What’s worse than getting hit with “Excessive Baggage” Fees when you’re trying to make you way to a summer vacation destination all in one piece?  One could say getting hit with those fees on the return flight, having no week long vacation nor a delicious pina colada waiting on the other end of the day’s journey, but bringing up the post vacation lull is just plain cruelty!

Being one who has received their fair share of “Excessive Baggage” Fees, I can say that it stings much more when they are in multiples, ie…when you pack for others, like the whole family.

In keeping with the theme of “lean and mean” on the luggage this Summer season, I’ve put together a few Summer Packing Musts for the Whole Family.  Check them out and let me know if you’ve come across any packing musts for your family that I might have missed.

Need to get your hands on these goods prior to your departure date?  I’ve got you covered!

*Clockwise from top:

Herbacin Foot Care Starter Set – Relief for Mom and Dad after long days on your feet at Disney or sightseeing and chasing after the kids.  STORE LOCATOR  

Vionic Shoes – Orthotic sole comfort shoes that are both fashionable and versatile, perfect for travel.  These are definitely NOT your Grandmother’s orthotic shoes!  STORE LOCATOR

Manhattan Portage “City Lights Bag” – This masculine camouflage cross body carry all is great for Dad toting the family’s important travel documents, camera and electronics and Son can stow his iPad mini and some snacks for the plane flights.  Both father and son will be very “On Trend” this season rocking their camo like the hit series “Duck Dynasty”.  PURCHASE HERE! 

Rubbs Bracelets – The Mother / Daughter travel accessory of the season!  Rubbs bracelets are airport sensor proof, waterproof, chic enough for women and fun and colorful enough for girls.   They’re a fantastic and easy way to add a pop of color to your travel wardrobe.  PURCHASE HERE!

Julbo Sunglasses – Hi performance eyewear in sizes for the whole family.  PURCHASE HERE!

Eva NYC Get Up & Go Haircare Travel Kit – Salon quality products that Mom will love with fresh and fruity scents that get the kids nod of approval as well.  Of course, carry on friendly.  PURCHASE HERE! 

California Baby Super Sensitive Sunscreen – This mineral based sunscreen wins all accolades in the children’s category, but it’s non greasy formula is also a hit with adults as well.  PURCHASE HERE!

Shea Terra Organics Tamanu Oil – A great affordable and multipurpose all natural oil that serves as wound and sunburn care, acne fighting and even anti aging. Truly something for everyone in the family. Available at Drugstore, Amazon, BeautySage and BirchBox.

Raines by Totes Umbrellas – These pocket sized, colorful umbrellas are a must for summer travel, as nobody wants to get caught in the rain, even in the tropics!  PURCHASE HERE!

My 4th of July plans are all set this year, and for once, I’m not going to be traveling!  Yup, that’s right, I plan to stay home in our Nation’s Capital, Washington, DC, and actually celebrate with the rest of my fellow Americans.  As I’ve already suggested to so many others that this is “The Year” to do 4th of July in DC, with the newly reopened Washington Monument being center stage to the fireworks and the abundance of great new restaurants with sidewalk seating, it’s time to eat my words!

So while I’m in my hometown, planning my mid July – August travels and suggesting a few to you, I’ll fit in a few bike rides over to the Jefferson Memorial, my personal favorite monument.  I’ll certainly be dining at a few of my favorite 14th Street establishments, Kapnos, Pearl Dive and Doi Moi, plus hit up brunches at Boqueria and Le Diplomat (after all, DC isn’t just the capital city of the United States, but in my opinion it’s the international capital of brunches).  And to quench my thirst you may ask?  It’s summertime, the weather is beautiful out, so let’s start off at The Graham Hotel Rooftop Bar and see where the night takes us from there…it’s also one of the best views of the fireworks in town!

If you miss me in DC this July, perhaps you’ll bump into me in August.  I’m long overdue for a little family time, so it’s time to squeeze in a little QT before my niece and nephew head back to school, and here’s where I’m thinking of heading.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Freedom of the Seas

This 7 night Western Caribbean Cruise departs from Port Canaveral, Florida and visits a huge variety of Caribbean islands from Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s private island in Haiti, to Ocho Rios, Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Cozumel Mexico.  Save big by booking via the BOGOHO special online at RoyalCaribbean.com.

Walt Disney World

The family’s memorable vacation to Walt Disney World has just gotten a lot more affordable with the Hilton Grand Vacation Suites Orlando reducing rates to $89 / night via Trivago.com.  With this savings, parents can splurge on extras like the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique princess for a day photo shoot for their daughter or a guided safari at Animal Kingdom.

Colonial Williamsburg, VA

Take a cultural Road Trip to Colonial Williamsburg, easy driving distance from most of the East Coast metropolitan regions and a great way for the kids to brush up on history before the school year.  Kids stay, play and eat free at the Williamsburg Woodlands Hotel, which includes golf, tennis and access to the Revolutionary City.

Divi Carina Bay – St. Croix, US Virgin Islands

I love a good travel steal as much as an amazing fashion find and the USVI Nice  is exactly that!  Families can enjoy St. Croix and all that it has to offer, ziplining, snorkeling and hikes with the most amazing views, straight out of a dream, while staying at the very family friendly All Inclusive, Divi Carina Bay with a discount of 30% + $300 Island credit.  No passport?  No problem!  See you there!

With summer officially here, we can’t help but fill our minds with ideas for summer vacations, even if the reality is that we’ll be at home working, much more than off to some foreign land.

Whether planning a trip or reminiscing about one that I’ve just returned from, bringing those travel experiences back to life can be as easy as a sip, a bite and a tune, so if your vacation time hasn’t arrived just yet, but you’re in serious need of a getaway, you’re in the right place, as your Staycation has just begun!

Barcelona – Inspiration: El Borne Neighborhood

Your urban balcony or front porch can easily be transformed to the eclectic and artsy soul of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarters, The Borne neighborhood, in a few steps that will leave you feeling a thousand miles away.

Barcelona – Staycation

1. Set the tone with Gypsy Kings “Cantos de Amor” album, which features many of the favorites performed by local Barcelona street musicians.

2. Throw a few patterned scarves over a wine barrel table, like this one from Wine Barrel Furnishings for that bohemian feel and hang an FC Barcelona or Catalan flag just like the Borne neighborhood locals always displaying their pride.

3. Mix up a carafe of CIROC Red Berry Sangria (RECIPE HERE).

4. Pick at a platter of Tapas, including Jamon Iberico, Manchego Cheese, Fuet (dried Catalan sausage) and Pan Con Tomate (RECIPE HERE), all prepared on a rustic wooden cutting board, just as you’ll see on the tables of Barcelona.

5. People watch and linger the night away under the moonlight.

*All table top kitchen supplies can be found at EverythingKitchens.com.

Dubai Inspiration – Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa

For those of you wanting the ultimate VIP desert experience and happen to have a back yard oasis, sandbox, or terrace, there’s no better setting to convert your space to, than a lavish Arabian desert picnic, inspired by the Dune Dinner at Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa and the flavors of Amaseena Restaurant at the Ritz Carlton Dubai.

Dubai Inspiration – Amaseena at the Ritz Carlton Dubai

Dubai Staycation

1. Get the traditional Arabic vibe going with the Arabic Traditional Music Mix on YouTube.

2. Roll out some oriental rugs, like these affordable ones found at Homedynamix, on the ground or floor, toss some larger seating pillows on top and scatter red and gold votive candles around for ambience lighting.

3. Sip a CIROC Martini Madre, honey and amaretto flavored cocktails in martini glasses (RECIPE HERE).

4. Serve a variety of Arabic snacks and sweets including pistachios, dates, Bahmieh and Zoolbia (rosewater and honey pastries) and Oum Ali (traditional Arabic bread pudding – RECIPE HERE). Break out your best silver and colorfully decorated platters and bowls to tie in the over the top opulence of Dubai.

5.  Accompany the food and drink with a special treat of fruit flavored Shisha (tobacco or herbal varieties) via a Hookah pipe…Yes, that’s the sweet aroma that wafts through the air all over Dubai in the evening times.

Tulum, Mexico – Inspiration:  Be Tulum

One of Mexico’s truly idyllic treasures, where hotels are in the form of thatched roof cabanas over the beach and cocktail hour can be anytime of day, as long as you’re laid back in a hammock, staring at the sea, shoes off, drink in hand.  Although Tulum is quite accessible for most of us in the States, a staycation in your back yard, inspired by my favorite Tulum hideaway, Be Tulum, is as easy as repurposing the kids sandbox after hours.

Tulum Staycation

1. Get into Tulum’s zen vibe with Lounge V Studio’s Relaxing Nature Videos “Waves Crashing” via YouTube.

2. Hang one or two Yucatan style hammocks like these from Hamacas Rada, over the sand box, so you can dangle your toes off the side into the sand.  Throw a few Mexican blankets on the hammocks in case of a cool evening breeze and scatter white votive candles around the yard.

3. Refresh yourself with CIROC’s Summer Spice (vodka / lime / basil / jalapeno) cocktail (RECIPE HERE).

4. Snack on lite and spicy Aguachile (ceviche of scallops and jalapeno) and Guacamole (RECIPES HERE) …Mexican style, served in an authentic Molcajete (stone mortar and pestle) with tortilla chips instead of silverware.

5. Allow yourself to get lost in the sounds of the waves and the swaying of the hammock in the wind.

Thailand Inspiration – Rawai Beach, Phuket

No matter where you are in Thailand, beach resort towns or urban jungles, their peaceful Buddhist culture is always visible in the Thai people’s welcoming smiles and the presence of many temples and Buddha statues dotting the city streets and countryside.  One of my favorite places to dine, chill and pass an evening when in Thailand is Rawai, the serene seaside strip located outside of Phuket, packed with tiny seafood restaurants, fisherman’s markets and truly one of a kind outdoor dining setting that embodies their peaceful vibe.  With a grassy space in your back yard or garden, you can easily create a Rawai inspired staycation right at home.

Thailand Staycation

1.  Whether you’re in the chicest lounge or browsing through the Chatuchak Weekend Market, there are always sounds of the Thai Bossanova remakes of popular music wafting through the air, so sit back and enjoy a chilled out version of the latest Bruno Mars, Maroon 5, Jason Mraz or Coldplay hit, via YouTube’s  BOSSANOVA MUSIC by Kanplu K.

2.  Set out a few colorful Mexican blankets and oriental rugs in the grass for the an eclectic / laid back setting, topped by multi colored cushions for seating and a low rectangular coffee table.   Tiki torches in the corners for lighting and a small Buddha statue placed here and there…very Rawai style

3.  Enjoy a little tropical refreshment of CIROC Coconut Sangria to bring you into your tropical element.

4.  Grill some fresh fish, shrimp and squid, some of the typical local options from the Andaman Sea, and spice them up with Thai Green Curry dipping sauce from Trader Joes…a surprisingly authentic, US favorite of mine.

5.  Chill the evening away in your tropical / Thai infused back yard escape.