Tips for Preparing for International Travel - What You Need to Know

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Tips for Preparing for International Travel - What You Need to Know

Planning for your dream vacation can be so exciting — you are already daydreaming of where you’re going to stay, what you’ll see, the shows you’ll take in, and all the amazing food you’ll eat. But what about prepping, packing and organizing all your travel documents? Are they all in order? It can be overwhelming.  Here’s a list of everything you need, plus practical tips on how to keep everything organized, safe, and accessible.

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How I Survived Without My Luggage for 6 Days on a Luxury trip to Italy

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How I Survived Without My Luggage for 6 Days on a Luxury trip to Italy

After carefully curating my packing list, constructing outfits and meticulously organizing my accessories for the most import trip of my travel advisor career, a luxury travel event in Italy, the unthinkable happened. My luggage filled with 9 days of outfits, shoes, accessories, makeup and hair tools, did not arrive with me in Nice, France. It didn't arrive while I was traveling on the Italian Riviera, and it didn't arrive until my last few moments at Lake Como!

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Packing for a Cruise Vacation to the Caribbean

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Packing for a Cruise Vacation to the Caribbean

While packing is always a bit of a challenge for me, I'm realizing that packing for a cruise is a bit different than a resort getaway. On this cruise, there are two formal nights. While not exactly the ball gown type, I'm happy to throw on some pretty black pieces and a statement necklace with a stylish clutch. I'll pack several pairs of low sandals with non-skid soles, a gallon of sunscreen, several sarongs and swimsuits. I purchased a new hat, especially for shore excursions, as well as a waterproof bag to house camera and essentials for our shore excursions. My iPad is loaded with new reads and tunes.

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Stylish & Savvy Gifts for the Curated Traveler

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Stylish & Savvy Gifts for the Curated Traveler

It's most definitely that festive, and sometimes frenetic, time of year. Are you like me, still checking off that holiday gift shopping list? The gift of travel is my favorite type of gift to give or receive as you probably know if you are a reader of Style*Mind*Chic for any length of time. If the gift of a trip to Paris or a dreamy tropical island is not in the budget for a gift this year, how about travel accessories for the traveler in your life? These are a few of my picks for that stylish and savvy traveler that you can put under the tree in preparation for that next travel adventure.

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How to Make Your Dream Bucket List Trip a Reality

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How to Make Your Dream Bucket List Trip a Reality

This image was taken at the romantic and luxurious Ladera Resort while Scott and I were traveling in St. Lucia several years ago. For me, this island was definitely on my list of dream bucket list destinations and it did not disappoint. For some people, a dream destination pops easily into mind and they know exactly where they would go in a heartbeat if there were no obstacles.  For others, it’s a bit more ambiguous. You might have an idea about what you’d like, but you might not be entirely certain where you’d have your passport stamped if the opportunity came up tomorrow.

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How to Survive Those 'Last Day of Vacation' Blues

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How to Survive Those 'Last Day of Vacation' Blues

All good things must come to an end and my least favorite phrase to hear on vacation, “Tomorrow is our last day” was spoken.

UGH!

Don’t get me wrong, I’m a nester and I love being at home, but once we settled into our luxurious suite, adjusted to the pace of resort life and getting spoiled — by gourmet food, fruity drinks, and pampering spa services — as well as being catered to at our every whim, it is hard to say goodbye to our new friends at Secrets Papagayo.

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Curated Travel: Tips on Prepping for an International Getaway

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Curated Travel: Tips on Prepping for an International Getaway

I've spent the weekend packing for our first getaway to Central America--Costa Rica--to be exact. I'm expecting a lush, tropical jungle, bold adventures, and a bit of luxury pictured above--and I'm excited. After 11 days home with the flu, I am feeling good as new and ready for a getaway to Secrets Papagayo with my favorite guy. Over the years, I've found that packing requires different strategies for different types of vacations. International travel has a few additional requirements.

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5 Reasons to Book Your Next Vacation Through a Travel Consultant

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5 Reasons to Book Your Next Vacation Through a Travel Consultant

As a well-seasoned traveler, I can attest that I've already seen these types of benefits in trips that I've booked for my travel clients and it is exciting. Whether you are looking to travel the alluring views of Italy, the romantic streets of Paris, a sun-splashed beach in the Caribbean or any dream destination, I've got some fantastic resources for your next getaway.

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Getaway to Positano on the Spectacular Amalfi Coast of Italy

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Getaway to Positano on the Spectacular Amalfi Coast of Italy

Positano possesses a kind of magic that is difficult to put into words. It’s a kaleidoscope of shimmering light, pastel hues, vibrant bougainvillea, and the winding, terraced streets with pastel villas clinging to the mountainside. Boldly colored umbrellas bounce off the chameleon blue hues of the sea. At sunset, a rosy glow falls over the glassy sea and twinkling lights spark the views. Day or night, Positano is a place of pure magic.

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5 Favorite Things to Do in Napa Valley

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5 Favorite Things to Do in Napa Valley

I'm often asked about my list of favorite things to do in Napa Valley. Along with incredible scenery, world-class wines and dining, there are a few things that always land on my itinerary. These are my 5 favorite things to do in Napa Valley this time of year.

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How to Create Resort Wear Out of a Bra & Belt (when your luggage is delayed)

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How to Create Resort Wear Out of a Bra & Belt (when your luggage is delayed)

Having no luggage for the first 4 days of our Caribbean vacation was a good reminder to always be prepared with well stocked carry on luggage. If you followed our trip to the Dominican Republic in July you will know that our journey took some unexpected turns.


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