*See our mention in Buzzfeed here!}

With summer unofficially underway after the recent long weekends and officially underway in 22 days, my mind has turned to weekend getaways. And, by extension, what to wear on said getaways. I may be a classic morning-of packer, but I dream about what to pack weeks ahead.

With all this in mind, I present my summer packing list, filled with on-trend, internationally inspired, versatile items that "double in the program". Between Chief Trip Stylist Trish and myself, every one of these essentials is either in our closets or on our summer wishlists {I'm looking at you, handmade Mexican sandals!}.

Top 10 Travel Essentials :: Summer Weekend Edition
 #1 - Mexican-inspired top {note the bathing suit tuck-in}
 #2 - Summer-weight scarf
 #3 - Sensational swimsuit
 #4 - Easy-breezy beach-to-night dress
 #5 - Japanese-inspired Kimono
 #6 - Denim shirt
 #7 - Tank top
 #8 - Mexican-inspired sandals
 #9 - Jean shorts
 #10 - Cropped sweater

Clockwise from top left: 1/ JM Dry Goods embroidered blouse, 2/ Heather Taylor Home scarf, 3/ Marc by Marc Jacobs bikini top & high waisted bottom, 4/ Black Crane long strap dress, 5/ Nicole Bridger kimono featuring artist Zoe Pawlak print, 6/ Gap denim shirt, 7/ NSF scout tank, 8/ Beatrice Valenzuela sandals, 9/ Madewell denim cutoffs, 10/ Topshop fisherman crop sweater

***Guys: Your summer weekend essentials should include a pair of 3/4-length shorts {7-9" inseam}, a white v- or crew-neck tee, a classic short- or long-sleeve oxford shirt and a pair of lace-up Vans.

Related
Jetset Style :: Summer Swimwear Trends
Jetset Style :: Kimonos
Fashion Friday :: The Summer Staple
Fashion Friday :: Scarf Tying 101
Homeward Bound :: Weekender Bags
West Coast Escapes

[photo collage by @heatherlovesit]

West Coast Escapes

[trip style = weekend getaway]

This post is written by Trip Styler's Assistant Wayfarer/Editor Heather.

The problem with wanderlust—a strong desire to travel—is that it can never really be quenched. When I get away, I'm already planning my next retreat. Not out of the need to escape my everyday life, but fuelled by the joy of discovering somewhere new or the comfort of returning somewhere special. Standing on a beach last week, with only the Pacific between me and Japan, I couldn't help but take a mental trip down the West Coast and chart a course for an escape—or four. Could one of these destinations be the temporary cure for your wanderlust?

Tofino, BC

What's better than a spontaneous escape to Tofino? {Also known as the ideal place to decompress for fans of fish tacos, surfing, long walks on the beach, gorgeous sunsets and cozy lodges.} Taking advantage of a midweek rate of $100/night, I stayed at the rustic and friendly Middle Beach Lodge last week, where pleasant perks like breakfast, evening cookies and a roaring fire were provided in the communal beachfront lounge.  If you're looking for something more luxurious—perhaps a Travel+Leisure hall of famer—try The Wickaninnish Inn, which we covered last year in Roam+Board. Don't miss the aforementioned fish tacos at local and visitor favorite, Tacofino, and long walks on the beach along Chesterman Beach or Long Beach, part of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.

Seaview, WA

From one Long Beach to another, a truly unique spot along Washington's southern coast is The Sou'Wester, about 30 minutes north of Astoria, Oregon. This retro glamping escape features a collection of vintage trailers outfitted with record players, wood panelling and lawn chairs straight out of your childhood. Read up on this nostalgic seaside escape in Roam+Board.

Big Sur, CA

This cliff-top destination on California's central coast is one of North America's most popular and romanticized stretches of coastline. High rollers can perch themselves high above the beach at the Post Ranch Inn or Ventana Inn, while those looking for something a little more rustic and midcentury can check into a cabin at Glen Oaks Big Sur, previously featured on Roam+Board. I hear McWay Falls, Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur Bakery and Deetjen's are not to be missed.

Santa Barbara, CA

I've been crushing on a collection of cabins, yurts and safari tents on Instagram for the past year. El Capitan Canyon is a private camping resort tucked between a state beach and a national forest 20 miles north of Santa Barbara; the perfect place for those seeking to unplug, unwind and toast a few marshmallows alongside hip LA families on holiday. {And dangerously close to Santa Barbara wine country, which is a must visit!} If your idea of relaxing is more poolside than creekside, check into Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara, a historic hotel in a spectacular setting that shouldn't be missed. Did someone say "happy hour"?

[tofino photos by @heatherlovesit, others via long beach peninsula tourism, wikimedia, el capitan canyon]

Homeward Bound :: Weekender Bags

[trip style = weekend getaway]

This post is written by Trip Styler fashion and lifestyle blogger Heather.

Weekenders are the Goldilocks of the bag world, sitting pretty between totes and carry-ons. They're juuust right for quick jaunts home for the holidays, cozy mountain retreats, or sunny escapes.

A good weekender bag is roomy enough for a few costume changes and rugged enough for a beating in the trunk or overhead compartment. Look for features like handles AND detachable shoulder strap, plenty of interior pockets and zipper closure. Bonus points for water-repellant fabric, dark colors to hide dirt and leather that gets better with age.

Travel in style this winter with any of the eight durable and design-forward weekend bags shown above at price points you'll love ... and love to hate.

top row: Stephen Kenn encounter collection travel duffle, WANT Les Essentiels de la Vie hartsfield weekender tote, Filson small duffle bag middle row: JADEtribe maroc traveler, Lo & Sons the catalina, Baggu weekend bag bottom row: Joshu + Vela xl boat tote, Clare Vivier leather weekender

[graphics by @heatherlovesit]

It's a Wrap

[trip style = weekend getaway + urban]

Every Christmas season Seattle decks their halls with twinkly lights, iconic "red cup" bevvies and holiday cheer. Not so coincidentally, every year I take my sleigh down to the Emerald City to immerse myself in its red- and green-themed spirit, and play Santa during a hot chocolate-fueled shop-a-thon.

This year I was asked by the W Seattle's elves to experience their just-released It's a Wrap Holiday Package. On during weekends until January 12th, the package includes all the fixings for a festive getaway, including: - a Fabulous Corner King room - valet parking {$40 savings per night} - complimentary gift wrapping for three gifts {Saturdays} - a Saturday "Wrappy Hour" at TRACE Bar, seasoned with holiday treats like a snickerdoodle cocktail paired with gingerbread snowflake cookies, and the live sounds of a Grammy award-winning nouveau jazz artist - a $50 gift card from a major credit card company and a $50 gift certificate to University Village---think: Aritzia, Madewell, Mercer, Jonathan Adler, Anthropologie, J.Crew, etc. {per stay} - a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter shuttle to and from University Village {Saturdays} - WiFi <<<< Find FULL It's a Wrap Holiday Package details here >>>>

In my job, I'm lucky enough to spot a world of travel offers, and the reason I'm telling you about this one is because it's festive, fun and cha-ching it offers a good perks {plus the guestrooms have Bliss Spa products and the W's beds are uber-comfy}. As a HUGE fan of experience-based gifts, this is a getaway I'd want to receive under the tree this season.

Trip Styler Tip: At the time of writing, all weekends offered during this package are available. Rates start at $200/night and there's a two-night minimum.

Here's a short video of my Wrappy weekend.

{Can't view this video?}

[photos and video by trip styler taken while as a guest of starwood hotels; view my strict editorial parameters here]

Leaving Las Vegas {Healthier Than I Arrived}

healthy las vegas

[trip style = active + weekend getaway + urban + sun]

HAPPY THANKSGIVING to our friends down South! Here at the Vancouver, Canada-based TS headquarters, we toast your fine-feathered cocktail of turkey, beer and football. Enjoy!

When Lady Luck started shaking her sequins and stomping---in stilettos no less---down the Las Vegas Strip, she wasn't thinking about burning calories or reaching 10,000 steps a day. Ye-Old-Days Lady Luck was too busy sipping scotch on the rocks and sucking back cigarettes. Flash forward to today, and modern Lady Luck still chinwags with the same crowd, yet in her time-refined wisdom, she's picked up a healthy trick or two RUNning the Strip.

Like Lady Luck, I've learned a thing or two on the road, and am pretty protective about maintaining my wellness while I wander. With health on my mind, on my recent trip to Vegas, I was surprised to leave healthier than when I arrived. While most people don't travel to Sin City to sip smoothies, eat spinach salads and workout more than they go out, I made it my mission to test wellness on the Strip without sacrificing a smashing cocktail or Michelin-starred cuisine.

Here's how to stay well while under the LV spell:

run the LV strip

1/ Run the Strip Jogging the LV Strip is a thing. Rise and shine early enough in the AM---from 6am to 8am---and you'll see a ton of fit cats chasing last night's calories down LV Blvd. Bonus: most of the hotels blast music, so no is iPod required.

spa in las vegas + detox

2/ Detox at the Spa I've had TREATments at most of the major sp-ahs lining the Neon City's most glitzy stretch. Recently, I re-familiarized myself with these cocoons of calm and wrote about a private Turkish Hammam and other must-soothe experiences in Las Vegas Spa Hopping for the Expedia Viewfinder Travel Blog.

yoga among dophins las vegas

3/ Yoga among the Dolphins There's yoga, and then there's yoga practiced between a circular viewing area below Vegas' only dolphin habitat. The second you arrive nature's miracle mammals perk up and come to greet you like kids waiting for their parents at the airport. Dolphins dig yoga, so there's a parallel play synergy that takes place as I sink into warrior pose while the pod floats by. Classes are offered Fri - Sun mornings and cost $50 {which also includes a post-yoga smoothie and day access to the Mirage's spa pools and heat havens}.

las vegas MO hotel

4/ Hotel Most travelers I talk to aren't aware that Vegas has a few non-gaming hotels. Translation: no slots in sight! My favorite of the few is the Mandarin Oriental. See my review in Trip Styler's latest Roam+Board hotel feature.

bacchanal buffet caesars

5/ Eat well In the past five years, Vegas has turned into a foodie destination worthy of the 50+ world-renowned chefs whose restaurants season the Strip. Case in point, while I was there, I sipped cognac three feet away from Guy Savoy at his namesake restaurant. One of the newest eateries you "knead" to know about is Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace. Before you write us off for even mentioning a buffet, think of it like more like a collection of nine restaurants manned by chefs who've all worked in Michelin-starred restaurants. Yes there are stations, yes there are 600 seats, but it also boasts a hearty list of awards to back up its baking and made-to-order dishes.

Trip Styler Tip: While I'm not a huge Starbucks fan, if you want to eat a healthy snack on the go, Seattle's coffee institution can be found around every corner offering a bevy of fresh-prepared and reasonably priced snacks mingling fruit, veggies, cheese and nuts.

[photos by @tripstyler]