Travel Tips

Want to look as cool and collected as Charlize while jetsetting? Pay attention.

Whether you vacation in the Summer or Winter (moi), as relaxing as a vacation can be, sometimes getting to and from is not so. I wouldn't call myself extremely well-traveled but my passport is pretty colorful. I have some tips when it comes to packing and making the airport trek as smooth sailing as possible. But before I divulge, remember: travel is stressful but what awaits on the other end is bliss. So sit back, remember to breathe and enjoy the ride.

Diane von Furstenberg delivers us many wise words and on the topic of packing, here are some, "I think if you've figured out how to pack, you've figured out your life." So don't fret my friends, mastering the art of packing is a life long task.

Packing 101

• Maintain a coordinated color palette. That doesn’t mean it has to be boring! Red, purple, black and dark denim is a modern and interesting combination. As for the tropics, how does yellow, purple, white and gold sound? Fabulous.
• Consider dresses, lots of dresses. Here is an item that’s easy to throw on and is an outfit in itself.
• Keep shoes neutral; black, brown, metallic and white shoes/sandals. This will make things less stressful when trying to color coordinate outfits and accessories.

For lots more Fab travel tips and to learn my travel essentials, read more


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Road trips are a quintessential rite of passage when the Spring and Summer months are within reach. As much fun as road-tripping it to an unknown destination can be, if your pet is riding along, her safety can easily be overlooked when the rubber hits the road. I can never stress enough how important a car seat is for your pet while riding in the car (since I've drilled it into your brains about a million times)! Even a travel crate or the super soft (yet totally travel friendly) Sleepypod strapped in with the seat belt is way safer than having your pet roaming around the cab which can not only be hazardous to your driving, but your fave pooch or cat can potentially go flying if you happen to slam on the brakes. And that's never a good thing!

I've rounded up some more food for thought about what to bring with you, safety checks, and what to think about before you hit the highway on your next road trip when your furry co-pilot is tagging along for the ride.

Before you go:

• If you know your destination, research vet hospitals before hand, so you'll know where to head in an emergency.
• Pack up your pet first aid kit, along with plenty of food, collapsible water bowls, medicines, and toys they might need in an easily accessible tote or travel bag.
• Make sure your pet's i.d. tags are up to date with current phone numbers.
• Maximize your time by scouting out your destination's pet-friendly hotels, parks, and beaches, so you're not roaming around looking for them.
• Consider prepping a travel litter box, since kitties are fussy travelers. Stress can do numbers on their digestive systems.

Check out the rest of my tips when you read more

Having a first aid kit specifically for your pet in mind is a good thing to have, whether you're traveling with or without your pet, but it's also a smart thing to have around the house even when you aren't traveling. Packing a first aid kit and leaving it with your sitter instructions should be a must-do before you head out. There are more important things for your pet sitter to worry about if there was an accident than running around your place looking for bandages! Just placing these supplies in a waterproof container or shoebox will do, just so long as they are easy for your sitter to find. What should go in the kit?

• Cotton balls, Q-Tips, Gauze
• Bandages, bandage tape, and small scissors to cut it with
• Hydrogen peroxide, hydrocortisone cream, and antibacterial ointment for cuts

There are a few more important items to include when you read more

Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, there are those times when you can't get your pet into a boarding facility. So, if you can't take them with you on your adventure, then you'll need to find a sitter care for your furry pals while you are away. If you're lucky enough to have trustworthy neighbors or family members that can come by to feed and care for your pet, then there are a few things you'll want to make sure you do before you jet off on your vacay, to ensure your pet (and sitter) remain as comfortable as possible.
Food:

• Make sure your pet's food is fully stocked, and ready to scoop. If you use bagged food, let your sitter know which scoop you use to prevent over (or under) feeding. It's also a good idea to let the sitter know where any extra food bags (or extra cans, if you use canned food) are located even though you think you've stocked enough.
• If your pet eats home cooked meals, make the food beforehand and separate meal-sized portions to prevent any confusion, and to take that duty off your sitter's hands.

There's a few more tips if you read more

For long car trips with your pup or cat, keep a frozen water bottle on hand. You can place it in a carrier or hold it up to give thirsty pets some refreshment. That way, pets get some liquid to lick, but not so much that you'd need to stop the vehicle to set up a dish or have extra bathroom breaks. Also, keep a stash of pet's kibble in a plastic bag – if he starts to fuss, give him a nibble to calm him down.

Stay tuned for our Out and About feature returning after this holiday week!

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For some of us, a vacation does not always entail hitting the gym for rigorous workouts. If your idea of a vacation is lounging around and relaxing, take it as an opportunity to work on your stretching. If feeling good is the goal of your vacation, I can assure you that 10-15 minutes of stretching will get you well on your way to feeling good.

If your vacation is over and you haven't been stretching, you best start adding it into your routine. Take advantage of the lingering warm weather to lengthen those muscles.

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