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Travel Inspirations: Reading, Writing, and Wine Drinking

February 10, 2011 by

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This morning, I left for Ft. Lauderdale –  the first of at least 10 trips I will be taking this year. Although I will only be gone for 2 days, trips like these inspire me in so many ways. They inspire me to write – hence the traveling writing that I do. They inspire me to eat great food and drink wine – that’s a whole different story! And, they inspire me read. From magazines, to books, to newspapers, travel seems to give me the time to read that I don’t often have at home.

So, for the next few months, I will be soliciting ideas from Bistro Chic readers for books to read during my travels. Book topics could include French or European-inspired nonfiction, self-help, beauty/fashion, fun and/or classic fiction – you get the idea.

For starters, here are books on my travel-reading wish list:

Have an idea for a Bistro Chic-esque book? Send it my way!

Ciao

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Travel: A New Year’s Resolution You Can Keep

January 10, 2011 by

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I’m not much for keeping New Year’s resolutions, ie. spend less money, spend less time on the computer, etc.Therefore, I rarely make resolutions. However, I recently read a resolution that may just be worth making and keeping:

2011 Resolution #1: Make a Resolution to Travel More

Now that’s my kind of resolution! It’s like that old saying, put “eat chocolate” on your list of  things to do every day – at least you know you’ll accomplish one thing!

I think making travel a priority – a resolution – is definitely worthwhile and doable. Fortunately, I have a career that allows me to travel often and travel for free, which is a huge bonus.

This year alone, I have business trips planned for:

  1. San Antonio – March
  2. Miami – March
  3. Orlando – April
  4. Denver – April
  5. Las Vegas – May
  6. Baltimore – May
  7. Las Vegas – June
  8. Dallas – September
  9. San Antonio – October
  10. Honolulu – October

This may sound like a lot of travel for most people, but oddly enough, I took at least 3 additional trips last year. But who am I to complain when a trip to Hawaii is on the list!

Although it’s definitely hard being away from home, going on trips for business can be fun. If you follow my writing at all, you know that I am well aware of how to make the most of business travel, how to travel in style, and how to tell a good hotel from a great hotel. So, be sure to stay tuned in 2011 as I will be detailing all of my bistro chic travel adventures – and maybe even a few that aren’t listed!

Ciao

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5 Essentials for Bistro Chic Travels

November 22, 2010 by

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This year has been the busiest travel year for me by far. By the end of the year, I will have traveled 14 times, visiting such cities as Vancouver, San Francisco, and Washington, DC. During this year’s travels, I have observed many, many other flyers traveling from one destination to the next. Although I spotted the occasional Jersey Shore-ette, I have to admit, most of the travelers looked rather unpolished to put it lightly.

I understand that it is important to feel comfortable when you fly, especially during the holidays. But seeing passengers who just roll out of bed makes me wonder what my late grandparents would say if they saw such behavior. Years ago, traveling used to be glamorous. During and prior to the Mad Men era, men and women would “dress up” when they flew out of town on business or pleasure. Just going to the airport was a special event and required extra attention to detail, making sure you looked just as good arriving to you destination as you did departing your home city.

I will be the first to admit that I do not dress to the nines when traveling, but I do try to wear something presentable, as if I’m going to lunch with a business colleague. After all, you never know who you will run into at the airport. When traveling, I try to follow a few style guidelines to keep me feeling fresh and fantastic before, during, and after my flight. So, what does a Bistro Chic kind of gal take on the plane with her to ensure a chic but comfy flight?

Aside from the obvious items, like license/passport, phone, and wallet, etc, I rely on:

  1. Polished Attire – Dressing down or dressing casual does not have to mean wearing your gym clothes or post-Thanksgiving pants. In fact, I don’t think I have ever worn jogging pants, leggings, or any type of stretchy pants on a plane. Tailored khakis or even nice jeans paired with a fun, climate appropriate top, seems to be my go-to style for flying.
  2. Easy Accessories – I never leave  home without my sunglasses, scarf, earings, clip for hair, comfortable but nice shoes (easy to slip on/off).
  3. Beauty Basics – When in doubt, it’s always better to carry a little somethin’ somethin’ to help you put your best face forward. I carry a small makeup bag with chapstick/lipstick, pressed powder, and a small hair comb/pick or brush.
  4. Much Needed Distractions – Sharing your life story with a stranger, or worse, hearing a stranger’s life story, is far from being chic. My advice, bring earphones, magazines, and a cute notebook such as Quo Vadis for capturing ideas on the fly and to give the impression that you are incredibly busy and important. Don’t forget a pen!
  5. Chic Carry-all – Looking weighted down by bags is NOT glamorous, even if your bags are made by Louis Vuitton. Limit your stash to one small/medium shoulder bag or one carryon roller bag.

Safe and Chic Travels Everyone!

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Vancouver in the Fall

November 2, 2010 by

I’ve never considered myself an “outdoors person”, but after being in Vancouver, BC, for 6 days, I am quickly realizing that I may just be wrong. I could tell you all the things I love about Vancouver, but instead, I will let the pictures do the talking….

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Scenes from Sonoma

October 28, 2010 by

I have just had the great pleasure of visiting Sonoma Valley wine country in California. Although not as popular as Napa, Sonoma offers great variety in grapes, wineries, and beautiful scenery, only with fewer crowds. Sonoma is also slightly less expensive than her sister region, making it more affordable.

And now, a little taste of Sonoma…

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