Santa Flies Coach {for Kids}

[trip style = any]

Editor's Note: Merry Christmas from the TS crew! For our last dispatch of 2014, we wanted to wrap on a meaningful note and show an example of how you can give through travel. Catch you back in early 2015. 

Santa normally flies first class in a space-age sleigh programmed by smarter-than-Einstein elves and NASA-trained reindeer. During his once-yearly festive flight, I'm told he rides in "cool class" with a lie-flat seat kitted out with electronic massage modules, buttons for easy navigation to every country from Azerbaijan to Zimbabwe, and an on-demand hot cocoa machine specially made by Swiss elves. In other words, he's a true—perhaps even the original—Trip Styler.

This year, in preparation for Christmas, St. Nick ditched his fancy ride to fly around the world in COACH for a project VERY close to his heart: To raise money for the kids at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Knowing a little something-something about round-the-world journeys, in partnership with Expedia—because, duh, Santa books vacations when his busy season wraps—he criss-crossed the map to top up his Expedia+ Reward points so he could donate them directly to St. Jude.  

As you can see from the three-minute recap above, Mr. Red Suit himself flew 19,602 miles across surf and turf {even spending a night in Tokyo at a capsule hotel} ending up at St. Jude in Memphis, Tennessee to deliver gifts to kids in the hospital. At the end of his transcontinental trek, he donated all the points he earned traveling to St. Jude, so they can continue to help kids get better and fund world-leading research.  

I'm not telling you about this initiative because I have a vested interest in Expedia through my work with their Expedia Viewfinder Travel Blog team. I'm telling you about this because helping others is part of my core existence, whether it is donating to causes like this, working to build and fund medical clinics in hard-to-access areas, or volunteering with teens.  

When I married Mr. Trip Styler 10 years ago, in lieu of party favors, we donated to the Canadian equivalent of St. Jude, and have continued to do so every year, which is why I'm so smitten that through this Expedia campaign anyone can give St. Jude their Expedia+ points {or cash}, which ensures three things:
1. No family in need will ever receive a bill at St. Jude {because St. Jude is funded by people like you}.
2. Children with life-threatening diseases get the best possible care, such as proton therapy {the most advanced form of radiation technology}. 
3. Continued breakthroughs; as a research hospital, St. Jude freely shares their life-giving discoveries such as the Pediatric Cancer Genome Project {working to find childhood cancer causes and potential new treatments}, so doctors and scientists worldwide can use this knowledge to save thousands more children. 

If you have one minute and a few Expedia+ points, consider giving a gift far more significant than something that can be placed under the tree. This holiday season join me in donating your Expedia+ points, and leaving a lifesaving legacy. 'Tis the season.  

More
Donate: Expedia.com/Santa 
Social: #SantaFliesCoach #ExpediaStJude
Learn: See what my colleagues have also written about this initiative --> Travel with Kate, Midlife Road Trip, Girl Gone Travel, Hip Travel Mama

[photos via the Santa Flies Coach Expedia campaign for St. Jude]

Canada's Snow Globe Escapes

[trip style = active + adventure]

I'm not sure when and where snow globes were invented, but I'd like to think the creator was inspired by what he or she saw in Canada. In the "true North strong and free" our near-magical winter scenes should be immortalized in a collection of snow globes and sent around the world to remind travelers how gorgeous sub-freezing temperatures can be.

Having experienced winter across the country {wrapped in a down jacket, of course}, I recently wrote where to find some of the best Jack Frosted frontiers—think: Log castles, dog sledding, ice fishing and cross-country skiing in an Olympic park—in the Expedia Viewfinder Travel Blog. Here are a few highlights. {Read the full article by clicking the link above.}

Quebec
Hiding away in Quebec’s Laurentian Mountains between Ottawa and Montreal, Montebello guards a cozy Canadian secret: It is home to one of the world’s largest log cabins. In fairness, “cabin” is an understatement—the cedar-built ode to the outdoors also doubles as a hotel and winter playground situated in 65,000 acres of wilderness. Here, the Fairmont Le Château Montebello takes winter travel into legendary territory, offering 16 miles of cross-country ski terrain, ice fishing, curling, tobogganing, and Canada’s only Land Rover Off-Road Driving Experience. Welcoming everyone from royalty to U.S. Presidents to winter enthusiasts such as moi, Montebello is the ultimate storybook setting for a snow globe getaway.

The Canadian Rockies
The Canadian Rockies offer peaks of exploration and valleys of calm for winter seekers of the extreme and tame variety. While most first-time visitors flock to Banff’s postcard-perfect setting, nearby Canmore should not be overlooked for its local approach to winter. Sporting more Olympians per capita than any other town in the world, Canmore’s powder keg of ski hills and land protected by national parks draw Jack Frost fanatics in droves. Pair the outdoor fun with an abundance of organic chefs {each with their own restaurants} who ski by day and cook by night, and you may even come home from your winter vacation a few pounds lighter than when you left. {In this region, I like to stay at the Paintbox Lodge, an Olympian-owned, five-room retreat in the center of Canmore.}

Whistler
Constantly hailed as the No. 1 ski resort in North America by the likes of SKI Magazine (and the pile of pro skiers who call it home), Whistler’s winter wonderland is not all adrenaline junkies vying for first tracks. Beginners seeking runs called “cruiser” or “easy street” flock to the hills, too. Beyond every winter pastime you can imagine—including snowmobiling up to a mountaintop hut for fondue!—spas, farm-to-table dining, and the world’s coldest (-25 degrees Fahrenheit) vodka tasting room round out the chilled out environs, making Whistler the ultimate destination to sip <insert your favorite winter bevvie here> while taking in the charms of Canada’s frosted frontier. 

[photos by @tripstyler except whistler and quebec sourced online]

10 Days > 2 Cities > 1 Carry-On

[trip style = urban + sun]

Last week I jetset to LA, Palm Desert and Palm Springs with Mr. and Baby Styler to escape the West Coast rain and give Baby Styler his first taste of travel {see sitting poolside in a mini speedo}! 

{It was Baby Styler's first flight! We purposely chose a short ride as his first flying experience so we could test his reaction to the skies. I was very nervous how he'd react to take-off and landing; thankfully he was a dreamy traveler.}

Not wanting to give up my obsession with traveling light now that there's there's a baby in tow, all three of us brought carry-ons for our 10-day, multi-city, multi-trip-style trip. While there we experienced every weather pattern {save for snow} from torrential downpours in LA to hot days in the desert to cold spells at night. My small-batch packing got me through all of it, and not once did I feel like I needed to run to the store to pick up something I'd missed.

One jacket, two scarves and a blazer kept me warm during cool Cali nights. I wore my warmer tops, jeans and booties in downtown LA. And in Palm Springs I packed jean cut-offs, tanks, flowy pants and pool cover-ups that double as tops. All in all, I felt I had almost too many options!

Moral of the story: Packing light is easily doable for 10 days, multiple climates and various trip styles. If you bring an edited wardrobe and wear the big stuff on the plane, you'll zip through the airport, unpack and pack up faster and spend less time figuring out what to wear. 

What I packed
- 1 jacket {wear on the plane}
- 1 kimono-blazer* 
- 1 long and lightweight kimono {wear with jeans, shorts and to the pool}
- 1 sweater {wear on the plane}
- 4 tank tops {1 cropped, 1 jersey, 2 fancy}
- 4 tops {2 flowy blouses, 1 chambray, 1 Tulum Embroidered Top*}
- 2 necklaces* 
- 2 scarves*
- 1 dress
- 3 pairs of pants {2 jeans, 1 flowy}
- 2 bathing suits
- 2 pairs of shoes {sandals, booties (+ one pair of washable slippers)}
- 1 purse
- 1 clutch
- 1 pool bag
*items that can be purchased in the Trip Styler Store. Reminder, 20% off everything thru December 24th, use Promo code: TSholiday2014. 

Trip Styler Packing Tips
- wear big stuff on the plane {I wore my jacket, scarf, sweater, chambray, jeans, booties} 
- bring clothes in a complimentary color palette that can be paired together
- big scarves are a great alternative to bulky sweaters 
- limit your shoes, and wear the biggest pair on the plane
- bring a fold-flat tote as a pool bag, or to stuff things into when you're moving hotels or need an extra bag 

{photos by @tripstyler}

Holiday Gift Guide 2014

[trip style = any]

Editor's Note: We're currently trip styling in Palm Springs. We're back at it on Tuesday, but in the meantime, check out the TS Instagram feed for pool and palm tree inspiration.

We usually ask, "What do you buy for the person who has everything?" But perhaps the better question for Trip Styler readers is, "What do you buy for the person who goes everywhere?" We've curated a list of both practical and whimsical gift ideas for stylish travelers. Merry Christmas and happy holidays from the Trip Styler team!

{Clockwise from top left}

Stephen Kenn Travel Cocktail Kit :: The Don Draper era may be over, but that doesn't mean we can't cocktail in coach. This leather and canvas kit comes with nine bottles, a mixing spoon and a recipe manual with instructions for various drink and trip styles.

Hisy Bluetooth Remote for iPhone Camera :: Never let an outstretched arm ruin a photo again. This cordless, handheld remote connects to your mobile device via Bluetooth for easy, if not shameless, selfies. Also available for Android.

Filson 72-Hour Briefcase :: Carrying a lifetime guarantee from a 117-year-old company, this durable, water-resistant bag is a solid investment piece. And my favorite feature—besides the camo print option—is the strap on the back for sliding over rolling luggage handles.

Bali Beads Wooden Necklace :: Sourced on the beaches of Bali, this tassel necklace comes in multiple colors and materials {wood, stone or glass} and complements just about any outfit. Trust me—I have several of them and I've been known to wear them all at once because you can never have too much of a good thing.

Aduro Apple-Certified 10-Foot Charging Cable :: How often do we find ourselves stooping awkwardly over an outlet trying to charge our mobile devices? This handy charging cable comes in three lengths—up to 10 feet—so we don't have to stoop any longer.

Embryolisse Travel-Size Lait-Crème Concentré :: This French cult product is Chief Trip Stylist Trish's latest travel beauty obsession. A cult product in France, this do-it-all cream is a face moisturizer, body lotion and make-up remover. Bonus: it's gentle enough for baby too.

Heritage Store Rosewater Mist :: The first step is admitting you have a problem. And I might have a problem with floral mists. These hydrating, soothing, toning and energizing sprays are perfect midday—and mid-flight—pick-me-ups. Start with rose and then dip your toes in the waters of lavender, orange and beyond.

Olympic Provisions Royale Salami Sampler :: This might be the most random item on this year's list, but we're big fans of Portland's Olympic Provisions restaurants. When we found out they ship their charcuterie, we knew we had to include it. We're not their only fans; their salami samplers made Oprah's Favorite Things list this year!

Lipault Foldable 2-Wheeled Continental Carry-On :: Ultra-lightweight, durable and easy-to-clean, this French luggage rolls smoothly for easy travel and folds flat for easy storage. Perfect for savvy travelers who live in small spaces.

This post is written by Trip Styler's Assistant Wayfarer/Editor Heather.

Related
Holiday Gift Guide 2013
December Gift Guide 2012
Cool Christmas Finds 2011
Gifts for Travelers Christmas 2010
Gifts for Travelers 2009

[collage by @heatherlovesit, map via poppy and pinecone]

Wintery Weekend in Victoria

[trip style = weekend getaway]

When you can't get away for a week, but you need an escape, it's helpful to have a few sure-thing weekend destinations in your back pocket. One of those places, for me, is Victoria, BC. This small capital city is at once charming and old-world while also hip and ever-evolving.

I arrived by seaplane on an icy morning after the season's first snowfall, and spent the weekend going out for breakfasts, browsing downtown boutiques, walking along the waterfront and stopping in for dinner and drinks at cozy tapas bars. Read on below for a few of my favorite spots to visit on a wintery weekend in Victoria.

Where to Eat

• Jam Café - Victoria is a breakfast town, where Saturday mornings spent lining up in the cold for pulled pork pancakes is a right of passage. My shared dishes this weekend included pan-fried oatmeal with blueberries and lemon curd and a blackstone avocado benny. Jam's morning cocktails, which include gin cucumber lemonade and bourbon caesar, take the edge off after a chilly wait outside.
• Hey Happy - The city's newest caffeine hot spot brews single-cup coffee in gorgeous ceramics by Mazama Wares with beans from Phil & Sebastian (Calgary), Ritual Roasters (San Francisco) and Heart (Portland). The hipster factor is high, with baristas in toques, a Gremlins thermos for cream and A Clockwork Orange screenplay for perusing.
• Bodega - From the owners of the always-hopping Tapa Bar comes bar-next-door Bodega. Open from lunch till late, this tapas, wine and sherry bar boasts friendly service, delicious cocktails and gorgeous charcuterie boards.
• Tacofino - From Tofino taco truck to West Coast taco empire, Tacofino's newest Commissary location is shaking up the downtown dining scene. You can never go wrong with the fish taco and chocolate diablo cookie.
   

Where to Shop

• Reunion - Formerly known as Rebel Rebel, this shop is stocked with some of our favorite brands like Cheap Monday, Pendleton, Levi's and Malin + Goetz. 
• Victory Barber & Brand - OK, OK, this is a barber shop, but they've got an incredible selection of grooming products in store and they're the nicest guys in town {OK, OK, they're my friends}. 
• Sitka - This local success story/surf shop/café is a must-visit for anyone looking for super-soft sweatshirts, waxed-cotton outerwear and locally roasted coffee.

How to Get There

Instead of travelling to the island by ferry and bus for several hours this weekend, I flew over with Harbour Air, the world's largest seaplane airline. A 35-minute flight put me harbor to harbor from Vancouver to Victoria. Besides the obvious time and convenience benefits, it's arguably the best way to see the coast. Flying standby, I caught the first flight out on Saturday morning after an hour in the lounge reading the weekend paper, drinking a complimentary Americano and watching the sunrise.

Trip Styler Tip: Sign up for the next Turbo Ticket release, when the airline releases a limited number of $25 standby tickets {not including taxes} available in groups of four. The tickets never expire and are valid everywhere Harbour Air, Westcoast Air and Whistler Air fly. I paid a total of $20 in taxes for return flights from Vancouver to Victoria and had no wait on the way to Victoria and a one-flight wait on the way to Vancouver.

This post is written by Trip Styler's Assistant Wayfarer/Editor Heather.

Related
Weekending in Victoria
Spotlight :: 30 Hours in Victoria

[collages by @heatherlovesit & photos by @heatherlovesit & businesses mentioned]