How To Be Airport-Savvy: 5 Tips For Becoming A Seasoned Traveler

“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.”

---St. Augustine

I think a lot about traveling.  I eat, breathe, and live for adventures, both on the high road and in the air.  The airport is one of my most favorite places to be at any time.  It's like a world between worlds, an international crossroad lined with chic attire, bottled water, magazines, and the clicking of suitcases on wheels.  It's a magical atmosphere, and one I tend to lose myself in.

I have been privileged to travel by air many times over.  I have learned a few lessons over the years, some the hard way, some by sheer luck.  Planning this overnight trip with my moms has inspired me to write about being a chic traveler.  I am all about efficiency, so here are my 5 tips to live by for a chic traveling experience.


Make a List, Check it Twice:  Again I revert back to using my favorite word -organization.  It is crucial to make a itemized list, check the weather, and pack accordingly.  Having a precise and calculated packing list means knowing you'll be prepared for all the wildcards of traveling.  And if traveling isn't your strong suit, try a website like CheckandPack.  Plus, it's a great feeling to know you thought of everything!

Thoughtful Attire:  It is important to remember that when you travel, you are exposing yourself to hundreds of thousands of potential social encounters.  You may meet your future partner in business, friendship, or even love.  It is also important to remember that you are hauling your junk with you and you'll be sitting for hours.  Dress like you care about yourself and those around you-- be instantly intriguing.  Wear shoes you can easily slip on and off, and skip 98% of your jewelry/accessories; you won't regret it while going through airport security! 

Carry-On Essentials:  The part of packing in which I experience the most indecision is on what to include in my carry-on.  It's almost like preparing for exile.  I always ask myself, if the airport lost my checked bags, would this get me through a few days?  I think a carry-on should be no larger than your purse or backpack.  Inside it, put: your wallet with ID, business cards (remember, thousands of prospects!), sunglasses, phone & charger, and cash.  I always want a little entertainment on my flight, so I like to bring a book or Kindle, tunes, magazine or sudoku, and mints (fresh breath is a must!). If your trip is a week or longer, bring a slightly bigger bag with an extra shirt and socks, meds & vitamins, and a few basic toiletries.  Every seasoned traveler is aware of the most updated 3-1-1 policies for carry-on luggage.  Check it out on the TSA's website.

Sexy Luggage:  Every chic traveler should have luggage to match their finesse.  Beauty can also be functional, especially in an airport.  Invest in luggage that is distinctive, that fully serves your travel needs, and that is going to last you for years.  I'm looking for something as close to Louis Vuitton's travel trunk aesthetic as I can get at a reasonable price.  Check out the bounty of sales that  Luggage.com has to offer! Below are my favorites so far.

Share Your Journey:   It is important to tell about where you are going, and even more so where you have already been.  Send postcards to friends of family; it is beautiful to show someone that they were in your thoughts while you stumbled upon an exotic destination!  Catalogue your discoveries of fine coffee and antique shops; invest in a travel journal to jot down your most favorite secret places.  My current obsession is this beautiful little journal on Anthropologie.com, called a lifestyle notebook, for the sole purpose of storing those memories. 

Bon Voyage!
p.s. I will be posting a free download next week for this post.  Also, if any reader ever wishes to have a postcard from my travels, don't hesitate to ask!