Tips to Travel By: Flying with your wine

While in Napa Valley, it was difficult not to bring home some of the fabulous wine my girlfriend and I had the pleasure of sampling. We dreamed of a build your own six pack type of thing where we could bring home a bottle from each place we visited. However, it seemed like our options were to buy a case or half case from each winery or bring home a bottle or two in checked luggage. That is until we met our tour guide, Matt (if I recall correctly), at Cakebread Cellars who introduced us to this awesome wine shipper.

It costs about $7 for a six pack (many of the wineries offer them for sale) and you can choose whatever six bottles your heart desires. Then, when you get to the airport check the box as your checked baggage and tape the top flat. The wine will get to your destination safely with you so no need to wait for it to be shipped and the cost is slightly less (or a lot less depending on where you are going and if you have to pay a checked bag fee).

We were hesitant about checking the boxes. Matt reassured us that the owner of their winery does it all the time! Heck, he must know what he's doing, right? Neither of us had any issues checking the boxes and they arrived in tack. Hooray for a bit of travel that's hassle free!

Tips to Travel By: Adventures of The Thirsty Cowboy

While I was in Sedona (story coming next week!) I was in a funny mood. I made the mistake of connecting to the outside world during my vacation (damn you iphone!). And then I decided the best way of handling my frustration was to have nachos and beers at 11am. Why not?

Then I was just plain silly walking around all the touristy shops simultaneous making fun of everything they stood for and making purchases. Gman was in need of a souvenir and I found the perfect thing: The Thirsty Cowboy. This holster set was in the 9 years old and younger section of a Western costume store. Wrapped in an orange box with brown faux wood graining and inside, a tiny toy pistol and flask with "Arizona" written on the fancy leather pouch. These goodies were strapped to a belt for your little tyke to use while pretending he was a belligerent drunk with a gun, I mean a cowboy. To top it off, the box doubles as a framed piece of art! Huge bonus! "Two in one box!" Advertised the back of the frame. What is the art you might ask? A stereotypical 3/4 view portrait of an Indian chief which you could hang on the wall. I had to buy it immediately. Present shopping complete!

After that I threw it in my suitcase. I completely forgot about it, even while packing, as it was in the outside pocket of my rolly bag. So you can imagine my surprise when I'm delayed in the airport security line on my way back home. I went through the scanner and seemed to be waiting for an unusual amount of time for my bag to go through the X-ray belt. Then I noticed that other passengers were being redirected to other security lines. What's the deal? They were inspecting my bag on the monitor. I saw supervisors rushing over. About six TSA agents crowded the monitor, pointing, talking, looking concerned. I still had no idea what the hold up was. The supervisor finally comes over to me and says, "M'am, is there any reason you would have a gun in your bag?" What? I racked my brain. Crap. The Thirsty Cowboy! I told him it was a gift for my, uh, nephew and he told me he had to call the police.

What seemed like an eternity (not even 10 minutes), the police came and finally got a look at the problem. They were very respectful of me and my bag (unusual) and I'm pretty sure I saw someone crack a smile when they took the little treasure out of my suitcase. They re-ran it through the X-ray machine and when it was confirmed that it nor I was a threat, they let me go on my way (and even keep it!).

I was surprised that a) the agents were actually doing a good job and b) that the whole situation was handled so discretely and respectfully. As embarrassed as I was that I, such a seasoned traveler, made such a stupid mistake, I'm glad to know that TSA really is useful and some people take their jobs seriously.

So what's the tip? If you travel with toy guns, check your bags.

Always Bring Lipstick



my favorite lipsticks: YSL, MAC, Chanel, NARS

I am easily annoyed at the airport. Not only is there so much room for error and delay (thank you Delta for overbooking my flight, and thank you TSA for taking my lotion) but non-experienced travelers get in my way. However (in my romanticized brain) half the fun of traveling should be getting to your destination. Your vacation should start when you leave your house. As a frequent flyer I'll share with you some of my tips for reducing airport stress and making travel fun again.

1. Don't over pack: You don't need to bring your entire wardrobe with you. First consider what you will be doing on your trip. Are you going on a beach vacation? Are you going to Paris? Then coordinate your wardrobe accordingly. If you are going on a hiking trip, leave the LBD at home (and sadly your heels too). Under packing also leaves room to pick up a few local items, including local toiletries. I like to experiment with local toothpaste, shampoo or even makeup. I usually find a new brand I love, and whenever I see or use it, I am reminded of my time away.

2. Check your luggage: Most airlines are past charging $50 to check a bag. So check your bag. Unless you have a small weekender, there is no reason to lug all your crap around. Experience the lap of luxury by letting someone else (the plane) do it for you.

3. Show up early and have a drink: If there is one thing I do not want to do while on vacation it is be in a rush. This starts with the airport. If you want to reduce stress, show up the recommended 1.5 – 2 hours early. You never know what sort of mayhem will greet you and you don’t want to loose it when the yokel in the security line can’t untie his shoes fast enough. Once you get through security, immediately find the bar and order a drink. If you aren’t a big drinker, find the Starbucks. Giving yourself time to recoup and relax will invite your vacation to start immediately. And it’s also fun to make friends at the airport bar!

4. Bring lipstick: After a long flight I usually want to refresh myself. Putting on lipstick is a quick way to feel put together. Once you de-board the plane, stop in the rest room rinse your face, brush your teeth (try Crest Brush-ups to save room in your handbag) and apply your lipstick. It does wonders I’m telling you!

5. Wear a nice outfit: The airport is a public place. Have some self respect and don’t wear sweats. Leggings, button up shirts and scarves are chic and comfortable.