January 25, 2010 by trendytravelista
This isn’t the first time (and I don’t expect it to be the last) that I am bemoaning the difficulties of packing light. Everything about the idea of it appeals to me: It’s easier to haul around a small carry-on suitcase than one (or even two!) larger ones, carry-on only means your precious cargo won’t get lost and you needn’t waste valuable time waiting at the baggage carousel when you’ve just arrived in a fabulous new place you can’t wait to explore. But sometimes it’s hard to pack light when you’ve got so many things to carry around.
Enter Scottevest. The pros of traveling with a Scottevest jacket or vest are plentiful. But first, here’s a bit of information about them and why I like them:
Scottevest products make you feel a bit like James Bond. They’re full of secrets and surprises. The jackets and vests are so much more than mere clothing. They provide a plethora of hidden pockets for valuables like your iPhone or iPod, Blackberry, wallet, sunglasses, bottled water or whatever other essentials you like to tote around. With all the pockets located on the inside, no one can see what you’re carrying, yet everything is easily accessible, leaving your hands free for more important tasks. And there’s no questioning the value of this when you’re traveling, juggling your suitcase and laptop bag and travel documents.
With clear touch fabric pockets, devices like your iPhone, iPod or Blackberry can all be used without removing them from the safe and secure pockets. Simply open up the vest and answer calls or launch your favourite tunes. (There’s even a Personal Area Network for managing wires for phones and MP3 players. Seriously. Cool.) And the built-in weight management system means that the weight in each pocket is balanced evenly for increased comfort.
But I have to admit that what I like most is the flattering fit. The women’s vest is really nicely tailored, offering a snug but sleek look. And with all my valuables tucked safely away, I don’t need to carry a heavy bag on my shoulder, which really makes travel so much more enjoyable.
My vest has become a travel essential but when the weather warms up here in Toronto and I shed my winter coat, I look forward to wearing it around town — it’s casual chic, perfect not just for travel but for every day wear, too.
For more information and to purchase online, visit scottevest.com.
Posted in fashion, shopping, travel | Tagged clothing, fashion, scottevest, shopping, travel, vacation | Leave a Comment »
November 30, 2009 by trendytravelista
I love looking at people’s travel photos. I don’t necessarily need the three-hour commentary that sometimes comes with seeing a friend’s recent vacay pics, but I do love the photos. Not only is it wonderful to see parts of the world I’ve never been to, but it can be so interesting to see those places through someone else’s lens.
This evening, I’ve spent quite a bit of time on NationalGeographic.com, checking out the photos in their International Photography Contest 2009. There are some beautiful pictures so check it out and vote, if you haven’t already.
Got me thinking of some of my best travel pics. Here are few of the ones I like most:
Golf course at Kahkwa Club in Erie, Pennsylvania
Helsinki Cathedral, Helsinki, Finland
Sunset in Maui
Under the pier in Manhattan Beach, California
Just another day in Phuket, Thailand
It’s worth the climb to see the Big Buddha in Hong Kong
Posted in travel, vacations | Tagged national geographic, photography, travel, vacation | 3 Comments »
November 20, 2009 by trendytravelista
I am so inspired by beautiful photography. I love how a picture speaks a thousand words, how a photo can evoke a range of emotions, spark dreams and touch your heart. Today, I’m quite captivated by the photo above. Straight from the Louis Vuitton website, this picture set my heart pounding and my mind racing. Where is she going? Who is she meeting? Is it true love or will she break his heart? I was instantly transported to an era decades-past and the sound of a steam train’s whistle is still ringing in my ears. All aboard!
For more information on the Louis Vuitton hat box and valise pictured here, visit louisvuitton.com.
Posted in fashion, shopping, travel, vacations | Tagged fashion, louis vuitton, shopping, travel, vacation | 1 Comment »
November 20, 2009 by trendytravelista
I just love finding beautiful new things to feature on my blog and today I discovered an accessory that I’m sure all of you (ladies!) are going to love!
Paulette Rose is a recently launched company that makes cuffs out of the most exquisite fabrics and that feature simply beautiful designs. The pictures really speak for themselves. Aren’t they beautiful? I love how these simple accessories can instantly transform an outfit. A plain white shirt and a pair of jeans is transformed into an elegant evening look with the addition of a pair of these cuffs. A standard black blazer instantly becomes a a signature piece when paired with the plaid silk cuffs pictured above. Simultaneously totally modern, yet subtly heralding an era gone by, there’s something truly timeless and romantic about them.
Months ago I blogged about how tricky it can be to pack smart when you’re traveling. What I also love about these cuffs is that they’re perfect for travel. Small and easy to pack, they’ll certainly provide options when you’re on the go and will take up next to no room at all in your suitcase. Offering style and versatility, they’re the perfect travel accessory.
For more information or to purchase online, visit pauletterose.com.
Posted in fashion, packing, shopping, travel, vacations | Tagged accessories, fashion, shopping, travel, vacation | Leave a Comment »
November 17, 2009 by trendytravelista
I just read an article on USAToday.com about the fact that Hawaii is losing its beaches. According to the article: “Geologists say more than 70% of Kauai’s beaches are eroding while Oahu has lost a quarter of its sandy shoreline. They warn the problem is only likely to get significantly worse in coming decades as global warming causes sea levels to rise more rapidly.” I am saddened beyond words to learn of this. Not only is this disastrous for obvious environmental reasons but Hawaii, one of the most beautiful places on earth, stands to suffer in other ways, too. The article goes on to say that visitors to the state spend about $11.4 billion each year, making the economic repercussions of the loss of beaches, enormous as well. If the beaches disappear, it seems to follow that the tourists will, too. Read the full article here.
There was once a time when Hawaii was the ultimate dream destination for me. I thought there was a real possibility that I would never visit these idyllic islands and that they would forever remain just out of grasp. And then I had the good fortune to visit. Twice. First Maui. Then Oahu. I can say this: they lived up to expectation. Surpassed, perhaps. The beauty I found there was breathtaking and I’ll never forget the time I spent on either of those islands. Below are two of my favourite photos from my trip to Oahu.
Waikiki Beach, with Diamond Head standing majestically in the background.
Oahu’s North Shore. Sunny one minute, stormy the next, the coastline was breathtaking either way. Forty-foot waves were the news of the day when this picture was taken.
Posted in hawaii, travel, vacations | Tagged hawaii, oahu, travel, vacation | Leave a Comment »
September 21, 2009 by trendytravelista
Before we get back to my European adventure (a Mediterranean cruise through the Turkish and Greek islands, followed by a stop in London), I wanted to share my latest love with you.
I always find it difficult to find great artwork for my home. It’s rare that I seem to find an affordable piece of art that really speaks to me. I don’t like adorning my walls with art that doesn’t have a special meaning to me, which is why I often opt for photography instead. I once bought three gorgeous photos from a woman selling her works at the One of a Kind Show in Toronto, of destinations I dream of visiting. Gazing at them on my living room wall reminds me of dreams I’ve yet to fulfill.
But I recently discovered keepcalmandcarryon.com and I just love this poster. Originally designed by the British government during the Second World War, this poster was meant to strengthen the resolve of the British people, should the Germans invade Great Britain. The poster was never used despite the fact that two and a half million copies were printed. The poster was rediscovered in 2000.
Why do I like it? The message is clear and simple: Keep Calm and Carry On. Whether facing small day-to-day trials or large, life-changing tragedies, for me the words evoke precisely the feeling they say. Keep calm. Carry on. Like it or not, we have no choice but to do just that. I love the simplicity of the words and the enormity of what they say. And of course, their historic significance certainly gives pause.
If you’re interested in the poster, visit keepcalmandcarryon.com for more information. The original poster was printed on a deep red background but I like the one pictured here, with a distressed Union Jack. I love the Union Jack as a design element (remember the umbrella designed by Sir Paul Smith?) and even spent hours on my last trip to London looking for a Union Jack umbrella, one not as expensive as Smith’s version and not as cheap as the thousands sold in the souvenir stalls on the streets. No luck. But I digress. I love the vintage style of the poster pictured here, though it’s available in 12 other colours on keepcalmandcarryon.com. The company is UK-based but they ship internationally and unframed, the posters are only 10 GBP.
Posted in Europe, art, travel, umbrella | Tagged art, decor, design, keep calm and carry on, travel | Leave a Comment »
August 25, 2009 by trendytravelista
From the Athenaeum in Athens to the Athenaeum in London – what are the chances? But it just so happened that the next hotel we checked in to was called the Athenaeum as well, but this one was, well, in London and not an InterContinental property.
We flew British Airways from Athens to London in Club Europe (domestic business class) and the flight was just over three hours, a breeze! Club Europe is nothing like British Airways’ Club World (for international flights, which I had the pleasure of flying from Toronto to Istanbul). But Club Europe offers passengers extra legroom and attentive service, though no private pods; man, I love those! (See here for a picture and review of British Airways’ Club World.)
Leaving Athens was tough. Our stay was too short and I had a pretty good feeling we were leaving the glorious weather behind us as we made our way to London. I was right. I adore London and could see myself living there. But that darned weather is off-putting (says the girl who lives in Toronto!) As expected, the clouds hung thick and ominously in the sky as we made our descent into the city. But even still, nothing could really dampen my spirits. I was in London and I couldn’t have been more excited to be there!
Getting from Heathrow to Central London was so much easier than I’d expected. Instead of paying outrageous cab fares, we took the Heathrow Express. Instead of battling London’s notoriously disastrous traffic, we relaxed on the quick 20-minute train ride to the city and were conveniently dropped off at Paddington Station. The trains depart every fifteen minutes and the spacious first-class seats are clean and comfortable. There’s lots of room to stow your luggage, so you needn’t worry about that either.
From Paddington station, we hopped on the tube and made our way to Piccadilly, where our hotel was located. We had a bit of a walk (if we’d known exactly where we were headed, we would have taken the tube to the Green Park station) but having successfully maneuvered ourselves and our luggage through the busy, pedestrian-filled streets, we finally arrived at our hotel.
The Athenaeum is a small but absolutely delightful hotel. Situated directly across the street from Green Park, it provides easy access to tube stations and buses, making getting around super-easy. Our room was small (though the hotel does offer more spacious suites) but beautiful and full of creature comforts. The bed was one of the most inviting I’d ever seen, all decked out in robin’s egg blue, the view overlooking the park was lovely and I am a big fan of the heated towel racks in the bathroom.
The small, intimate restaurant is a real treat. Not only is the food delish, but the decorative details are mesmerizing. There’s an entire shimmery wall covered in buttons (beautiful!) and the tables have dried leaves forming a collage beneath the glass surface. The result is a truly extraordinary space that feels welcoming and whimsical. The Athenaeum, 116 Piccadilly, Mayfair, London W1J 7BJ, Tel: 44 (0) 207 499 3464.
Posted in British Airways, Greece, Heathrow Airport, athens, hotel, sightseeing, travel, vacations | Tagged athenaeum hotel, British Airways, england, great britain, green park, heathrow, heathrow express, London, mayfair, piccadilly, travel, united kingdom, vacation | Leave a Comment »
August 3, 2009 by trendytravelista
Our Seabourn Odyssey cruise deposited us in Athens. While the ship was continuing on through the Mediterranean, Athens was our last stop. And although I was sad to disembark the luxury vessel, I was very, very excited to explore the ancient city of Athens. More on that later. First, the hotel.
We checked into the Athenaeum Intercontinental. The lobby is vast and situated front and centre is an interesting piece of art (pictured above, top). During my short stay, I wasn’t able to learn more about the piece but it’s certainly eye-catching and memorable. But the real highlight at this hotel was our room, which had a view of the Acropolis. I’ve had some pretty incredible views during my travels (the Opera House from Sydney’s Four Seasons, the Bosphorus from Istanbul’s Ciragan Palace Kempinski, the Bund from Shanghai’s Park Hyatt) and the view from the Athenaeum Intercontinental is another to add to the list. It was nothing short of surreal to look out the window and see the Parthenon.
The nine-story hotel was renovated in 2008 and has 543 guest rooms and 60 suites. There’s a spa with an extensive menu (though they don’t offer manicures and pedicures, which I was disappointed to learn since my nails needed refreshing!) and a business centre with all the services you’re likely to need, including small meeting rooms that are available for rent. The rooms feature all the standard hotel features you’d expect (cable / satellite TV, CD player, flatscreen television), a working desk and ours had a full-length mirror – a nice touch that not all hotels have. The bathroom wasn’t too exciting – it was rather basic with a tub that was very narrow. But the robes were plush and I loved the Korres amenities (shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and body lotion). Korres is a Greek manufacturer of hair, body and face products with highly concentrated natural active ingredients. They smelled good enough to eat. Check out their products online at korres.com; you can also order online. Hotel contact information: Athenaeum Athens, 89-93 Syngrou Avenue, Athens, 11745, Greece, Tel: +30-210-920-6000
Posted in Europe, Greece, Seabourn Odyssey, athens, cruise, hotel, sightseeing, spa, travel, vacations | Tagged athenaeum intercontinental, athens, cruise, Greece, hotel, mediterranean, Seabourn Odyssey, travel, vacation | 1 Comment »
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