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How to pack light like an expert

2/28/2017

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New York Times writer Susan Heller famously said, “When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money.”
 
Even when we have great intentions, it’s easy to overload our suitcases. We wind up dragging a lot of stuff around. There’s more to keep track of; it winds up being a lot of physical and mental clutter. And, of course, we wind up paying a ton of extra fees for the additional weight and luggage.
 
So, rather than viewing efficient packing as a practice in minimalism, I like to think of it as a challenge that helps you make the most of every vacation: you have what you need, you’re freed up to not have to lug around a bunch of extra weight, and you can put that saved money towards a special souvenir, a nice dinner out, or another cool experience.
 
So what are the secrets that seasoned travelers use to guarantee expert packing? Here are the top 6:
 
  1. Remember the 80/20 Principle — that is, 20% of what you pack will be 80% of what you actually wear. If you’re like most people, you’ve already noticed this. You pack four pairs of shoes, but you really only wear one pair every day. You pack three sweaters and a shawl that you never use, because you wind up just wearing your favorite light jacket that goes with everything you own. 

  2. Don’t pack for every possible situation. Pack for an average day. There’s no way you can cover every contingency. Look at the forecast, the average temps and weather for that time of year, and go with that. If there’s a freak week of rain in what’s normally a sunny season — unless you’re headed to an extremely remote area that sees few travelers, it’s very unlikely that you won’t be able to purchase a rain coat or an umbrella where you are. If there’s a cold snap, there’s probably also a store nearby with just the thing you need. 

  3. It’s okay to wash. If you’re going to be gone for three weeks, pack enough clothes for one. If you’re a hardcore DIYer, almost every resort or town in the world has a Laundromat or laundry service. If you’re feeling like you want  break from daily tasks and routines and you’re really looking forward to the luxury of having other people pamper you, have your clothes laundered and folded for you. It’s still often cheaper than luggage fees!

  4. For warmth, go with layers over bulk. Pick several thin layers with insulating, wicking fabrics — merino wool is a great one — over a big jacket. Heavier items like jackets and sweaters don’t offer the flexibility. They’re just hot, and when the sun comes out, then you have to cart around a huge coat. But a compact zip-up fleece can roll up easily into a bag or backpack in the afternoon and then come back out again for that sunset walk on the beach. 

  5. Think: mix and match, simplified palette, and multi-function items. If three tops match three bottoms, you’ve got nine possible outfits. Add in a Swiss-Army-Knife travel item like the popular Chrysalis Cardi, and you’ve got one item that converts into eight different things. As travel blogger Fred Perotta says: bring pieces, not outfits. 

  6. If you’ve got to have something bulky and heavy -- wear it, don’t pack it. Hiking boots, down jacket, that awesome cable knit wool cardigan — these might very well have a great place on your trip, but they shouldn’t be in your suitcase. Wear them on the plane. You can easily pack several versatile layers for the space that one sweater would take up.
 

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Snuggle up to these romantic getaways

2/3/2017

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Whether you’re planning a proposal or you’re looking to rekindle the spark in a long-term relationship, there’s nothing quite like a beach to bring out the romantic in us.
 
Here are five places — for all kinds of tastes — where you can sit, sip, swim, hold hands, and just take in the majesty of big water.
 
For the ultimate tropical fantasy, check out Fiji. With over 300 separate islands — many of them almost completely untouched — this place really has it all.  Pamper yourself in a secluded, luxurious resort. Take a walk through one of the world’s largest Asian orchid collections. Visit the shores where Tom Hanks taught himself to fish and create fire in Castaway. Submerge yourself in the breathtaking wonderland of exotic fish, gorgeous coral, and crystal clear waters with a scuba dive for two. If you’re looking for an extra boost for your proposal, consider that in 2014, the Fiji tourism board reported 600 asks…and 600 yeses. That’s some good mojo!
 
For a snorkeling adventure that will stay with your for a lifetime, you can’t beat the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. This is the place for you if you crave something a little wild, a little rugged, and completely original. The Great Barrier Reef is unparalleled is its sheer magnitude. Head for one of the 74 Whitsunday Islands, only 8 of which are inhabited, or take in a sea plane tour of the heart-shaped Hardy Lagoon.
 
What if tropical isn’t your bag? If you prefer milder temps, old-growth forests, a laid-back approach to life, and cozy, elegant B&Bs and Craftsman-era resorts, why not consider a romantic getaway to the San Juan Islands in Puget Sound? Here you can kayak along dramatic shorelines, watch the orcas migrating in magnificent pods, hike pristine forests with towering evergreens and a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains, take in the beauty and romance of a lavender farm, or sail among the tree-covered islands to watch dolphins and whales play in the cool waters. Travel among the islands is easy, and you can even take a day trip to the gorgeous Canadian island of Victoria. 
 
If you’re looking for something unique in the Mediterranean, book an adventure on Corsica. Birthplace of Napoleon and part of France, this island retains its fierce cultural independence, and the result is a marvelous blend of Italian and French cultures, wine, food, and language. The emerald waters of the north and the dramatic rocky cliffs of Bonifacio in the south, which drop precipitously into the ocean, will take your breath away. This is a place filled with small private alcoves and turquoise waters, and accommodations from luxury resorts to charming hotels run by generations of Corsicans. You can hike or drive in rugged interior mountains, sample cheeses and honey cultivated in 400-year-old traditions, and there is plenty to see, do, and experience.
 
For the ultimate in a private-island escape, I have to mention Belize. Often overlooked in favor of more famous places, Belize is only two hours from Miami and boasts some of the most pristine shoreline in the world. Cayo Espanto, just off the coast of Belize, is a private island resort with several secluded 5-star villas, and was recently named the #1 honeymoon spot in the world. One of the bungalows, set 150 feet out in the water, features glass floors through which you can view the colorful and varied sea life. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can explore ancient Mayan ruins on the main island — or you can simply while away the hours overlooking the cerulean waves from your own private deck while the staff sees to your every need. 
 
 
If you love the idea of a romantic getaway but need help finding just the perfect destination for your vacation-for-two, let’s set up a time to chat! There are a million opportunities to rekindle the flame — and  of them has your name on it. You can contact me today by  clicking here
 
I can’t wait to talk to you!
 

 
 


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    Barbara Sodano

     Owner of Utopia Travel, My goal is to  make you travel experiences less stressful and more enjoyable.

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  • Home
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