Take Me Away...How to Travel Stylishly

Whether it's by plane, train, ship, or car, a woman of worldly travels needs to know how to pack for her getaway. Packing in itself sometimes is so overwhelming, especially when the weather conditions of your destination may not match the current ones of where you are living. Always check the forecast before you throw anything in your suitcase to be sure you are packing only what you need. And of course, you want to look your best when you are out and about on vacation. Therefore, you can follow these helpful hints to keep yourself stylish and stress-free to make the most of your cruise trip to the Bahamas, flight to Europe, Amtrak ride to the mountains, or wherever your adventures may take you:

1. Pack a lot in a little amount of space. Folding your clothes make them not only bulkier in your suitcase, but lead to unsightly wrinkles once you unpack. To avoid both problems, flatten your clothes one on top of another so that they are smoothed out. You will be surprised also how much more you can fit in that same suitcase you thought was going to be too small!

2. Think ahead. If you know of certain events on your itinerary, have an idea in mind of the outfit to wear. Dinner? Wear that little black dress that will work at any fine dining restaurant. Beach? Pick one or 2 of your favorite bathing suits and a day dress and sarong that can be used as a cover up. Sightseeing? A comfortable pair of jeans or shorts (weather varying) and a top made of a breatheable fabric (cotton preferably). Always pack a versatile pair of heels for dressier occasions and comfortable walking shoes for more casual days.

3. Dress comfortably, but look good. For the day when you are going to be cooped up in a seat for however many hours it takes to get to where your going, you might just want to take the easy option and wear sweats and sneakers. Now while there is nothing wrong with that, a pair of leggings and a looser fitting shirt and cardigan or tunic top are so much more put together and not so "I just rolled out of bed." It may also be good to dress in layers for purposes of air conditioning or heat in the vehicle as well as when you arrive you may need to throw something on or take a layer off.

4. Make matching outfits easy. Everyone wants to bring options so that they can pick and choose what they want when they get there (that is, after you have narrowed it down a little with Tip # 2) Stick to a color pallet that is easy to mix and match. Colors like black, khaki, and white, and denim are your go-to basics and separates can be in other colors and prints to liven up your look.

5. Accessorize after you arrive. Leave your old jewelery that your tired with anyway at home. Not only do you get to re-accessorize your wardrobe to rejuvenate it, but you give yourself another excuse to go shopping for some local finds which you can bring back with you as souvenirs! (If you must bring a few basic jewels in case you have some attachment in which you can't live without them, then by all means do so).

6. Find the most flattering swimsuit. Don't underestimate the power of good swimwear. The right suit will give you enough confidence to strut down the beach looking your best, no matter your body shape. Settling for second best is unacceptable. Shoo around until you find the right one for you.

7. Mountain Gear can be sexy too. While the down parka and ski boots may not be the most slimming of accessories, there is a way to look cute while you're outdoors in cold weather.
Lace up some tall boots over legwarmers and leggings and pair a long t-shirt with a sweater or hoodie for a cute, casual and weather appropriate look. Stay warm with some stylish scarves and beanies to mix and match.

8. Dress like yourself. Vacations may seem like the ideal time to experiment with a new look considering the public there won't know the difference, but don't diverge too far away from your individual taste. Not only will you feel like you are playing a character, but with the new clothes you buy, you may not feel comfortable wearing them when you do come back to the everyday you.