New England Vintage Chic: Five Tips For Smart Travelling

Friday, March 15, 2013

Taylor Kloss, GoLocalWorcester Style Contributor

Spring is here and it's time to get out and explore! Here are five tips to make it easier.

We have all been on those trips; the ones where you packed wrong, forgot half your wardrobe, or simply just felt disorganized. There is an art to traveling and to traveling well. Here is a quick list of five tips to help turn you into a travelista!

1. Mind Set

Before anything, have a good attitude. When traveling, expect the unexpected. Flights change, bags get lost, hotels over-sell, and flights get delayed. You need to expect that things can change at the drop of a hat. If you have a good attitude and remain cool, calm and collected, your trip will go much smoother, no matter what obstacle is thrown at you.

For Example: When driving through Ireland, my friend and I parked our car in a casino parking lot. An hour later we came out to a boot and 200E ticket on our car! We managed to stay calm and laugh it off; to this day we still talk about it. Travel is an experience, meant to have positives and negatives.

2. Flexible Attire

Whenever I travel, I bring items that I can wear more than once. It’s tempting to pack your entire wardrobe, but trust me, your back and bank account will be happy for your decreased luggage in tow.

For Example: When I went to Italy, I packed a black cotton blazer and pink pashmina. I was able to wear the blazer with the dresses, pants and skirts I brought. The one pashmina I packed spruced up any and all of my outfits, while keeping me warm.

3. Smart Packing

Along with being flexible, be smart as well. Look up the weather in advance to know what you’re in for. The best thing you can do is be prepared for all types of weather by packing layers. There is nothing worse than having to buy tourist sweatshirts in Florida because you didn't realize the temps go down to the 40’s at night.

For Example: I went to Bonnaroo , a three day music fesitval, a few years back. As I was leaving my mom yelled “bring your rain boots, you never know.” Turns out it poured for day, covering the festival grounds in mud. Luckily, I had my trusty yellow rain boots to get around. From now on, I check the weather and if I can I always pack my rain boots!

4. Be Comfortable

Who wants to walk around with blisters or chub rub? Let’s be honest with ourselves and admit what shoes & clothing feel good. Do not bring a pair of high heels that you wouldn't walk around in at home. This is a waste of space in your suitcase and an end to a good time ahead.

For Example: My goal when traveling is to be comfortable, yet fashionable. For my trip to Italy, I wanted a solid walking shoe that didn't look like a walking shoe. I settled on a pair of Sperry’s. These boat shoes went with every outfit I brought, were extremely comfortable and looked good too. Never put comfort second when traveling!

5. Be Organized

There is nothing worse than showing up the airport as a disorganized mess. Pull it all together the week before to avoid major travel headaches and delays. Use small bags to get yourself organized and in sync for the day ahead. You should know where your headphones, wallet, passport, money and toiletries are before you get to the airport.

For Example: I learned this lesson the hard way. When I was in high school I showed up to the airport without a license. The security let me through (not sure why, but they did), however, the check-in attendant was not as nice. My then boyfriend and I had to change our entire travel day, getting us to our destination 24 hours later than expected! Never again! Set yourself up for success.

Taylor Kloss lives for the hunt—to find that one-of-a-kind piece that no one else has and to put amazing outfits together on a tight budget. To share her passion with the world and encourage shopping at vintage, thrift and consignment stores, she blogs on New England Vintage Chic, a journey of her adventures, advice, styles, and reviews of local second-hand stores throughout New England.