Holiday Gift Guide: 25 Genius Gift Ideas for the Jetsetter

Whether the traveler on your holiday shopping list travels nationally or abroad, and whether it be for work or fun (or both!), these gift ideas will help them travel in comfort and in style. From the essentials to things that make travel easier and more enjoyable from the second they step on an airplane, there's something here for every wanderluster on your list - and fair warning, you'll want to buy at least a few of these for yourself, too!

Cold Weather Travel Essentials

Taking a trip this fall or winter, or headed somewhere cold? These picks are perfect to add to your shopping or packing list for your trip! From cozy in-flight must haves to what you'll love to wear while you're away, these pops of color will help you pack and get excited for your cold weather vacation!

In-Flight Beauty Bag Must Haves

I'm willing to bet that everyone can agree that no matter how long a flight is, it feels like all of the moisture is just sucked out of your skin the second a plane leaves the ground. I hate mostly everything about flying and although I don't let it keep me back from traveling, my skin wishes it would sometimes! Between the massive, rapid switch of temperature and the cabin pressure and circulating air for however many hours... It's not fun. For quite a while I always thought it was just something we all had to deal with and there wasn't much to do to fix it but then I realized - who really cares what anyone looks like on an airplane?! I remember flying to Italy one summer a few years ago and shamelessly putting a sheet mask on on my red eye flight. It may not be foolproof to combat the awfully dry air 40,000+ feet above the clouds but it sure did make a difference!
Ever since then I have, again, shamelessly done a full skincare routine on nearly every flight I've been on since and have no plans of stopping anytime soon, hah! On shorter flights I don't go all out (promise I'm not that crazy! ;) but I will wear minimal makeup and use a moisturizer, blotting sheets, etc. to maintain my sanity. I HATE that dry skin feeling and clearly will do anything to stay far, far away from it! Here's my tried-and-true must haves for your beauty bag - that'll also clear TSA - that you need for every flight from here on out:

11 Things You Need to Buy When You're in Italy

Italian markets and stores are some of the best places in the world to shop at both for food and other goods. You can't beat true Italian pasta or Italian leather! And when it comes to that Italian leather/products made in Italy, nothing is of better quality than a "Made in Italy" find. It's never, EVER easy to under-pack when going on vacation (right? I mean, I can't be the only one?!) but if you're planning a trip to Italy, I highly recommend leaving some space/weight to bring back allll of the amazing Italian things that you could possibly think of!

How to Travel Like a Local in Italy

It's fun to be a tourist, but it's also really fun to experience a country like a local does in their home on the daily! I like to think that Italy is basically my second home - I go there as much as humanly possible every year and part of me really thinks I'd love to live there 24/7. The atmosphere is completely different than it is in America - there's no real "busy" time of day, or day in general for that matter. Everything is so laid back; the people are relaxed and honestly I find myself feeling so calm and not stressed in the least bit when I'm in Italy. It's such a beautiful country and there's so many things to see, do and experience - and if you want to do things as the Italians do, here's how:

How to Pack for a Week at the Beach in One Carry-On

Thank you to UpBra for sponsoring this post. As always, all opinions are solely my own!
Going on a last minute trip to savor summer in any way possible? I know that feeling all too well! If I had my way, summer would never leave. It's my favorite time of year and I know I'm not the only one trying to hold on to every minute of it! I took a week off to go on a (somewhat) last minute beach getaway and tried to challenge myself to packing everything for 7 days, 6 nights into a carry-on suitcase only. It didn't go so well... But now that I've tried and know what works and what doesn't, I know it is possible with lots of maneuvering and forcing myself to be a little less indecisive. ;)
It also will help to save you $$$ to not have to check a bag! It's much easier said than done but all you really need for the beach is a pair of flip flops and a cute bathing suit anyway. Hah! Here's how to pack up for a beach trip in just your carry-on:

7 Pre-Travel Hacks to Make Your Next Trip Easier

Planning a vacation is allll fun and games until it comes time to fine-tune the trip details and pack. UGH. There's seriously few things I dread more when it comes to traveling because there's so many variables, things that could change and be out of your control - unpacking may be the only thing I dislike more. ;) Here's some of my favorite, most used pre-travel "hacks" that'll help make everything roll as smoothly as possible.

What NOT to Forget on Your Next Trip (...and probably will!)

Thank you to UpBra for sponsoring this post. As always, all opinions are solely my own!
No matter how early - or late (guilty) - you start packing for a trip, you're bound to forget something every. single. time. It always happens to me no matter how many lists I make or how organized I feel like I am. Real talk - packing is SO stressful! I think part of it is the stress of having to fit everything, stay under the 50lb weight limit and check everything off of your list at the same time. These are the things you likely have forgotten before on a trip; if you're getting ready to travel this summer, make sure these are at the top of your list!   

10 Cute & Comfy Outfits to Wear on Your Next Flight

I love being comfortable as much as the next girl, especially on a travel day, but who says you can't look cute while on the go?! With how big athleisure wear has become it's easier than ever to find cute, versatile pieces to add to your closet that'll keep you looking and feeling your best even on the plane. Here's 10 cute looks to re-create based on what kind of trip you'll be taking:

What to Pack in Your Handbag While Traveling

Between TSA, meeting weight requirements and remembering everything you need when traveling, it's not easy to know what to prioritize and pack in your handbag and carry-on bag vs. your checked luggage. I always end up having to pack, re-pack and pack again to get everything to fit (and that's after I've forgotten to put something in, naturally). This is probably a sign that I pack too much... But if you get creative you don't have to worry about that. ;) I know I could always use a guide when packing, so here's everything to remember to pack in your handbag when traveling:

Simple Ways to Stay Healthy When Traveling

No matter what time of year, taking a vacation is all fun and games until you think about not getting off track on a diet or worrying about your immune system keeping up to speed! Traveling anywhere is such an experience and something we are so incredibly lucky to do. Sticking to your normal habits doesn't have to be hard to do - in fact, it'll make traveling feel even more "normal". Vacations are meant to give you a break and be an exciting time to explore; relax, discover the world and meet new people. In all the excitement it can be SO hard to not lose track of your healthy habits, and even not realize how easy it really is to be healthy (in more ways than one!) no matter where you're exploring. These simple things will help you mindlessly stay healthy during your travels:

How to Travel More this Year

Approximately how many times a day do you scroll through your feed on social media and see gorgeous pictures of crystal clear water, or an ancient European street and feel ALL sorts of envy/jealousy? Seriously, the 'explore' page on Instagram is always filled with the prettiest locations and I just want to snap my fingers and be in that very spot! I know it's easier said than done, and I know we can't all transport ourselves onto an exotic island, but there ARE ways to experience new things and travel around the world more often than you'd expect.

Holiday Gift Guide: Gifts for the Wanderluster

As I sit here drinking my peppermint hot chocolate, playing Christmas music and wearing my Santa slippers.... (ha! kidding a little bit ;) I'm so excited because it's officially Holiday Gift Guide season!! One of my favorite series' of the year, and this year there'll be a new guide every single Tuesday up until Christmas. There'll be a variety of different guides to help you shop for everyone on your list, at a variety of price points. I'm kicking off the 2017 season with one of my favorite topics - travel gifts! I know most of us love to travel, and if you have a wanderluster in your life (and/or even want to treat your travel loving self this season) these 14 gift ideas are the perfect place to start:

The Best Travel Friendly Shoes

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Packing can be difficult, packing shoes can be even MORE difficult! From getting the ones you're bringing on a trip to all fit in your luggage, without going over the weight limit, to knowing what to bring and what you'll actually wear and use - I know I'm not the only one who finds it challenging! I'm an over-packer by nature; I'm always THAT girl standing on the check-in line at an airport having to move heavy shoes from one bag to the next to meet the weight requirement. (I'm fun to travel with, I promise! ;)
But truly, it's difficult to pack shoes. You don't know what you'll need or what will end up being ideal to walk miles and be a tourist in; the weather could change - how many dressy pairs will you need? It's a lot to consider! Here's some of my favorite, tried and true pairs that are all *perfect* travel options:

The Importance of Traveling: Why We Cannot Be Afraid

Every time the news comes on, I shutter a little more with fear. As much as we don't like to talk about it or think about it, the world around us is scary. Plain and simple. Even right this moment with the imminent threat we face from overseas; it seems to get scarier by the day. No matter where your political views lie, this is way more than that. The situation we face today as a society is more than who you believe would do the best job with handling these situations. They're real, they're happening and they're scary. And by "they", I mean the terror threats and terrorism that shakes this world way more often than we'd ALL like to believe.

Packing Must Haves to Travel to Europe in the Summer With

Who loves to travel? And who loves the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale? If you raised your hand two times, these travel picks are perfect for a trip to Europe (or anywhere, really!) this summer! I know I can't be the only one who struggles BIG time when packing - AKA throwing your entire closet into your suitcases, basically. Here's a great place to start, plus these are all on sale!

35 Summer Bucket List Ideas

We're in the heat of the summer and it's the best time of the year! Making lists is in my nature and I know that applies for a lot of us, so why not make a summer bucket list?! It's a great way to hold yourself accountable to get out and DO things, and it's also a great feeling to cross things off the list. Here's some of the things on my bucket list this year; clearly I make lofty goals for myself! ;) Make this summer the best one yet, check out what you'd add to your list:

9 Free Must Have Travel Apps for Every Trip

We're lucky enough to live in a day and age where technology makes everything, including traveling, SO much easier. Being able to plan and organize your trip from your phone, and then navigating and making your way around during your trip is a breeze and makes any stress that comes with a trip disappear. I rely on a lot of apps to help make my travels easier, here's my favorites:

DIY Day-Saver Travel Bag

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #MoreMomentsWithExcedrin #CollectiveBias

Why is it that traveling can almost never go EXACTLY as planned? I’ve talked a bit before about the awful headaches I often get, and how many different things I’ve tried to help, but traveling can be stressful and exhausting and I almost always end up having a bad headache when I’m traveling. Since one awful headache in particular last year while at the airport, I put together one of the easiest DIY travel bags that has everything you need to save the day, including when that awful headache hits. Here's what's inside:

How to Start a Travel Fund

So many of us love to travel and wish we got to take more trips, more often. While it may sometimes seem far out of reach, it really doesn't have to be. Traveling can be costly, but finding the way to fund trips doesn't have to be as difficult as it seems! I've saved a ton of money to be able to travel and I've found some surefire ways to make your savings for traveling grow endlessly. When I graduated college I knew I wanted to start traveling and I knew I needed to find some creative ways to get there. If you come up with some innovative ways to save, you'll be on a plane in no time. ;) There's no better experience than to travel this beautiful world, so the more you make it a priority to cross things off of your travel bucket list, the more you'll get to experience incredible things that are truly priceless. Here's some ways I've been working hard to save money for my travel fund: