How to Pack Lighter When Traveling
Trying to figure out what to pack when traveling can be a time consuming and stressful process especially if you are a last minute packer like me. Many of us find ourselves overpacking and stuffing our suitcases to capacity before a trip only to arrive to our destination and realize that we have brought more than what we needed. I have learned some tips along the way that have allowed me to pack smarter, lighter and more efficiently.
Take Inventory + Plan out your looks
Before you begin packing ask yourself: "What will I be doing while on my trip?". For instance are you going to a formal event? Are you going hiking? Are you going to the pool or beach?etc. Taking inventory of your wardrobe needs ahead of time helps you to plan out each look so that you do not overpack.The next step can be a bit tedious but you want to plan out the full outfit for each day, your outfits should include shoes, clothes, and accessories. Consider the overall color scheme of all of your looks so that you can minimize the number of accessories and shoes that you bring .Give yourself at least 3 days lead time to begin the packing process. Waiting until last minute will most likely lead to frustration and over packing. Click below to download a free printable Outfit Planning Calendar.
Versatility Over Variety
Often times we over pack because we want to bring a variety of outfit options for each day. For some of us it feels more comfortable to have alternate options for each day in case we change our minds. This packing mindset leads us to pack pieces that can only be worn once or may not even be worn during your trip. I suggest that you choose versatile pieces over variety. Versatile pieces can be worn a minimum of 2 times on different days and also can be worn interchangeably and seamlessly with different outfits. For instance you can bring one pair of black jeans and style them up or down depending on your mood and dress code.
Wear the bulkiest items on travel day
Often times bulky items like boots, sweat pants, chunky sneakers and heavy jackets take up a lot of room in our suitcase or bag. Wearing these bulky \ items on the day you are traveling maximizes space . You can also layer jackets, sweaters and coats on travel day to make extra room!
Packing Hacks
How you pack is just as important as what you pack when it comes to packing light . Here are a few space saving hacks that have helped me when packing. The first is rolling clothes instead of folding. Rolling takes up less space and prevents wrinkles. Use he wasted space inside of shoes to store rolled up clothing,accessories and even toiletries.
How To Have a Relaxing Vacation
According to the dictionary, vacation is defined as a period of time spent away from home or business in travel. In my humble opinion, vacation should be a time to get away from things like work and stress so that you can reconnect and recharge. I can recall several vacations that I went on that were simply exhausting. In search for some of the possible reasons for this, I turned to research.
Tim Bono, PhD believes that “When you have a routine, there’s less mental energy that has to go towards figuring out what we have to do, It’s part of the reason why vacations can be so exhausting. You have to figure out, okay, ‘where do we park the car? Where do we get our coffee? If we want something to eat, where do we go? What are the choices for what we’re going to do today?’,”
Dr Bono’s explanation makes perfect sense. Even with pre-trip planning, the newness of a place away from home creates a lot of brain power which can tire us out. So how do we prevent this vacation burn out?
Over the past few years I have made a dramatic shift in how I approach vacation. At one time my goal was to do the most, see the most and leave nothing unturned. But now I realize that it is important for me to begin taking my self care into consideration while on vacation . Everyone vacations differently, some people prefer packed itineraries, some people prefer to explore every edge of the vcation destination No matter your style I believe that the following tips will help you take care of your self and return home more rested as opposed to more exhausted
Planning out a vacation minute by minute can really add to the anxiety of the vacation experience. Before you even book you ticket, I suggest setting an intention for your trip. Why are you going on vacation anyway? Are you going to relax? are you going to turn up? Taking vacation can become routine if we do not take a moment to think about the purpose. Setting that intention will impact how you plan , execute your vacation.
One of the exciting parts about going on vacation for me is the opportunity to create a familiar home environment in a new place. Whether I stay in an Airbnb or in a hotel I am always thinking about how the environment will assist me in feeling relaxed and comfortable.
For some, home away from home may look like a staying in a log cabin in the woods. For others a luxury hotel suite or a private villa. When booking your lodging pay attention to things like decor, furnishings, the surrounding neighborhood to make sure that you feel at home while you are away. It can also be really helpful to bring items with you on vacation that make you feel more at home such as candles, fabric spray, magazines, books or even your favorite foods.
Sometimes we spend so much time “doing stuff” that we don’t truly soak in the destinationThe fastest way to burn out on a vacation as far as I am concerned it to over plan. Over planning looks like booking various experiences, tours, events, tourist attractions, shopping, dining, going to see a shows etc. Running back and forth trying to make it to various activities is tiring. My suggestion is to be realistic about what you can accomplish in the time that you are on vacation and enjoy the location.
No matter how far the distance, traveling is exhausting for various reasons and nothing is more tiring than the thought of racing to a show or dinner reservations as soon as you touch down for vacation. If you are looking to feel more rested during and after vacation I highly suggest planning in a day of rest. This is a day where you do not have any planned activities. This free flow day is for you to check in with yourself and ask the question “what do I need today?” What do I want to do?”
Just like any other thing in life , on vacation we can run on auto pilot , free flow day is about doing only what you want to do and responding to your body. Some examples of free flow activities could be sleeping, eating in, taking a walk, or doing an activity. The options are endless but it must be unplanned prior to the trip and done only after you sit with yourself and discover what you need.
I love going to the spa, but depending on my budget, I cannot always afford to get a massage or facial at a luxury spa while on vacation. So instead, I bring the Spa to my hotel room. Pack travel size beauty and skin care items such as sheet masks, manicure kits, serums, face scrubs and essential oils. You can implement these items by having a spa day with yourself or taking a few minutes to throw on a mask as you meditate or set intentions.
How I Celebrated Pride: The Garden Party
HAPPY PRIDE! Last month I had the pleasure of attending the GARDEN PARTY hosted by The Center. According to their website “The Center fosters a welcoming environment where everyone is celebrated for who they are. We offer the LGBTQ communities of NYC advocacy, health and wellness programs; arts, entertainment and cultural events; recovery, parenthood and family support services”
The Garden Party took place at Pier 97 at Hudson River Park. Each year The Center brings together local chefs, restaurants ,businesses, performers and sponsoring organizations . Proceeds from Garden Party support The Center’s life-changing and life-saving programs and services and keep their doors open 365 days a year.
The Garden Party was the first formal event I went to in order to kick off world pride 2019 therefore I was excited to attend. When I arrived to the location, there was a long entry line that moved pretty fast and was quite pleasant to be in because all of the attendees that I met were kind and nice to talk to. Once I got into the event which is held outside under various tents and pavilions, I began to sample all of the delicious food and drinks sponsored by Simrnoff. Ya’ll know I live for an open bar situation. or should I say LITUATION?
There were a variety of food vendors present from simple to extravagantly gourmet. My all time favorite dishes was the Mexican Corn and the Polenta dish. (See Pictures below). That Mexican cordn ws so damn good! I have plans to try and recreate the recipe at home! it was good GOOD. I went back for seconds!
During the event here was music, performers and a beautiful view of the water which was a nice backdrop. Shout out to THE CENTER for creating spaces and resources for the LGBTQ+ community all year round! I had a blast and I would highly suggest that you consider going to the garden party next year. Learn more about the Garden Party here.
Until next time.
I leave you in love, peace and style.
Lonnie
Birthday Trip to San Juan, Puerto Rico
If you have an Aquarius in your life than you know that we go big or go home when it comes to just about everything. This year I wanted to spend my birthday [2/7] away from the hustle and bustle of NYC so I traveled solo to San Juan, Puerto Rico.
During my 3 night, 4day stay in San Juan I experienced tropical weather in the high 70s , authentic cuisine, saw some historic sites and even experienced culture shock due to the language barrier ( Google Translate came through in the clutch). Who wants to gift me Rosetta Stone for a late birthday gift? I’ve been wanting to learn Spanish for a long time and this trip reminded me that it’s time to stop stalling.
“traveling solo has taught me how to take control of my dreams in a way that I never expected”
For this trip I challenged myself to bring my DSLR camera so that I could take some high quality photos (see the gallery below) to break me out of “smart phone as camera syndrome” which is a shame being that I am a professional photographer!
THE RESULTS ARE IN
I did a poll on my InstaStory after my trip asking what type of blog post you guys wanted about the trip and the majority of you voted for a review of my experiences so that is what I have provided for you.
I am giving you guys the tea on what I did, what I saw and what I ate (for all you foodies out there). Comment below and let me know if you ever been or plan on traveling to Puerto Rico in 2019. Let me know your favorite places if you have been before
In Love, Peace and Style,
Lonnie
OLD SAN JUAN
Old San Juan is set in a rustic old town and is a great place to wander, shop and eat. Apparently at night Old San Juan is the place to party so all around this is a great central tourist destination full of rich history.
CASTILLO SAN FELIPE DEL MORRO
PHOTO CREDIT: WIKIPEDIA
Also known as the “forts” is a 16th century historical site with breathtaking views. The fortification, also referred to as el Morro or 'the promontory,' was designed to guard the entrance to the San Juan Bay, and defend the Spanish colonial port city of San Juan from seaborne enemies. (source: Wikipedia)
This place is no frills hunny. There is no decor to rave about but what you will get is good authentic food for the low low. I had some delicious Arroz con gandules with shrimp. Sorry I don’t have a pictures of my food because I was so hungry that I ate it real quick! Also the drinks at Cafe 18 were only $4!!! Need I say more?
AJO DEL PAIS
I went here on a day where I was site seeing in Old San Juan and wanted to grab some food before I fainted from hunger. I tried a dish called Mofongo which is a Puerto Rican dish with fried plantains as its main ingredient. It wasn’t my favorite only because it was very dense and heavy but I am glad that I tried it!
VILLA PESQUERA
This was by far my favorite meal of my trip! This spot has walk up cafeteria stye windows on the side of the road where non of the employees spoke english. I had a very fresh whole fish that was well worth the wait!
ATLANTIC BEACH
I got my whole life at this beach. I grabbed some Bacardi from the local CVS and headed to the beach and upon arrival I was met by blue waters and rocks perfect for a photoshoot (results here on the right and on my IG feed.
CASA BACARDI TOUR
Drinks anyone? Casa Bacardi serves up drinks and a tour of the rich history of the famous Bacardi rum brand. They have several options for tours and I chose the general tour that came with a welcome drink which was the best Mojito I have ever had …hands down. After the tour I hung out at the outdoor pavilion which houses the bar and a small food stand serving up delicious empanadas.
BROWSE MY PHOTO GALLERY
What I learned about myself on a solo trip to Miami
“Unfortunately, the trip is cancelled” read the text from a friend less than a week away from our planned arrival in Miami, Florida this past June. Soon after digesting her message I found out that our 3rd friend also could not make the trip. The world seemed to pause as I started to process the fact that I might not be sitting beach side with a margarita a few days later. As the haze of the shock started to fade It was time to make a decision. I could either lose the money I paid for my flight and not go to Miami or go alone and find my own hotel accommodations.
As an only child I am pretty comfortable with doing things alone but was I ready for a solo trip? Do I love me that much?
The next day I decided that I was still going to go. Even though I had already purchased my plane ticket, I still had to book a hotel for my 4 night stay. This made me a little nervous because I know how pricey hotels can be when you book them close to the check in date. But then I remembered that my friend LJ had been raving about how awesome Hotel Tonight app was so I figured I’d give it a try.
Hotel Tonight provides discounted rates because they partner with hotels to get unbooked rooms for the low...tonight or for future nights. Hotel Tonight has a sleek and user-friendly interface with high quality images of the rooms and hotel property , detailed descriptions and a thorough list of the amenities and check in/out info.
I was able to search and book a hotel in minutes. To jazz up my solo trip experience I decided to hotel hop and stay at 3 different hotels over the course of my trip. I really like hotels so I figured this was the best time to try out a few.
Hotel Tonight has made is super simple to search on the app. First your destination and then your travel dates and within seconds you can browse multiple curated options within a range of price points from budget to BALLING! being that I was traveling alone I thought it would be cool to stay at a different hotel every night.
Hotel #1: Chesterfield Hotel & Suites: Convenient location,Dated Decor
This hotel was my least favorite of the 3 hotels I stayed at during the trip although I appreciated that they offer a complimentary airport shuttle which was great because I didn't have to take a car service saved money to get there form teh airport. The hotel is a small boutique style space with an old hollywood feel. For me the decor and atmosphere simply wasn't my style. The rooms were clean but it felt dated and a bit dark s I was excited to head to my next destination. Of all the hotels that I stayed at during my trip, this onw had the best location as it was steps away from ocean drive and the beach.
Hotel #2: YVE Hotel: Chic, Sleek & Sexy
YVE hotel is what one thinks of when they think Miami. Modern decor, lots of white and an easy breezy atmosphere. When I walked into my room at YVE I felt like I had walked into an oasis. All white linen and the most comfortable bed. I loved this hotel so much that I extended my stay for one more night.
Hotel #3: Hotel Gaythering: Unique, Corky and fun!
Yes “Gay” is in the title so you know that this hotel was a rainbow loving, glitter throwing good time! The design of the hotel reminds me of a small motel but the decor is super cute. I felt very comfortable and the service was great. They also has cool amenities like a steam room and complimentary breakfast.
The theme of my trip was rest and rejuvenation. I had just finished up an academic year as teacher and administrator and I was ready to chill and re group.During my trip I went to the beach, ate lovely meals, checked up a club one night, jogged along the shore line, went shopping and even ran into a friend who happened to be in Miami at the same time!
I am so happy that I still decided to go on that trip because I put my fear of change aside and went with the flow and the results were wonderful. Now I think I want to travel alone at least once a year.
3 Benefits of a Solo Vacation
You are working on your own schedule, you pick the agenda and there is no one to answer to if you want to cancel
Get in tune with yourself. Traveling alone forced me to focus on internal thoughts and goals that I don’t usually think of when I’m so busy being social with other people. This
Explore and find new things. Being alone gives you the mobility to try new things more easily, You can walk around, get lost, meet new people at a bar and lay on the beach for hours without worrying about what's next.
Have you ever vacationed alone? If so where did you go?