10 A-List Packing Tips for Budget Travel

Tabloids and gossip sites are packed with photos of A-List celebrities on vacation and trudging through busy airports. Ever wonder how they always seem to look so sharp? Likely, it’s the personal assistant, hair stylist, makeup artist and fashion stylist they have at their every beck and call (and port of call). For those who travel with tighter budget constraints, there are still many ways to look and feel like a star on your next trip.

1. Bring items that can be stylishly converted from a day to night look.

This will save precious space in your suitcase and possibly leave a little extra room for any sweet deals you see on your trip.

2. Pack fabulous accessories.

Nothing makes an outfit sparkle like the perfect accessories. Celebrities often hire stylists to find just the right accompaniments to their ensembles. No doubt, you have some radiant rings and brilliant baubles, so pack a few to spruce up any outfit and wear a favorite while flying to keep your A-list look. Check out the fabulous finds at Stella & Dot.

3. Use a trendy tote instead of a backpack for your carry on.

You’ll look like a star as you stroll through the airport with an over-size stylish bag on your shoulder. This tote from J. Crew offers style for a steal!

4. Avoid stress by using a luxury travel bag to store liquids in.

Travel bags tailored to the tight restrictions of TSA carry-on regulations help you pack your toiletries in luxury style at an affordable price.

5. Protect your clothes from sharp stilettos by bagging them individually.

While your favorite heels may look sexy on, they can still wreak havoc on the contents of your suitcase if they are not properly covered or secured. If you do not have a separate compartment for shoes in your luggage, wrap each pair of stilettos individually (use a T shirt or hand towel) to avoid snagging fragile fabrics.

6. Don’t rely on hotel toiletries.

Bring your favorite goods to keep you hair and skin looking sensational. Ask yourself this question: Have you ever had a good hair day after using hotel shampoo? Odds are, your answer is “no.” Bring your own favorite products in refillable travel-size containers and look as great on-the-go.

7. Add a little flair to you bag.

Tie a cute, colorful scarf to the handle, but use a scarf that is inexpensive and holds no sentimental value. Other options include a fashionable luggage tag or fun-printed ribbon.

8. BYOM: Bring your own manicure.

If you have not budgeted for a manicure, bring your own supplies in case your nails are in need of a mid-trip touch up. Keep in mind that nail polish can spill, so be sure to store them securely in your travel toiletry bag. Also remember to store your tweezers and nail clippers in your checked luggage.

9. Be prepared to fight stains on the go.

Some foods are just plain messy. When you’re stuck with a limited amount of clothing to choose from, a stained shirt can disrupt your whole lineup. Pack a stain-removing pen or wipes to prevent messes from messing up your wardrobe.

10. Just in case…

Even if you don’t think you’ll need it, you should always have least one fabulousevening ensemble in your suit case. There’s nothing worse than showing up underdressed for an evening soiree.

Travel Beauty Tips for Looking Good While Flying

When you’re surrounded by dry, recycled air, and have limited space and lots of carry-on regulations, looking good while flying can be a challenge. There are some easy beauty travel tips to try on your next flight that will help you arrive at your destination looking fresh and not frazzled.

Hydrate Inside & Out

Prep skin the night before your flight by applying a deep moisturizer. Drinking lots of H2O while at 30,000 feet will keep your skin from feeling dry inside and out.

Pack Your Products

Bring your favorite products on board while maintaining TSA carry-on regulations. Pack your liquid beauty essentials such as face moisturizer, hand lotion and eye cream in refillable 3 fl. oz. bottles neatly stored in a travel toiletry bag.

Tame Your Tresses

Keep tress stress to a minimum with a natural boar bristle brush. Rubbing moisturizer between your palms and smoothing over your hair does wonders to tame wayward flyaways. Get more frizz fighting tips at folica.com.

Dry Clean Hair

If hair looks flat and feels greasy after a long journey, use a dry shampoo such as Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo to perk up roots and refresh your tresses.

Blot it Out

Use blotting papers or rice papers to blot oily areas and dab up shine while maintaining essential moisture.

Lube up Lips

Protect precious lips by reapplying lip balm throughout your flight. Keep your kisser soft and smooth and prevent cracking.

Hands Off

Keep your hands off your face to prevent spreading bacteria you could unknowingly pick up, causing breakouts or other skin concerns. Use antibacterial hand wash or gel before you apply moisturizer or makeup in flight.

What are your best beauty travel tips? Share them with us on Facebook!

4 Tips to Travel In Functional Style

You want to be comfortable while traveling, but it doesn’t mean you have to look like you just rolled out of bed. You can travel with ease, from your bag to your shoes, while looking and feeling pulled together.

Here are a four ways you can maintain your first class style while enduring a long journey:

Carry On Tote

A good size carry-all tote is all you need in-flight. A big, stylish bag will hold your books, ipod, 3 oz. toiletries, snacks, netbook or ipad and any other entertainment or personal essentials.

Layered Look

Layering clothes in neutral basic colors is the way to travel in style, and stay comfy in all temperature changes. Pair jeans with a soft, fitted T-shirt and a flowy, lightweight cardigan or wrap that you can take on or off.

Fancy Footwork

You might imagine wearing high heeled sandals or boots as you strut down the runway, but your tootsies will likely pay the price at 10,000 feet. Keep it chic with closed toe ballet flats that will also keep feet warm in cold airplane air.

Luxury Travel Bag

Pack your beauty must-haves in a functional yet highly fashionable travel toiletry bag. You can bring your favorite products from home in TSA regulation sizes without buying from the dollar bin, and freshen up any time!

What are your favorite fashionable yet functional travel tips? Share them here!

TSA Carry-on Regulations: Tips for Traveling with Children

Air travel with children takes an already stressful process to a whole other level. Adhering to strict TSA Carry-on Regulations and guidelines with kids can turn even the most organized and easy going family into a bad episode of Supernanny. Being prepared for TSA carry-on and screening policies ahead of time will save you time, energy and likely two Advil. Here are some key considerations for traveling with children that will help you get to your gate a little easier.

• All children of every age (newborns included) must go through the screening process. You can hold small children and babies that can’t walk yet.
• Babies must be taken out of a stroller, car seat or sling while going through detectors.
• All strollers, booster seats and carriers have to be folded up if possible and placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• All children’s belongings must go through the x-ray, including diaper bags, stuffed animals, toys and blankets.
• Baby formula, breast milk, milk and juice can exceed 3.4 oz. (within reason) and are not required to be in a clear zippered bag. They must go through the screening process though and may even tested by TSA personnel. You will not have to taste anything or open sealed containers or juice boxes, but bottles and sippy cups will be opened and litmus tested.
• All other liquids, gels and aerosols, like diaper cream, baby lotion, hand sanitizer, gas drops, and even yogurt and baby food, must be in 3.4 oz. or smaller containers. If you don’t have products available in the required size, use a toiletry bag with TSA Carry-on compliant refillable travel bottles to bring what you need.
• Liquids and gels in larger sizes, including baby formula, breast milk, or juice, may be packed in your luggage and checked by the airline. Just make sure they are secure and won’t open or spill in your bags.

For more information on TSA Carry-on Regulations and traveling with children visit http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/index.shtm.

7 Packing Tips to Make Air Travel Easy Breezy

Air travel usually causes enough headaches and stress without worrying what to pack and ensuring you meet all TSA regulations. Now there are a lots of handy travel accessories and gadgets that will help make your journey easy breezy. Here are a few packing and travel tips to ensure a smooth experience.

• Pack bags within bags. Use the protective bags that come with shoes and purses to protect small items like jewelry and hair accessories so they don’t get lost or damaged in your suitcase.
• Download travel apps. Have maps, directories and guides at your fingertips with travel apps and digital city guides. You can even download currency converters and language translators to converse with the locals. The TSA even has a mobile travel app at http://contact.tsa.dhs.gov/mytsa/.
• Use refillable bottles. Don’t cram all of your coveted beauty items in an unreliable (and unattractive) plastic bag that’s really designed for sandwiches. Pack your goods in a TSA compliant travel toiletry bag, like the one from Clear Bag System with refillable airless pumps.
• Keep meds organized. Grandma had the right idea. A little pill box will keep your meds and vitamins neatly in place. Put it in your travel toiletry bag for easy access on board.
• Tag your bag. This might sound obvious, but a bright, stylish luggage tag will help you ID your bag instantly and help prevent lost luggage in a sea of black rollers.
• Buy a cardholder. Don’t lug your full-size wallet. Keep cash and cards neatly and safely tucked away in one convenient place. Check out the cool ones at http://shop.eleveneleven.net/category/46081133981/1/Cardholder-Wallets.htm.
• Pack a laundry bag. Don’t air your dirty laundry all over your hotel room. Keep dingy duds away from clean clothes with a compact, foldable laundry bag.

Free Holiday Bag for Smart Shoppers

Holiday shopping might be a little tight for many people this year. So, why not start now and take advantage of early-bird specials? Avoid making last minute buying decisions by implementing a strategic shopping plan. No need to get in a panic right before Christmas and pay top dollar for gifts that may not even be on a wish list.

ClearBagSystem is doing its part to eliminate holiday shopping stress by offering a FREE travel bag for your liquids and gels. Buy one travel bag and get one for free. You'll knock out two gifts at once, make traveling easier for someone, and be thanked for a fashionable travel bag that can be reused for years to come.

Fewer Travelers are Checking Bags

A recent survey found that fewer people are checking bags (76% in 2009, vs. 82% last year) at six large airports (Atlanta, Mumbai, Paris, Moscow, São Paulo and Johannesburg). Also, 80% of airlines will offer mobile phone check-in by 2012.