Travel Tips Part 1: Planning Your Trip

As you've probably noticed, my head is filled with Parisian thoughts. From the nitty gritty details that come with travel to organizing my packing list to wandering the streets of Paris this summer. So just in case you want to know what I've been doing these past few days, planning, planning, and more planning. Restaurants reservations have been made and I'm almost done with my packing list. Here are some tips I've learned so far.Planning Your TripIt's recommended that you start booking your flights, hotels/Airbnb, and sometimes even making dinner reservations at least 3 months in advance. Especially if you have a long list of things you want to do and see. For our Paris Trip coming up, we had less than a 2-month window to plan, but luckily it all seems to be going smoothly.If you decide to book an Airbnb, make sure you use the filter option as much as possible so you end up in your ideal location of the city.Flights/Air MilesFor your flights, if you are using air miles make sure you call the airline to find out how it all works out way in advance. This way you won't have any surprises.In the same token, figure out if it's worth using miles or paying an extra fee to be bumped up to Business or First Class. If you are interested in this, make sure you plan a couple months ahead. Otherwise, you may go on a waitlist. My personal preference is to go Coach, that is if I'm paying extra to be in Business or First Class. I have found that flying international has better perks than flying domestic so I don't need all the extras. I would rather spend that extra money shopping in my destination.After you're done booking your flight, enroll in the TSA Pre program. If you haven't heard of TSA Pre, it's an "expedited security screening program connecting travelers departing from airports within the United States with smarter security and a better air travel experience." It's meant for you to avoid to wait in long lines.Prior to your flight, check in online even if you'll have baggage to drop. Plan on arriving at the airport at least 2 hours in advance of your flight.Before You GoFirst and the obvious thing to do is to make sure your passport hasn't expired.Research your destination as best as possible. What's the weather going to be like? What do you want to see? Where do you want to eat? Do you need to make restaurant reservations? Do you want to hire a professional photographer? And make lists! Nowadays I do most of my research through Pinterest, Instagram, and the web. But I also like to read something like the Wallpaper City Guides. Also make sure you pack a map with you. It came really handy on my last trip.Restaurant ReservationsWhenever possible, I opt for making reservations. I'm not a fan of waiting, especially in a new city when there's so much to see and time is precious. If reservations can't be booked online {I've already found a few places in Paris that will only take phone reservations}, I like to use the iPhone's FaceTime Audio option. This way the call is connected through wifi and you save on an international call. Some restaurants don't accept reservations unless it's 3 weeks from the date. PackingThe obvious thing to mention is that you should take the weather into consideration. While it may be summer here, it could be winter there, or a lot cooler than you are accustomed to.Start planning your outfits as soon as 3 months in advance by making a packing list. I first figure out what I'm lacking in my wardrobe and what would be essential for the trip. I then go from there and start making outfit scenarios in my head. For example, what would I wear for breakfast at Ladurée, followed by shopping and an afternoon date at Chez Julien? Or what would I wear for exploring the gardens at Palais-Royal/Tuileries and a picnic by the Eiffel Tower? Dinner at Verjus? A day of museum hopping? Ok, so you get the point. I make a list and check my closet first and then, I proceed to do some shopping - one of my favorite parts about planning a trip.While it's recommended to limit the number of shoes you pack, I can never seem to do that. But a rule of thumb is one pair of flats, one pair of sandals or boots {depending on the season}, one pair of heels, and possibly a pair of sneakers. I'm already at two pairs of flats, my Ferragamo low heel pumps, two pairs of heels, and I'm still searching for a good pair of sneakers.Start your packing about 2 days before the trip. If I leave it last minute the day before, I inevitably forget something. And don't overpack your suitcase. Leave some room for your overseas purchases.Always pack your valuables in your carry-on bag!What To Wear In-FlightComfort is key especially on an overnight flight, but I also like to look put together. I like to fly in black leggings for overnight flights, a comfy silk shirt because they feel like pajamas or a striped tee, my favorite Acne Studios scarf {to use as a blanket}, my trench coat {because it's too bulky to pack}, and I carry my hat with me so that it doesn't get destroyed in my bag. For shoes, ballet flats look polished and classy. For my personal bag, I prefer my large black Cuyana tote to fill with magazines or books, earphones {I prefer the iPhone generics and nothing fancy, while my husband loves his Bose noise cancelling headphones}, snacks, my travel folder {see below}, a small toiletry bag {with TSA-approved items}, socks in case my feet get cold, sunnies, wallet {of course}, and a pen and notebook.HousekeepingMake sure you leave a copy of your passports and travel itinerary with family or friends at home.Keep a folder with all of your travel information to take with you - flights, hotels, travel insurance, and calendar with important commitments. I add everything to my iPhone calendar from restaurant reservations to goals for the day, and in this case our Lovers In Paris photo shoot. I print a copy of the calendar to keep handy.Lastly, don't forget to call your bank to let them know you will be traveling overseas so that they don't inadvertently hold your account. We prefer to travel with plastic for safety reasons and only carry enough money for small things.Stay tuned for Part 2.

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