Travel Archives - Page 37 of 84

My Go-To Travel Outfit

May 10, 2021

My Go-To Travel Outfit
📍 Union Station, Denver

Travel, Go-To Travel, Outfit, Trip, Comfort

I feel so fortunate to be able to squeeze in recent travels with David. Most recently, we snuck away to Denver, Colorado to visit one of our close friends. We actually haven’t seen him since our wedding (nearly 3 years ago), so the trip was long over due. No matter the destination, I have a pretty standard uniform when I travel. You’re going to see me in sweats or athleisure at the airport, but to each their own. Instead, I have my go-to travel outfit that keeps me comfortable on the longest flights and dressed for what is thrown at me once I land.

A Tailored Blazer

We all know just how much in-flight temperatures can fluctuate. One moment I need an extra layer to stay warm, and the next, I feel like I’m having a hot flash. As much as I love flying, it’s seriously a huge downside. To help fight this, I always travel in a light jacket. It also works overtime as an impromptu blanket or pillow. This bright pink blazer from J. Crew has an extra bit of stretch to help me stay comfortable while I’m sitting in economy. While the color helps me stick out at the airport, it also comes in more grey and navy for a more neutral color palette.

Stark White Jeans

What can I say? I like to live dangerously. Although white jeans and travel seem like mortal enemies, I swear there is a method to my madness. Depending on the trip, sometimes I need to head directly to a meeting or dinner when I land. White jeans just have a slightly elevated feel. I can dress them up or down for whatever my travels throw at me. I recommend opting for a bootcut or boyfriend pair over skinny for additional comfort. This pair from J. Crew has long been my favorite.

A Stylish Pair of Sneakers

For a time, I went back and forth about what the best travel shoes are. Mules are great to slip off, and I always prefer to wear sandals, but who wants to go barefoot in the security line? Instead, I’ve turned towards a pair of sneakers that is both chic and supportive. Yes, taking them on and off can be a pain, but I think it’s worth it. Especially if you have to do a lot of walking through the airport or straight when you arrive, your feet will thank you. The list of options is virtually endless, but my Veja Esplar Sneakers are a great place to start. I love how they go with everything. For a similar style at nearly half the cost, definitely consider shopping for a pair of Tretorns instead.

A Tote Bag That Fits Everything

I tend to stuff my travel bags to the brink! One, I’m a notorious over-packer, but I always want to make sure I have the essentials close at hand. Especially since I work remotely now, I tend to bring everything I may need from 9 to 5. My Gucci tote was a birthday present from David, and it checks in all of the boxes. It fits my computer, makeup bag, book, hat, camera equipment and still has room for souvenirs. The best feature is that it fully zips, so I know nothing accidentally falls out in the plane or security line. Before this tote bag, I swore by a large Longchamp Le Pliage Bag. In fact, I still fold it up a bring it along, just in case.

Not pictured are my monogrammed make-up bag, a good book, and oversized scarf that I inevitably grab last minute. The more you travel, the more you learn about what to prioritize for style and comfort. As the world slowly returns to normal, I look forward to more travel and wish the same for each of you too!

Love from Denver,
Katie

As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.

Reflecting About Harbour Island

April 23, 2021

Reflecting About Harbour Island
📍 The Dunmore, Harbour Island

Harbour Island, Briland, Bahamas, travel, island, Dunmore

Dress || Sandals || Similar Clutch

Are you sick of Harbour Island pictures yet? Of course not! Sadly, this is the last post about our adventures in Briland. It was so inspiring to be there that maybe I can convince David on a return trip sooner rather than later. Whenever you travel to a destination for the first time, there are so many preconceived notions. Some of my absolute favorite bloggers (Look Linger Love, Palm Beach Lately, Julia Berolzheimer, LCB Style) have traveled to Harbour Island in recent years and were a major motivator in visiting for myself. For being such a small island, there’s still so much to uncover and absolutely deserves to be seen for yourself. Please bear with me as I do a bit of reflecting on Harbour Island.

The Very Beginning

My desire to visit The Bahamas extends far longer than blogging. A little known fact about me is that I lived in Wisconsin for a few years when I was a kid. Not to knock the Badger State, but my particular town was just too landlocked and cold for a young Floridian. One day, I remember coming across an issue of Islands magazine called “Best Islands to Live On.” Featured was a picture of Eleuthera and a description of what life there was like. It really spoke to younger me. She was ready to move to Eleuthera that day and was probably very disappointed in how long it took me to get there.

Eleuthera Revisited

Life passed by, and it took me several years to think about this childhood epiphany again. As I was researching a trip to Harbour Island, I found that the best airport to fly into was North Eleuthera (ELH). Suddenly, that childhood memory of looking at my Islands magazine until the pages were worn came flooding back. When I officially booked the trip, I felt my inner child do a full cartwheel. A vacation meant to help me relax and recharge felt like a mission. I wanted to make the absolute most out of this trip!

Chatting with the Locals

As soon as we set foot on Harbour Island, it felt so familiar. Years of daydreaming about a destination will have that affect on you. It also helped that nearly all of the locals exchanged greetings with me as I walked by. My favorite aspect of the trip was talking with those who grew up on either Harbour Island or Eleuthera (affectionately known as the “Mainland” here). Where were there favorite bars and restaurants? What spots do the locals not fully know about? Whenever I travel, whether it’s domestic or abroad, this is how I find the majority of my recommendations. Even if there’s a language barrier like when I was in Rome or Paris, the extra effort is always worth it!

What Harbour Island Means To Me

Sometimes people travel for a change in scenery and to see something see. Others travel as a means of escape, to truly get away from it all. The best destinations are somewhere in between. I felt an instant connection with Harbour Island and know that it’s going to be a place we visit for years to come. The art, the food, the people, the beaches are all perfect reasons as we think about our someday growing family. I joke that Bahamas Katie is my favorite, but the more I think about it, the more I think it’s true!

I guess what I’m saying is… Book the trip! To me, those are the most sincere and inspiring words of all! No matter how many years later you think about it, it’s never too late. After such a chaotic year, we all deserve to go on the trip of our dreams. If you’re anything like me, it’s something that fuels the soul and makes me feel even more fulfilled.

Love from Harbour Island,
Katie

As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.

Our Harbour Island Home

April 21, 2021

Our Harbour Island Home
📍 The Secret, Harbour Island

Harbour Island, The Secret, Airbnb, Bahamas

Dress (also) (also)

Before you get too excited… Sadly, no, we didn’t buy a home on Harbour Island. However, it’s something that both David and I are currently daydreaming about! Instead, I wanted to give you a full look at our Briland home for the week. The Secret was the perfect option for us and an absolute gem. Now that I know, it will be my number one recommendation for friends and family visiting Harbour Island. That is especially true if you’re looking for more budget-friendly travel. So, let me tell you the secret about The Secret!

Why I Chose The Secret

I’m no stranger to booking on Airbnb. It’s how we opted to book our Italian honeymoon. Whenever I travel somewhere new, I always compare the nearby hotels with local listings. More often than not, Airbnb is going to be the cost-effective option. That was most certainly the case on Harbour Island. Since we wanted to stay for an entire week, staying at a resort for the entire stay wasn’t our best option. Besides, the island is so small and welcoming I could explore the best parts of the hotels at my leisure. While there were a few different Airbnb options at a similar price point, I ultimately chose The Secret because of how much space it offered us. Both working remotely during our trip, this was critical. The crisp decor and shady outdoor space were both huge bonuses that I absolutely loved!

The Location

Don’t expect a full address on Harbour Island. I don’t think any of the building of the buildings were numbered. Instead, locals typically know the homes by name. The Secret is on the north side of town. I noticed that is where many locals live and we were constantly greeting them on their commute. Because of the size, you’re truly no more than a 20-minute walk from anything, including only 5 minutes away from the pink sand beaches. We’re walkers and had no problem with that. If you’re traveling with little ones or simply want to get somewhere a little quicker, I recommend renting a golf cart. It’s the most utilized mode of transportation. We rented from Conch and Coconut. They delivered the cart right to us and the customer service was incredible!

The Amenities

Although we ended up never using it, we were most excited about the full kitchen. There was every intention of cooking meals in, but the lure of new restaurants to explore was too great. Still, it was nice to know that we had somewhere to store leftovers and keep drinks cool. Our bedroom featured an extremely comfortable king-size bed that I looked forward to getting into each night. If you’re planning on having a beach day, load up the golf cart with the provided beach chairs, towels, and umbrella. The Secret had all of the comforts of home that you would need on Harbour Island. As far as provisions, a local grocery store is just a few doors down the road.

Why You’ll Love It

While the resorts on Harbour Island are equally luxurious, sometimes you’re just looking for a place to lay your head and don’t need the frills. You’ll love The Secret because it looks as stylish as a private hotel cottage without the steep price tag. Sometimes I think there’s a misconception that Harbour Island has to be an incredibly expensive vacation. Its proximity to the beaches and local shops is enough to have me want to book again.

Until we have our own on Harbour Island (hopefully someday), The Secret is the next best thing. No memory of our trip here would be complete without it. I recommend it to any family member, friend, or reader who is thinking of staying there. If you have any specific questions, be sure to let me know!

Love from Harbour Island,
Katie

As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.