Travel Tips and Tricks

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been in desperate need of a vacation for quite awhile now. As someone who enjoys traveling, putting adventures on the back burner due to COVID has been tough. Between the logistics, and finances being tighter than usual, travel hasn’t been a priority, or even an option for some folks. Luckily, we are getting closer to pre-pandemic normal just in time for summer vacation! If a weeks-long stay in the Caribbean still isn’t in the cards for you, don’t fret. There are plenty of options to keep the spirit of adventure alive this summer. Living in Denver affords us several opportunities for day trips and quick weekend getaways. Recently though, I scored and found a steal of a deal on airfare, and was able to spend a “weekend” in Seattle. My trip was actually Monday-Wednesday, which happens to work nicely for my schedule, but the real upside of a weekday vacation is cheaper flights and reduced hotel costs. I’ve also found that waiting to purchase plane tickets and booking hotels can increase savings, as prices are more likely to drop because companies would rather fill those slots at a lower cost than not at all. Doing things last minute can be anxiety inducing and doesn’t always go to plan though, so use caution and discretion with this strategy.

Besides accommodations and itinerary, there is another essential part of traveling that requires a bit of strategy: packing. The urge to overpack can be very, very strong. Being prepared is necessary for every traveler, but overpacking is not. For my recent trip, I was able to avoid this with just a bit of planning. Because it was a shorter trip, I planned my outfit for each day. I chose versatile pieces, like my favorite jeans and light sweaters, so I could easily layer or mix and match. Layering turned out to be essential on my trip, and I was prepared without the bulk. It’s always a good idea to check your destination’s weather while packing, but keep in mind it may change. For example, going to Seattle in early April, it was supposed to be in the 50 degree range, so I decided against bringing my winter coat. I did not account for factors such as wind. Needless to say, I was happy to have the heavy flannel I bought for my boyfriend (which is now on sale in store at Decade). In addition to these daytime looks, I had an outfit planned for the show I’d be attending, so there was no last minute rummaging through clothes I thought I might wear. It may sound obvious, but a little forethought goes a long way when packing. Bringing what you need and leaving the rest will help to make your trip more smooth and stress free.

(Wishing on the magic moss turtle at the Fremont Troll, wearing my boyfriend’s flannel jacket from Decade - and a recreation of my concert outfit because I forgot to take one. Dress and jewelry are from Decade.)

In addition to the essential clothes and toiletries, I’ve found a few different travel accessories worth adding to the packing list.

• A Power Bank

You’ll never be caught with a dead phone in an unfamiliar place. GPS is your best friend in a new city, and it’s a drain on your battery. The cool thing about this power bank is that it’s solar powered, so you don’t have to worry about charging your charger.

• Silicone travel tubes

These leak-proof tubes are carry-on friendly, so you don’t need to check a bag just to have your regular shampoo - because relying on the hotel’s complimentary toiletries can be a real gamble. These come in a ton of cute colors and are perfect for shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand sanitizer, and lotion.

• Some good hand cream

By now, it’s common knowledge that washing your hands everywhere you go is a must, but this is especially true when traveling. Getting sick is guaranteed to ruin your vacation, and getting someone else sick isn’t cool either. Between all the hand washing and hand sanitizer, it’s important to remember to moisturize. Treat yourself to one with rich ingredients and yummy scents - because it really is the little things.

• Bags and pouches (for organizing)

Chargers, make-up, jewelry, the list goes on. There are a lot of little things you don’t want lost or loose in your main bag. We have TONS of cute pouches in all different sizes and styles. We also have some gorgeous leather men’s toiletry bags in stock right now!

• A water bottle

Having a water bottle to refill is so important. Not only will it save you from over priced bottles of water, it’s also good for the environment. Check out this cool, convenient collapsible water bottle - perfect for traveling.

I hope each and every one of you is inspired to get out and explore this summer! Remember, travel is not always about long expensive trips to far away places. We have plenty of great local spots worth experiencing here in Colorado. Getting out there and enjoying ourselves is something we all deserve, so no matter what kind of trip you take, always enjoy it to the fullest!