Why Not . . . Travel Alone?

“My solo travels in Paris have brought many perfect hours of being alone but not a moment of loneliness. People who depend on other people are often in hiding from themselves. Two and a quarter million people live in the City of Light: you will see many of them and you will pass them in the street, but when you see Notre Dame after dark and walk home and perhaps stop to have a drink in the Marais, you can feel that the only thing that is missing from your experience is the common dependence on someone to distract your attention.  You are living without it: you are on vacation.” –Andrew O’Hagan in “Party of One” article in T: The New York Times Style Magazine

The subtle mystery, confidence and elegance of a woman who chooses to travel alone knowing precisely where she is going and knowing exactly how to dress for it is the image that dances around in my mind when I envision a woman traveling solo to her destination of choice. Whether it be Paris, the English countryside or the wine country in California, I can’t help but smile and count the days until such a trip commences.

One of my first flights as an adult was by myself, and since then I have only traveled fewer than a handful of times with others compared to the innumerable times in my own company.

I have come to enjoy both options and highly recommend traveling by oneself to gain experience that only traveling solo can provide. Whether domestically or internationally, making the choice to unleash your wanderlust and allow yourself to see whatever may be calling your attention or curiosity should not be quelled simply because you don’t have someone else who is interested or available. Life is far too short to wait around for a travel companion. You are your best travel companion with the right arsenal of advice and pre-planning because you get to go wherever your interests which to lead you.

Today I would like to begin a two part series on an absolute must-do at least once in your life, and in doing so, perhaps you’ll fall in love as I have and regularly incorporate solo travel excursions into your travel plans.

Benefits of traveling solo:

1. Get to Know Yourself

“Traveling alone offers the chance to test the limits of what you think you know about yourself.” –Andrew O’Hagan

Click here to read about Travel’s Most Wonderful Gift.

2. Be Reminded of What Stirs Your Passions
Each time I travel alone, I end up doing something, seeing something, tasting something that causes me to be fully present and absolutely moved. It is in these moments that I am reminded of what I’m truly passionate about, and I immediately have to write it down in my journal. As to what becomes of my journal entry, it could be a handful of different outcomes – a change in my daily routine to incorporate an evening tea, a blog post to share with my readers about Parisian style, or a dream to pursue that I had long ago let go. The beauty of traveling solo is that you wander unexpectedly, but almost certainly into the direction that you were meant to go.

3. Seek Out What Piques Your Curiosities



Perhaps the theater district is calling your name while traveling through London or maybe you are giddy about the flea markets in France. Prior to stepping on the plane or train, make a list of what you want to experience, learn as much as you can prior to boarding, and then . . . make it happen. Traveling solo allows you to satiate your travel curiosities. There is no excuse not to try to learn how to surf or take that culinary tour that’s been pinned to your idea board in your office. Remember, you are the curator of your own life.

4. Flexible Itinerary
Creating an itinerary prior to your trip is a must. Map out where you would like to go, make reservations for tours or dinner if need be and make sure you have done your homework as far as what clothes and supplies you will need. But then . . . go about each day in such a way that is in sync with your mood, your energy levels and your interests. Feel like spending the entire morning in the Louvre? Go for it. Would rather sleep in and enjoy a late breakfast at Café de Flore watching passersby? Why not? Perhaps you’d rather jump on a train and head to the country? Do it. The flexibility solo travelers have is a wonderful gift for those who are self-motivated and do not need to be told how to best enjoy their vacation.

5. Build Your World Social Community
One of the gifts I have discovered as my travel resume lengthens is that having people to visit at your destination is a wonderful way to feel more connected and at home while on vacation. Since the people you are meeting up with are people you most likely already know and care about, you are able to thoroughly enjoy a dinner, relax and be yourself, feel safe and then return to your hotel or rented apartment and enjoy your personal, private space as well. The best of both worlds.

6. Boost Confidence
Each time I travel somewhere alone, I try something new. And if I happen to have the opportunity to travel to the same place again, I take a few more risks and attempt to visit a few new sites because my footings is more secure and my understanding of how the culture or city works is more familiar. In doing anything new, we reveal to ourselves what we are capable of and often are pleasantly shocked. This newfound knowledge lifts our confidence and when we return to our daily routine, we come home different and often more motivated and inspired to create the change we now know we are capable of.

7. Realize the Difference Between Alone and Loneliness

“The first rule of travel is that you should always go with someone you love, which is why I travel alone.” – Andrew O’Hagan

If you have never spent time alone while traveling, you may have moments of loneliness, but I encourage you to come to understand why you are lonely. Because once you truly enjoy your own company, the opportunity to travel alone will strengthen your appreciation for the time you have with those you love, but it will also strengthen your inner purpose, clarify your direction, and remind you of what you want your life to become. Alone is simply the physical description of not having other people you know around you, but loneliness is best described by Paul Tillish . . . “Language... has created the word 'loneliness' to express the pain of being alone. And it has created the word 'solitude' to express the glory of being alone.”

When you choose to travel alone, you have the opportunity to revel in solitude and unearth the priceless gifts it has to offer. Imagine the combination of spending time in a destination of your dreams when you are fully at peace with yourself and thoroughly enjoy your own company – not running away from anything, not hiding from your life, simply reveling, celebrating and enjoying – a dream realized.

Whether you wish to travel to a different destination each time or get to know your favorite travel locale by returning each year, indulge your sense of wonder and have an amazing, life-changing and unforgettable experience.

Click here to read part deux of the series which includes tips on how to travel safely as well as ideas on how to create a trip that meets and perhaps exceeds your expectations. Bon voyage!

~SIMILAR POSTS FROM THE ARCHIVES YOU MIGHT ENJOY:

~Why Not . . . Travel Internationally? (3 part series)

~Expand Your Mind, Travel the World

~Why Not . . . Travel Luxuriously?

(1) source  (2) source (3) source

Why Not . . . Enjoy a Staycation?

Having always loved to travel and explore new and different destinations, I also find it very therapeutic and restorative to plan and enjoy staycations from time to time.

While there will be weekends and weeks of vacation time that beckon your passport and preferred mode of transportation to be used simply to step away from the every day routine and broaden your perspective and heighten your appreciation, there will also be times when you may want to stay at your own home, sleep in your own bed and leave the car in the garage (however without all of the responsibility that typically may nag when you tend to choose to do so).

Whether the checkbook needs a breather or you do from all of the busyness of the just-finished holiday season, January tends to be a great month for planning a staycation. So why not give it a try?
Once you’ve decided on which day or days you will be carving out for your staycation, make sure to do a few things the day before to ensure that you able to fully enjoy yourself.

The day before:



*Clean the house (or have the house clean, if you are fortunate enough to have this service in your area). A regular weekly cleaning, nothing deep or intense. By creating a clean, organized, uncluttered environment, you will be better able to fully relax and simply enjoy your home.

*Finish any chores that need to be done, even if it means completing them ahead of schedule. In order to feel like you are actually on a vacation, remove the tasks that may be tedious, but necessary – put out the trash, take the recycling to the depository, etc

*Do a bit of light grocery shopping so that you can enjoy a lovely breakfast in the morning. If you want to shop for the entire vacation you can, but, as you will see below, that may be something you enjoy doing, so it simply depends upon your preference.

*Purchase fresh flowers. Some of the most welcoming reservations I’ve made whether at hotels or bed and breakfasts tend to have fresh bouquets or a thoughtful extra touch to welcome their guests upon arrival. Do this for yourself as well.

Now for ideas on what to do on your staycation:


1. Lose track of time. After all, that is what a vacation is all about. Enjoy yourself, slow down, breath a bit deeper and go at your own pace.

2. Read with abandon. Unless I’m on vacation, I never seem to have time to get lost in a book that is entirely of my own choosing, so I thoroughly enjoy just plopping down in my favorite chair and reading to my heart’s content. Maybe you prefer flipping through a stack of the latest fashion magazines or catching up on your favorite websites and blogs, whatever you prefer, indulge.

3. Dine locally. Depending on whether you want to cook on your vacation or not, you may want to dine out at a favorite local restaurant or check out a new restaurant whose review in the local paper piqued your interest.

4. Spend time with those you love. Depending upon schedules, enjoy spending time with those you love – spouse, children, friends, family members, etc. Don’t make it into a grand ordeal. Keep it simple and low key.

5. Attend a matinee. For some reason, the time of day in which a matinee is shown is ideal for me at least. It tends to be when I’m wanting to relax, have finished my morning productivity, and simply want to observe something as I don’t feel all that energetic and am waiting for my second wind. Not only will it save money, but it will leave the evening free to partake in other plans.

6. Peruse local markets, boutiques, bookstores – take your time. Depending upon where you live and the season, take the morning or afternoon to peek into favorite clothing boutiques and try a few things on or make a list for your favorite meal and shop for the freshest ingredients at the local farmer’s market. Since you have time, why not stop into a consignment or thrift shop and scan the racks for treasures?

7. A nap if you feel like it. Listen to your body and let it tell you what it needs. If it needs an afternoon nap, take it, and revel in it.

8. Hop on a bike and take a ride round town or in the hills. If you enjoy pedaling, but can’t seem to find the time like you’d prefer, use your staycation to roll about town or if you’re more adventurous, traverse a nearby trail.

9. Enjoy a stroll outside – forget that it’s exercise. Even though it is a vacation, try to include a bit of physical exercise. Do something that you enjoy so that you can get lost in the activity and stop counting the calories. Not only will you feel rejuvenated, but you’ll feel better about doing something that supports good health – no guilt!

10. Watch a favorite old film or rent a new release. Perhaps you’d prefer to stay at home and not venture outside at all (especially if the temperatures are frigid). Rent one or more movies, make some buttery parmesan popcorn and call it a day.

11. Attend a show (theater, opera, museum). If you are lucky enough to live in a metropolis or town that has creative art offerings, why not attend a show you’ve been eagerly waiting to see?

12. Let music fill the room and discover calm or become energized. I recently received a record player, and I can’t tell you how much enjoyment I receive from placing an old vinyl classic jazz record on the turntable, sitting down and simply getting lost in the tunes. Normally during a busy week, this may not be possible, so if you too enjoy music, find time during your staycation to let it fill your home.

13. Buy something for yourself to commemorate your “staycation”. While children enjoy receiving gifts and toys, adults do too from time to time, and since typically when you go on vacation, souvenirs are purchased, why not buy that blouse that fit so beautifully in your favorite boutique or a brand new set of wine glasses to enjoy your favorite bottles of wine in at home?

14. Journal to let out questions, fears, hopes and plans running around in your mind. Often when we slow down, our minds have time to wander, which for some people exactly why they don’t want to slow down. I can almost guarantee this will happen, but it’s happening for a reason. Don’t stifle your thoughts, but instead unburden yourself. Write it down as a way of dealing with it or at least addressing it. Sometimes just putting pen to paper to make sense of what our mind is saying is all that is needed. Often for me, it is when I slow down that my creativity blossoms. Always have a pen and paper handy for such occasions.

15. A bubble bath. Need I say more? Oh, well maybe. Add a glass of wine or champagne, a candle or two, the music of your choice and unwind.

16. Do something that makes someone else smile. There is nothing more uplifting than knowing you have helped make someone’s day a little brighter. Whether it is unexpected or planned and no matter how small, try to do something for someone else to brighten their day. I can assure you, it will brighten yours as well.

However you choose to enjoy your staycation, bon voyage!

SIMILAR POSTS FROM THE ARCHIVES YOU MIGHT ENJOY:

~Why Not . . . Live Alone for Awhile?

~17 Ways to Simplify the Daily & Weekly Routines

~Ideas for Ending the Day Well

~Sipping Shelves for End of the Day Comfort

Images:    (1) dexterstruancyproblem (2) vogueweekend 

Destination Detroit: My Buick Encore Experience

Last weekend, I was invited to participate in the first stage of the launch of Buick’s new and first luxury crossover of its size vehicle, the Encore, in Detroit, Michigan, that is set to officially be available in March 2013.

As a current owner of a rival CUV, the details I hone in on when it comes to choosing a car to drive are how easy will it be on my budget, is it all-weather capable, does it have enough leg room (I’m 5’11”), if I need to haul large items, can it do it, and certainly not least, how comfortable would it be to ride in for long periods of time. I was thrilled to have an experience to learn about a vehicle that surpassed my expectations and also have the chance to meet with other talented bloggers that are highly respected in a wide array of arenas (food, decor, fashion, beauty, illustration/art, lifestyle).

~The GM World Headquarters Renaissance Center along the International Riverfront was where we were accommodated, and we were treated to dinner at the oldest jazz club in the country – Cliff Bells (I devoured their Bronzed Dayboat Scallops) with live jazz filling the room – I was in my element indeed. During the presentation held at the design center Erin Crossley walked us through their design process and many color options, and Craig Bierley, the director Buick’s advertising and promotions introduced us all to their design mission and overall new Buick concept.~

Why were we all invited, you might be asking.

What each of the nine bloggers that were invited were asked to do was to design their very own Buick Encore, beginning with the exterior and interior choices, as well as where they would travel in it, and how they would enjoy their travels while driving.

I must confess. I fell in love with this car, as I’ve had my current CUV for 10 years.  So on my designated pinterest board “Pinboard to Dashboard”, I imagined exactly how this affordable luxury vehicle would fit into a simply luxurious lifestyle (in other words, my lifestyle). As you might imagine, it involves stops at wineries for tasting, room for shopping bags and luggage, consideration for my two dogs and some inspiration from Coco Chanel herself.

Below is just a sampling of my inspiration board (view the entire pinboard here).



What I would ask of you today is to stop by my pinboard (click here to view) and “like” it if you are so inclined (on pinterest or facebook) as the top design concept will actually be created and revealed when the car is launched. (I promise you, the winner does not get the car. This is simply an opportunity to dream – which I love!)

When I first hear the name Buick, I’m nostalgically drawn to memories of my grandparents’ blue Buick sedan. Secure, stable and reliable. While always dependable, Buick has now decided to focus more on a youthful population and has begun to create vehicles that fulfill a new definition of luxury. This is the part that I couldn’t agree more with.

The new definition of luxury:

• a life of significance over a life of status
• simplifying the focus to quality over quantity
• responsible
• a personal sanctuary
• rational
• community minded
• motivated
• creative
• active
• spontaneous (aka versatile)

~Yep, that’s me, pretending I’m driving the Buick Encore (upper left), checking out the space in the back with Lloyd Biermann, the manager of Buick’s crossover marketing team (upper right), listening to Erin Crossley, the head designer of the color and trim team, introduce the vehicle (lower left), and getting my chance to sit in the driver’s seat (lower right) as we had the opportunity to investigate the two models at the Buick design center.~

Details of the Buick Encore that caught my eye:

• 33 mpg hwy, 23 mpg city – 26 mpg combined
• all wheel drive
• rear seats and passenger seat fold down for more room
• BOSE premium audio throughout vehicle
• heated leather seats and steering wheel
• voice command
• USB adapter in front and back seats for phone and other technology devices
• lane departure warning and forward collision alert (by radar)
• 12 exterior color choices
• saffron stitching on the saddle-brown leather interior option
• Extra glove box for sunglasses, iPod, maps, etc
• Push to start capabilities during those cold winter months
• Rearview camera system
• Voice Activated Intellink (SIriusWM, Pandora, Smartphone)
• an affordable price tag for such a sophisticated vehicle - $24,950 (starting price)

~Ample space for a compact vehicle, sporty, yet full of luxury, and three interior color options as well as leather seat options. Technologically equipped for safety. ~

The fellow bloggers invited to Buick’s Encore event – Jessica Sturdy, Katie Rodgers, Aly Walansky (kneeling), myself, Julie Deily, Michael Wurm and Julie Thigpen. Click on their name to be directed to their respective blogs.

Now come dream with me and have a look at the simply luxurious Buick Encore I would design. Click here to view (and “like” if you so choose).

~Full disclosure, we were spoiled (from accommodations at World GM Headquarters Marriott Hotel, to meals, as well as all travel expenses). ~

IMAGES: all images of Buick Encore and at the design center were courtesy of Buick

The Weekend . . .

Very much like a child anticipating the arrival of Santa, for the past few months I have been gradually prepping my wardrobe, brushing up on my French and scouring everywhere for ideas of what to do during my trip abroad to London and Paris as a way to pacify myself until my plane departs. The time has finally arrived to pack my bags and venture to London for a week of Olympic adventure, splashing in London rain with my Wellies and enjoying the leisure of a vacation schedule.

I want to thank so many of you who have emailed me with ideas for places to visit, enjoy and indulge in. From pubs to pop into, vintage shops to peruse in, and decadent sweet boutiques to satisfy my sugar tooth, I can’t thank you all enough. Your emails were so very kind and a wonderful surprise. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Needless to say, I am a bit giddy - a combination of slight nerves, but more excitement and child-like enthusiasm.

Rest assured, you can expect the regular scheduling of posts to continue here on the blog. I will be authoring Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday’s post as usually, so do be sure to stop by as I will be sharing photos as they become available from the trip. For Wednesday’s Why Not . . .? posts, I have a couple of fantastic and impressive bloggers lined up.

For my newsletter subscribers: Today you will receive the regularly weekly newsletter, but while I am traveling, the newsletter will also go on vacation (August 10 & 17th) and resume on Friday, August 24th.

But back to this past week on the blog. If you’ve been traveling, busy at work or enjoying the outdoors, here is a look back on the posts found on The Simply Luxurious Life:

~The most popular post of the week . . . Why Not . . . Make Someone Feel Special?

~Modeling Everlane’s Ryan Tee . . . a fantastic collaboration with JENESEQUA

~Excellence vs. Mediocrity

~Mid-Week Motivation: 10 Instant Mood Lifters

~Style Inspiration: Red, White & Blue

~An interview about the blog on Plami’s blog Fashion Thrill (loved her original questions!)

~This & That: No. 18 . . . a top resource book for bloggers, an article to inspire and blogs to help live your best life

And this week’s newsletter, issue #112. Click here to read.

I do hope you have a splendid weekend and do stay cool if your part of the world is in or near the three digits. Until Monday, bonjour!

~P.S. You will notice at the end of today (Friday) that the header on the blog will change to my travel header. However, don’t worry, the girl walking the dog will return when I return from my vacation.~

(1) designstroy: (3) pinterest (4) pinterest

This & That: No. 15

More ideas to help you find your purpose, thoughts about travel, lovely, sultry music and so much more . . .

~Music

~Melody Gardot’s third album The Absence

One of the first albums I shared on the blog a couple of years ago was Melody Gardot’s debut album Worrisome Heart. With her unique way of melding jazz, blues, and a touch of pop, Gardot released her third album at the end of May The Absence. The artist’s story alone is inspiring as she was struck by a car while riding her bike more than eight years ago which severely damaged her spine and caused traumatic brain injury that affected her speech and memory. It was the therapy of music prescribed to her by her doctor that began her very successful music career. An example of turning tragedy into triumph.

~Book

~The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything by Ken Robinson, Lou Aronica

So many of you write to me asking for advice on how to find your purpose, and while I have shared a few posts on the subject (here and here), a book I have a feeling will be a great resource is Ken Robinson and Lou Aronica’s best-selling book The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything. At the heart of all of the advice I can give, is that as long as you are willing to search, be open and willing to learn, you will find your purpose. Simply choosing to begin the journey is a very auspicious sign.

~Articles to Read

~”Reclaiming Travel” written by ILAN STAVANS and JOSHUA ELLISON in the New York Times

As I have been planning for my upcoming trip to London and Paris, I have been devouring advice, articles and tips on how to make the experience as wonderful as possible. So when I came across this New York Times opinion piece, I immediately saved it as it held some insightful quotes on what I feel travel should truly be about. Have a look if you too are seeking the best experience in your upcoming travels.

~Overdressed’s author Shares 8 Tips to Avoid the Fast Fashion Frenzy and Still Not Spend a Ton on Clothes

I had shared the link to the recently released book Overdressed: The Shockingly High Price of Cheap Fashion by Elizabeth L. Cline, and I thought the author’s eight tips to help avoid the fashion pressure to buy, buy, buy was very succinct. Found on Fashionista, take a look at how you too can begin to be a better shopper who appreciates quality and doesn’t spend unnecessarily.

~Travel

~Muji Travel

As I am refining my toiletry bag and carry-on, I discovered the Muji travel store which was recommended by Martha Stewart. Full of all sizes and styles of plastic containers, travel bags, toiletry totes, garment bags and everything else you can imagine, this website is the perfect place to visit for those items that you can’t seem to find when you need it right before travel, but would greatly appreciate to make the traveling experience less stressful as you go through security check points.

Upon reading their “About” page, I discovered why I took a liking to the website, “MUJI is simplicity – but a simplicity achieved through a complexity of thought and design.” Have a look. I think you’ll be impressed, as the prices are very reasonable.

~Magazine/Website

~Verily

Just last week, one of my readers suggested I take a look at Verily and now I know why (thank you Vanessa!). A website/blog and now online magazine, Verily was created by five modern women who wanted to create a lifestyle magazine that focused on creating a life that many of the fashion magazines seem to forget about – real women who have worked hard to acquire the education and career they desire, a financially secure life, but at the same time desire a full life of social entertainment, travel, food and love. Have a look, say hello and peruse through their first issue. So many of their concepts are similar to The Simply Luxurious Life, that I have a feeling you might like it.

10 Simply Luxurious Travel Tips – Guest Post

Just waiting for my vacation to Europe to arrive, I am already making lists, organizing my itinerary and making sure my outfits are kept in check, but also give me options for looking chic no matter what opportunity arises. I have a feeling many of you as well are about to embark on fabulous vacations, so when Tiffani Rogers of Style by Tiffani graciously invited me to share some tips on how to make traveling not only smooth, but effortlessly comfortable and stylish, I jumped at the chance.

Click here to pop on over to her blog and read my guest post “10 Simply Luxurious Travel Tips”, as she dashes away for a week of vacationing.

Why Not . . . Be A Good House Guest?

The graciousness of anyone to welcome guests into their home is one of the greatest gifts. Whether it is family who has traveled a great distance, helping out a friend as they make their way along a journey or entertaining grown children when they come back for a quick visit to see their parents, it is important that the gesture made by the homeowner is not one to be taken for granted.

In this new two part series, I’d like to share tips for anyone who is, was or ever will be a house guest.

While every host expects something different, generally there is proper etiquette to follow and that when adhered to will almost certainly guarantee a good repertoire with your host and possibly gain an invitation to stay again.

First, the initial arrival. A few things to keep in mind:

1. Plan Ahead

Well before you plan to go out of town, ask politely if the dates you have in mind are possible for staying at your host’s home. Once you are welcome to be their guest, be sure to write down the exact times of arrival that were discussed in order to prevent any mix-ups.

2. Arrive On Time

On the day of your arrival, make sure you arrive on time out of respect for your host’s schedule. And while it may seem okay to arrive early, keep in mind that most hosts want time to pick up their home and present a clean abode, so if your flight unexpectedly arrives early, do be sure to call ahead before showing up at their door.

3. Respect Your Host’s Schedule, And Share Yours 

Always keep in mind that your host will have a schedule of their own to follow, so let them know generally when you will be coming and going.

4. Bring A Thank You Gift

Upon arriving, be sure to have a gift in hand. Bring something you are certain your host would appreciate and enjoy – wine, a beautiful Jo Malone orange blossom candle or something special that will be certain to convey your gratitude.

5. Don’t Overstay Your Welcome

As my aunt reminded me when I was younger regarding house guests, “House guests are like fish, they begin to stink after three days,” and, yes, there is certainly some validity to the famous adage no matter how much you adore your guests. As wonderful as it is to be welcomed into someone’s home, always keep in mind that this is their sanctuary, this is their place to unwind, and nobody wants to be uncomfortable in their home. Even though the visit may be going well, be sure to leave on a high note, and don’t overstay your welcome.

6. Offer to Help

As a guest, offer to help with dinner if your host is making meals that you will be enjoying, or offer to walk their dog if that is something you feel comfortable with. A wonderful gesture that I know almost any cook would appreciate is the offer to clean up the kitchen after the meal. Sounds simple, but it undoubtedly will be hard to turn down.

7. Respect Their House Rules

The first example that most young adults tend to question is following their parents house rules even if they feel they are adults because they no longer permanently live in the home. As a guest, your goal is to make sure that your host is comfortable while you are in their home, and if their house rules are that young couples should sleep in separate beds, then respectfully oblige. Everyone has different values, but if you are stepping over the threshold into their home, you must defer to their expectations. And if you are uncomfortable with them, there are always plenty of hotel rooms.


8. Remember That Your Host Isn’t Responsible For Entertaining You

Sometimes when visiting there will be plans made to spend time with the host and/or hostess, in fact, maybe that is precisely why you are staying there, but if they are opening their home to you without this expectation, understand that is up to the guest to entertain themselves. Unless the host offers, have plans ready to dive into (and even if they do offer, I have found that it is always good to have some time apart from the host, as often they are offering out of kindness, but need a break as well).

Being a guest, a guest that will always be welcomed back, is to be conscious and respectful, because the goal is to help create a memorable experience for all persons involved and strengthen the relationship, not wear it thin.

Be sure to stop by next week when we’ll wrap up the series and share ways to ensure a pleasurable stay and departure.

Images: (1) pinterest (2) pinterest 

Why Not . . . Learn a New Language?

Wanting to learn a new language and actually doing it can sometimes seem miles apart; however, I am confident that even if you want to learn that dream language you have thought about for years on end, and you have thirty minutes a day to spare, you are more than capable of making it into reality. Let me explain. 


Just as taking weight off permanently requires consistent effort made in short increments, so too does learning a new language. With an upcoming trip to Paris planned, I’ve been wanting to freshen up my French language skills, but with my busy schedule, I wasn’t sure this was a possibility.  I don’t have access to college French classes, I don’t have any friends who speak French and well, I don’t have much free time. Needless to say, the trip was the perfect motivator, and I now am working with Rosetta Stone thirty minutes a night. In the quiet of my own office, and short lessons to follow, I can quickly begin where I left off and not waste time setting up. It’s a wonderful program and one that can become a travel companion as well.

Maybe French isn’t the language you have had an inkling for. What about Chinese, German or Italian? As adults who are no longer in school or students who have already declared their major and learning a new language is not a requirement, it may seem unnecessary or frivolous to take the time to learn a new language.  However, consider the below benefits of choosing to add a new language to your talents:

1. Improve your primary language.
 
While you are learning how a new language functions, learning the grammatical do’s and don’t, and which pronouns and verb conjugations to use, you are comparing it to the language you already know in order to understand how to retain the new knowledge and better comprehend all of the new information that is being presented to you. It is almost impossible not to walk away with a better understanding of how to communicate properly in your primary language.

2. Heighten travel experiences. 
 
For my purposes, having had traveled to France many years ago with very little understanding of the language, I wanted to improve my experience on my second trip. I wanted to be more respectful to the culture I was visiting and not have to pull out a book of translations or bother people walking by. I want to be able to drink Paris in with myself as the tour guide.

3. Challenge and strengthen your mind.
 

"We have strong evidence today that studying a foreign language has a ripple effect, helping to improve student performance in other subjects." - Richard Riley, U.S. Secretary of Education under Bill Clinton

Think of learning a new language as the primer that warms your mind up so that it is more pliable in any other subject matter that interests you. By using different parts of your brain to process problems and switch from one language to the next you are exercising muscles that may not have been used as frequently before. So upon their increase of muscle power, other studies have the potential to improve as well.

4. Expand your perspective
 
By choosing to open our minds up, we also expose ourselves to other cultures and different ways of living and thinking. Having an open mind helps in getting along with others, understanding where the other person is coming from and working together with others who come from different cultures.  Now you may not change your beliefs, but when you are better able to understand why someone might believe what they do, you are better able to communicate with them and find common ground.

5. Increase employment opportunities
 
We are now all operating in a global economy. What occurred in Japan in 2011 not only adversely affected Japan, it also affected every other country it did business with. By improving your language skills you are opening doors, expanding options and getting a leg up on the competition. The better you are able to communicate with more people, the more likely you will be given an opportunity to work with a wider array of people.

6. Build confidence in yourself
 
Initially learning a new language can seem impossible. What do all those weird figures mean? Why do half  of the letters in French never get pronounced? This is a very typical and understandable fear; and yet it is due to how difficult it seems that upon finally acquiring the language you realize how capable you are whenever you set your mind to do something.

Images: (1) pinterest

What to Pack for a Luxurious Hotel Stay

A simple way to make sure your time away from home, whether it be for business or pleasure, is a relaxing retreat when you retire to your hotel room is to pack the luxurious essentials that will ensure a pampered and tranquil experience.

While there are many lists out there that tell you what to pack regarding the essentials for clothes, beauty supplies, etc – this list covers the pampering – feel-good items to always include in your travel luggage to provide a restful, relaxing and enjoyable experience whether you are alone or spending time with someone else.

After all, while our house is our sanctuary, wherever we sleep at night can also be transformed into our temporary sanctuary if we happen to be on vacation, on a business trip or simply changing it up a bit and treating ourselves to a night in an extravagant hotel.

Pampering Packing List

I-Feel-Beautiful Pajamas

Nothing makes a night’s sleep more luxurious than slipping into freshly cleaned and pressed pajamas no matter what they may be made of (I prefer cotton or silk). Whether you have a set reserved for traveling or it’s your favorite pair at home, always make sure to pack them.

Slippers

Especially if you are traveling in chillier months, pack your slippers to help keep you warm and cozy.

Reading Material

Aside from my luggage, I always have a tote specially reserved for the magazines I need to read, books I am dying to read and my planner. Often times, I am unable to make it through everything, but I prefer to have choices.

Robe

Often, 4 and 5 star hotels provide terry-cloth or waffle-weave robes, however, unless you know for sure, bring your own.

Candle

Introduce a scent to your room just before bed and you are certain to create an environment that is welcoming to the sight as well as to your nose.

Bubble Bath

Pack your favorite bubble bath, maybe a special L’occitane bubbles, and reserve one bottle for only your travels.  Soaking in a quiet room after a busy day of meetings, shopping or site seeing is an easy way to pamper yourself.

Tea/Coffee

I always enjoy a cup of tea in the evening to wind down before going to bed, and often the tea that is available in my room isn’t to my liking.  By bringing my favorite tea bags with me, I know I am one step closer to a deep night’s sleep.

 

Upon Arrival:

After checking in and tipping the bellboy, take a few minutes to completely unpack, placing your clothes in the closet and drawers, organizing your beauty products and utensils in the bathroom, setting up your nightstand just so (books, glasses, etc) and locate everything in your room that you may use – the desk, iron, robe, remote, etc.

After setting it up, hide your suitcases and other luggage so that your room truly feels like your sanctuary.  By doing this you are helping to create an environment of calm that, while small in effort, can yield very great results.

 

While this is a list that has worked for me, I would love to hear what you have found to be useful in creating a sanctuary away from home while you travel. Happy travels everyone!

Images: (1) We Heart It (2) We Heart It (3) Kensington Hotel London