Case and Accessories

To check or not to check, that is the question. If you ask travel correspondent Jennifer Weatherhead, she would say do not check. However, on my press trip to Mauritius, I met British Airways High Life Magazine photo editor, Matt Richardson, who introduced me to AWAY’s Bigger Carry On (shown in Silver Aluminum). Since I was headed to Greece for two weeks, I wanted to try the larger case for more room.  Let’s just say, I am hooked. Although it needs to be checked, it's only slightly bigger than the AWAY Carry On which makes it easier if you are packing for two. Or in my case, you like to shop and need the extra room.

The add-on battery is a great bonus, because if you take as many photos/videos as I do – you need the extra juice. I also find the hot weather does a number on my phone battery.

For my trip to Greece, I thought I would try out the AWAY F.A.R Convertible Backpack 25L instead of my usual AWAY Everywhere Bag. It is slightly larger in length than the Everywhere Bag and it has the option of having a crossbody strap as well as backpack straps. I really liked how it opened up like a suitcase and the strong zipper. Of course, by the end of the trip – my pack was full. Regardless if you are an avid traveler or not, a trolly sleeve is an absolute must. 

I saw this Smythson Luggage Tag in Panama in a Neon Yellow colorway and thought it would be the perfect pop to my Silver suitcase. Found in the brand’s same iconic cross grain calf leather, and part of the Smythson travel collection is the Multi-Zip Case (shown in Neon Yellow). It has four zipped compartments to help you organize receipts, boarding passes and all the coin currency that you need to get rid of before you leave. The Neon Yellow also makes it easy to find things in a flash, especially at the bottom of a dark bag. 

Apparel 

While I am used to packing for one-week travel stints, packing for two weeks required a tad more effort. A lot of mix and matching, and pieces doing double duty was in store. 

During the summer months, I opt for this 10+ year old long lightweight elastic waist black skirt with pockets. It acts as a coverup at the beach, or a skirt for day or night. You can wash it in the sink and in a few hours it will dry. Something similar for purchase is this Bleusalt A- Line Skirt. Available in 7 colorways, I would opt for navy or black to mask any travel dirt. 

Also available from Bleusalt is The Slip Dress. With 8 colorways, adjustable straps and pockets, it’s an easy packing addition.

I love a matching set, which you can either wear separately or together. This Sanctuary Ocean Shirt Artisan Stripe and the matching Side Slit Wide Leg Semi High Rise Pant Artisan Stripe. You no doubt will have a day or night where you want the sun off your legs, or to shield you from the night mosquitos. 

I really like the flattering cut of this HELSA Organic Jersey Double Halter Bodysuit. Available in classic colors – white and black. An easy staple to throw under the bottoms (skirt, wide leg pant) mentioned above. 

Let’s talk about swimwear. For my trip to Mauritius, I randomly came upon Robin Piccone on a last-minute attempt to find a swimsuit the day before I left. For Greece, I tried on the Aubrey Tank Bikini Top and Aubrey Side Tie Bikini Bottom both in French Blue. One could even wear the bikini top as a crop top. My favorite was the Aubrey Lacefront One Piece, which could also double as a body suit over baggy shorts or wide leg pants. I thought it would be complicated with all the straps, but not the case at all. 

 Accessories

It’s hard to know what could wear well on cobblestone, and uneven pavement. While my fellow travel writer, Cee Fardoe suggested wearing some espadrilles, I opted for some flat sandals. The black crystals in the Apli Eleftheria Ancient Greek Sandals, add some sparkle while not compromising the flattering ankle strap. 

Taking respite from the sun and don a straw hat like this Lack of Color Spencer Fedora in Straw and Black. Although not too wide of a brim, it will pack easily in your carry on. Pair with these Lost Days Le Specs in Leopard Tort for a cool vintage look. 

A great small-medium crossbody with some closure (magnetic flap or zipper) is worth its weight in any travel scenario. You will welcome the hand free option, whether it's zigzagging through the busy crowds of Oia in Santorini or browsing the Kapani food market in Thessaloniki. This SIMONMILLER Crossbody Mini Retro Bag is my pick.