Hey there, friends! Last month, almost immediately after leaving for Italy, I started receiving an influx of travel questions that didn’t necessarily fall within a place or a blog post I had put together before. I love that you see me as someone you can ask these questions and I love that I have the opportunity to be of service to you guys. The world is a beautiful place, and while I’ve only seen a very small part of it, if I can inspire you guys to pull the trigger on doing the same, then I can say I’ve made a meaningful impact.
While it’s not curing cancer, travel can have a lot of positive benefits on us as human beings. It can afford us a greater ability to love our neighbor and realize that we, as Americans, are not that much different than men and women in the countries we go to visit. Something that I believe can get in the way of reaping the benefits of travel is not feeling confident and ready for your trip and thus running into inconveniences and / or annoyances. Those are BOUND to happen from time to time but I do think the more you plan, the easier and more enjoyable travel can be. It can also make it less intimidating.
So, I thought it’d be helpful to compile all of the general travel FAQs I have received recently into a post for you guys to have to refer to before your travels so you feel a little more comfortable and confident before starting your venture!
Packing + Luggage
Do you have any luggage suggestions? I’m going to start traveling more so I’m looking for something new.
My favorite luggage right now is this Calpak Marble set. It’s hard-sided, really sturdy and fits everything I need! It took a full year before I had an issue with the wheel, which was a long time considering how much wear the suitcases had gotten in in a year. You can see it in action in this blog post!
What size suitcase do you bring with you on your trips?
I need to preface this answer with a reminder. I am a style blogger so I’m not the most practical and certainly not a minimalist when it comes to my travel packing style. So, don’t take my honest answer to this question as my recommendation on what YOU should do.
If I was traveling without a job to do, I would pack much less. I can assure you my shoulders have paid the price for how much I pack as I am the one who has to lug them through train station platforms, across ancient cobblestone streets and down long, steep flights of stairs. So, seriously, keep that in mind while you’re packing! 🙂
The size of my suitcase typically depends on the length of my trip. Last year, when I was gone for two and a half weeks, I got by with what you see in this picture here to the left, which is the 30-inch and 22-inch spinner set. This year, I ended up packing the 3-piece set because I was shooting a bunch of content in London before heading to Italy. However, I left one (the 26-inch spinner suitcase) in London at the hotel I’d be staying in when I returned to London, for the duration of my Italy trip, so I didn’t have so much to carry with me for the longer part of my trip. So, I essentially had as much luggage with me in Italy as I did on my Spring trip last year. For Curaçao, a much shorter trip, I brought the 26-inch spinner suitcase from the 3-piece set. Again, that’s probably more than most people would pack for a four day trip. I’m simply answering the question, but not necessarily recommending you do the same.
What travel bags do you use to keep your suitcase organize, if any?
I don’t consistently use these marble packing cubes but, I should, because there were super helpful when I used them last year for St. Thomas and my France trip! I’ll try to use them for my next trip abroad, coming up in a couple of weeks, and will show y’all how I organized them once I get situated in my hotel.
I’m flying on a low fare flight to Dublin for a bachelorette party and have a very small duffle bag that I can take with me. Any must haves? Any tips on how to pack super light?
As I mentioned above, I rarely pack light so I’m not the best person to ask how to pack super light, ha! But if you’re only going for a few days, a small duffle bag should be plenty. It’s hard to really say what to pack because I don’t know exactly how long your trip is but, if it is just a long weekend, I’d bring two lightweight dresses, two pairs of shorts [one jean, one nicer pair] and two t-shirts [one white, one black & white], an outfit for the big night out for your girlfriend, another travel outfit, one clutch and a pair of sandals to wear out on the big night, a tote with a zipper to wear everywhere else, a pair of Converse / nice flats / flat sandals to walk around in and your toiletries and makeup. Again, it’s hard to say for sure but that’s at least a start. You can add or subtract, as needed.
Navigation
Do you ever rent a car while traveling? If so, do you have an international drivers license?
Yes, I have rented a car many times and I highly recommend it if you’re wanting to get up and go whenever you want and see more places in your own time! You don’t always need an international drivers license but sometimes you do! I had to get one to rent a car in Hungary, which was easily attainable through my local AAA office. If you’re not sure whether you need one for wherever you’re going, head HERE to check out the list of countries in which an IDL is required.
What do you recommend as far as using Google Maps / other apps in Europe when WiFi is not available?
I recommend downloading the city and transit maps on Google Maps prior to your trip so that you can access and utilize them without the use of WiFi. Unfortunately, I don’t have any other recommendations for other app’s as I haven’t seen the ability to download maps off of the other navigation apps I use. You should also have your hotel phone number readily available in case you do have to place a phone call for navigation assistance, that way you know you’ll be talking to someone in the country that speaks English.
I’d also recommend booking accommodations that provide you with a phone to bring with you around the city. My flat in Rome provided me, rented through One Fine Stay, with one and it was so helpful to know I had something to use in case of emergencies! I didn’t have to worry about how much it would cost me to make an international phone call if I was lost and needed navigation assistance or something.
What is the best navigation app I should download before heading over to London in case service is spotty?
I recommend using the CityMapper to navigate the city of London. It is the absolute BEST and the best thing is that London isn’t the only city you can use it! There are lots of other cities around the world that are available on the app so be sure to head HERE and see if your destination is included in the app!
Technology + Phone Service
What adaptor / converter do you use when you’re traveling?
Okay, so I rarely use adaptors and converters but don’t go anywhere… I have solutions!
Whenever I get this question, I am always like ‘man, what I do is NOT helpful for everyone who is asking me’ so I set out to find something that would be. Be sure to read all of this!
A couple of years ago, when I was in Paris, I bought the Apple World Adaptor Kit for my laptop. So, I’d plug in my laptop with whatever plug was appropriate for wherever I was and then would use the USB port on my computer to charge my devices. That obviously didn’t help with hair tools but we’ll get into that in a little bit. Then, when I lived in London, I purchased a U.K. plug at Apple that I could connect my USB to in order to charge my phone or camera. So, that’s what I use when I go to the U.K., which is why, for the longest time, I felt like I didn’t have a good answer for you guys because I never used an adaptor or convertor to charge my devices. I would frequently search Amazon to find a similar U.K. plug with a USB port and never had any luck …. until NOW!
So, here are my recommendations for you guys:
Before your trip to the U.K., you can purchase THIS little guy! It has four USB ports so you can charge your phone, battery pack and camera all at once. The more you have plugged in MAY decrease the speed in which all items charge so keep that in mind and buy an additional if you think it’s necessary!
In mainland Europe, you need a different plug and I use THIS plug whenever I’m there. I have two and always bring both just in case someone I’m traveling with needs it.
On my most recent trip to Curaçao, I used THIS travel converter for a hair tool and it worked perfectly. It does not convert voltage and works best on products that are DUAL-VOLTAGE.
I do not have a recommendation for a converter. I’m sorry. The above have worked fine for me so I don’t see a need in fussing over a converter. If I ever come across a travel situation where that changes, I will let you know.
So, why would I use multiple plugs rather than just using ONE adaptor?
Simply put, an adaptor doesn’t convert the wattage difference in your American devices to what is normal in the country you are in so the likelihood of your phone and recharging battery packs from getting hot, or even overheating, is higher. So, I love using the plugs because they allow your American devices to be charged on the European current because of the wattage it can handle. There’s no converter needed.
What’s your favorite portable phone charger for traveling?
I swear by Anker portable chargers. I’ve been using this long one for over a year now. It will charge your phone so fast and can hold seven full phone charges and has multiple USB ports. It also has a port for a different kind of cord that charges my mirrorless camera and my WiFi hotspot [which I only use in the States]. I just purchased this smaller one for my next trip abroad because the long one isn’t very lightweight.
When you travel over there, do you get an international plan with your carrier or pop in a SIM card once over there?
I have an international SIM card that I got from O2 in London, however, I only used that when I lived there because it was more cost effective. My cell phone service provider, AT&T, used to have a terrible international plan but now it’s $10 a day for the same plan I have in the States so I just do that. However, I do always bring my O2 sim card with me if I know I’ll be in London for a few days and I’m staying in an AirBNB or HomeAway flat. If I’ve been walking around all day and I don’t feel like going out to dinner or don’t have any plans with friends, I like to order something from Deliveroo and you need to put in a U.K. phone number to place the order. If I stay at a hotel, I’ll just put the front desks’ phone number and they’ll call me when they’re downstairs but otherwise, I use mine.
** If I could do it again, I’d get a vodaphone sim card because you can find stores for that service provider all over Europe and O2 is just in the U.K. **
Something I have been wanting to do, and might do during my upcoming trip, is to see what I would need to do to buy a dongle, which is the terrible word they use for a WiFi hotspot, because sometimes WiFi is really terrible, especially in some AirBNB’s. It wouldn’t matter to me that much if I didn’t have to work while I travel but, since I do, I figure it’s something worth looking into. However, if memories serves me correctly, from a previous conversation I had with an employee at a cell phone service provider in London, I think I have to have an international bank account in order to buy one of those. If you have any experience with this, please let email me!
Communication
Do you use an app for translation when you don’t have people around that speak languages fluently?
I use Google Translate in those destinations where English is not the primary language.
Of course, it’s been pretty obvious over the past couple of years that one of my most frequent travel partners, Victoria, is also multi-lingual, which has absolutely nothing to do with why she travels with me but is an obvious perk! However, that does not mean I don’t do my homework. As a general rule of thumb, you always should go prepared to say the most basic phrases in whatever the primary language of wherever you’re going to is, like “Hello, how are you?”, “Thank you”, “You’re welcome”, “I don’t speak ___ well, do you speak English?”.
If you’re unsure of how to say something in particular or, even better, pronounce something, Google Translate has been really helpful for that. I’ve heard TripLingo is another good app to consider for this, as well. But, I love that you can download a language on your phone with Google Translate so that, if you don’t have WiFi or data available, you can still use it!
The best way you can show the people you come across in another country respect as a tourist is to just try. It doesn’t have to be perfect. They can tell it’s not your first language so they don’t expect it to be but when you show that you care enough to try, you’re showing them that you’re not acting like an entitled American because, honestly, that’s how we can come across from what I’ve been told. So, remember, you are a guest in their country. Half of the time, they will typically respond to you in English with a smile but simply trying to speak the language really says a lot to most people abroad and they’ll want to help you more so just do your best. 🙂
For help with basic phrases, I typically include them in most of my travel diaries.
Travel Planning + Airline Preferences
What airline do you typically fly when you’re traveling abroad?
I have flown Virgin the most because it’s my absolute favorite. However, I have flown Delta, British Airways, Air France and United, as well.
Have you ever flown Norwegian?
No, I haven’t but I have a friend who has and she said it’s fine but you get what you pay for. You don’t get to choose your seat so you may not sit next to your travel companion. Honestly, if you’re paying next to nothing for a long flight, you really shouldn’t have high expectations for food, service, etc. So, if you’re booked on that flight, pack light as they likely charge for every bag you bring, eat a big meal beforehand, bring snacks and a toothbrush & toothpaste – maybe a sleep aid – for the flight over and sleep your way throughout it!
How you go about choosing where to go and finding good deals on flights?
I choose where to go based on what I see through travel hashtags on Instagram and through perusing Pinterest. I love finding new places on Pinterest. It’s my favorite social media platform to find inspiration.
I don’t necessarily always get the best deal on flights because I tend to plan my trips based on the dates that are good for whoever I’m traveling with and, in order to get the best deal on your flight, you really need to be flexible. If you want to travel, and you want to travel on a major budget, I would use SkyScanner to do your flight search. Instead of picking specific dates, I would click on Departure Date and, in the box, you’ll see you have the option to choose an entire month. You’ll choose the month you want to travel in. Then, fill in your airport in the ‘From’ section and click in the box underneath ‘To’. It’ll give you an option to Search Everywhere. Select that and it’ll give you the lowest flight price for that month to some of the most popular places around the world and you can get even more specific from there.
So, say you want to go to Paris but it’s $400 cheaper to fly to Brussels. Well, book the flight to Brussels, check out Brussels for a day, then head to the train station to take the Eurostar to Paris the next morning. The train ticket will still make the overall cost of getting to Paris lower than it would be if you flew there to begin with and you got to check off another country and city you may or may not have ever been to! So, I think the trick is keeping an open mind and getting creative. In addition to SkyScanner, I love to use Rome2Rio to help figure out how to get from Point A to Point B and if that Brussels to Paris route would even make sense to begin with. It takes some time but it’s worth it!
If you’re a visual person, you can watch a tutorial of what I was describing here!
Security
Do you use any security money belts or items similar when traveling to foreign locations? I’m afraid of being pick-pocketed.
I do not wear security money belts or anything of the sort. The key to staying secure is keeping your bag in front of you and making sure you only carry bags that either have a clasp that is hard to get into or a tote with a zipper. Here are a few examples of bags I have carried in the past:
ORIGINAL POSTS WITH OUTFIT DETAILS FOR THE ABOVE PHOTOS CAN BE FOUND HERE: one | two | three | four
Accommodations
Do you prefer to in hotels or rentals when you travel? Or does it just depend on where you’re going?
I’m not really sure that I have a preference because both have their pro’s and con’s. In hotels, you have the luxury of having a bellman, concierge and elevator / lift, the security of lobby staff at all hours seeing who comes in and out of the hotel, and the expansive breakfast spread every morning or room service that’s just a phone call away. You also, more often than not, have a much more comfortable bed than you would in an AirBNB. However, with all of these luxuries comes a heftier price tag. But, I love AirBNB’s because you really get a feel for what ‘living’ in the city you’re visiting might be like. You usually have a kitchen so you can find a local grocery store to grab some groceries so you don’t feel so compelled to eat out the whole time. They can also be a lot cheaper than hotels! On the flip side, I’ve experienced some really not-so-comfortable beds in Europe in rental flats and some extremely steep spiral staircases with no one to help you with your luggage.
So, it really just depends. I think I appreciate the beauty of both because I’ve experienced the pain of both, as well, if that makes sense.
Although the above answers the question, I would like to take a second to talk about my accommodations when I travel. Running this blog has certainly presented me with some very humbling opportunities to work with hotel chains and resorts that I never would have thought would pay my blog any mind or attention. I am thankful for those partnerships and enter into them very carefully, but I am not naive to the fact that not everyone has the budget to stay at a resort or at a five star hotel. I told myself if I was going to cover travel that I would cover a variety of accommodation options! I never want to make people think that you have to have A LOT of money in order to travel. You can travel on a budget and you can stay in a nice place with a view.
Take this flat in Paris that I stayed in, for example. When I booked it, it was $99/night. It’s small. It’s really only meant for two people but it has a stunning view. The bed was a pull-out but was comfortable. The kitchen appliances work. It has a quaint balcony AND there’s a lift / elevator! Boom. So, you’ll see me stay in beautiful places like this one in Rome or the Rosewood in London [that one time for that one night] but you’ll also see some more affordable options in other places, as well.
Style + Beauty
What hair tools do you recommend bringing to Europe?
This is another question I used to not enjoy answering because, during my travels, I have purchased a curling wand that works in the U.K. and one that works in Europe. I just bring those depending on where I’m going. In THIS post that I did last year highlighting the beauty products I never travel without, I recommended that you purchase a curling wand that is dual voltage, like GHD.
But … great news! I found one that is not only dual-voltage but is WAY. CHEAPER. than GHD curling wands and work just as good.
I recently started using the L’ange Lustre 32mm Titanium Wand and it curls my hair so beautifully. It has multiple heat settings, an automatic turn off feature and is dual-voltage. I brought it with me to Curaçao and didn’t overheat or stop working when it was plugged into my travel adaptor. It worked beautifully. The absolute best thing about this wand is that it’s currently on major sale! Go HERE and scroll down. You’ll click on ‘Any Lustre’ and you can pick and choose what color you want and what size barrel. Regardless of your choices, you’ll get the wand for $65.00! That’s over $100 off it’s normal price and such a good deal for a high quality wand! If you use a straightener, I’d recommend their Le Revé straightener! It’s also dual-voltage, powers down automatically after 60 minutes of non-use and negative-ion technology construction to lock out frizz!
If you are set on wanting to bring your own hair dryer, I recommend THIS one!
What straightener do you use in London?! I’m moving there next month and am looking for recommendations!
I don’t use a straightener to style my hair but, if you’re moving there, I’d recommend going to your nearest Boots location and buying a reasonably priced one that has a U.K. plug. That’ll be way easier. Or, you can go to Selfridges to get a nicer one if you want.
Do you have a recommendation for a heat resistant travel sleeve for your curling wand or hair straightener? I want something I can pack it in even if it’s still hot, like if I have to leave for the airport right after finishing getting ready and doing my hair.
I actually just ran into this issue in Curaçao and I didn’t have one of these so I searched for a heat resistant sleeve and found THIS one that comes in gray and pink.
If I buy a designer handbag abroad, what is the process of getting my tax return?
This process actually doesn’t only apply to only people who are buying designer handbags, this tax free shopping situation applies to any shopping you plan on doing.
Being a ‘visitor’ to the European Union makes you eligible to shop free to the VAT tax that is applied to all transactions for the consumer who lives within the EU. You will pay the VAT on your purchase up front and the employee will typically ask you if you are shopping tax free, most especially if they have heard you speak and can tell you’re American. After you say yes, they will ask you for your passport [upload a copy of it into a passcode protected app like Dropbox; you never want to travel with your actual passport with you; keep it in your hotel / AirBNB] and will either [1] fill out the tax-free paperwork for you or [2] will print out the tax free paperwork and you will have to fill it in before you get to the airport the day you leave Europe. If you don’t have your passport, it’s okay. You will just need to show them proof that you live in the United States so your drivers license is fine. They will put your receipt for the item(s) and your tax free paperwork in a decent size envelope so it’s easy to keep track of. DO NOT LOSE IT.
HEADS UP | If you’re in a large department store abroad, and you are wanting to claim tax-free, they will give you receipt for the items and direct you to an office in the department store to get your tax-free paperwork. They do this at Harrods and Selfridges in London. Don’t forget to get it or you won’t be able to get your tax-free money back.
To get your tax free money back, you will need to find the Tax Refund Office that is located in the terminal at the port of your last departure* and have your envelopes ready in your carry on luggage. I’ve been advised to always take care of your tax refund before you check in for your flight and check your bags in case the tax refund agents want to see the item you purchased. This actually happened when I was leaving London after my long stay. They asked to see multiple items I had purchased. Once you wait in line and are directed to an agent, they will go through everything and ask you if you want a cash refund or if you want it on a credit card. I always get mine put back on the card that I made the purchase with.
Earlier this month, it only took 24 hours for my refund to show up on my card! It used to be a couple of weeks. The biggest thing to make sure they do before leaving the office is that they stamp the paperwork. At Heathrow, which is where I typically leave Europe from most of the time, they always mail mine off for me so I don’t have to find the drop off box but sometimes, they will give you the envelopes back sealed and you need to find the box to drop them in. I assume they tell you where those are, though.
* Your port of last departure is the airport you travel HOME from. So, if you made a purchase in Italy, but then you flew to Paris for a few days then ended your trip in Lisbon, you will stop at the Tax Refund Office in Lisbon to process your paperwork for the refund.
•• I’ve heard there are currently some issues with Global Blue not providing refunds to people who have made purchases in Greece and Turkey. I have not heard any other details so I highly encourage you to do some research of your own if this is where you are heading soon and plan to shop! ••
Any advice when it comes to getting your tax refund?
My two biggest pieces of advice for anyone who plans to get your tax free money back is:
[1] GIVE YOURSELF TIME – If you’ve never left out of the airport you’re leaving out of and you don’t know where the tax refund office is – there are usually multiple – you will need to give yourself time to A. find it and B. wait in line. There are always a few people in front of me when I get in line and I’ve never had to wait in a LONG line, no more than 10 minutes, but I’m not saying there never is. Also, to prevent stress on the day of your return flight home, I would recommend attempting to look up where the tax refund office is the day before. Start with finding out what terminal you are flying out of then google it. So, if I’m flying out of Heathrow Terminal 3, I’d google ‘Heathrow terminal 3 tax refund office’ and see what comes up!
[2] BE READY & ORGANIZED – This isn’t a hard process but it could be an annoying one if you wait for however long in line and then have the person looking over your paperwork tell you to step aside and fill the rest of the paperwork out. Do this ahead of time while you are en route to the airport. That’s what I do and it’s always such a breeze.
This may seem like kind of a hassle for some people but with there being an 8-27% tax paid back to you, depending on how much of a tax percentage the country you made a purchase in charges, it could really pay off! It’s a really easy process.
Do I need to claim my purchase when I come back to the States?
Yes. Yes. Yes.
Even after you get your tax refund, you need to claim the purchases you have made abroad. You can’t bring tax-free goods into the United States. Taxes have been placed on goods that come into this country for hundreds of years so this is essentially the same thing. The great thing is the tax is typically very small. To claim your purchase, you just have to select ‘YES’ on the appropriate question on your entry form when you come back into the country. It will put an X or an O on the sheet that is printed at the kiosk and the person directing you into lines will tell you where to go. Then, you’ll wait for a customs officer and he will ask you what you purchased, what it’s made of, etc. and he will look up in the system what the tax percentage is, then he’ll take you to the collector to pay and you are free to go pick up your luggage! Super easy!
Also, they give you an $800 tax exemption. They will tax the amount of your purchase with the $800 taken off. So, if you paid $2,000 for a handbag, they will subtract $800 and then you will pay the 5-8% tax on the remaining $1,200, which would be $60 at best and $96 at worst. So, that’s really not bad!
After I went over this on IG stories the other day, I had a girl ask how they would know either way and she stated how she probably wouldn’t claim her purchases. ** four second pause ** I mean… to each their own. Honestly, you probably wouldn’t get caught but I really wouldn’t want to be the one to find out what the penalty is for tax evasion if they did happen to catch you.
So, you GET tax money back when you leave Europe then you have to PAY taxes when you get to the States so is it even worth it to buy designer items abroad?
Yes, because when you convert the price of the designer item abroad to the price of the designer item in America, it’s typically MUCH less expensive, and if the country that you are visiting has a high percentage of VAT [20-25%] then you’ll be making more money back then you’ll pay when you claim the item back in the States [typically 5-8%].
I can’t say that in every situation and scenario it makes sense, or that there is a huge difference. It really depends on the exchange rates at the time of your purchase, but I would say that you do typically save some money.
My advice is to do some research ahead of time:
• Whatever designer item you’re wanting to purchase, log on to their U.K. or Italy [or wherever you’re going] website by changing the country and look up the item to see how much they charge for that item in that country. Then, do the same for the U.S. and see what the difference is.
• Look up the VAT percentage in the country you’re going to and add that to the European price and see if it would make sense.
Here is an example for you guys. I actually just did the math on this one handbag I bought here in Jacksonville back in March and the amount I would have saved almost makes me mad at myself that I didn’t think to wait until I went to London in April. So, back at the end of February, I stopped into Louis Vuitton and I fell in love with this handbag. I thought it was beautiful and I knew I’d wear it a bunch, most especially in the Fall. So, I got it for myself as a birthday present. [I know, y’all had no idea I owned this bag because I haven’t photographed it or shared it with y’all. Sometimes I just like to keep things to myself I guess, I don’t know.]
The price tag in America is $2,230 plus 7% tax and some other charge I believe and it comes out to around $2400. In Italy, they are selling it for €1,650, which equates to $1,925.50. You will then have to pay the VAT up front, which is 22% for Italy, so that makes your purchase in Italy out to be $2,013. You will then get your VAT money back once you turn in your tax paperwork at the airport so you’re back down to $1,925.50 that you paid. Then you’ll pay around 7% tax on it when you get to the States, which is $2,060. So, $2,400 [price in the States] minus $2,060 [price in Italy] gives you a savings of $340. So, waiting and buying it in Italy would have saved me quite a bit of money! **FACE PALM** I should know better by now, ha! But, yeah, it’s not exact but I think that illustrates it pretty well!
What designer bags do you like to use most for travel? I’m looking to invest in a good bag that is both durable and useful for traveling.
Okay, so I’ve always said … leave your designer items at home because I would hate for something bad to happen while you’re abroad. However, during my travels, I haven’t exactly followed that rule and I have been completely fine. That is not to say that nothing could ever happen because there’s always a chance. But, if you feel compelled to bring a designer bag with you, I would suggest it be something that is a cross body and has a very secure opening. Three out of the four purses pictured above are designer and you’ll notice that they are all either a clasp opening, that would be hard for someone to open quickly without you noticing, or a zipper opening, that you should always keep zipped when you are not getting something out of it.
Typically, pick-pocketers are looking for people who likely have money so designer bags definitely bring you to their attention but they’re also looking for people who are in awe of their surroundings, not fully paying attention to what’s going on around them, etc. They’re looking for easy targets, essentially, because come on … there are plenty of women in London and Paris and Rome with designer handbags. But, if you look like a tourist and you have a designer handbag on, you have your camera up in the air with your crossbody bag unzipped and around your backside … then, yeah, they could definitely target you. So, keep your bag secure and in FRONT of you, regardless of whether it’s clearly designer or not.
And, also, let’s remember … to each their own with this topic. It’s obviously risky and not everyone will agree so no need to make comments on what you would prefer or your thoughts on what I do. Everyone is entitled to do what they feel comfortable with. I just think it’s important to realize the risk and do what you can to minimize it if you’re willing to take it.
In regard to my recommendation on which designer bags I recommend for travel … I think the ones I have styled above have served me well. They’re practical, not particularly ‘flashy’ and, again, have more secure openings than other bags.
What are the best shoes for London and Paris?
I firmly believe there is no ‘best’ shoe when you’re walking all day but I highlighted some good travel shoe options in this post from earlier this year as well as the packing guides that I put together for each of my trips.
Miscellaneous
What’s been your most favorite place to visit, other than London since it seems like it’s your second home.
While no place compares to London, I do always love exploring new bits of Italy. It’s such a diverse country with so much to see and good food throughout! What more could you ask for?
Have you ever thought about living in Europe full time?
I’ve definitely thought about living in London. So many of you have had the chance to see how alive I feel and happy I am being in London. It is my soul city and where I want to be, without a doubt, but, unfortunately, the U.K.’s visa options for people who work for themselves, more specifically, who have business structures like mine, aren’t very cost effective. I’d be paying more money on import taxes, employees, rent and photography fees than I’d feel comfortable with considering I’d likely be making less money. There’s no need to really go into the nitty gritty of all of that and making less money is SURELY not the reason why I am not confident in pursuing it. I’d rather make less and live somewhere that makes me feel alive and inspired the way London does but I think it’s mostly just a lot of uncertainty and fear.
I LOVE doing what I do and I wish it was a little clearer how what I do would work over there with a 98% American audience. It’s also the type of Visa I was told I need just absolutely does not make sense. Exploring other ways to get there is something Justine and I have on our radar but, for now, I’m just loving that I am able to go back a few times a year. Who knows what the future will bring! I’m all ears if you have an amazing immigration lawyer contact you’d like to send my way!
Do you ever get homesick while traveling?
I am someone who a little ironic in that I absolutely love to travel and explore and feel free but I also crave structure and familiarity and being home. My introverted side is much larger than my extroverted side so I typically am ‘ready’ to go home after two weeks. But, after a few weeks at home, I’m ready to get back out there again.
Do you have any favorite travel app’s that have helped you or that you use the most when you travel?
Yes! I actually covered this question in THIS Friday Five blog post! I went into lots of details and spilled the beans on all of my favorites, including the one you need if want to skip the long line you could potentially be waiting in when you arrive home from an international destination!
O.M.G. Finally! Hah! The end! You guys … this was so fun to write about these travel FAQs! I love that you have so many questions about travel. I love you’re getting out there and seeing amazing places. Please leave me any questions you have. Let me know if you need clarification on anything. And, also … PLEASE! Tell me where you’re going!! I always love hearing new travel ideas. If you haven’t checked out my Travel Guides section on the blog, don’t miss it, especially if you’re heading to Santorini, London, Germany, Bermuda, Rome, Venice, etc! There are so many more resources in there for you! Thanks for stopping by today! Y’all are the best! xo.
Giveaway!
To thank you for all of your love and support lately, I thought it’d be fun to put together a little travel oriented giveaway! FIVE winners will receive a $100 Delta gift card, their choice of either a Longchamp Large Le Pliage or Rebecca Minkoff Nylon Tote and a handful of my favorite carry on items mentioned in THIS post! See the widget below on how to enter! Good luck!
I absolutely love this post!! Please do more travel FAQs! However, I do think hostels are worth mentioning, as a huge chunk of young travelers prefer to stay in them and they are way more affordable.
Glad you enjoyed this post! I definitely think hostels are great options for travelers on a budget. xo
Thanks so much for this post, it’s so helpful as I plan my trip to Italy in October. I hope to win the giveaway! I plan to give the Rebecca minkoff bag to my bridesmaids and would LOVE one for myself!! Xoxo
Thank-you for this super in-depth Q&A Haley! It was so interesting, I absolutely love your travel posts!
I hope you’re having a wonderful Thursday,
Michael
https://www.mileinmyglasses.com
Thank you! xo.
Very lovely post … love the traveling post! ♥️?♥️
??ROSES FOR FRIDAYS ??| by mia | A Creative Lifestyle Blog
Thanks, Mia!
Bon Voyage!!
I didn’t follow you until COF told me too, and now I’m obsessed! Nice to ‘meet’ you!
I’m hoping to travel abroad a lot more in the coming years, so thank you for all the advice!
For the people that asked about traveling light, I was in Europe for a week and a half and didn’t check a bag and it was fine. Just bring clothes with a similar color palette so you can mix and match and remember, worst case you can buy something there.
xAllie
http://www.theallthatglittersblog.com
This was sooo in depth thank you for taking the time to be so thorough!!! You are a life saver!
This is all so helpful! Thank you!
Wow, such a thorough post!!!! Thank you for taking the time to answer all these questions!
I travel quite a bit and found myself nodding as I read your recommendations. In response to your question about a dongle/international hotspot, for all of our international travel we’ve used a Skyroam. You can get it on Amazon and it’s like $90 ish and then you pay $8 per day that you use it. You’ll buy a package of days and then just click when you want a 24 hour period to start. So you only pay for the days you want to use it. It doesn’t use any specific cell service, rather as you travel it seeks out the nearest tower and uses that. It has been a lifesaver for us on countless occasions! The only thing I will note is that when traveling on backroads or less inhabited areas it can be spotty, but when in a city it works great!
Also really appreciated your explanation of buying designer items abroad. I never have, and can’t say for sure that I’ll be in a position to, but I had no idea there was a process to it so that information is so valuable!
xo Mary-Katherine
http://www.goldhattedlover.com
Thank you SO much for this post! I don’t have any international trips planned right now but I will definitely be referencing this post the next time I do have one on the calendar!
What a helpful post! I am going to pin this for the future and I already sent a text to my mom about CityMapper since she and my dad are going to Rome soon.
Thank you for all your hard work!
I am planning a trip to New Zealand sometime in December and this information is going to be a huge help!! Thanks so much!
So helpful!
Thanks for all the info Alyson.I have been following your blogs and Instagram videos for quiet some time now and i have to say no one else has done such an amazing job in giving in depth details on traveling and how to handle different travel situations like you have. I loved almost every one of your travel blog posts for all the information you give.
You have inspired me to travel and i love all your travel pictures.
Love this! Took me a while to read through it, so I can just imagine how long it took to write it, and I appreciate that! One thing to note (that I haven’t tried) is that maps have some international airports’ interior layout available, so that’s obviously a huge help!
Great post – it answered questions I didn’t even know I had! I am currently planning a 6-week long trip to Europe this fall and I constantly find myself going back to your travel posts and using them for inspiration and planning!
Thank you so much for the helpful guide! I’ve been following you for years and really admire your advice on all topics, including travel!
love this! so helpful for my trip to Italy in September
I always get those same questions from my friends and I always feel bad not having the best advice for them, but I’m glad I’m not alone and I feel better knowing I’m doing some of the same things that you do! The VAT is the biggest help! Thank you!
This is so so helpful! I will betraveling to Dublin, Paris and London in the fall and this post was extremely helpful to me. I plan on referencing back to this and your guide multiple times up until I leave. Thanks for the information and taking the time to write this post. 🙂
Always love reading travel tips! And Yes, a dual voltage curling iron is a game changer – I found one on Amazon recently for our trip to Ireland and it worked great!! Plus it was a little smaller, which made for more room in my carry on 🙂
My husband took me to Italy last year for our 15 year anniversary. So we went back this year. To much of Italy I did not get to see the first time. I feel like my soul belongs in Europe. We are already planning our trip next year where we hope to hit Amsterdam, Brussels, Bruges, French country side and Paris. My husband has been talking about taking me to Mexico this August for my birthday but I don’t want to go. I would rather go somewhere like London around Christmas time. My husband worries we would be bored after a few days & that it would be to difficult to site see & enjoy things with the cold. He also thinks it would be lots more expensive. I have found airfare and hotel for about 1K less then Mexico & that 1K could be used on food, etc. What things can I share with him it would not be a mistake? What area in London do I need to be looking in to stay? Any advice would be appreciated
Loved this!
I love this post so much! I am traveling to Germany in 2 weeks and it was so helpful!
Thank you so much for these helpful tips! I’m giving on my first European trip to Greece in a couple weeks and definitely needed to read this blog.
This was such a great read. Thank you for the time and effort you put into this post. It makes me want to travel! All your tips will be super handy. Thank you!!
This was so helpful! Such a great post, as always!
LOVED this post!!! Super helpful!
Can you give us any style tips on how to dress cute but with comfortable shoes?? I know if I do a Euro trip there’s going to be tons of walking. I wanna look cute! But comfortable. Lol
Absolutely loved this post!! I’ve been needing to update my luggage and will definitely look into the set you recommended. I love that you are encorporating more travel with fashion, very inspiring content!
This blog information was very helpful! Thank you so much for taking the time and putting it all together for us!
Love the content in this post. I have some upcoming travel abroad and this is extremely helpful! Thanks for all the insight!
You always have the best advice! I am totally using skyscanner from now on!
This post is so helpful! I have always traveled a lot throughout my life since I’m from Germany and live in the states now, but there are certain little things I forgot throughout the years or didn’t know! Love your posts!
Absolutely LOVED this post! Thank you for sharing all your tips! All the pictures are absolutely gorgeous. Can’t wait to travel to London soon!!
Great post, Haley! Thank you! Whitney actually recommended a great immigration lawyer to me that I wanted to pass along to you…Meghan Vozila meghan@ganguinsamartin.com. So far, she’s been wonderful about answering my questions. Now, I’m not in the same situation that you are with the type of visa that you need, but it might be a good place to start! Thank you for all the info on purchasing designer handbags abroad too. Unfortunately, it looks like the bag I want isn’t going to make much of a difference where I buy it. 🙁 Ah well…it’ll work out when it does. Thanks again for all of your efforts on this and every post!
LOVE this! My husband & I did a big 3 week European excursion through 5 countries a few years ago… So many of these tips would have been really helpful then! Fingers crossed we can make another trip happen soon! & P.S. Istanbul was hands-down our FAVORITE city!!!! It’s incredible!!
LOVE all of the info you give us! It is so helpful. And your pics are always so gorgeous
Thank you for putting this all together in one post! ALL of this was helpful information!!
I love this post! My husband and I have recently decided to just go for it and travel whenever we’re able to. I always come to your blog for traveling recommendations and this is just another page I’ll bookmark. Thanks for all your thoughtful recommendations!
Thank you for this post, so helpful! I am going to Croatia in August and I absolutely cannot wait! I do appreciate the info on the purchase of products abroad because it always confused me, but now it makes so much more sense!
A most extensive, detailed and absolute PERFECT post as always, girl!!! I absolutely love your devotion and dedication for putting forward your best work for us readers!
Oh! I forgot to ask in my comment–I was wondering have you ever tried booking a flight with one of those flash sale type companies: ScottCheapFlights, NextVacay, Travendly etc? I am on their subscription lists which is NOT helpful to my bank account haha but I get so tempted with these deals I see, but haven’t taken the plunge yet to buy one!! Have you tried these? Or are you even aware of them/subscribed to them also??
I’ve always loved your travel posts but this compilation of all the questions one could have is the BEST!!! Nice to know someone that loves London as much as I do! Ive been 20+ times and don’t plan on stopping anytime soon! When i was last there in March, I stopped by kensington crepe roe and sticks n sushi based on your recommendation and it was SO GOOD!
After studying abroad in London 3 years ago during my first summer of undergrad, I’ve been anxiously waiting for an opportunity to visit again. When I do return, I will definitely take you up on all of these wonderful tips that you so delightfully typed for us! Thank you for pouring your heart and soul into this post to make traveling easy for the rest of us! Xoxo, your neighbor in Tampa, FL!
I always love your posts! I flew on vacation to Bali a few days ago and used the marble calpak luggage you recommended and go SO many compliments on it! It is the best:)
Love your travel posts! They’re my favorite <3
Great list!!! Cant wait to use some of these tips!
i also think having an app that does the FX exchange is helpful! so much wanderlust here – have you hit up australia yet?! dying to head there!
This is so informative! I am going to Italy in August 2019 and can’t wait! It will be my first European experience so I am starting to get prepared early. Your travel guides are going to be a great resource for me!
Thanks for the tax information. Super helpful! A friend actually asked me about this so sending her your way and bookmarking this page.
THIS POST IS AMAZINGGGG! I didn’t even know I had these questions until I read them. Thank you for answering them and mine too! So much good info here I can’t wait to refer back to this when I get closer to my trips!!
This is such a helpful post! I hope I’ll be able to travel more in the upcoming years and this will be a great resource for me!
Thank you so much for writing this. Your advice was super helpful!
Great post, Haley! You always provide so much detail for your readers!
Love all this information! I will be traveling soon!
Perfect timing on this post as I will be traveling internationally this summer. So many helpful tips and links. Thank You!
I LOVE this post! I am just upset that it has come out the very week I got back from Spain and Italy as there are so many helpful tips (BTW just downloaded the Citymapper App for wherever my next destination may be).
Also, ever since you introduced me to the Longchamp Le Pliage, I have dying for it and was crazy to not purchase it before my trip. Literally, one of the things I regret most. I even made my husband go into the Longchamp store in Italy, but he does not like the look of the bag, so it was not the most productive stop…
Such a great post about traveling!!!!! Thank you so much! So helpful! Now I just need an excuse to take a trip!
This was seriously so helpful!!! thank you so much for putting this together. i love seeing how traveling lights your heart on fire!!!
Thanks for sharing this travel post! This will be so helpful in planning for upcoming vacations!
Wow! So helpful!
Love the steps for the tax-free money on a big purchase. I would love to know what items you might shop for overseas versus here!
Loved this post! Looked forward to reading it! We don’t have any travel plans in the works yet… Baby #3 is due June 4th, so we’re staying close to home.
Hey there, ok after having to pause my reading a couple times (babysitting my niece) I finally got to the end. Most of these questions have been on my mind as well, so I am glad you answered all of them. I didn’t remember about the whole import tax from my trip back in 2012 but now I remember my LV bag was less than the amount allowed to bring back with you before having to claim. Thank goodness I read this blog to make SURE when I go and finally purchase my dream Chanel bag I actually claim it. XOXO
I just saw the Travel iron you have at TJ Maxx for $16! Is the company phasing them out?!
Love the bags!
So helpful! Thank you!
This post was so so helpful!! I appreciate how you take the time to make traveling for us SO much easier! Thank you!
Love all your really thoughtful ideas and tips on how to travel in the best way possible. But also in the most enjoyable one ?
So useful. Love your travel posts and pictures. My husband and I are planning to go to Germany. This blog post was so useful. Thank you so much. You are so pretty and I love following you.
Thank you so much for your time and energy you put into this post! So informative and helpful. When I travel I always come to your blog as a resource!!
I love the post! I will be traveling to London and Africa within the next month and everything you talked about in the post is incredibly helpful. I will be sure to return to the post as I begin packing for my trip. Thank you so much!
Thank you SO much for this information!! I am travelling abroad for the first time in 3 weeks for my honeymoon and I have read and re-read your travel posts for Italy and international travel! I had NO idea about the tax thing so I am so grateful you posted about that! Because I definitely plan on making purchases over there!!
Thanks so much and keep up the great work. These blogs are amazing and I refer so many people to your blog!
You are the best! Love your blog posts! Never can read too much! ❤️
Very helpful! It answered questions I didn’t even think of!
Alyson! This is AMAZING! Thank you SO much for taking the time and diving into literally every single detail! This helps on so many levels and can’t wait to pin this post to revert back to when I’m playing a fun getaway! Thanks again!! Xoxo
This is so helpful! I am planning an international trip soon and I know I will be reverting back to this the whole time while preparing ?
Thank you so much for the hair product recommendations! I immediately bought the curling wand/straightener — such a good price! Also love your comments on AirBNBs vs hotels and vice versa. Thanks doll!
Bought This luggage on your recommendation and it’s perfect! Such a great informative post! Thanks for all your travel knowledge! ???
Thank you so much for your hair product recommendations — I immediately purchased the curling wand/straightener! Thank you also for your comments regarding AirBNB vs hotel and vice versa — super helpful! Thanks doll!
I love seeing all of your travel posts! You have visited so many cool places. Thanks for sharing your tips!
Sooo helpful! Thank you for taking the time to write this!!
This post was SO helpful. One thing I have really enjoyed about following you and I believe makes you extremely unique, is how much detail and time you put into your posts. It is obvious how much you genuinely want to help your readers have the best travel experiences too and it does not go unnoticed! I’ve been taking notes on tips for my upcoming trips this summer! 🙂
This is so helpful! I travel frequently for work! Many thanks! ?
This was so helpful!!
Love all these suggestions and tips! I’m traveling to London & Paris over the 4th of July and will definitely put a lot of these tips to use! Thank you,
Thank you for the tips! I’m going to Rome and Positano next and will absolutely be consulting your travel diaries! 🙂
I love this blog post!! Thank you so much!! Very informative, great suggestions, and love the outfits.
My husband and I have an upcoming trip and I can’t wait to use some of your tips. Thank you so much for always posting what your readers are wanting to hear about. I know how much longer these posts must take you to write, but we really appreciate it 🙂
Love this post, so informative!
Love this post. Very informative info.
For real, you’re the best – always so thorough and thoughtful! I’m about to pull the trigger on the Sony a6000 (very similar to the 5000 series) based on your previous recommendations for travel/personal use. Any other favorites that I should consider before going ahead with that Sony model?
This is all so helpful! Thank you!!
I am not big on reading blog post but I enjoy watching your Instagram stories ?
Thank you so much for the tips! The hubby and I are starting to plan a 2019 Europe vacay soon!
This is so helpful! Thank you for taking the time to answer all these questions!
I love all of your posts! I haven’t done much traveling but hope to make it to Italy in the future i likes the content around finding flights thanks so much 🙂
Great post especially since I’m headed to Switzerland and Italy in a few weeks! Thanks.
This post was so fantastic, helpful, and well written! I’m going to Italy in September 2018, and I’ll definitely be referencing so many of your travel posts! Thank you for doing what you do!
LOVE all your travel posts! I know i will use this when planning my next trip in 2019! We are planning a trip to Italy! Thanks for all the great info
This is super helpful! I do a lot of travel to Europe through work and really found this informative. Thanks!
Thanks for all the travel tips! I am hoping now that my husband and I are into our careers, we can begin traveling abroad more. I love the tips about purchasing a designer bag! I didn’t realize the pricing difference would be so significant.
Thank you for sharing all your travel tips, I always look forward to reading them all and using them when I travel!
In the process of planning my first trip to Europe for my honeymoon and I had no idea about the tax information! So helpful!! Thank you!!
As a travel agent, I love reading your travel guides. I have referred to your London guides before when assisting a client. Thank you for helping me with my job when you didn’t even know you were! xo
So helpful!! Thank you so much for putting all of this together. It will definitely come in handy when we head to Italy later this summer!
You certainly have learned quickly some of the important aspects of travel abroad. I recall your first trips to London after meeting your then boyfriend. . You didn’t seem to have traveled much at that point and happy to see you now making many trips recently and giving advice on your blog. I have traveled the world but I am much older than you. I can say your advice is pretty spot on. Congrats on moving from fashion to travel so easily. Safety is big on my list these days. So travel with care. All the best to you.
This is such a great, comprehensive post! I always look forward to your travel-themed posts. Keep it up 🙂 And thanks for doing a giveaway – this is always fun.
This was one of my favorite posts that you’ve ever written! You answered all of my travel questions. You’ve quickly gone from one of my favorite fashion bloggers to my absolute favorite travel bloggers as well! Love all of your travel posts 🙂
Thank you so much for this post, and all of your other travel posts! I leave for Italy on Saturday, and you have helped me pack, plan out places I want to go, and feel overall prepared for my trip! ?
Your post was so in-depth and I’m taking away a ton of great information- I’ve already told 2 friends to take a look! Thank you for always giving us 110%
Such a helpful post!! It was such a lifestyle change for me when I moved to Germany and this most definitely helps! Love following you. Thanks Haley!
Thank you for including how you communicate in countries where you don’t speak the language! That is something that has always stressed me out haha! 🙂
This post is so helpful!! I travel all of the time and love hearing people’s tips, I’m also planning a trip to Ireland in March so I’m loving everything about this! Thank you!
Loved this post!
Thank you thank you thank you! Ordered the adapter and crossing my fingers it arrives before I head to London! I downloaded City Mapper app too. So thankful to have those recommendations before my trip!
Thank you for the time and effort to complete this post! It’s super helpful!
Very informative, thank you ?
Loved reading this!! So much hard work put into this post! One of my fav bloggers!!
I can feel the love in this post!!! So informative and well thought out! Thank you 🙂
Thank you so much for this! This post was super helpful, especially your advice with regards to VAT refunds and plug adaptors.
I love this! The information about purchasing designer goods overseas is so, so helpful. Thank you!
Love this post, thank you for being so detailed! Definitely going to take a look at it again before my next trip! 🙂
What a thorough post! I am traveling to Europe early next year and this is so incredibly helpful. I wish I would’ve know this stuff years ago. Would’ve saved some headaches. Thank you for taking the time to put these together. They truly are invaluable!
Such a great post! Thanks for all the helpful info!
I am heading to London in the fall and I am so excited – this blog post has been SO helpful!
You should totally use your packing cubes. Not to be dramatic but it changed my life when I started using mine.
Appreciate your honesty and insight into purchases; I had never thought about purchasing luzury goods overseas.
You should totally use your packing cubes. Not to be dramatic but it changed my life when I started using mine.
Appreciate your honesty and insight into purchases; I had never thought about purchasing luxury goods overseas.
What an amazing post!!!!!
You’re the best!!!! Thank you very much for sharing everything with your followers!!!?????
LOVE all the tips! Thanks for all the time and energy you put into this…SO helpful!
SOOO informative and helpful! Thank you so much for putting this together! It’s nice to have all travel tips together in one spot! 🙂
Wow! So good. Love all the new vat info. Definitely a great post to bookmark l. So many great tips. Thank you?
This was a great post! I love that your travel posts have actually helpful details, not just “tips” that are pretty obvious. I’m also an avid traveler and I’ll definitely have to check out Sky Scanner!
So many super awesome and helpful tips! You’re the best!
Thank you sooo much for this post!! I love all the details you have provided from luggage all the way to even knowing basic sayings in other languages. I will definitely use this post the next time I travel!!
Such a great post! Very helpful!
I love this post! So helpful and thorough!
Your Q&As are always so amazing! This post was incredibly helpful- and I always love your photos. As a fun fact for your Sprint users, international plans are incredible for them– no need for a SIM unless they need high-speed internet (Sprint has an incredible plan in Japan that had better service than the states for $10/month).
This post was SO helpful, especially with the designer hand bag info!
Love all your travel posts! You give some great tips!! Can I tag along next time?! Hahha
My husband and I have been wanting to travel more! This post and all of your others are seriously so helpful! Thank you for all of your hard work!
This is so helpful for my trip to Europe next week! Just downloaded Google Translate! Thank you so much!
Thank you for taking the time to write this for us! So helpful for upcoming summer travels!
Your site is so informative and helpful. I’ve told you this before but I’ll say it again…I LOVE the layout/look of your site. Amazing pictures! xoxoxo
So much great information! Thank you so much for sharing! Safe travels! 🙂
Love this!! So many great tips! I’m moving to Copenhagen in August and this was really helpful!
I LOVE that you mentioned onefinestay! It’s such a unique way to stay in a city, while still having some of the protection of a hotel behind the booking. Each of the onefinestay properties that I have booked for clients has been a complete success and I am finally trying it out myself this summer in London. They are incredible to work with (on my end as a travel advisor) and truly take care of my clients from arrival to departure! Also, can’t wait to try the Citymapper app myself and send the app link to my clients before their trips! Great recommendation!
Okay this post is amazing Haley!!! And I agree with you AT&T’s International plan is so good now! On my current plan, Canada is already included in it. Where I live in Michigan, Canada is literally a drive downtown so I go quite a bit. And if you have any luck with an immigration lawyer send him my way!
Jennifer
Effortlessly Sophisticated
Thank you for taking the time to write such detailed information. I find it very helpful and entertaining. Now that I’m going to be in matleave I’ll be waiting for your post to keep me entertained!!
Love reading all of your posts, found it very interesting and insightful about the pros and cons for hotels/Airbnb and definitely will use both on my next travel adventure! ? you’re such a role model, keep it up!
This was such a THOROUGH and well-structured post. This is very helpful and a great travel resource. All of my international travel has been to Southeast Asia so I’ve never been to Europe (yet!) but this post will be helpful when I finally do as it’s not the same! Thank you for putting the time into getting this out there!
This was so helpful. I’m leaving in 2 weeks for our honeymoon to Paris, San Sebastián and London. I will definitely take your advice to heart when packing!
I love your post! Your blog is by far the best blog I follow!
I can’t tell you how much I love following your blog and travels!! My husband and I went on our first trip to London and Paris last fall, and so many of your recommendations were so helpful! We would love to go back more frequently, but we’re currently planning a trip back over to London (and somewhere else TBD) for my 30th birthday in March! I’m so excited to see your upcoming trips and get ideas!
Such a great post! Thanks for all of your hard work on this one. Already making me want to book a trip!
Great tips for travel!
Thank you for taking the time to write this post! Super helpful for an upcoming trip to Germany!
Thanks for all the tips. Planning a trip to Europe next year and these are helpful
This post is great! There is so much good information. I love to travel and will definately using this post to help with my next trip.
So helpful!
Thanks for writing this! Super helpful
Your travel posts are always my favorite and this one is no different! The countries in Europe are my favorite places to travel and your posts are always so helpful with suggestions. Thank you!
This is so great! Really thorough and well done. Thanks for taking the time to put it together! xo
I don’t think I would have ever though through all of these details before traveling abroad. Thank you for taking the time to answer all of these questions in depth and with clarity! Bookmarking this post for future travel. ?
Thanks so much for sharing all this! I definitely look to you for inspiration when it comes to traveling!
Love this post! Such great content! Will be very helpful in future travel plans. I would LOVE to go to Italy someday!
My boyfriend and I are considering a London trip this year and I cannot wait to use the information from your post! Sometimes the preparing is so stressful, but I think your guides are going to lessen my anxiety. I cannot thank you enough for creating them.
Thanks for writing this post, Haley! I found it very helpful. I didn’t realize that the plugs were better than the adapters. Whoops! #overheatedcellphone
I love following your travels! It makes me want to travel more. Thanks for all the helpful tips!
Thanks so much for putting this together!! It’ll be SO helpful!
I love this post, so much great info, thank you for always putting so much effort into each and every post! But I’m wondering how long in advance do you start planning for your trips?
You can tell how much love and attention you put into these posts. So much detail & so organized! It doesn’t go unnoticed and is very appreciated!!
Love how you say when something you love to use works but also admit when you don’t know if something is good and then give a reference to someone you know that uses it. So helpful and honest.
Thank you so much for this post. I will be traveling to Europe for the first time next year and will definitely be referencing this post while planning.
Great travel post super helpful, I love when you do blog posts like this so thank you❤️
I love reading your travel posts! I’m heading to Italy for the first time next week! Sienna, Venice, and Rome ? I’ve been using your posts to help me pack ?
Wow! So incredibly thorough and helpful. Thank you for your attention to detail!
PS London is my fave as well! 🙂
I work for an airline and LUV to travel so this was amazing!
Omg after reading this post i totally feel like i can travel anywhere. Thank you for taking the time and going so in depth! Love this!!
LOVE this post!!! Hoping to go to Europe for my first time this fall and this was so helpful!
Thank you for all the helpful tips and tricks for traveling!!! I enjoyed reading this post!!
So helpful! Thanks Haley!
Do you have any plans to visit Iceland? I was there a couple years ago and loved it. Your photos would be amazing!!
I love all of your blog posts but this one was very useful!! Thanks so much for taking the time to share your favorite travel items.
This is the best (by far) blog post I’ve ever read! My fiancé and I travel all the time. Europe and the US. South America is next on our list! We just got back from Paris (where we just go engaged) and I used you travel guide for help! Can’t wait to have this as a resource for next time
This post was so helpful!!! My boyfriend and i are currenty planning a trip to Italy. (Milan, Venice, Bologna, Rome & Positano) All of your travel posts, but particularly the ones from Italy have been amazing!
Great post with awesome tips and advice! Will definitely be referring back to this for my travels. ?
This tips are incredibly helpful!!! Thank you so much, haven’t been to Europe yet but making a list and plans for all the places I will go to.
Thank you for always taking the time to so thoughtfully answer, and really go beyond the call of duty, to provide us, your audience, with THE BEST information. Love be your blog and your Instagram posts. You keep inspiring me!
Thanks for all the info. Bookmarked this page for my next travel trip!
Thank you thank you thank you!! I’ve already bookmarked this post so I can come back and get my questions answered before each time I travel 🙂
Thank you for all of this information! I hope I get to travel a lot more one day!
Very helpful post! I’m headed back to Spain and France this summer!
Can’t wait to do some international traveling and put these tips to good use!
This is so helpful!! Thank you!!
Love your blog!!! Such great travel info and cute outfits!!! ?
This travel post is so incredibly helpful, thank you! Love reading your blog and following you on IG.
Such a great post! Thanks for all the helpful information!
Answering all these questions is SO helpful! I honestly feel like I can just create my travel bucket list from your travel guides!
This was so informative! I’ve never traveled to Europe but it’s definitely on my bucket list & I’ll be sure to refer back to this post. Thank you for sharing your knowledge (and passion for travel) with us!
I love this type of posts! They cover so much ground in one condensed spot. I especially enjoyed the question “Do you ever get homesick while traveling?” I also get homesick after long travels. Mostly because I miss my pup (and my bed). I read your thoughts on VAT. Sadly VAT did not work out for me when I made a purchase in Paris. I had the paperwork stamped and followed the instructions on how to submit it in the airport, but never got my money. Anyhow, keep the travel posts coming, I always love to follow your adventures here and in IG.
-Becca
I totally get why my wife likes your blog– she sent me your Lake Louise post and this post– informative and great photos (I’ll have to try and take pics like you have for her!). Your photos are incredible!
This was the perfect post to have for my upcoming trip to France this summer!! I was having such a pit about what hair tools to pack and the wand will be perfect!! Thank you!
I just adore you! Your style is effortless, comfortable, classic, and chic!
I love how detailed you are in your travel posts! Before I studied abroad this past spring, I kept referencing your travel posts for what to pack and tips, etc. So thank you for that! I love all of your posts, but I especially love the travel ones. I studied abroad in Greece and went to Dublin and London for spring break. Dublin was awesome but I LOVED London and understood why you did as well! I hope to make it back there one day!
That photo at the beginning of this post takes my breath away every time I see it. 🙂 When I was traveling internationally during and right after college, I stayed in hostels with my friends. I would recommend that any of your readers that may be interested in staying in one do their research. I would always look for a room capable of sleeping exactly the number of people I was traveling with (as many as 8 and as few as 4) so we wouldn’t have to worry about strangers in the room/taking our luggage/etc. I also always looked for hostels that provided an in-room bathroom…that way we didn’t have to share with a whole floor of random people and walk down the hall with all our shower stuff. They’re a little more money, but much cheaper than a hotel for those traveling on a budget, and very reasonable when split among a group. Some of ours even provided a delicious free breakfast.
I love all of your travel tips and diaries! You’re guide to Rome was essential to my trip! Hello to Fish and Chips too!
I had no clue about all the tax stuff! I haven’t left the country in quite a few years but my friends and I have talked about heading to Paris for our 35th birthdays next year and a friend may be moving to Germany. Sounds like I definitely have a lot of research to do!
Ok officially bit by the travel bug again… this post got me anxious to start planning my next trip! Loveee all your tips!
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Wow! Thanks, Haley, for such an in depth and helpful blog post! Your post are a true reflection of how much you care for your followers and ensuring we have the best content available to us. Just another reason among several as to why you’re my favorite blogger! ? Hope you know how much you and your work are appreciated!! Hope you have a lovely weekend! ? Fingers crossed ? on the giveaway!!!
Wow, this is incredible! Thanks so much for putting this all together. Your trips always look so amazing ?
What an incredibly helpful post! I lived and traveled abroad for years and wouldn’t be able to give such thorough advice. Thanks for all you do.
Thank you for such an in-depth post! I haven’t been to Europe in a few years and I’m not sure when we are going back but I will make sure to reference this to help me out! I’m sure a lot has changed!!
Thank you for such a detailed and thought-filled post! We leave for Spain in 6 days and these are great tips!! 🙂
All of these tips make me want to travel!
This post definitely gives me the travel bug! I definitely need to start checking off some more places on my bucket list
SO much great info! I can’t wait to reference back for my next trips!
Ooh I love this post! I actually read pretty much all your travel blogs before went to Paris and Italy this past April/May. It was so helpful and I love the way you explain everything.
Great post! I can’t wait till I can travel more and your travel content really inspires me. I love the mix of fashion in with travel too.
The explanation on designer purchases was just what I needed. Thanks so much. We are headed to Germany then London this summer. Can’t wait. Also, when overseas people, blend, just try hard to blend in.
Love this post! So helpful.
So helpful and (as always) thorough!!!! Thank you!!
This was so helpful thank you for taking the time to answer so many questions!!
Great advice! Thanks for sharing!
Very helpful! Thank you for the great post!
Wow Haley! This is so good and extremely informative! You’re so through! Between this post and and all your pictures I really want to go to London and Europe! But I’ll settle for Chicago next weekend! lol Thank you for all the time you spent on this! It really shows!
So informative! Makes me want to start traveling!
Just the post I’ve been waiting for! Thank you <3
Check out the Bestie travel converter! I got mine on amazon and a great investment to avoid getting things fried overseas 🙂
So helpful. I definitely want to do mor traveling asap. Envious of all you get to do!
Thank you for such a wonderful travel post! I’m planning my honeymoon, and it’s giving me lots of great ideas!
Thank you for always being so thorough and answering so many questions! Your travel posts always help me to feel prepared and are a wonderful resource for traveling!!!
This is literally why I do it!! I’m so happy to hear that’s what my posts give you … comfort and confidence! xo.
This was such a wonderful post Hayley! Thank you for taking the time to go trough all of this. I’m getting stationed in japan this summer and many of the things you spoke about (while they may not all apply) have been helping me plan for the long treck across the Pacific. It has been greatly appreciated. Let me know if you want to come to Okinawa! ?
I can’t wait to explore more of that side of the world so I can be a resource for travels over there. After you’ve been there for awhile, you’ll have to send me an email and let me know where I need to go! I’m dying to go to Thailand, Fiji, Cambodia, Japan and so many others!
Loved hearing about all the tax stuff for buying things out of the country. It was very helpful!
Love all your travel tips! Very helpful. 🙂
This is inspiring me to get started planning a summer trip! Thanks for the tips.
Yes, girl! Get out there! It’s so fun to travel! xo.
Love you travel posts! They always are super informative and include great tips!
I absolutely love your travel posts. I was able to live in London for a few months several years ago and as much as I live to visit new and favorite spots, no where will ever compete with London for number one!
This was so informative! Thanks for sharing!!
I have been so excited for this post since you shared a sneak peek on your stories! I have a trip coming up to Italy amd Greece in August so it was really good to hear that taxes may not be returned in Greece. Ok also – I have never applied for my taxes because the process is so intimidating but agree reading this post, I will have to give it a go! Because I’ve been saving for my first designer bag (like you advised!!) and knowing I can save a ton of money is pretty exciting! So thank you for sharing your experience with us!
You’re welcome!!
Your travel guides are alway so helpful!
I love this whole post! You are making me really, really want to plan a trip abroad. I just need to actually renew my passport. Random question, but do you have the TSA Precheck with all your flying?
So much great advice. Thank you for taking the time to do this post.
SO HELPFUL!! And these photos are beautiful – thank you for putting this together!
Love this! Is there a link to your outfit in the first pic?
Hii! Yes, the outfit post for that outfit is here: https://alysonhaley.com/2017/06/prettiest-date-night-dress-under-100-florence-italy.html/
Loved, loved, loved! I’m always on the lookout for new packing and travel tips and this post was a fun read!
Your travel posts are so helpful! The places you have been are so beautiful – you make me want to get out there and see everything!!
This post is incredible! So thorough and helpful. I travel pretty frequently for work, and this had really great, new advice.
Also, I totally feel you on missing London–it’s my soul city, too! I studied at LSE for grad school years ago and still miss it all the time! Good luck in finding the right visa to get you back there– I know the Tier 1 Entrepreneurship visa may be a fit– or you could go back for another degree 🙂
Such a helpful post!! Especially the tax free information – I had no idea!
This post is so extremely helpful and I loved reading it. Love your content and always can’t wait for the next photo or post to appear to check our your outfits. Keep up the excellent work!
We are planning a trip to Europe soon, and this blog post… BEYOND helpful! Thank you!
As usual, your in-depth and informative posts are the best I’ve ever read (about all topics)! You have inspired me to begin research into a trip to a London!!
Thanks for taking the time to share these tips! I can’t wait to utilize them on my next trip!
I’ve traveled a lot internationally through work, and this post was so informative for me!! Thanks for all of the time and thought you put into this- great job!!
I’ve been trying to figure out where my husband and I will be traveling once he returns from deployment as a type of ‘2nd Honeymoon’… your travel guides have been my first resource (As well as Victoria’s – shout out to @blondeatlas!)! It is crazy helpful to have somewhat of an inside scoop to know what will fit our travel style, budget, and personalities! We aren’t yet prepping for a European vacay, but it is on the bucket list! I’m using all the packing guides and travel tips for our next upcoming trip. They are so helpful! Thank you!!!
This Q&A is so great! pinning it for future use!
This is such an extremely helpful post and I definitely have it book marked for some future trips. Thank you so much for putting this together!!!
This is SUCH a great, insightful and helpful post. ? I didn’t even know you could “download” maps from Google and avoid requiring wifi or data when abroad! I just downloaded maps for Rome and a couple other cities in Italy after reading this ahead of an upcoming trip in in october. Also hitting buy now on the portable charger! I don’t know why I haven’t already purchased one, I always find myself stressed about running low on battery when abroad ??♀️. Thank you for all the tips! ☺️
Hii! Yes, girl! So glad to hear this post was so helpful for you! I forgot to mention this in the post but your comment reminded me …. you can also download languages in the Google translate app, too, in case you need to use them abroad without service. 🙂
Same!!! I just downloaded so many maps lol
Love you and miss home (jax beach). You give me alittle piece of that when I watch your stories and continue following you. I’m a travel nurse who used to work at baptist.
Oxoxo
J
This post was super helpful! I love your travel posts and traveling myself, so these tips are fantastic!
This post was so great! If I could also add- for international travel, Global Entry is a must! Do you have it? It’s saved me hours on hours of lines.
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This was so helpful!! I saved a bunch of items from this post and another one of your travel packing lists for my Italy trip in a few weeks! Thank you for explaining the buying designer bags process too… the examples made so much sense, now I need to decide what to buy!!
Thank you for the giveaway I have been wanting one of those two bags. 🙂
Love that luggage! Thanks for being so detailed and putting so much time into it.
I enjoyed your insightful post. Thank you
Love this post! Thank you so much for the travel advice and suggestions!
Thank you for the travel tips! You’ve been so very helpful in so many little things and I love your style! Looking forward to more blog posts!
Thank you for the always thoughtful blog posts Hayley! I haven’t traveled internationally but I would like to, and your tips are very helpful for any type of traveling. I will be in need of a new suitcase(s) so I will definitely look into the ones you use!
Love love love how thorough you are! Thank you for the time and effort you always put into your blog posts!
thank you SO SO SO much for all of this useful information!!!!! truly appreciated more than you probably know by all of your followers 🙂
thank you SO SO much for all of this useful information!!!!! truly appreciated more than you probably know by all of your followers 🙂
LOVE all the details in this blog Q&A! Can’t wait for more!
Thanks for all the helpful tips!! 🙂
Just had my first trip to London! Can’t wait to go back! Love all your tips! Vat refund is the best!
I leave TOMORROW on a 7-day Mediterranean Sea Cruise (and then 2 days in London) and I’ve been reading ALL ofyour travel guides the last few months. I’ve loved all your blogs but this one has even helped me more! Thank you so much for all you do and the detail you put into your blogs. You make it look so easy!
Thank you again!
This post was so, so thorough and helpful!! ?
I have been on the hunt for a new curling iron, so I think I will have to pull the trigger and try the one you recommended! What a great deal!
I really appreciate you putting together this guide! It’s very helpful and informative for people who want to travel abroad. Please do more posts like this! Ps beautiful photos!
One of your best posts yet! Well done!
I would like point out that not claiming any tax or duty free items is a big risk you do not want to take. Claim everything. The consequence is much greater than taking the time to fill out a few minutes worth of paperwork.
This is a great post! I appreciate your disclaimers that you travel for work, it makes normal folks understand that it’s okay if it’s not realistic.
This is tremendously helpful!!! Thank you! ❤️ And idk if I’m the only one, but I love long posts with lots of detail. Especially on the topics of travel and skincare. And the shoe/handbag/shorts reviews ? I truly appreciate the time you take to be such a great resource
Haley – love your posts and this one is very informative, especially about purchasing designer handbags abroad and what to consider with $$. Keep these FAQ posts coming !
~ Kristen
You are always so great and upfront when it comes to writing these posts! I always enjoy them. Even though I’ve never been out of the country, I know one day I will and will definitely reference everything I can from you and your travel diaries/Q&A.
I love how you preface the packing situation with that you are a style blogger, so we’re obviously aware that you’re packing more than necessary..haha but still give your blogger perspective and your regular girl perspective.
It’s so refreshing when you speak honestly about your travel arrangements and that you compare costs so that way your readers can get a full in-depth look and understand. I’ve never stayed in an airBnB, but having something that is great cost and has amazing views, is something I want to do one day.
Again, thank you for all that you do when it comes to the travel section of your blog/life. <333
Alyson, so helpful! Great tips as I head out this August on a trip to Amsterdam, Germany, Austria and Switzerland! Love your blog – so inspiring!
The VAT info is so helpful. I’m a little disappointed in myself for not taking advantage sooner with all the large purchases I’ve made abroad/designer bags I’ve overspent on in the states! But, better late then never….
Thank you!!! SOOO helpful!
This is so helpful! Thank you!
This post was SO helpful!! I’ve actually used many of our travel posts for preparing for my travels abroad so this definitely helps! Thank you for sharing all of your tips?
You really make me want to start traveling! I am single and would probably have to go alone-what are your thoughts on that?? Do you always have someone with you or have you gone alone? Love your posts so much-you are so thorough!
Thank you so much for this post! I’m planning my first trip to Europe for next summer and it was SO helpful!
The amount of detail you put into this post is amazing Hayley! Pinned to save for future trips!
Thanks for all the great tips and info!
Thank you for this detailed post. You consistently put much time and thought into your posts, and this is just one of many reasons I enjoy following you!
I love these type of posts you do! They are super informative and i love knowing what you bring on trips, it gives me a better idea of what to pack!
This was SO helpful
So incredibly helpful! Thank you <3
We just returned from Italy and your travel guides were so valuable! I’ve pieced some information like this together from just following you, but love having this reference point for future trips. Greece is next!
This is the most helpful advice for traveling abroad thank you!!
Thanks for sharing!
Omg this was the best blog post to date! Such good info thank you!!!!
Love this post! So helpful. Thanks for going into so much detail!!
Thankyou so much for putting this all together!!! So many questions answered that we’re always asking when we travel!
This was such a helpful post! Looking forward to following along to more travels!
I love everything about this post! I love your style and all you tips it’s so sweet of you to make a post like this!
I absolutely LOVE this!! Thankyou!!
This is amazing!! I’m going to London for the first time this fall and will definitely be referencing this post to prepare! cannot wait! I’m such an OCD/planner personality, this helps so much! Thank you!
Wow! This post was incredible! Even as one who travels often, I learned some new and very useful tips. Thank you!!
I absolutely love this travel post!! Thank you for providing such in-depth and thoughtful responses to the answers! The photos on this post are stunning! Also, thank you for the giveaway! 🙂
This post was awesome!! I loved all of the info about buying designer handbags and will definitely reference it again!
Definitely saving this as a favorite so I can reference it for future trips! Love following along Haley!
Can’t wait to use these tips and tricks for our anniversary get away! Thank you for taking the time to share this!
This post was very helpful for the next time I travel. I’m also glad I’m not the only one that looks to Pinterest for cool places to travel to!!
This is such an awesome post!! Thanks for sharing!! Can’t wait to use this as my reference guide for my future travels!!
You always have the best travel content! I can’t wait to plan my next adventure and to use your site as a resource. Always love the fashion/beauty content too. Fav blogger?
Thanks for sharing ! Heading to London and Paris later in the summer and will definitely be using some of these tips!!
I love this post. It’s SO helpful!!! You make traveling look so glamorous when sometimes I just feel like a hot mess, so I truly admire you for always being classy :). I love how you wrote to make an effort with basic communication wherever you travel- it shows respect and that you’re interested in the culture. Thank you for sharing!!
I just found you on Instagram and I am so glad I did! This post was so helpful and insightful for those that don’t travel much. Thank you so much for taking the time to educate your audience on traveling and providing helpful information! 🙂
This is so informative! Love ALL your post! Thank you so much for putting all this together! ❤❤❤
Love love love that all of this is in the same place now. And the tax portion was even more helpful than I ever could’ve imagined.
Love following you on your adventures! Your ootd’s and travel trips are always the best! Thank you for taking the time to share with us all!
Absolutely love this! Thank you for passing along all this info, so helpful!!
So much great content! I love how you are so thorough!
I have been on your blog every day since booking my honeymoon to Italy! It’s my first time abroad and your posts like this one have been SUPER helpful!
I absolutely love this post! So much valuable information. Especially about taxes! I had no idea:)
Loved this post! Thank you for sharing with us.
Love this article, thank you!!
Loved this Q&A! Please do more of them in the future. And yes, ANKER has the best external chargers. They are a travel must have for me!
Love this blog post. I’m not good in planning things out when it comes to traveling so this was very helpful. Flagging this post for myself to prep for my next vacay!
Love all of your recommendations!
I love how open, and helpful your blog is. Your travel posts are usually my favorite, because they’re so helpful for someone who travels frequently themselves. I also LOVE the new design, and the new brand of your blog! xoxo
Wow, this one must have taken you a while! ?
Thank you SO MUCH for all the helpful tidbits! Can’t wait for my next trip so I can put these tips to good use! ?
I’m planning a trip to Europe next year so this has been so helpful! Thank your for sharing your insights!
This was awesome! I’m heading to Italy next month and will have to check back in to this post before I go to make sure I don’t forget anything!
Love all the travel tips! I always have a hard time not packing a million clothing options!
So many great ideas! Thanks!
This is so helpful!! I forward this to my girlfriends so that we can use this info on our upcoming trips!! Thanks for sharing!!
Thank you for the post! Will definitely be referring to it! As always, love your content!
I’m about to start traveling internationally and watch your posts for any information like this! You’re so good at what you do, thanks for sharing it with all of us!
Awesome post Hayley! You’re seriously the best, thank you for sharing all your tips!
How do you pack your hats?! Did i miss that in this post?
So much information! I know I will come back to this post! Packing cubes are one of my favorite travel hacks, I have used them for years! Thank you for answering so many travel questions!!!
I love this blog post! Thank you for writing this and sharing all of your travel tips. So appreciated!! Have a great day 🙂
This is such a great post for travelers! You didn’t leave anything out! Thank you for taking the time to compile all this information. So helpful!! xo
LOVED this post. As someone who is just starting to dip her toes into international travel, this post has been extremely helpful in gauging how to plan for and navigate life abroad.
I wish I would’ve known this stuff before I traveled to Europe a couple of years ago! Guess I’ll have to go back! ?
Super informative and helpful!
A very thorough post based on weather, what country and what you need there. Thank you!
I love love love your blog!! I have been a follower for a few years now and love all that you do! Love seeing all your travel pics and guides. Thanks for putting in this giveaway!!!!
Thank you for the details about the VAT refund — this is something I need to remember to take advantage of!
Wow! This was such a thorough post. I can’t imagine how much time it took you. Thank you so much, it is going to be my ‘go to’ for all my travel preparations.
This is SO helpful for my upcoming trip you Italy!
Great post! ?
Great tips!
I love to travel and I really appreciate all the inside scoop!
Hi! Stopping by just to let you know that i love watching all your posts and your insta stories, definetly would love to travel to Europe some day!
Ps. Very nice and helpfull info at your travel post.
This is amazing and so incredibly helpful! Thank you!
I can’t tell you how helpful this post is! I’m planning my first ever trip to London, and didn’t know any of this!
Thanks so much again!
This is so informative and helpful!! I love seeing all your travel posts!
So many tips I didn’t even think of! ? thanks for sharing!
I love reading your travel posts! They’re so helpful for even domestic travel and makes me excited to plan my next international trip!
This post is amazing! I’ve been recommending your blog to anyone and everyone that mentions traveling any time soon! Thank you for your attention to detail and always putting your heart into these posts!
Totally enjoyed this post. I have a two week trip coming up and this gives me some ideas.
I do not travel often but this post makes me want to travel! Thank you for putting so much time into this post for all of us!
This travel post is EVERYTHING !!!! You’re so thoughtful and it’s FUN to read about your tips and adventures 🙂 Rome is #1 on my list, hoping for our honeymoon in 2019!! Thank you Haley!
What a helpful post! This must have taken a while. Thank you for the time and energy you give onto each post ❤️
So much fabulous information! Headed to Italy in September. I have almost screen-shot this entire post! Thanks for all the valuable info!!
Do you have any travel tips for Boston? I’m heading there in July!
Such a great post! Would you mind sharing any info you get about purchasing a Dongle? I’m looking to get one as well.
I LOVE you and these travel blogs!! ?
Thank you so much for taking the time to do this detailed post! I have only been out of the country once in the last 10 years, and I’m heading to SA at the end of summer (the furthest I’ve ever been away)… this definitely helps calm my nerves and helps me feel more prepared!
Thank you! This is so helpful!
Such a useful guide – I already know I’ll be referring back to it again and again! Thank you!
Thanks for the info. I am also a lover of traveling but also love being home with my pup and cat, so I get the introvert extrovert struggle. All of your content inspires me to go to Europe a bit more! Tend to always travel to tropical or Africa for some reason 🙂 going to buy that hair wand now. Def will need it.
Great post! I always enjoy all your photos from your travels!
Thanks for the detail! Especially on the taxes 🙂
I am heading to Berlin in a few weeks and all of your travel posts are extremely helpful!!! I love being able to refer back to them.
This is the most helpful! We are in the midst of planning our honeymoon to Europe for next year! ????
Umm this is actually amazing. Bookmarking it!
My husband and I can’t wait to use your travel guide for Venice. I’m especially excited to take your tip on going to Burano early and sitting at a cafe just to admire the surroundings before the crowds come. Thank you again. I love following you on IG.
Wow! Great information we’ll be using for our Honeymoon in Italy!
Thank you for putting SO much time and effort into this ???
Such a great post! I always love reading what others bring when they travel since everyone is different 🙂
SO many good tips, thank you! Do you have any tips for cruising? My fiancé and I will take our honeymoon on an Alaskan cruise for 7 nights, then staying in vancouver, BC for a few days! Thanks!
Thank you so much for writing this. I’m trying to plan our late honeymoon and I need any help I can get. Thanx! Also, love that Pink tote bag you traveled. I actually went to Nordstrom’s to look at it soon as you posted it!!!
I love to travel and appreciate all the tips! I lived in China, back in the 8Os, before I got married, what an adventure. And I sang my way through Europe at 18, but I never got to visit Italy; I would LOVE to go there! My family fled France because of religious persecution (Waldensians) by crossing the Alps. So I’m fascinated with that part of the world.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write this! I am a novice traveler, only ever having traveled outside of the US one time.
My husband grew up in the Netherlands and has traveled all around Europe and his stories make me really want to explore over there. When I stumbled across your blog, that desire to travel was made even bigger.
Keep doing what your doing and I hope someday soon I’ll get to explore some of the same places 🙂
Aww, your comment made me smile! I’m so happy my blog made your heart to see the world grow and I’m so excited for you to get out there! 🙂 xo.
Such a great post! Love all your traveling posts! Thank your for putting this together!
I love your travel blogs! You are so thorough and do an amazing job giving every necessary detail. They are so easy to read and I love them!
So much wonderful information. Thanks for sharing.
SOOO happy you put together this q and a post for travel!! I have loved following all your travel excursions and my fiancé and I are wanting to take a trip to Europe in the spring! ? This was such an interesting and informative read, thanks for putting it together! I have been cluless about technology and phone service abroad and also learning a little more about purchasing designer items is super helpful.
Xx,
Caitlin @caitash
Great thorough post! So many tips… can’t wait to book a trip and pack ?
Love it! I wanna visit Italy!
Love love this article!!! Thanks for the VAT info. This is helpful for those big purchases. I’ve waited online before but there was a long wait. Def would recommend going earlier.
Thank you so much for this post. I have used other travel posts of yours for information. I will definitely refer back to this for my next Europe trip! I hope soon ?
Loved the post! Can’t wait to use these tips on my next trip
So helpful! I can’t wait to use all your tips on my next trip abroad!
Love reading about all your travels!
So helpful. I also over analyze when I pack, and will creep on locations for weeks via Instagram locations to get a feel for attire. You are slowly helping me become less creepy with these, haha!
Thank you so much for this post. My daughter is going to Sorrento to study next month & it has been so helpful to see your posts! Again, thank you for the time & effort you put into this! Love following you.
Thank you for this! I’m planning to travel to London in a few months and these are the exact things I’ve been wondering about! I love your posts they are always on point and absolutely perfect!
Great post! Very helpful info!
Thank you so very much for this post! I studied abroad in Madrid last spring and so many of the things that you wrote ring true with my own experiences. One of my favorite parts of my trip was taking advantage of the buses and trains around Europe that are generally inexpensive (even compared to the budget airlines!).
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! This travel post is amazing and chalk full of tibits. I’m snagging those calpak cubes. I pinned one of your outfits and found the content so helpful. I know this took a lot of time, I hope you know how much it is appreciated. Planning my trip to London, thanks for helping me 🙂
Xoxo
Nancy
Just realized I used the wrong IG user name! ? I never look at who I am… it’s not chess408, but lorikelliott!
P.S. I love following you! ?
Thank you so much for all your tips! I love to travel and have had to learn a lot throughout my experiences on what works best for me, so this is super helpful!
Thank you SO much for this post!! You are amazing!! This will definitely be helpful when I travel back to France and/or London with my husband. Thank you again!! ?
Sorry! I just have a question about traveling to Europe. This has happened twice to me. I was only allowed to use one zip lock bag (given by the airport) to put my toiletries/liquids in. Thank goodness I was traveling with someone because I have filled up to three! What toiletries do you usually pack and has this happened to you? I’m an overpacker lol I even make lists to avoid that, but somehow it still happens! I guess I just like having options Lol
Thank you so much for taking the time to write all your knowledge to share with us!
Great post, I’m headed to the Canadian Rockies in the next two weeks – I’ll follow some of these tips for sure!
This is amazing and a Post I’ll reference for years to come when traveling abroad. Thank you for taking the time to compile it!
Love this blog. It’s very detailed which is vey helpful when traveling abroad 🙂
I loce your indepth travel posts!
This post is everything. Thank you so so much! I enjoyed reading it.
Anytime I consider going anywhere, I go straight to your blog for travel tips. Thank you for creating such a comprehensive post about all things travel related for your followers!! Most helpful info in one post ?
This entire post was so helpful! I love how much time you put into all the answers you give! You take the time for even small details that most people wouldn’t think of when they travel! I wish I had followed you back when I loved knowing England and I was traveling more! Now that I have two young girls I definitely love living vicariously through you and your travels!
What a great post! This information comes at the perfect time as my husband and I are heading to London, Amsterdam and Paris in late August for the first time. I will definitely be referring back to this post before we go and checking out the L’ange Lustre 32mm Titanium Wand you recommended. Thanks! I would absolutely love to win this giveaway. 🙂
This is a fantastic post that I have bookmarked for future travel use! It can be intimidating to travel to Europe or anywhere outside the US for the first time. This covers everything and then some!! This must have taken a long time to put together to share so thanks Haley!! Been a longtime follower.. 4 years maybe? Lol ?❤️
Great post!! Thanks for all the time and research that had to have taken! I absolutely love that anker charger you recommended! It works great!
Loved this post!! I absolutely love to travel and am always ready to hear more tips/tricks! I especially loved your tip on flying to another country first and then taking a cheaper flight or train to your planned destination.
This post was sooooo helpful!!! Thanks for being so detailed!!!
Love this post! My husband and I are travel nurses nurses so we do a lot of traveling and could really use the packing tips you mentioned here!
Love the international travel tips too.
Thanks 🙂
This post is soooooo helpful! I plan to do a lot more international travel and often find myself asking a lot of questions you answered here! Thank you so much for that!
Love this! Thanks for all of the tips! I’m in desperate need of a vacation!
Haley, THIS is amazing! Can’t wait to use some of your tips when we travel abroad for our honeymoon next year! ????✈️✈️ ?? ?? ??
These are such wonderful tips! I didn’t realize you could do a VAT refund at any airport. I thought it had to be in the same country you bought the item. This is great to know for my upcoming trip. Thank you!
Great travel Q&A! Such awesome tips and I love your pictures. You’ve picked some amazing places to travel to. I saved this blog post for my next international travel plans – it truly is so helpful 🙂
Xoxo
Thank you for the great tips!
This post is bookmarked for my honeymoon to Fiji in August ? thank you !
This is so helpful! Thank you! I have flown Norwegian and your friend is right! It is very basic, but I didn’t mind and I was able to get a round trip to Scotland ticket for $400.
This was so helpful! I love all your travel posts and refer to them when I’m making my bucket lists! Keep up the great work!
Thank you so much for this post! I’ve bookmarked it for my travels to Fiji in August for my honeymoon ?
I love all of your in-depth travel diaries and suggestions! Keep them coming! I so appreciate all of the effort you put into these posts. My husband and I travel often, and your blog is a go-to for me! (And I love your style of course)!
This post was ah mazing!!! So thorough and full of great information! Like you, I love to travel but after about a week and a half I’m ready to come home to my daily routine. I can’t wait to start traveling more extensively again when my children get older. Thank you for the info!!!
Very helpful post! Thanks for putting it all together!
This is so helpful!!
Love how detailed this is! Thanks!
Love your travel posts! Always so thoughtful and helpful!
Thank you for taking the time to answer all of these questions for your readers! Travel can be quite stressful sometimes but it seems like you’ve really mastered it. Such a great post!
Thank you so much for this post! I feel so much more prepared for traveling internationally!
Hi Haley! I love all your travel posts but this one is especially helpful. I always love reading tips and tricks for traveling abroad or just to any new city!
First of all I need your luggage! So cute! Second, I’ve been wanting to travel so bad and unfortunately right now isn’t the right time but once it does, i can’t wait to refer back to this post as it literally covers EVERYTHING. Thanks for all the details and hard work!
Thanks for the converter recommendation. I fully realize that you don’t use them but I fried a hair tool on a recent trip to Portugal, Spain and Italy and felt very overwhelmed trying to find one to use next time I’m in Europe. I can’t wait to go to the UK and will certainly use your blog for a reference!
Oh girl … I’ve definitely had hair tool frying experiences and it is completely frustrating and intimidating trying to find where to get them abroad. If you need one in the U.K., you can get them at any Boots location for the most part but, anywhere else … I’m usually clueless. It took me all day to find one in Rome two years ago. So, yeah, dual voltage curling wands was a #blessing to discover 🙂
Can’t wait to use these tips when I’m FINALLY an RN and able to travel and travel nurse!
I finally got my passport this year (at 35, no less) and am headed to Iceland this Tuesday!! This post could not have come at a better time. I love following along with all of your travel content and have truly been inspired and informed on many occasions, and for that I am super thankful!
Have the BEST time!!!! 🙂
THANK YOU for breaking down the tax of buying a designer bag abroad vs. purchasing here in the U.S. Bookmarking this for my future travels!
Thank you so much! Loved reading this, and as always, truly enjoy your content!
I love your travel tips! Just bought the battery pack for my trip to Europe!
Thank you so much for all of your amazing travel tips. I never even thought about the phone overheating while charging, but you’re so right!
Love reading about your travels!! It inspires me to make my own memories!
This post was so helpful! (Also, I swear by the Anker portable chargers!)
Thank you for the thorough travel post. I found all your thoughts and opinions very helpful!
I love following your travels and I’m so inspired to plan my own trips! Thank you for all of details!!! ❤️
Such a great informational post! You are the best! ❤️❤️
Now I have the travel bug!!
This is such an awesome informative post! Thanks for all your travel tips always they are so helpful! My first international trip, I was so nervous! I love looking at your content and always improving myself and my travel experiences 🙂
This is such a good post! Bookmarking this for future travels ? thanks for the tips!
Always love your posts, so thorough and great advice.
I believe you overdid yourself on this one! Great post ?
Loved reading this post! Truly makes me want to travel. Even though I have a little boy I still hope to travel in the future! Xoxo
Love love LOVE!! I haven’t travelled out of the US, so this info is AMAZING for a newbie like me! Think god NEVER have thought of!! Thank you for all of your hard work!
All of this information is so details and helpful! It definitely will help organize future travel!
Love all the info! My husband and I are planning our first trip to Europe this fall for our 5 year anniversary. I’m trying to learn as much as possible before we go!
Love your travel posts! So thorough!
Thanks so much for putting this together, it’s seriously so helpful!! My husband and I love to travel but figuring out what to bring/pack Is always a struggle!
Haven’t thought about changing or upgrading my adaptor/converter situation in a while but definitely considering it now. Great tips!
Best Travel Tips Ever!!!! Thank you co much
Lived in London for 7 years! Now back in the states but still miss it too!
Thanks for the great post! I definitely agree with the advice on pick pocketers! Be aware of your surroundings and you will be fine
I’m gearing up for my first trip abroad and this post was extremely helpful. Thank you, Haley! Also, thank you for continuing to produce great content. ….and for the daily dose of Fish and Chips on your Instagram. 🙂 xo.
Always love your travel posts, photos, and reviews!! Annnnnd…So excited for the travel giveaway!!!
I’m traveling to Italy next month and love all your tips on buying goods to packing! And also your outfits are inspirational!
Thanks so much for the post! I’ve lite taken notes from this, restaurants in Positano and your carry on packing post for an upcoming trip to the Amalfi Coast. Thanks again
Definitely saving this post for the future! Thanks for sharing such great tips.
XO Lo
This post was so helpful!!! Love all your recommendations!!
SO HELPFUL! Cannot thank you enough for taking time to put together these travel diaries, you’re a life saver! Xo
Such great tips! London is my absolute fave also, and I pack my carry-on the same way you do!! Great info on the designer goods though. Thinking about buying my first LV in Europe this summer, and that Rebecca Minkoff bag is ???
I love all of the input that you have on traveling and have found a lot of similar ideas when traveling throughout Europe!
This post is so thorough and helpful! Thank you so much for taking the time to write this!
This is so amazing and incredibly thorough!! You literally answered any questions I have. I am recently single after a 7 year relationship and trying to figure out the best ways to travel by myself and this post is everything to me. You are my traveling idol! Thanks so much for sharing! Xo
This was so helpful!! I wish this post would’ve been out before I traveled to Jamaica last week. Loved learning about all the cheap ways to travel ?
Ahh so glad I found your blog and this article! Definitely going to be applying this to my Europe travels this summer! Thanks Alyson for being so informative and helpful!
I love this post! My friend is tracking to Paris soon so I shared this with her as well so she can get some info on converters!
So so helpful! Thanks for all the work you put in to your posts?
This post is so thorough and helpful! Especially about the taxes. My hubs and I are heading to London (for the Jags game) and Paris in October and this really answered a few questions I’ve been thinking of. Thanks Haley! Xo
Thanks for all of these amazing tips! I haven’t had the opportunity to travel much abroad, but my husband and I have plans to take our baby girl all over the world to expose her to different places and cultures! These tips will definitely come in handy for our next trip!
This is great! You are so incredibly thorough in your answers and it is all so helpful. Thank you!
Thank you so much for sharing all of your travel knowledge and experience! I try to travel often (would love to travel even more) and learn something new each time and I still find it helpful to hearing about others tips! I especially love how you did a blog post on your carry on… genius idea putting bags inside of bags… mind blown! Lol.
Also, I have bought one designer bag overseas so far and found your tax info helpful because I actually did not even know all of the info you explained until now! Haha!
Anyways… keep up the good work! Love your content!
So many helpful travel tips!! Thank you for always being so thorough!
Planning a trip to Europe for 2020. I plan way in advanced when it comes to trip/vacation (I’m a nurse) so I have the proper knowledge when it comes to the location. Bookmarking this for the future! (Been an AlysonHaley follower for like 4 years now!)
Love all the travel tips!! So helpful!!
I love this post! I would love if you added things like hostels, which can be a unique experience too. Although I’m sure you stay in hotels, i feel like most new travelers do stay in hostels.
Besides that, i travel often and these tips are amazing! Some things i didn’t even think of. Thank you!!
Hi there! I just don’t have any experience in hostels to speak to, which is why it wasn’t mentioned. But, yes, I do agree. Hostels are great options for travelers and had I had some experience with them to speak to, I’d likely have mentioned them. xo!
Saving this for when I finally cross the pond- my husband and I are still recovering from our honeymoon in Hawaii, but Europe is next on our quite long list 🙂
This post was extremely helpful and very informative! This must have taken you a long time to write and put together, and for that I thank you. Your information from adaptors, how to travel if you rent a car and the tax claim (I had NO idea that you had to do that) was so helpful. Also it was nice to read other websites and options than the mainstream ones.
This is so useful! Thanks for sharing!
Can’t recall how it was in Italy, but in France the VAT is already included in the price you see on the tag. Also, when you get your VAT refund it is not 100% of what the tax was…
Ummm ok you always say how detailed and particular you are and now I see it!!! Your attention to detail absolutely pays off… this post is amazing! Thank you x1000000
I loved hearing all about your travel! Makes me excited to an upcoming trip!!
Love this! So helpful! 🙂 <3
Loved!
I absolutely love your posts, your style and your personality. This post was super helpful. I really liked your thoughts on lodging and packing a suitcase. I struggle with packing too much! Thanks for being to thorough in your thoughts/answers.
LOVE this post so much! I have used so many of your travel guides for recommendations and they have all been amazing!!
SUCH a helpful post! Can’t wait to plan another trip back to Europe ?
So helpful! Thank you!
So informative! I am going to Europe soon, so this was definitely helpful!
This is so helpful! Thank you
I love your blog posts and how informational and useful they always are! All of this information is so helpful. Thanks xo
Great info thanks!
Such a helpful post for travels!!
Your content is seriously the best ! I truly enjoy everything you have to share
Super helpful! I just used the travel cubes for my last trip and they were great! Definitely kept me more organized!
You’re making me want to start planning every euro trip imaginable 🙂 thanks for all the info!!!
Thank you so much for taking the time to write this helpful post! I travel abroad once a year and found some of these tips so very helpful 🙂
Love your Instagram and blog so much. Such cute outfit ideas and great tips for travelling 🙂
Such a great post! Thank you for taking the time to write and share with us!
This post makes me want to pack my bags and go somewhere new! So many great tips!
Planning a trip to London for late fall early winter and your London travel guides have been so helpful when it comes to things to do, places to stay, where to eat and what to pack. Thank you!
Wow this is so thorough! I travel a lot too and it was fun comparing travel tips!!
Thanks for all of the traveling advice!! A lot of questions that I had were answered in this post!!
Love all the travel info! Looking to go to Italy next year!! Thank you for sharing!
Everything you do is always so helpful! Thank you.
Just wanted to say you’re the absolute bomb! I now have the calpak luggage set because of you hehe and my closet has a whole new life. You probably get bombarded with follows from all of my friends because when they ask me where my outfit is from lately it’s usually been your posts (: thanks for taking the time to do everything you do. It really helps me (a full time kindergarten teacher) get my life together when it comes to outfits, travel and life in general. Xoxo
I absolutely loved reading through this! My dream has always been to travel to Europe, especially Italy. This was so helpful, thank you so much!
I’m so jealous of your travels! I haven’t traveled much and my bucket list is so see the world!
Don’t be jealous! Save money and make plans! 🙂 xo.
This post was so helpful and answered a lot of questions I had!! Thank you so much!
Ah! Now I want to take a trip somewhere after reading this! ? If only I had time off from my regular job — if I ever move closer to you, consider me your back up pup sitter (honestly, I’d be just as happy hanging with Fish & Chips) LOL! Absolutely love the RM bag. That color!!! ?
Your blog posts are the most thorough of any bloggers I follow, it’s clear how focused you are on quality over quantity. Much appreciated!! Xoxo
This post is so helpful! I really enjoy all the information you provided and how organized the post is.
I wish I had read this before my first Euro trip, so many helpful tips! I appreciate how honest and thoughtful you are with all your blog posts!!
This post is so perfect! I love all the other location specific ones too, but this is so great to have all those small things in one place. The things that I don’t even remember to ask until I’m packing the night before! Also, I’m going to Carucao I’m October for my honeymoon and I’m so excited you went there and can’t wait to read your travel guide for that!
All of your recommendations are so detailed and informative. Thank you!
I loved this travel post! Such great tips! Makes me want to travel even more
Love your travel posts!
I don’t travel as much as I’d love to but this is such great information. Thank you for sharing and for being so thorough!
Such good advice for travel!
Great post!
Thanks for all of of the helpful info!! This helps
So much with my upcoming trip to Europe!
Thank you so much for taking the time to put together such a lengthy, well-thought out post! I hope you utilize this post when I go to Europe one day!
I’m so glad you take the time to put these together for us. They are SUPER helpful In planning for overseas travel in the future. Just wanted to send a thank you! ??
I really enjoy watching all of your travels!! Thank you!!
Great post! Very helpful trips for traveling abroad! And your absolutely right…once you go abroad, you realize we aren’t that different from everyone else! ❤️
This blog post is SO helpful!!
Just traveled with my Rebecca minkoff bag for the first time and I Loved it!! So glad I took your amazing travel advice.l and bought it. I’ll never travel without this bag again!!
Love Fish and Chips posts too??
Love all the tips. So helpful! I’ve been looking at a new designer crossbody & you’ve provided so much inspiration as I shop around & contemplate what I want to purchase! I also loved reviewing the luggage pieces you are currently loving!
I love reading your travel blog posts..as well as your other content. Your travel tips on everything from packing, to favorite restaurants, to useful apps, etc. are helpful to even me – a seasoned traveler – flight attendant! Thanks for inspiring me to venture out even more and seek new adventures.
Absolutely loved this post!! Thank you so much for taking the time to answer these questions – I can’t wait to use some of these tips when traveling to London this summer!
Thank you for the post! I recently purchased the marble luggage because of you’ve recommended it and I love it! I tracked a lot for work and it was a game-changer!
Super informative. Thank you for going into such depth about traveling and what you bring, how you travel, and where you stay! I just bought the L’ange wand, been eyeing it for awhile and this post definitely encouraged me to buy it! Very helpful about international phone plans as the times I’ve traveled I’ve just used WiFi, but for my next trip that really isn’t feasible and I need to be able to contact people and relying on WiFi doesn’t always work!
Thank you so much for all the details in this post! Headed to Italy on my honeymoon this summer and couldn’t be more grateful for all the helpful tips!
Love this! So many awesome tips, and I love how detailed you are with each tip!
Such an incredibly helpful post, you are the best as always!!!
Love these tips. Hope I get to travel abroad some day, but regardless these are some good tips !
What an amazing post! Your time and dedication to answer so many questions is greatly appreciated! It is evident that you have a very generous heart and have a passion for what you do. Thank you!!
I’m so jealous of all the traveling you do!! I can’t wait to complete my Master’s in speech-lanugauge pathology in a year so I can take a graduation trip! London is first on my list, so I’ll be using tons of your info to plan it!! Love your content and you. ?✈️
Such great information! I will definitely refer back to this post before my next Europe trip. Love all your travel pictures on your feed as well!!!
I love my calpak luggage! Thank you for all the tips! Bookmarking this for my next international travels.
I’m so glad you gave reccs for converters in this post! We went to Barcelona last summer and my picks didn’t cut it! None of my hair styling tools worked. At all. It was hot and humid and I had to let my curls rage the whole time. ? Never again!
Great information – thank you also for providing links to everything.
I need to get a straightener with the dual voltage- so this helped along with all of your other very useful info.
It’s great to see someone enjoy what they do and we are all so thankful for you sharing! Have a wonderful week- and continued safe / fun travels! ?
You’re blogging is so detailed and informative. I enjoy your stories. I would love to figure out what it takes to get to be a blogger and influencer but it’s all new to me and I’m lost on whereby to begin lol.
This is so helpful. Thanks for all your hard work.
I’m glad I’m not the only one who packs bags inside of others to conserve space! Just did this for my Nashville trip Wednesday! Xo from SoFlo.
I love all of your travel posts! I live vicariously through all your adventures. I haven’t been to Europe yet, but I recently got engaged and we’re talking about Italy for our honeymoon. If we decide on Italy or another place in Europe you’ve been, I will definitely be referring to your blog! Thank you for all your posts!
Love this blog pist espexially answering the VAT questions!! Anout to buy mt first LV this time im August!
There are no words for how helpful this is! Thank you!!!
I’m a flight attendant so I travel abroad often. This post is so great and very helpful for me and for my friends who don’t travel abroad often. I’m also from the Jax Beaches area so hopefully I’ll run into you some time!
Wow this was a super helpful post! Thank you so much for sharing. I loved all your tips
thank you for all this info! what a great and thorough Q&A! you rock 🙂
I want all your trips and travel outfits. No, but I do love seeing your travel outfits.
Such a helpful post! I’m going to Europe this fall for the first time and this mentioned things I haven’t even thought of yet. Would love to see a packing guide for Europe in the fall. Also, do you ever use travel agents or do you book everything yourself? We will be going to U.K. , France , and Germany so we are feeling a bit overwhelmed trying to figure out where to stay and how to get everywhere.
Your travel guides have been a go to for me when planning trips lately for places I’m already planning but have also served as an inspiration for future travels. Thank you for answering so many questions as well, keep up the great work!
I’m traveling to Italy later this month, and have been reading all things travel on your blog. This has been so helpful!!! So many great tips!
Great posts and very, very helpful for upcoming trip. I am a bit confused over what adapters I will need. I think one of the links went to the wrong page. I am bringing my iPhone 6s, a GHD flat iron and a BabyBliss hair dryer. Which items would I need to charge my iPhone and use my flat iron and blow dryer in London and Paris?
Hi Rebecca! Thank you for letting me know about the link being incorrect. I have fixed it so it should be more clear what you will need for your GHD flat iron. I wouldn’t bother bringing a hair dryer. Most rental flats and hotels have them in the bathrooms as a courtesy.
Where is your leopard Kate Spade bag from, and you please post the details?
I can tell this post took forever, but it was so helpful! We are headed to Paris & Switzerland next month (neither of us have been to Europe before) and I can’t tell you how much this helped!
Stumbled upon this blog post in my wanderlust since I’m stuck at home from the pandemic! I’ve done my fair share of designer bag shopping in Europe, and just wanted to make a note, that the prices in store already include VAT! So if your bag is €1,650 in store, that already includes their 20% VAT! You don’t have to add in an extra 20% like you would in the States. Also, when you get your refund, countries will not refund you the full 20%…they say it’s because of the fees they have to pay global blue or whatever. You still save a great deal though! The country that gives the highest percentage of VAT back is actually Spain! (14%) France and Italy are usually 9-12%.