Packing Tips to Feel Great and Look Stylish On Vacation

Feeling confident in your appearance while traveling can make your vacation all the better. When you feel great in your clothing, the possibilities for exploration and self-discovery are endless.

To help you feel confident in your attire and packing decisions, Lee Heyward, style expert and owner of Charleston Style Concierge, did me the honor of participating in an interview for Travel with Melissa. In this interview, Lee shares her personal styling and packing trips for every traveler who wants to feel and look great while on vacation.

Below is the interview:

Why did you decide on a career in fashion and style?

Actually, my career in fashion and style found me. I have always had a passion for helping people and a skill for putting outfits together. I discovered how to mesh the two in fourth grade when my best friend felt she needed “cooler” clothes in order to feel confident starting at a new school. I got out my Seventeen magazine and headed into her closet. I’ve been helping people find style they love ever since. Two years ago, I left the hubbub of corporate life and founded Charleston Style Concierge in order to help women everywhere feel stylish and confident every time they step out the door.

How can the right outfit make a trip special?

There is something about travel that inspires you to look your best. Walking the streets in your hometown just doesn’t seem as glamorous as strolling the streets of an ancient city or tropical island. Even though you may not know anyone you pass, you want to feel like the best version of yourself. This is why the right outfit can make your trip even more special.

A dress that makes you feel ten years younger could inspire you to accept an impromptu salsa dance that you talk about for years. The right bathing suit will make you feel confident enough to stroll the beach where you find the most beautiful shell you’ve ever seen. The right outfit is simply a combination of clothing, but that combination can help make your trip even more special.

What are your favorite travel pieces that you never leave home without?

I have been very blessed to travel to many interesting places both in my personal and professional life. No matter where I go, I have a few travel staples I never leave home without:

• A Versatile Day Bag. Other than my suitcase I want to only have to carry one other thing with me. I use a large purse or tote that can fit everything I want to keep with me during my travels. I specifically choose one in a pseudo-neutral color so that it matches everything. My favorite bag is purple and I can wear it shopping, to the beach, or on the plane in style. In my day bag, I keep a wallet that also doubles as a clutch for a stylish evening out.

• A Lightweight Layer. It seems that no matter what mode of transportation I use, the temperature fluctuates from freezing cold to suffocating hot. When I travel, I make sure to dress in a way that accommodates a lightweight layer. Depending on my destination, I sometimes use a long sleeve t-shirt, pashmina, or thin cardigan. This way, I can adjust for whatever temperature I’m in, but I also have an extra layer that is easily stored in my day bag and can even be used as a pillow.

• Tiny Toiletries. To look your best, you’ve got to have the right toiletries. Schlepping around your big bottle of shampoo, conditioner, and moisturizer gets heavy. For ease of space, weight, and peace of mind, I downsize all of my toiletries. My Dobb bag stays packed with travel size versions of the products I use. When I can’t find smaller versions of my favorite brands, I buy smaller bottles and fill them up myself.

What 3 stylish tips would you share with people to help them feel more at ease while packing?

Packing can be stressful. Often you arrive at your destination wondering why you packed the outfit options that you did. Eliminate feeling unstylish and make sure you feel great your entire trip. Here’s how:

• Try on the outfits you plan before you pack them. If you put together an outfit with items you haven’t recently worn, or have never worn together, try it on. Be confident that each outfit you pack is one you feel confident and stylish wearing.

• Pack outfits. It’s easy to pack your favorite shorts and your favorite tops only to end up with nothing you actually want to wear. Take a moment to think about the demands of your trip and plan outfits accordingly.

• Stay true to your personal style. If you have to wear something on a trip that is outside of your everyday wear, stay true to your personal style. If you find yourself needing outerwear for your destination’s rainy season, don’t settle on any old rain coat. Find one that meets both your outerwear and style needs.

About Lee

Lee Heyward is a style coach and owner of Charleston Style Concierge, LLC, a company which specializes in teaching women how to achieve easy and effortless style. Lee works with clients one-on-one, virtually, and hosts monthly seminars. Lee believes anyone can have great style with a little knowledge and an open mind. Charleston Style Concierge is located in Charleston, South Carolina.

Tips on Tipping – Tipping Etiquette

When it comes to your vacation, it’s the littlest details, such as tipping etiquette, that can become the most confusing. Whom should you tip? How much? Do you need to tip at all? Never fear! With this simple guide to tipping, TravelSense will take the guesswork out of tipping etiquette and help you focus on more important things – like enjoying your vacation.

TIPPING AT AIRPORTS AND TRAIN STATIONS

Upon arriving at or leaving from the airport or train station, tip the standard porter rate of $1 per bag; more if your luggage is very heavy. Typically, a $1 tip for hailing a taxi is appropriate for doormen. However, you may want to tip more for special services, such as carrying your bags.

HOTEL TIPPING ETIQUETTE

When you arrive at your hotel after a long flight, first things first: Tip the taxi or limo driver. Ten to 15 percent of your total fare is usually expected. If you drive your own car, give the valet parking attendant $1 to $2. If you take a shuttle van or bus, tip the driver $2 per person.

The bellman, who will be more than happy to assist you with your bags and the door, should receive $1 to $2 per bag. Tip when he shows you to your room and again if he assists you upon checkout. Tip more if he provides any additional service. The concierge, who can get you anything from dinner reservations to hard-to-come-by theatre tickets, deserves $5 to $10 for such feats. You may tip at the time of service or at the end of the trip. To ensure good service throughout your stay, add a $20 tip to the bill.

Add 15 percent of the bill to a room service charge, unless a gratuity is already added, then add no additional tip or simply $1. If you requested something delivered to your room such as a hairdryer or iron, tip $1 per item received. Typically, the maid deserves a $2 tip each day, as well.

TOUR TIPPING ETIQUETTE

If you’re taking a tour and a tip is not automatically included, tip a local guide $1 per person for a half-day tour, $2 for full-day tour. Tip a private guide more.

If you are on a multi-day tour with a tour manager – someone who travels with the group for several days and is essentially in charge – tour operators suggest anywhere from $3-8 per person per day. Don’t forget the bus driver either – $2 per person per day.

CRUISE TIPPING ETIQUETTE

When on a cruise, tip according to your comfort level and only on the last evening of your cruise. As a general rule, dining room waiters receive $3.50 per person/per day whereas the dining room assistant waiter should receive $2.00 per person/per day, the dining room maitre’d $3.50 per person/per day and the dining room manager $1.50 per person/per day.

The room steward, for all his efforts, receives $3.50 per person/per day. Other personnel, such as bar waiters, bellboys and deck stewards may be tipped as service is rendered.

RESTAURANT TIPPING ETIQUETTE

Although excellent service calls for 20 percent of the total bill, most U.S. restaurants accept 15 percent as the standard tip. In restaurants where you sit at the bar or the waiter is a small part of the meal (cafes or pubs), 10 percent is also acceptable. The bar tenders, themselves, generally receive between 15 and 20% when you sit at the bar. If the food or service is unsatisfactory, speak to the manager – don’t walk out without tipping. And pay attention to lunch and dinner bills in Europe and Asia, as some restaurants tack on an additional 15 percent (usually listed on the menu or check as a “service charge”) and do not expect tips.

At fancy restaurants, tip the maitre d’ between $5 and $10 if he gets you a table – more when the restaurant is full and you have no reservations. Tip $1 when you check your coat, and another $.50 to $1 for restroom attendants. For personal service from the wine steward, opt for 10 percent of the wine bill.

This tipping etiquette will hopefully give you a general idea of the standard tipping rate for different stops along your journey. You are always welcome to tip more when the service is excellent, and when you do, you are sure to see the red carpet treatment all the way. Enjoy your vacation, and don’t forget to tip!

This article is being shared courtesy of ASTA – http://www.travelsense.org/tips/tippingetiquette.cfm 

Melissa’s Note: On some cruises, gratuities are already included in the fare you have paid. In some countries, 10% tip is considered very generous or the tip is already included in the bill. Please note this should merely serve as a starting point or guide on what to tip.  If you are unsure about how to tip abroad, ask your travel advisor before heading on vacation. I also recommend this site for more information: Culture Crossing

What are some of your tipping tips? 

When to Use A Travel Consultant, When Not To

Travel Consultants can and do add value to justify their support and fees on many types of vacations. As an intelligent buyer, you must first determine whether you’re better off using their services or making the arrangements yourself. Generally speaking, if you are someone who likes special VIP treatment or added amenities, hire a consultant. And if you are short on time, hire a consultant; it will make everyone much less stressed and happier for it.

Do Hire a Consultant For…
•  When you want to relax, enjoy yourself and be spoiled
•  Start-to-finish customized itineraries created with all the bells and whistles
•  Once-in-a-lifetime splurges (e.g., wedding anniversaries) involving four- or five-star hotels
•  English-speaking guides and drivers
•  Special access to monuments, events, or people
•  Cruises with private shore excursions
•  When you want to avoid lines and crowds
•  Receive extra amenities and VIP treatment
•  Experience a vacation that makes a difference and fills you up

Don’t Hire a Consultant For…
•  The cheapest options
•  Airline tickets only - a simple, domestic, round trip
•  Single components of a trip (e.g., a one-day tour, transportation, restaurant reservations)
•  B&Bs or budget and mid-range chain hotels
•  Redeeming frequent-flier miles or guest points only

You hire a professional do other tasks for you, why would this be any different?

How has your professional travel advisor helped you?

How Safe Is Your Checked Luggage

Long ago, we simply locked our luggage to attempt to deter theft.  While using a lock may not prevent theft from your bags, it can’t hurt and will make your bag less likely to be a target.  With 9/11 and heighten security, locking your bags became difficult until the TSA approved locks were introduced. Now you can find a fair number of people who do lock their luggage as opposed to those who don’t especially for international flights. We all know if a thief wants to steal from your bag they will, regardless of any lock or preventative measure. The rule of thumb remains to never to pack any valuables in your checked bags regardless of a lock or not.

Any one who travels internationally should know their TSA approved locks might work passing through US airports when the agents have the keys but once you leave the country, no guarantees. It is not always likely that all agents overseas will have the keys for the TSA locks.

In the spirit of saving money and being prepared, I recently learned some countries actually require you to have your bags locked before they will check you in for your return flight home. Of course, the locks for sale in the airport are at an extremely high price. So if you are someone who always travels with your bags locked, then you should be set. If you are someone who does not normally lock your bags or uses zip ties, unless you want to pay upwards of $40.00 or more  for 2 locks, you may want to have spare locks. You can see where this could add up quickly and that you may want to consider always carrying locks with you just in case. Zip-ties are a popular option since they are inexpensive and easy to put on and take off, however some airport security checks may require more than a zip-tie for a lock.

Finally, always check the limits of the insurance coverage for your checked bags. If the standard coverage amount airlines provide is too low for your tastes, additional travel insurance may be something to consider. A good practice is to have name tags on your bags plus a unique identifying feature like a handle wrap or ribbon.  All those black bags can look the same coming around on the carousel.

How do you adjust to the changing luggage security requirements when you travel?

Top Tips For First Time Cruisers

On departing Vancouver this past Sunday, I had the good fortune of chatting with a few cruisers that had just finished an Alaskan cruise.  I like hearing different people’s perspective, speaking with them about what they liked and did not like as well as the things they were unaware of.

I think of cruising is kind of like dating. It is great when you are with the RIGHT match, and by that I mean you and your traveling companions are paired up with the right cruise line and the cruise vessel for you. What one person feels is the best, may not be the same as the next. Personal preference plays a huge factor in this. Just like in dating you may not be attracted to every person on the dates you go on. Cruising can be very complicated and challenging when you don’t know - what you don’t know. Some first time cruisers think after they have paid-in-full for their dream vacation cruise that they are done and everything is included. Unfortunately they learn the lesson that this is not true after the fact.

Like dating, you have to DREAM about all the aspects you want on your cruise:

Courtesy of Seabourn

• what activities you will do- read and relax by the pool or explore every port or a mix? do you want to gamble? do you like nightlife? would you prefer to stay overnight in a certain port? are there children’s programs? do you need all kinds of activities for all kinds of age and taste ranges? what destinations do you want to visit? do you want mainstream ports or off the beaten path ports? is the ship your destination or are the ports?  does the ship have shopping? what kind of fitness options are available? do you want to have some spa treatments? do you have to make appointment for your entertainment or can you just show up?
• what is your cabin is like- is it cozy or spacious? is there a bathtub? are there two sinks? is there a vanity outside the bathroom? is your cabin close to the elevators or under the dance club? if you are sailing from east to west around Italy for example, does your cabin face the view of the coast or of the ocean? do you need connecting cabins? do you need a wheelchair accessible cabin?
• what your view is like- is there a window or is inside cabin OK? is there a balcony or is it just a window? is your balcony covered or is it uncovered?  does the window have an obstructed view?
• what the meals and beverages are like – is there a line to be seated? is it buffet style or do you have servers? is the dining open seating or scheduled? what kinds of beverages are included in the price? do the specialty dining rooms charge? will you eat with the same people every meal or can you mix it up? can they meet your special diet requirements?
• how many people are around - does the ship have 5000 guests, 2000 guests, 1200 guests, 600 guests, 450 guests, 200 guests or as few as 8 guests? what is the staff to guest ratio? will you be able to secure a lounge chair by the pool each day? how long will it take for your to disembark in port?
• what are a few of the extras you need to be aware of - are gratuities auto paid or do you need to pay them upon disembarkation? do you owe gratuities at all or is that included? are the pool cabanas an extra charge? are there days of the week that things go on sale? are there better days to eat in certain restaurants? is there a better time to book you spa appointment? is the spa treatment included? is the shore excursion included? can I book a separate excursion? are there formal dress nights? do you have butler or concierge service with your cabin? is your air flight included? do they carry your brand of beverage? do you get fresh fruit in your cabin each day? do you have to take a tender to land or are you walking off directly dockside? do you get seasick easily? are transfers included?

Courtesy of Oceania

Now is the time to PLAN and prioritize what are must haves and what are nice to haves.  The best way to get the most on your list is to plan early. Gone are the days of the last minute discounts, in fact many cruise lines are discounting for early reservations. I recommend employing a travel specialist to assist you in getting the best cabin, fare, and available amenities rather than going at it on your. Many travel advisors have access to special upgrades, excursions, and more that you will not find access to on your own or without a lot of time spent researching.

Once you are booked then it is time to TRAVEL and enjoy the vacation. As you are completing the cruise, many lines offer a discount to book your next cruise while on board. Definitely an offer to consider. And finally it is time to REPEAT the cycle and begin dreaming of your next vacation.

What are some of the cruising lessons you would like to share with other first time cruisers?

Dream. Plan. Travel. Repeat.

Ideal Vacation vs Total Nightmare

Travel is a serious investment. The people who base their decisions on brochures pictures and feedback from a site of strangers have a 50/50 chance of getting what they think they will get. If the price is too good to be true or the room is too good to be true then, it likely is. What if you receive two or three vacation promotions that look and sound the same – how will you know which is the best deal? One could be the most awesome experience while the other your worse nightmare.

What you need to ask your self is “what is your expectation”.

Is it important to have:

• Let a professional manage it and save your time or you do all the research and maybe the information is good?
• Unobstructed ocean-view or some bush view – not even the garden?
• A peaceful retreat with a quiet night's rest or a resort or hotel undergoing a noisy renovation?
• Private car transfer or share van with 12 of your new closest foreign friends?
• An aisle seat toward the front with extra leg room or a seat in the middle at the back of the plane next to lavatory or a window?
• A private tour with a guide and no one else in the space or a mass group tour after standing in line for 2 hours?
• Name brand liquors or generic brand?
• All inclusive resort with quality dining choices included or buffet meal with limited choice at a set time with a limited menu?
• Someone to call when things go wrong or wing it your are on your own?
• Recommended stops from locals to give you that authentic experience or a guidebook and a massive crowds of people?

As a professional travel advisor with Virtuoso, my role is to ensure your vacation is exactly the experience you are seeking. I will ask questions to learn about your personal preferences. I will take the time to listen about past experiences likes and dislikes. I will take the guess work out of will this be a good choice or not. From my personal experiences and extensive relationships, I will create vacations that you can relax on and enjoy because it is tailor made for you and your family.

Everyone deserves an ideal vacation!

How valuable do feel your time is?
Do you have a professional travel advisor, if not I can recommend a few.  

Inside My Carry On

Anytime when I mention my next trip, the most frequent question by friends and family is “What do I bring in my carry on?”

I have actually gotten to the point where I try to always travel with only carry on luggage. But if I must check a bag and  am connecting flights, I always bring a second set of clothes and PJs – just in case my bags miss their connection. Here’s what I always travel with:

My standard carry on bag is black 19” Travel-pro. It is not that fancy but it is a well loved piece that pretty much goes with me on every trip!

In this modern age, technology must haves are my iPhone, Shure earbuds, my iPad for reading books and e-magaiznes and watching movies, and a Canon G10 camera which takes awesome videos too. I sometimes I will bring my  MacBook laptop  and the larger Canon 7D.

Non-technology must haves are one physical magazine, large spare ziploc bag, a few zip ties,  I always bring a pashmina wrap in my bag, which doubles as a pillow, sarong, a shoulder or knees cover in religious building, sunblock, and scarf of course!

Must bring beauty products are lip balm, eye drops, BB cream which doubles as moisturizer and makeup, travel size intensive hand cream, hand sanitizer, emergency nail file and clippers. Let’s not forget the survival kit of band-aids, moles skin, handwash powder, sunglasses and Ibuprofen.  Plus, I always bring a few snacks like trail mix, peppermints and buy a large water to have on hand after passing TSA.

What are your favorite carry on items?

When You Travel: Dress Like An Onion

Sure you know when you go snow skiing or hiking to dress in layers but this is equally important when you travel. Not only do you look more stylist in thin layers versus that one bulky piece of clothing, you are prepared for all kinds of weather. Layers allow you the flexibility to keep your body at a more consistent and comfortable temperature. When you have several thin layers you can increase your mix and match ability therefore decreasing the number of clothes you need to pack. Thin layers also have a better chance of hand washing and being dry the next morning.

How do you dress like an onion? In several layers. Many places I have visited where the daily temperature has varied 20+ degrees going from sunny and warm to overcast and snowing; so it pays to think ahead.

Begin with you base layer for wicking: Cooler weather options are to cover the entire body once with a thin layer of polypropylene, silk or wool to wick (transport) moisture away form the skin. Warmer weather options are to start with basic undergarments plus a tank top or light weight tee.

Next layer is for insulation and ventilation: Cooler weather options are to add a medium weight layer of insulation ( Usually wool or pile or polypropylene) to retain body heat. Warmer weather options are to add a light weight layer of clothing in a natural fiber.

Next layer is for more insulation and ventilation: Best for cooler weather,  add another medium to thick layer of insulation for extreme cold or rest periods. When you are traveling in warm weather climates you still may want to bring a light weight shawl  to cover your head or shoulders and knees as needed for religious or cultural etiquette.  This can also serve to shade you from the sun as needed too.

The final layer option is for rain and wind protection: In any season you may want to consider having protection from water and wind and snow with an outer protective shell.

So on your next trip consider this simple trick to maximize your travel wardrobe but still minimizing your volume. Comfort = Happy.

What has been your best or worst packing/clothing experience while traveling? 

How many days can you pack for and still take just a carry on?

Is Travel Insurance Worth It?

 Ask anyone who has been stuck as a result from a major accident or delayed flight missing the connection and my bet is they would agree. Yes, it is worth it to pay anywhere from 3-6% of the trip cost for those unexpected experiences.

Your dream vacation can take a year to save for, but only a split second to ruin. While you can’t do anything to prevent an unexpected storm from closing the airport, you can do something to help cover your travel investment and buy travel insurance. Travel insurance can provide you coverage for medical expenses, trip cancellation/interruption, baggage damage, and much more. Plus, with every insurance plan you will also receive 24-hour travel assistance that covers services like flight changes, lost wallet or passport, broken eye-wear, dinner reservations, transportation arrangements, identity theft services, lost luggage tracking and more.

Personally,  I feel the most important coverage offered is the medical expenses and emergency medical transportation. Did you know when you leave the United States you may not only be “out of network” but you may not be covered at all? Maybe your credit card like American Express covers you - do you know what your limits are and if it is primary or secondary coverage? I am not one to push any unnecessary extras but it pays to know these kind of things before something happens.

No one plans for broken bones, lost luggage, stolen passports, hurricanes, earthquakes or volcanos. No one plans to have their boss cancel their vacation before they have even left home. And no one plans to get into an accident. But it happens and the question is how do you want to manage it? If you never have to use it, then you may feel why did I pay for it? All that money could have gone to another vacation! But when you need it for what ever reason, then you will be happy to have it.

Have you had an experience with or without Travel Insurance?