We all admit that we have overpacked a few times for vacation.  Who needs five dresses for a three day trip?  Apparently, we did.  Sometimes all you need for a short getaway is a carry-on an a great handbag.  Forget checking in large suitcases and wasting time waiting in the luggage pick-up carousel.  Use some of these tips to help you reduce what you need to bring and have a fabulous trip!

Clothing
Choose appropriate clothes by checking the weather of your destination.  Also, stick to clothes that all match so you can mix different outfits with what you have packed.  Also, your clothes can be used in multiple ways; your sarong can double as a casual skirt in the evening, a fun blouse can be worn over a dress as a light jacket, and a great scarf can also be a beautiful blanket while on the plane.  Layering is key.  Pack thin layers where you can pile them on when it’s chilly, and take off a few during warmer times.  Limit your shoes to three pairs: comfortable walking shoes to wear while in flight, flip flops, and fab evening shoes in your carry-on.  Try to pack a few days before, and just before you leave, go through them again and eliminate a quarter of what you already packed.  Trust me, you will have enough.

Toiletries
We know there are strict regulations now regarding what you can or cannot pack in flight.  Remember this: three ounce bottles in a one-quart clear plastic bag.  There are amazing items that you can pack in small quantities.  Whenever I purchase beauty products, I always ask the sales associate for samples that I end up taking with me in flight.  Facial cleansers, eye cream, even facial masks come in great one-time use packages for easy disposing.  Usually the hotels provide shampoo, conditioner, and soap.  Even liquid soap can be used as shampoo. Unless you have a strict regimen, using their products are a great way to reduce what you pack.


Electronics
You may not necessarily need to lug your laptop, so keep that at home.  Your cell phone can be your alarm.

Avoid
Don’t pack those items that are “just in case.”  You can easily purchase those items from wherever you are.  Take only a few jewelry pieces, and nothing too valuable.  Stick with fun items that are easy to maintain and put on to avoid having to worry about it while traveling.  You are supposed to be having fun, not protecting your Tahitian strand of pearls.

What are your tips for packing light?

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I love leaning against the rails surrounding the Niagara Falls and slowly taking in its majesty and its great, misty expanse. Although you can easily cross the bridge to view the falls from either the American or the Canadian side, the best view of the two falls is undoubtedly Canadian.

From the Canadian side you’ll see the American Falls as they crash down onto the rocks below to create a picturesque backdrop for your Kodak moment. Victoria Park and horse-drawn carriages are directly behind you as well as the ticket booth to purchase your boat ride on the Maid of the Mist to get a close up of the falls.

A nice stroll southwards will bring you to the Canadian Horseshoe Falls - a popular favorite. With no rocks breaking the fall of the water, the falls cascade into the river to create a cooling mist around surrounding pathways. The view here is spectacular. It’s definitely possible to spend hours just watching these falls and listening to the soothing sounds of falling water.

If you haven’t seen the falls yet, they’re definitely worth a visit. Take a weekend trip there if you happen to be in the Northeastern part of the States or fly there for a week and consider visiting Toronto and other surrounding areas.

Check out The Conscious Snob’s review of the Sheraton on the Falls Hotel to find out more about potential housing and other snazzy things to do around the Niagara Falls. It’s perfect for a romantic getaway for two or even a family affair if you want to experience the beauty of nature next to one of North America’s largest indoor water parks!

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If you’re planning a weekend trip to San Diego and you’ve already been to (or have no interest in going to) the popular Sea World, Legoland, or San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park - then check out our suggestions for a relaxing and delectable weekend getaway to America’s Finest City.

TO SEE:

For the shopaholic, the Westfield Horton Plaza can be found on the corner of First Avenue and G Street in downtown. There are also a wide variety of shops and boutiques on the streets surrounding the mall. It’s a nice area to walk around if you like hearing the city buzz and excitement around you.

The Marina Park is another place to visit if you’re looking for something a bit more calm but with just as many things to see and do. Situated right next to the dock, you’ll find an array of fancy restaurants and shops overlooking the harbor front. Adjacent to the pier and spawned across a grassy patch are the kite flyers, sunbathers, and children taking a classroom field trip.

Old Town San Diego is a nice area if you enjoy witnessing San Diego’s cultural and historical transformations between 1821 to 1872. In addition to yummy Mexican restaurants and happy hour specials, check out the old James McCoy House and the village square to make your own hand-dipped candle! This is an especially great place to go to if you’re visiting with a child or younger sibling. There’s nothing like taking a hands-on approach to learning history.

La Jolla beach is about a 30 minutes north of downtown San Diego and completely worth the drive. The surrounding community is beautiful and the beach itself is a haven for both sea lions and beach lovers.

TO EAT:

The Red Pearl Kitchen is a high-end, ritzy restaurant in the Gas Lamp District in San Diego. You’ll find them serving a surprisingly good menu of fusion Chinese and East Asian courses. If you’re there with friends, consider trying the Chef’s Selection for a multi-course surprise!

Rama is another popular restaurant in San Diego. Well-known for possibly the best Thai food in town, you’ll be treated to a warm, inviting ambience accented with Buddhist decor, semitransparent silk curtains, and softly lit candles to provide a delightful touch to your evening. Be sure to also check out their drink menu… it’s quite good.

Fresh tortilla is also something worth trying when you’re in San Diego. You can find several fresh, handmade tortilla stands along the streets of Old Town San Diego. They make a great (and affordable) snack as you’re roaming Old Town.

The Cottage is one of my favorite restaurants to visit when I’m in La Jolla. They have a great breakfast menu and a very friendly and inviting staff. When the weather permits (which is almost always), you can ask to sit in the outdoor patio of the restaurant to satiate your need for food and sun.

TO SLEEP:

If you’re looking for a place to stay, check out The Conscious Snob’s review of the W Hotel in San Diego!

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If you’re looking for a warm, summer destination away from the rush of the city then Maui is definitely one place you should consider. Consistently ranked as one of the best islands in the world to visit by Conde Nast Traveler, Maui boasts of breathe-taking views so magnificent that visiting just once is not nearly enough. Perfect for both the lounger and the adventurer, the island has activities that meets the needs of everyone in the family. Here are some of our favorite places and best suggestions for a memorable stay on this beautiful island.

Ka’anapali in West Maui is an empyrean retreat for the beach-goer. Here you’ll find clear blue beaches footsteps away from some of the best hotels and resorts on the island. One of our personal favorites is the Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas where the rooms are equipped with a full kitchen and an in-unit washer and dryer. Having the option to cook a home-cooked meal away from home or washing dirty laundry immediately after an eventful day is wonderful to have on a vacation!

Just a bit southward is downtown Lahaina, where the bars and tourists traps are lined along sides the harbor (and, if you pay attention, what looks looks like an old, half-sunken ship). Something you must enjoy when you’re in Lahaina is an evening at