Fashionable Flashpacking

[trip style = any]

I resent the idea that flashpacking is associated with hostels, polar fleece and Crocs {which I'm not dissing, except for Crocs---not even at the campsite people!}. Flashpacking's roots rest in backpacking, romanticizing an upmarket version sans the bulky bag, clanging pots and pans, and extras. Just the essentials. The problem is, the word flashpacking doesn't really describe minimalist, tech-focused hostel-hopping---maybe it should be called technopacking?

At Trip Styler, we think flashpacking means packing fast and fashionably. Period. Who has time to plan outfits for hours and stuff 10 dresses, six pairs of pants, 15 tops, seven pairs of shoes, an ionic hairdryer, and the kitchen sink into a bag and THEN pack and repack on a trip? Not me, not you and certainly not yo momma!

Less is more on the road, and less does not equate to zero style, hence the above graphic---just think of the exponential outfit possibilities.

Fashionable Flashacking HOW-TOs - make a list: I like the Kayak app's packing list feature {which I reuse and re-interepret for every trip} - plan your outfits in advance and tackle 'em from head to toe - seek in-season outfit inspiration via your fave fashion blogs, or check our monthly Fashion Friday column - mix basics and patterns so it's easy to hide stains - always keep your travel toiletries stocked and ready to go - edit shoes down to essentials---max five for a carry-on! - use accessories like belts, scarves and jewelry to re-imagine basics

Related Fitting 50 Garments Into A Carry-On Q&A With “How To Pack Like a Rock Star” Author Packing 103 // Packing 102 // Packing 101 Size Matters Travel Essentials for Any Trip Style High Rolling :: To Roll or Lay Flat? A Summer Weekend Packing List The Art of Carry-On Travel Going Away? Packing and To Do List

[Photo by @tripstyler]

Handsome Coffee LA

[trip style = urban + sun]

Last weekend in LA, both my husband and Trip Styler's Fashion Friday columnist urged me to sip java at Handsome Coffee Roasters! Not one to say no to a coffee date or handsome hipsters, I was in!

In LA's Arts District---filled to the brim with warehouses, lofts {including the loft from the set of New Girl} and factories---the minimalist espresso emporium only serves: espresso // espresso with milk // coffee. No sugar, no soy, no extras. It's hardcore, just like the curlycue moustaches adorning the hipster gents passionately barist-ing each bev.

PS - The below food truck was conveniently parked outside, complementing Handsome's coffee and croissants with a morning dose of protein. I had an "eggslut" sandwich, and it was gooey-good.

More IMG_FRI SEA-ttle Tokyo JAL Business Class A Cinque Terre Adventure Conquering Phoenix’s Camelback Mountain Arizona Spring Training Baseball Tipping Etiquette Infographic

[photos by @tripstyler]

A Tulalip Surprise

[trip style = weekend getaway + spa + budget conscious]

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Whether Tulalip {pronounced too-leh-lip} is your road trip's first note, crescendo or finale, everyone seems to find an excuse to stop at the Seattle Premium Outlets. And then, just past Restoration Hardware, you spot a hotel. Like you, I've always wondered what's inside. Recently my curiosity was cured when I was invited to stay at the 370-room Tulalip Resort. Not only did I learn the hotel has been at capacity every weekend since they've opened---a first indication they are doing something right---but also experienced a few "aha" moments worth sharing.

What Might Surprise You About Tulalip Resort {& Casino} The Designation I never would have guessed that a hotel just off the highway would be an AAA Four Diamond property. Surprise, it is, and lives up to the designation.

The Food I've heard through friends and contacts that Tulalip's exec chefs rock it on the foodie front. I'd have to concur after sampling dishes like soy-marinated salmon skewers, polenta fries dipped in red pepper aioli, volcano seared ahi tuna and baby arugula and red pear salad. {Trip Styler Tip :: Go for the gold and eat the resort's fine dining restaurant, Tulalip Bay. Make sure to defer to Tommy, resident (and really nice) sommelier, for your wine pairings.}

The Spa Built with meandering walkways, birch trees and river rocks mimicking a babbling brook, the 14,000sf T Spa is buffet-big with an amuse-bouche feel. Flickering candles, local music and color therapy reset your mind, while treatments transport you to another place. {Trip Styler Tip :: For an excellent massage, request Shannon, who gave me the best back treatment I've had in a long time.}

The Art From the hotel's custom-designed carpets to the lobby's 25ft hand-carved, red cedar house poles, Coast Salish art adorns every inch of available space. And in a nod to the Tulalip tribe's heritage, each piece tells a story. Showcasing 95% local art, think of the hotel like an art gallery, sans white walls and minimalism. {Trip Styler Tip :: Put on your "eagle eyes" and look left, right, up and down at the standout art that blends into the colorful decor.}

The Rooms An extension of the hotel's design aesthetic, 500sf rooms are very well-appointed with splurge-y features like: terrycloth-lined Japanese silk bath robes; glass-enclosed spa showers with triple shower heads; make-up removal wipes {in addition to wash clothes}, included bottled water and a coffee center with all the regular accompaniments including honey pearls.

Rates from $150/night include parking and wifi.

[photos by @tripstyler]

Roam+Board :: Thompson Beverly Hills

[trip style = luxury + sun + urban]

{Editor’s Note :: I just stayed at the Thompson Beverly Hills---a hotel I'd been eyeing and booked via Hotel Tonight. PS - it's Trip Styler Approved.}

What Transplant a hip NYC hotel dressed in dark leathers, tinted shades and modern accessories into LA and you've got the Thompson. Think edgy with a set of pearls. Sure, there's a scene, but in a clash of East-meets-West, it's varied enough for bohemians and high society to mingle sans entourages.

Boutique-y rooms carry the hotel's smokey hues right down to the black marble-clad bathroom, ebony herringbone hardwood flooring and leather headboard sporting a few mirrored strips for effect. Balancing rooms' ying with some yang, a bed with stark white sheets, and sheer grey curtains soften the palette.

Once at the rooftop, LA comes out to play. Strategically placed palms and bougainvillea add some lush to the urban landscape, and the pool---fairly big for a tightly sculpted 107-room hotel---brings out the bathing suit in all of us. Think of it as your chic beach in the city.

Where In Beverly Hills dah-ling.

When The warm California sun shines down on LA year-round---329 days per year to be exact---with minimal rain that tends to fall in the winter. Summer temps hover around 24 degrees C and winter temps hover around around 15 degrees C.

Who/Why You're a trip style = urbanite who likes to match your structured wardrobe to your hotel's design. Lounging poolside is as close as you'll get to sun and sand.

Cost Rates start at $150 per night and include complimentary wifi in the lobby and at the rooftop pool. In-room wifi is $14.95 per day. Valet parking is $35+ tax/night. Fido is not allowed.

{Trip Styler Tip :: If you're a light sleeper, BYO earplugs and ask for a room at the end of the hall, away from the elevator.}

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More Roam+Board The Sorrento Hotel - Seattle The LIT! Bangkok – Thailand Hotel De La Paix – Thailand X2 Kui Buri – Thailand Ecopod Boutique Retreat – Scotland The Saguaro AZ – Scottsdale From ice hotels to Anna Wintour’s steal-of-a-deal holiday escape, find all featured R+B properties here.

[photos by @tripstyler]

Tech Tuesday :: Hotel Tonight {+ Canada!}

[trip style = any]

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In September 2011, we told you about Hotel Tonight, an app for iThings and Androids that allows people to book hotels at the last minute---so last minute that booking only becomes available at noon the day-of. To say we love this app in all its spontaneous glory, is an understatement, so when we learned about the latest development, we had to share it with you! Previously, only hotels in major US cities were bookable, now they've added Vancouver and Toronto into the mix.

Taking a look at the hotels available in Vancouver on May 3rd, I see the Pan Pacific for $203 and the Granville Island Hotel $182. To compare, on Expdia.ca for the same night, the Pan is $247 and the Granville Island Hotel is $265. Hotel Tonight offers a respectable savings for both. Being a total travel geek, I peruse Hotel Tonight for fun {even when I'm not traveling} to see if the prices are "all that." Most of the time, they are a decent savings. {I just realized this must sound really sales-y, but TS isn't like that AND I'm just really passionate about this subject.}

I know we're not all comfortable with the last minute-, throw-caution-to-the-wind-approach, but if it's a Friday night and you decide you want to do an overnight trip starting Saturday morning, remember your friend Hotel Tonight. If you don't find what you want, you can always book via a hotel's website, Kayak or Expedia! Get more juicy details on the Hotel Tonight app by reading our previous post about it.

{Trip Styler Tip :: Discounts may grow as the sun sets. At the time of writing on May 3rd, I saw some good deals at noon. Checking back around 6pm some updated, amazing deals, were offered. In this scenario, it pays to be late for a very important date!}

PS - Just last week I booked the Thompson Beverly Hills---a hotel I've been eyeing and will write about tomorrow---on Hotel Tonight. I got it for $153 and the whole 'transaction' took less than one minute via my iPhone.

More Tech Tuesday Pic Frames {aka - photo collages} Tingo “Money Back” Hotel Search ‘n Book Instagram For Android How To Make Animated Travel Photos Phoneography Google Traveler Tricks

[photos = screenshots of Hotel Tonight offers on May 3rd]