Unless one is taking a months-on-end extended
holiday, one should never carry more than one suitcase and one travel-bag. I’ve had the very good fortune to travel to
many places world-wide, and did so each and every time with my belongings
packed away in one mid-size case.
So, how did I do it, you may be asking yourself (or
not). I’m happy to share my elegant
travel tips with you, Sweetie, provided you promise to abide by them:
1. Go with separates, preferably in wrinkle-free
fabric. I spent ten days in Spain with
only three pair of trousers and a small variety of tops and cardigans. Mix and match, and take advantage of any
laundry services your hotel provides. If
no service is available, or if you’re a tightwad, carry a small bottle of
travel wash and rinse your things out in a sink if necessary. Travel-size Febreeze is a God-send.
2. I
rarely pack shampoos/conditioners/lotions because hotels have these readily
available. If they don’t carry your
brand, who cares? You’ll be back to your
tried-and-true products soon enough. I
once forgot to pack a toothbrush; hotels will gladly give you one just for the
asking. Same goes for razors, but not
for restocking the mini-bar. I learned
that the hard way in Italy.
3. This time of year, easy-breezy dresses are a
must. Rather than fold, roll and place them
inside your suitcase. This will leave
you plenty of extra space for a couple of nice hats and a small accessory bag
(mix and match your bling).
4. When
it comes to shoes, a couple of pair should do you. Be sure to add a nice pair of heels in case
you’re invited to a fabulous party. I’m
never invited to parties when I travel, but perhaps you’re more likeable than
me. Or perhaps you just give off a certain vibe.
5. No
need to pack a robe and slippers – your hotel will probably offer those,
too. Call ahead or check the hotel’s
website before arriving in order to make sure. If not, take along one in the
lightest of fabric, and substitute the slippers with the pair of flip-flops you’ve
probably already packed.
6. If
you happen to be staying with friends, do take along travel-size
essentials. Nobody likes a mooch. Don’t clutter the countertops with your
toiletries, either. Remain tidy if you
want to be asked to return someday.
And while I’m on the subject, here’s a random
sampling of other things you shouldn’t do when staying in someone else’s
home: complain, turn on the TV without
asking, allow your hostess to clear your plate after dinner, point out the
faults of your host’s home, not give them a gift at the end of the visit
(preferably cash, if you’re staying with me), and nude napping.
So let’s move on to what not to do whilst staying in
a hotel: get drunk, get arrested, allow
children to scream up and down the halls during ungodly hours of the morning,
go out to the pool without a proper swimsuit cover-up, overindulge at the complimentary
coffee bar (I’m guilty of this, so we'll take it case by case). Now
that I think of it, these should also hold true if you’re staying with friends.
But the most important thing to remember is to never
inundate your host or your hotel with every possession you own. Lighten up when it comes to travel,
Sweetie. I think you’ll enjoy the trip
so much more if you do.
Happy travels!
