Are you packed?
Are you getting ready to go on a trip and wondering what to pack? How do I make all that stuff fit in my suitcase and not go over 50 pounds? What do I take to make my vacation easier and stress free?
Obviously, I have many tips of my own as I have traveled extensively for the last 18 years. I also spoke with Angela Kubacek, owner of Haute Couture Boutiques in Navasota and Bryan, TX.
Between the two of us, we came up with some great ideas for you to think about. Angela just recently returned from a mission trip to Honduras and some of her recommendations are based on her first hand experiences.
First, Angela recommends you carry a small over the shoulder or cross body purse that will hold the basics such as your passport (or ID if domestic travel), and money. Keep your passport handy because when you are at the airport you will need it many times. My recommendation here is a small cross-body bag that can be put inside your bigger carry-on tote so as not to exceed carry-on allowances. Also, a cross-body bag will leave your hands free, which is always a plus not only in the airport but when touring in destination.
Next, Angela recommends you take basic tops and pants and dress them up. A basic top can bedressed up with a scarf and the scarf can also be used as a shawl. Try to pack with colors that will go together; two pair of pants and three shirts can all be changed around to make a different look. Personally, I stick with solid color tops and bottoms that can be mixed and matched. I also recommend taking a jacket that can be used with everything you take. I usually pick 2 or 3 core colors for the trip (you know me, one is always black!); this also helps cut down on the number of shoes you take. Shoes take up space and add weight. The fewer shoes you take, the more clothes you can take! For example, all of my evening clothes revolve around the core color of black so only 1 pair of shoes required for the evenings. One of my favorite color schemes for a week on the road is black, khaki, and red. Here is an example of what I packed on a recent 8 day trip I took a pair of black pants, black Capri’s, khaki Capri’s, black and khaki shorts, and a khaki skort. Those bottoms got me through days and evenings for an 8 day trip.
I wore the pants on the flight down and flight home; I alternated the Capri’s each evening, and the shorts or skort each day. I did not take 16 tops! I only took a few – all solid colors that were worn “plain” during the day, and dressed up in the evening with scarves or the jacket. Tip – if you buy better fabrics (think wrinkle free, light weight) , as long as you don’t spill your red wine, you usually get more than 1 day wear out of your tops, especially tank tops or sleeveless shirts. When it comes to shoes, try for no more than 3 pair! Yes, you read that right, no more than 3 pair. For me, that is my workout shoes, a casual pair that goes with everything and a dressy/casual pair that also goes with everything. Remember your goal on vacation is to relax and enjoy, not be a fashionista!
Last, Angela says “Don’t forget the all-important Poo-Pourri!” Have you heard of this fabulous product? Poo-Pourri is a blend of essential oils that virtually eliminates bathroom odors. Poo-Pourri is not a chemical cover up; the formulas are based on aromatherapy principles. A few squirts in to the bowl will prevent the odors from ever showing up in the first place. I know, this sounds funny and many will say they don’t need it but trust me, if you are going on a trip with your new husband or a group of friends you will need your Poo-Pourri.
You can check out Angela’s stores in downtown Navasota, TX and downtown Bryan, TX. Stop in to take advantage of grand opening specials this weekend!
Angela also has a Facebook page for each of her stores –
Navasota: https://www.facebook.com/hautecoutureboutiquenavasota
Bryan: https://www.facebook.com/hautecoutureboutique.
Check out the website at http://www.hautecoutureboutique.com.
Happy Travels,
Kelley