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Inside the Closet of Travel Guru Samantha Brown

Barbara Schneider-Levy

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Over the past 15 years, Samantha Brown has left her footprint in countries from Greece to Cambodia. As the host of several shows on The Travel Channel, Brown never leaves home without a comfortable pair of shoes. “I always look for Mary Jane sneakers,” she said. “They’re easy to get on and off through TSA [screenings], but there’s also a bit of hipness and style to them. Plus, I can hike in them.”

While comfort is a priority for Brown, she always aims to dress appropriately for the country she’s exploring. “If you’re in a nice bistro in Europe, you’re not going to want to walk in [wearing] Reebok sneakers,” she said, noting that a stylist helps coordinate her travel wardrobe.

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Another challenge with planning her travel wardrobe is the fact that every activity requires appropriate footwear. “For riding horses, I have equestrian boots — both polo and cowboy,” Brown said. “I have tall mukluks for dogsledding and ice camping in arctic conditions.”

Off camera, the travel guru, also a busy mom, opts for sophisticated casual looks such as Tieks ballet flats. “They’re leather, so they mold to the foot and have nice support,” she said. Other favorites include casual loafers and slip-on sneakers. Her closet also holds dressy heels by Sigerson Morrison and Christian Louboutin. “When it comes to shoes, I have a Barbie wardrobe,” Brown said.

In addition to her on-screen work, the TV host has a signature luggage collection available on home shopping channel HSN, and she’ll soon expand her role in the fashion world with a line of travel apparel launching for spring ’15; a companion shoe offering is also on the drawing board.

Here, the globe-trotter lists her shoe-packing rules for the road, reminisces about the pair that got away and shares her favorite footwear haunts.

Total pairs: 30-plus Brands owned: Alice + Olivia, Asics, Bandolino, BCBG, Christian Louboutin, Coach, Ecco, Fratelli Rossetti, Harley Davidson, INC, Jessica Simpson, Kate Spade, Les Trois Garçons, Luciano Padovan, Michael Kors, Nine West, Sam Edelman, Saucony, Sigerson Morrison and Sperry Top-Sider, among others Travel shoe advice: “My rule is pretty harsh — three to four pairs. With everyone trying to pack a small carry-on, shoes can take up very valuable space. I bring one set of heels in beige — they’re sexy and go with everything — a pair of running shoes, and a versatile flat or loafer in a [neutral] color. In the fall, I love boots, so I’ll wear them on the plane. I have a pair of purple patent leather flat boots by Ecco that I’ve gotten compliments on from France to China.”

Biggest requirements: “Tops is comfort, so I look for a leather shoe with at least a half-inch heel. I like to have a little lift and found that it also adds to the comfort. Beige is best when it comes to color since it lengthens the look of my legs and goes with everything.” Memorable story from abroad: “We were in Florence shooting at the Ferragamo museum and flagship store with the Ferragamo family. As we walked around the store, I spied the most beautiful pair of T-strap heels in brown leather and tweed. They epitomized the classic beauty of Florence. I knew every time I wore them I would remember my wonderful trip. But the only chance I had to buy them was during filming. I didn’t want it to seem as if I [wanted] a free pair of shoes, so I walked away. They were sold in the U.S., but it just wasn’t the same.” At-home favorites: “Light tan suede mules. I’m very happy that low heels are in fashion. They make me look so much more sophisticated than I am.”

Most comfortable pair: “Bright yellow Tieks leather ballet flats that fold up easily for travel. They have a solid heel that supports your feet and legs. Because they’re a soft leather, they don’t cause pain.” Most uncomfortable pair: “Christian Louboutin heels for $1,350. They were bought for me for an event where I was to look absolutely incredible, which I did. They didn’t have my size 6, so I wore a 7 and stuffed them. Then when I was pregnant with twins, I was told my feet would spread and no longer fit into my size 6 shoes. My first thought was, ‘I’ll get to [wear] my Louboutins!’” Biggest shoe mistake: “Big, clunky, red patent leather strappy heels. I thought they would look sexy with trouser pants, but whenever I put them on, they just look like clown shoes.” Go-to shopping spot: “I live in Brooklyn, N.Y., where there are some nice shoe boutiques. My favorite is Eric with its selection of Italian and French shoes. I’ll walk by a few times getting groceries, and if a pair catches my eye, I’ll buy them — quick and easy.” Purchasing plan: “I probably buy a pair of shoes each season and always buy a pair of boots for the fall. Boots are my weakness.”

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These Are Traveler Samantha Brown’s Trusted Packing Hacks

We all love to go on vacation, but what’s that one thing that most of us hate and, at times, kills our excitement? Yes, you guessed it right, it’s packing! How many dresses are too many dresses, what accessories go with them, how to put everything in that one suitcase, and so many other similar questions start haunting us weeks before we actually leave for the trip. This is when you can put all your trust in Samantha Brown, a woman who’s traveled to over 60 countries and holds two Emmys for PBS for her work on Samantha Brown’s Places to Love . Here’s how she manages to have the most fun throughout the trip, along with the daunting task of packing!

Plan Your Wardrobe

One of the first tips that Brown has to offer is to plan all your outfits for every occasion. From evening dresses to hiking shoes, plan everything. This way, you can avoid overpacking and save space for what’s really necessary. She added that you could also color coordinate clothes and carry one neutral pant with more than one top or T-shirt. Also, try not to carry a million pairs of footwear because they can take up too much space. Basically, coordination is the key here!

Switch Your Toiletries From Single-Use Plastic to Better Options

According to Brown, you can save your suitcase space by trading your toiletries. Instead of big plastic bottles, she recommends backpackers carry shampoo and conditioner bars. Also, you can start carrying a one-time-use toothbrush and replace your toothpaste with its tablets. This can not only help you make better choices but is also an eco-friendly initiative if you want to travel long-term.

Use Every Inch in Your Suitcase

Why waste any corner when you can use it all? Well, Brown believes in not leaving behind any space, even between the handles of the bag. Wherever you see space, stuff small items such as your underwear, socks, small bottles, roll-up skirts, and other light clothing items. In fact, she packs her delicate items even inside the shoes to utilize all the space.

Use Vacuum Bags for Children

If you’re planning to have your kids along with you for your travel, Brown suggests taking vacuum bags with you. These bags are perfect for dropping in all the dirty clothes and then rolling all the air out. This way, this laundry roll provides you with even more space than what you had at the beginning of the trip. Now, you can use it to put in all the items that you’ve bought.

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Samantha Brown's Clever Vacation Tip To Protect Yourself Against Pickpockets

If you could only choose one person to hear travel advice from, you can count on Samantha Brown. The Emmy Award-winning host of "Places to Love" has spent over two decades traversing the world, visiting upwards of 70 countries in her illustrious career. Her extensive globe-trotting experience has made her a pro in all things travel, from packing light and navigating challenging family trips to even protecting yourself from pickpockets. According to Brown, diminishing your chances of becoming a target for thieves significantly hinges on your wardrobe choices.

It's no secret that pickpocketing incidents have become rampant. It's most prominent in Europe , particularly in tourist-heavy countries. According to the European Pickpocketing Index via insurance company Quotezone , which analyzed online travel reviews, tourist spots in Italy, France, and the Netherlands are hotspots for such thefts. Tourist-laden places on the other side of the pond, like New York City, are also teeming with pickpocketers, with the NYPD telling CBS News that they have recorded approximately 2,200 cases of theft in 2023 alone.

This isn't to deter you from stepping foot in these places. But you may want to be extra vigilant when you visit these destinations. Per Brown, it would help if you're more selective with what you wear, suggesting that low-key dressing may make you a less appealing target for pickpocketing.

What you wear matters

While you may be inclined to unleash your inner fashionista when traveling, you may want to dial down on the glam instead. Indulging in high fashion may fly when, say, you're on a cruise or resort, but when in a crowded area notorious for theft, the key is to embrace an understated approach. Just take a leaf out of Samantha Brown's book; the travel guru herself makes it a point to dress inconspicuously. "When I'm on TV I wear very bright colors so that I stand out from the crowd. When I'm not on TV I like to blend in," she explained on her  website . "Thieves and pickpockets will scan a crowd for whoever grabs their attention and it's usually the clothes they're wearing." This extends to your choice of handbag, too. "I like a nice stylish cross body bag that keeps my hands free ... I say stylish because women like nice handbags and something that looks too utilitarian could also put me in that tourist category," she said.

Another tip to lower your profile when traveling is dressing up like everyone else. In other words, make more of an effort to observe what the locals are wearing and adapt your wardrobe to mirror them. "Even if it's impossible to look like a local, I always (try to) dress like one," Brown explained. "This could be extremely casual in Latin America, conservative with very little skin showing in Asia and to the nines in Europe." 

Practice vigilance and listen to your instincts

One thing is dressing up like a local, but what's really going to help when you're in an unfamiliar area is striking the perfect balance between awareness and discretion. On one hand, you don't want to make it too obvious you're a tourist, but you also don't want to be too complacent either. "When you are out by yourself, stay focused, be on alert, and avoid looking like a tourist wandering around. Always have identification with you," she explained on her website, noting that if you're flying solo, try to travel in the daytime and engage in more group activities. "If you're a health nut like me, be sure to exercise without your earbuds," she added. "I love listening to music when I walk or jog, but never when I'm somewhere new."

Beyond these practical tips, Brown stresses that it's only you who can truly gauge whether or not you're in imminent danger. She highlights the importance of trusting your instincts, telling Forbes that it should function as your internal compass, guiding you away from potential dangers. "The other thing is to trust your gut. I feel like your gut knows more about your safety than any concierge or front-desk person or any tour book you're reading," she advised. "If you feel that something is wrong...even if you walk into a busy restaurant, just leave. Absolutely leave and get out."

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Samantha Brown's Secret to Never Running Out of Room in Her Suitcase

Samantha Brown travels for a living as a veteran T.V. host and the creator of "Samantha Brown's Places to Love" on PBS. But even people who spend more time in airports than at home still have to figure out how to pack efficiently.

Travel + Leisure caught Brown as she prepared for one of her more challenging packing trips. This week she will be co-hosting PBS' " Autumnwatch — New England ," a three-part, live national T.V. event running from Oct. 17-19 at 8 p.m. ET. Packing all those warm coats and boots could stress even the most advanced of travelers out, but Brown has a few tricks — or, rather, cubes — up her sleeve.

Travel + Leisure: Do you have a packing system for these big trips? What do you use?

"I do have a system. I love cubes . And I've tried everything. I roll, I fold, I use envelopes, but now after all these years I'm a cube person. You want cubes that have a clear top so you can see what you packed with one look. For the 'Autumnwatch' shoot I have to pack a lot of winter gear and big jackets, so for the first time I'll be using the bags you roll that get all the air out . It compresses your clothes and it is awesome! I can't believe it has taken me this long to use them. The technology really works, especially if you are packing for a winter destination.

Now that we are in the fall and people are packing bigger things to just carry, I find that rule of wearing your biggest, bulkiest items absolutely helps. If you get hot, just take it off and it becomes your roll neck pillow. Personally I love when I can bring my big down jacket [on the plane] because it's like a feather mattress for that stiff, terribly uncomfortably airplane seat. The biggest bummer is wearing your boots because you don't want to take them off. It's like that game when you were young and would put on all the clothes."

What are three or four pieces of clothing you always pack in your carry-on bag?

"I like a nice cashmere crewneck sweater , a thin one. I like flowy pants . I see a lot of women in their Lululemon jogging/yoga pants, the athleisure look, but that's just wrong. So much spandex is going to work against you on a flight because we all bloat a little. I wear loose-fitting clothes. I love cotton and I always bring fuzzy socks with me to keep me warm. And I always have a neck scarf because it can be used for so many things whether its cleaning a screen, keeping my neck warm, etc."

What other items do you consider an essential for your carry-on bag and why?

"I start off strong with doing work and then resort to looking at Us Weekly and People . Adults do need to be treated like a toddler on a plane and every half hour we need something new. I am a good sleeper on the plane but I do travel with melatonin to help me relax and ear plugs (the little cheap foamy kinds) to create my own private Idaho. I can sleep really well on a plane. I can be near the toilet and in the middle seat and I can sleep.

I always travel with peanut butter. Always. If I go to Asia, I bring a whole jar. If I'm traveling where I'm just carrying on, I bring little packets because I find that travel mishaps where I've lost my temper happen because I was hungry. If I'm not hungry I can handle the thing that travel throws at me at the last minute. So I always bring food .

I also bring a spork , a water bottle , and because I'm so tired of plastic and I want to cut down as a traveler I will be bringing metal straws on this trip for the first time. I do always travel with a teacup. Just starting my morning with coffee in my teacup, it makes me feel like me. When you travel, you sort of lose who you are."

Do you have any hacks for fighting jet lag or being able to function when you get off the plane?

"I try to limit caffeine a few days before I leave on a trip so it is totally out of my system when I land. I try to wait to have more caffeine until I'm about to collapse and that is when I allow myself to have a double espresso. The caffeine then hits my system so strongly because I am so depleted of it that I am able to go the rest of the day. I do that again when I return. It is like methodically taking caffeine so I get the strongest punch."

What brand and make/size is your go-to carry-on bag?

"I carry a bag from my own line of suitcases ! For this trip I am going to try to make it one 28-incher, but I may have to do a 25-inch and a 28-inch."

Why did you love your luggage line?

"I had the Tumi bag with the massive pocket in the front that was for men's shoes, and I don't need men's luggage. Women don't need that. So I started designing it for how women need luggage and I started incorporating a lot more color. For years bags were only black and aubergine was about as colorful as it got. My bags are extremely colorful and stylish and the pocket configuration is more suited to how women travel."

In addition to your outdoor gear, what is your packing strategy for events and meetings and going from day to night?

"Everything is very color coordinated. I have a dress up outfit, but then I know that top can go into my day rotation. Everything I wear I should be able to wear at least twice. Everything goes together so instead of three outfits, I potentially have nine and then I change the look with accessories like scarves because those create a different look without adding weight or bulk. With pants you need a black pair and a nice pair of dark jeans and one more pair and that's it! Because you can wear those a lot and then a bunch of tops and you are good to go."

Why are you looking forward to "AutumnWatch?"

"It's going to be live with a few pre-taped segments. I grew up in New Hampshire and I haven't been for autumn in 30 years. I'm always in Cambodia or something and now I get to go home. I travel everywhere and people show me everything and now I get to show people what I love most about where I grew up. This is the time of year, and maybe I'm projecting, that everyone loves. We get the big sweaters out, we drink hot apple cider, it's just that sort of warm feeling.

The live aspect as Autumn is something that should be consumed while it lasts. These days we want television on demand, we binge-watch everything two months later, but this is live. The idea we need to enjoy this and as people we need to take stock of the year's passage and being with family. Autumn can't be binge-watched or on demand. Autumn is now. It is a great time of year to just slow down because winter is coming."

What was the best trip you have been on recently?

"I love going to Asia. When I shot my series in Hong Kong and Korea this year I got to bring my kids. They are 5-year-old twins and we had such a great time. Being in a place like that that is so different from their own upbringing and where they live is just wonderful. Those are always magical trips for me when whatever is familiar does not exist and I've got to figure things out."

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How I Roll: Samantha Brown, Emmy-winning TV host

Editor's Note

Welcome to How I Roll , TPG's new airport routine series, covering everything from how jet-setters prep for a trip to what they wear on the plane.

We sat down with travel expert Samantha Brown, host of PBS's two-time Emmy-winning series, " Samantha Brown's Places to Love, " currently filming its fourth season. Her career has taken her to more than 250 cities in 74 countries and 44 of the United States.

The itinerary

SB: The last place I flew was to Dallas, Texas, for business. I was giving a speech to the Arlington tourism board.

Pre-departure prep

TPG: What does your pre-travel to-do list entail? Do you have any must-do activities around the house before leaving?

SB: I have an extended pre-trip list. It starts a good four to five days before I'm about to leave. I'm seeing if my wardrobe is up to date, if it needs to be washed, dry-cleaned, hemmed, if my shoes need to be polished. It starts about a good week beforehand.

I make sure that I've got my car booked, that my itinerary's all set, I know who's picking me up, [if] I have to get there myself. And, like, Oh, wait a minute — do I know the hotel I'm staying at? Because sometimes I travel so much I don't.

What I like to do is make sure I have tons of fives because that's what I tip, whether it's a housekeeper, a bellman — there's nothing worse than having only a $20. I hate not being able to tip what I want right on the spot.

Sign up for the free daily TPG newsletter for more travel tips!

Packing strategy

TPG: Do you pack ahead of time, or wait until the last second?

SB: I'm an early packer. I hate to pack the day of. And even the night before gives me a bit of anxiety, so I have my bags packed, ready to go a good 48 hours before I'm about to board the flight.

TPG: Are you an over- or underpacker?

SB: I'm an underpacker. I hate overpacking my luggage. I lay everything out and it's kind of like an audition, my clothes. I'm picking who's going to go and who's not. And usually [I pack] pants I know I can wear two to even three times. I put in more tops than pants. And then I mix things up using scarves and belts to kind of create more of a day-to-night look.

Shoes are also my packing nemesis. I hate packing shoes. I know I'm doing really well when I've only brought three pairs of shoes and one of those pairs I'm actually wearing. So I'll have the [shoes] that I'm wearing . . . then I'll have a running sneaker and then maybe another pair of flats or something. I wear the most difficult shoe [to pack] on board. A lot of people wear their slip-on sneakers. And usually I wear whatever's going to take up more room in my luggage because I've got either TSA PreCheck or something that I don't have to take my shoes off.

TPG: What kind of suitcase do you carry?

SB: I carry my own because I have my own luggage line , but I carry a 22-inch hard case.

TPG: What are your carry-on essentials?

SB: I always have an oversized scarf. It's actually called a blanket scarf because it's the size of a blanket but it's a thin, gauzy material. So I can wrap it around my neck if I'm cold, or around my shoulders if I'm cold. I can wrap it around an airplane pillow if I don't want my head to touch that pillow. I can use it to clean the screen of my laptop and my phone. So for me it's sort of like the Swiss Army knife of the fashion world. It has 101 different tools and it makes you look good.

I always have what I call pinky balls, which always get a few people's eyebrows raised. It's a toy that you get in a toy store and they're about the size of tennis balls. And I work out my muscles with these balls. So I can lie on them and roll them down my back, roll them down my legs. And they just work out travel fatigue, being stuck on a plane for too long, just kind of being sedentary for too long.

And then I always carry some sort of snack, whether it's a nut mix or I carry peanut butter. And with that I get an onslaught of people who hate me because people are allergic to peanut butter. But I carry it anyways because I love it and it's my emergency snack. I always say you have to bring your own comfort on a plane and that's what I find comforting.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8ukpSRBgqS/

TPG: What's your go-to travel outfit?

SB: A pair of Columbia Saturday hiking pants . They're awesome. I have them in every color and pattern that they make, and it's mostly like a camouflage, so to be honest I look a little bad-ass. They're extremely comfortable, they're easy to wash out in the sink if I need to and just dry on a hook, and they still look sharp. They don't look like a hiking pant. It actually looks like a nice pair of slacks in really cool camouflage patterns . They're the best travel pant.

Before boarding

TPG: Do you get to the airport early or with just enough time to spare?

SB: I get there so early I could probably make two planes before. Twenty years I've been doing this; I still have a lot of anxiety. Am I going to make my flight? And I have to be on that flight. There's no missing a flight for me. That doesn't exist.

And I also live in New York City, so getting to the airport could be a half hour or an hour and a half. So every time I plan for that hour and a half and then I never stress about getting through security or anything like that. It doesn't matter how long the line is, I know I'm good.

TPG: How do you kill time at the airport?

SB : I walk around a lot. I get exercise in, so I look around, I probably shop a little. I never go to a lounge even if I have access — sometimes I do, sometimes I don't. I don't like sitting around and just eating or having a drink. That just doesn't speak to me. Even if it's a long-haul flight I like to be up on my feet as long as I possibly can so I'm really tired when I get on the plane and I can just sleep.

Inflight routine

TPG: What's your preferred seat on a plane: window or aisle?

SB: I usually get the middle when I travel with my family and [have kids on] either side and that really is the best.

But I'm an aisle person. I like to have control. I like to get to the bathroom whenever I want. I don't like to ask people to move. It's actually less about control and more I just hate asking people to move. I like to have that option.

TPG: What's your go-to inflight beverage?

SB: Club soda with a lime.

TPG: Would you rather work or relax during the flight?

SB: I like to work for the first hour or two hours. And then after that it doesn't matter how much work I have, my brain goes to mush. There's something about being in a fuselage that just completely knocks out all creativity you have, I find. So I have a very small window where I can actually be productive. And then after that, it's like Entertainment Weekly and Us! magazine. I can only absorb, like, celebrity news.

TPG: What's your IFE guilty pleasure?

SB: I have the strangest one probably possible: I love to watch movies but not from my own console. I will watch all the movies on all the other seats next to me and in front of me — I get hooked. So at any time I'll have, like, a romcom going and then I'll have a WWII thing happening. Liam Neeson is always somewhere on the back of a seat and I just get hooked. I just go back and forth. And even if I'm hooked on a movie I will never, ever put it on on my own seat. I have no idea why that is, but I love watching other people's movies.

Everything else

TPG: Overall, do you enjoy traveling?

SB: I love traveling and I actually love the airport — especially international ones. I like to look at the flight board and see where everyone's going and kind of imagine where I could go from that plane. I think there's something phenomenally romantic about being in transit – all these people from all around the world who are meeting in one place and then going other ways. I've just always loved the airport. Once I get past security.

TPG: How often are you on the road?

SB: For the past three years I've been on the road about 150 to 160 days out of the year.

TPG: Any travel pearls of wisdom or hacks?

SB: So this is where I'm a mom, because that changes everything. You are the easiest person in that airport when you are alone traveling. And when you're traveling with kids it becomes a very different ball of wax.

One of the best things I've ever done with my kids when they were really young — I have twins — is that I did not use to preboard to put them on the plane. And my husband would go first and he would kind of set up shop, he'd use the preboard to get the seats ready — we had two car seats that had to be put in, secure the overhead space. But then I would wait until the very last person boarded the flight. And then I'd walk on and put the kids on and we'd leave in 10 minutes. And that just kind of took them away from the really stressful part.

The boarding of a flight is the most stressful part of any trip, whether you're at your destination or not. There's a tremendous amount of stress in those 45 minutes. And then it goes away. So I want to make sure my kids aren't subjected to that stress.

Read more: How I Roll: Singer Carly Rae Jepsen's airport routine

The Chic & Practical Accessory I Always Travel With

• April 15, 2016

The neck scarf is the accessory I always travel with.

One my first few trips to Europe, I noticed everyone– ladies, gentlemen, even dogs (!) wore a little somthin-somethin’ tied around their neck. It’s a great outfit completer piece, but neck scarves are so much more.

That’s why I call these beautiful pieces of fabric the Swiss Army knife of the travel space– they’re the most important accessory you can travel with! They keep you warm, block you from the mid-day sun, can cover your head or shoulders when you visit a place of worship, plus you can use them as a beach cover-up.

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. How about providing a buffer between you and a gross airplane or bus seat? Wiping ice cream off your kid’s face? Cleaning the screen of your phone or laptop? Covering your eyes during an afternoon nap? I light blanket on a long drive? Rolled up unto a ball for a make-shift pillow? Protecting your nostrils from the funk of that person of questionable hygiene sitting next to you?

I could go on and on.

What’s even better, is that while a scarf often takes a beating, they’re easy to wash in a hotel sink. Simply hang them to dry over night and voila ! You’re ready to tackle the day. And if you wear yours on the plane, it takes up zero suitcase space. How great is that?!

Still not convinced?

Check out this travel hack video.

It’ll make you a scarf evangelist, just like me! Here’s one of my faves .

This Post Has 7 Comments

YES! So true! I have the kind in the bottom picture which works as a blanket on a cold flight. Also, remember sometimes the cathedrals won’t allow sleeveless women, or shorts, so it works as a shoulder cover or skirt. One of my essential packing items for sure. Cute video!

I have neck issues and the doctor recommended a scarf each time I fly to keep air conditioning from the person behind me off my neck. Works great and no neck stiffness from the cold.

I absolutely agree! it does complete an outfit, more importantly it makes a boring outfit look chic! In Paris one would feel naked without a scarf (or so i heard). I collect scarves, so i would make it a must to buy one from each country that i visit!

Agree! And like Mrs Major Hoff, I often use them to cover my shoulders when I’m traveling in the summer and need to be respectful of the sleeveless ban. There’s nothing more disappointing than finding a cool site and realizing that you’re not dressed appropriately and can’t go in!

Soooo true .. i also never leave without one of my 40 scarfs …major and preferable choice of my wardrobe ..

Hi!! The scarf that you have the link to is absolutely gorgeous!! But… I am only 4’10” and that one looks pretty big. What size would you recommend for that “all important accessory” for a shortie like me??

Please could someone give me the measurements of this scarf. In inches and feet?

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Samantha Brown's Solution For Packing Efficiently For The Whole Family

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We love a good packing hack. With 62 countries under her belt, you can bet that Samantha Brown from the Travel Channel , a self-proclaimed airport geek, knows a thing or two about optimizing luggage space. She recently shared with Travel & Leisure that one of her secret weapons is packing vacuum bags instead of laundry bags when traveling with her kids. By the end of the trip, when the bag is full, she rolls out the air and stuffs it inside her suitcase, keeping the dirty clothes separate and freeing up extra space that wasn't there before.

But why stop at just laundry? Vacuum bags are an excellent option for packing all of your clothes, provided that you can stay within the weight limit of your airline's baggage policy. If you can spare the space in your bag, Spacesaver offers a 10-pack of vacuum bags with an electric pump for $49.99 . It's a perfect combo to compress your wardrobe and make space for souvenirs on the way home.

Use your luggage as an air compressor

There's one more sneaky space hack, courtesy of Brown's Instagram. She swears you can pack two extra outfits with this little-known zipper trick. Once you've packed your carry-on bag nearly full, grab the "expandable zipper" — i.e., the zipper commonly found around the midsection. Not just for decoration, open the zipper all the way around and watch it add a couple of inches to your suitcase. Grab those last-minute wardrobe essentials and pack them inside your suitcase . Now, as you zip your luggage completely shut, the air will be compressed right out. Who knew?

Brown's  luggage collection on the Home Shopping Network (HSN) features these expandable zippers, available in both carry-on and checked baggage options. SWISSGEAR makes a popular choice for Amazon shoppers as well, with a 21-inch carry-on that's suitable for even the strictest of airlines. If you combine these with some compression packing cubes and make the most out of every nook and cranny, says Brown , you'll be able to bring way more on vacation than you ever thought possible.

Avoid The Hassle Of Checking Luggage With Samantha Brown's Space-Saving Hacks

F rom extra costs to long airport lines, checking luggage isn't always ideal — especially if you're going on a shorter trip. Thankfully, Samantha Brown has shared many clever hacks for saving suitcase space. Having visited over 70 countries, the renowned Travel Channel host has a wealth of experience and expertise. Brown has perfected the art of packing a  carry-on bag with her simple, efficient, and inventive approach.

Brown typically packs her belongings in a 22-inch (or smaller) case, the standard carry-on limit for many domestic flights on U.S. airlines (slightly less for international travel). Not one to procrastinate, Brown considers what to bring a week prior to departing. She told Forbes , "I keep a pad of paper around and write down things I need to pack as they pop into my head. This allows me to remember more specific items, like my favorite blouse that still needs to be dry-cleaned." Brown's packing process covers various bases and is strategic and smooth from beginning to end. These tips work particularly well for week-long trips.

Read more: Unsettling Reasons You May Want To Avoid Taking A Cruise

Maximize Outfits With These Wardrobe Equations

Choosing travel clothes can be overwhelming, especially when aiming to pack light. Save yourself the headache — and space, of course — by applying Samantha Brown's wardrobe equations. Brown's  54321 system , which she relayed to Forbes, helps streamline the process. She selects five tops, four bottoms, three pairs of shoes, two accessories (like a belt and scarf), and one dress. If you're going away for a week, Brown suggested picking three tops and three bottoms that you can mix and match on her blog. Less clothes, more outfits!

Brown has another trick up her sleeve: using a complementary color scheme to coordinate outfits. Though minimalistic, this method doesn't have to be boring. In a piece for the Travel Channel , Brown wrote, "Choose either black or brown, and then add accessories like fun costume jewelry, colored scarves and belts to brighten up your outfits." Aside from enlivening an outfit, a scarf is a multifunctional accessory. Brown told Travel + Leisure , "And I always have a neck scarf because it can be used for so many things whether its cleaning a screen, keeping my neck warm, etc."

Simplify Your Shoe Selections

While bringing an array of shoes is tempting, being selective can significantly save suitcase space. Samantha Brown advised travelers to bring a maximum of three pairs for a week of travel via her blog. She'll typically pack sneakers, flats, and versatile shoes such as boots. Depending on the weather, Brown will adjust her selections accordingly. On her flight, Brown wears the toughest shoes to fit in a suitcase. Going a step further, Brown told Forbes, "I like to save an old pair of sneakers to use on my trip and throw them away when I get to my destination. This allows me to get all the wear out of my shoes and frees up space in my suitcase for anything I might pick up on my travels."

In an Instagram post , Samantha Brown gave guidance on choosing optimal shoes. One pair of shoes, designated for actual travel, should provide absolute comfort and support. Then, select a pair that's comfortable and presentable, as you'll be wearing these at your destination. Brown prefers slip-on loafers or boots. For your third pair, pick dressy shoes that aren't too heavy. Because flip-flops and sandals don't take up much room, toss a pair in your bag, too.

Neatly Organize Your Belongings

There's no question that organization makes traveling easier. Samantha Brown stays organized by rolling her clothes in packing cubes. These compartments help save space, provide structure, and protect your belongings. Brown loves clear cubes, as they keep her garments in plain view. Plus, they reduce the hassle of unpacking at your destination. Once she arrives at her hotel, Brown places the cubes in her dresser drawers. "Because I've rolled my clothes into the cubes, I can see all the items at once, and none of them touch the inside of a drawer (how often do you think those things actually get cleaned?!)," she wrote on her blog.

If you're bringing along jewelry, try Brown's efficient T-shirt method. "I neatly lay out my necklaces, so they don't get tangled, attach any earrings to the shirt and tuck rings into the fold. Roll it up, fasten each end with an elastic and it's good to go," she explained to Forbes. Alternatively, separate your jewelry by wrapping individual pieces in napkins, as Brown shared through the Travel Channel. Then, put all of them in a large Ziploc bag. To avoid tangles, stick chains in straws, adding tape on each end.

Trim Down Your Toiletries

Samantha Brown's unconventional tips for condensing toiletries are a game changer. As an alternative to perfume bottles or rollers, dampen cotton balls with the liquid and place them in a small plastic bag. To keep the moisture intact, release air and tightly seal the bag. Brown is a big fan of packing solid items to maximize efficiency. Opt for toothpaste bits instead of toothpaste, for instance. Consider using a solid lotion bar unless you're heading to a hot destination. Additionally, don't underestimate the power of detergent sheets for clean clothes.

Optimize suitcase space by packing sample sizes of essentials like shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. Who needs a standard bottle for a week-long trip? According to Brown, even smaller, reusable containers are inefficient and larger than necessary. In a YouTube video , Brown recommends filling a TSA-approved bag with tiny toiletries. "Whenever you go to a department store to get your skincare, always ask for samples," she shared. Or, ask for shampoo samples when you get your haircut. Travel-sized pill jars, found at drugstores, are another great solution for storing skincare products.

A Lesson In Compression

Separate your clothes by packing your dirty laundry in vacuum compression bags. Samantha Brown described the benefits of this hack in a Today segment , saying, "You squeeze it [the air] out. It compresses everything you have by 50%." These bags are an ideal space-saver if you buy souvenirs on your trip. Plus, the plastic keeps any unpleasant smell contained. On Instagram , Brown shared another trick that exemplifies the value of compression. After filling her suitcase to capacity, she opens the expansion zipper, enlarging the bag. Then, she adds a puffy jacket on top of her clothes. Brown zips the suitcase back up, which releases air and reduces inches.

When packing your carry-on suitcase, don't overlook those sneaky luggage compartments that can easily fit small items. In an episode of Pickler & Ben , Brown pointed to the space between the bottom suitcase handles, which she uses to store underwear, socks, and stockings. As Brown told Forbes, front luggage pockets are the perfect place to pack your undergarments, too.

Read the original article on Islands .

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Samantha Brown Wrap Dress for Travel

• Post author: Nicole Mölders
• Reading time: 6 mins read

Wrap dresses are tricky. Travel needs non-wrinkle fabric. HSN just launched some new collections, among others, that of TV travel show host Samantha Brown . Read this Samantha Brown wrap dress review to decide whether it is right for you.

Travel Channel host Samantha Brown has a fashion line at HSN

What to look for in a travel dress.

• Where to buy Samantha Brown’s fashion line

Samantha Brown Wrap Dress Review in a Nutshell

Disclosure : Ad. The Samantha Brown wrap dress is a sample from HSN. The post is not endorsed by HSN and/or Samantha Brown. I wrote it entirely myself and it represents my own 100% honest opinion.

You probably heard that HSN launched Travel Channel Host, Samantha Brown ’s travel-inspired fashion line. My OOTD features a wrap dress designed by her that I chose from HSN for review. When I wore this faux wrap dress to work, I received a lot of compliments. One colleague complimented the dress saying “you look smart in this dress.” One even said “You look like the Duchess.” That’s a compliment, isn’t it?

Of course, a wrap dress is always a smart investment as it always looks polished – see Kate Middleton . I was so lucky to get this Samantha Brown wrap dress from HSN as a sample for review, but I think the dress is worth its money because it meets my seven expectations on a travel dress.

• The dress must look modern, posh, and must be wearable for multiple events. The cut of this Samantha Brown dress meets corporate and business as well as spare time style expectations. The elegant, decent print works well even for corporate style with classic pumps, a statement necklace, and a structured work bag. The eastern vibe of the print combined with the classic western cut look fresh and modern. The classic eastern ethnic print allows you to swap the work accessories for espadrilles or ballet flats with a shell or colorful wood necklace and a fabric clutch or chic straw tote to dress for sightseeing in the evening. This East-meets-West combination and the fact that the dress has a stretchy material makes it perfect dress to pack for business travel .
• The dress must be professional without looking stiff. When buying a wrap dress, look for a cut that is “wind-save.” This wrap dress is sewn like a real dress (see zoom-in photo). Thus, a wind gust has no chance to unwrap your legs. This feature avoids showing more than wanted.
• The dress must be chic, comfortable and make you feel great. Speaking of coverage, the 3/4 sleeves cover the upper arms is perfect in air-conditioned offices and conference rooms. Most of us 40+ ladies love some arm coverage.
• Classic colors . The white print on the navy blue jersey fabric is right on the spring classic trend of blue-and-white . At the same time, neutrals are always a classic, worth to invest in. This dress also comes in fuchsia.
• Wrinkle-free. The Samantha Brown dress arrived folded and was wrinkle-free when I pulled it out of the box.
• Great craftsmanship . The dress shows love for details and is sewn well (see next photo).
• Worth the money . Looking at the price-performance ratio this dress is a steal . It fits two purposes in one – work and play. This means it has potential for more wear than a work dress or a weekend dress, and it saves space in your baggage and real estate in your closet. Since the classic print and cut will never go out of style, you can wear the dress for several years. Thus, the cost-per-wear can get easily below $1.

Where to Buy Samantha Brown ‘s Fashion Line

You can buy Samantha Brown’s line at HSN online. Her line also encompasses travel bags, scarves, which can do double-duty as accessory and blanket on a plane, classic striped tops, among other things.

The versatility to wear this dress makes it a great purchase and a great addition to the wardrobe of every professional woman, especially those who have to travel a lot. Another great plus, the fabric is wrinkle free. The classic style looks professional and the ethnic print gives a nice modern, interesting twist. I would recommend the dress to my BFF and would buy it for myself as well. Browse the  store.

You may also be interested in my review of Sigrid Olsen’s studio dress .

Do you want to read reviews before you buy? Then get a   free subscription to my blog .

Photos: G. Kramm

© 2013-2024 Nicole Mölders | All rights reserved

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Shop the Spring 2024 Capsule Wardrobes in the Capsule Wardrobe Store

How To Build A Travel Capsule Wardrobe

When you go on a vacation, does it seem like you overpack?  Do packing it all in a big suitcases to hold everything ?  Do you pack complete outfits to wear on the entire trip?

If you use a capsule wardrobe for your closet, you are already a step ahead in packing for a vacation.  You already know that core closet essentials are the foundation of a capsule wardrobe and that they can mix and match to give you dozens of outfits! If you don’t use a capsule wardrobe, find out more with, “ Capsule Wardrobe 101: What Is A Capsule Wardrobe?”.

If you have no idea where to begin to build a travel capsule wardrobe, scroll down and see the step-by-step guide below. If you need a travel capsule already prepared for you, see the Travel Capsules category for several ideas.

Step 1. Plan

Find out the weather forecast for your destination.

Is it going to be hot or cold? Sunny or Rainy? The type of clothes you pack will be determined by the weather, so pack accordingly.

Clothes Fabric/Material

If you will be traveling to a hot climate, be sure to pack clothes made of cotton or linen, as those fabrics breathe well in warm temperatures and will keep you cool. If a cold climate is where you will be traveling to, you may want to pack a few items made of wool to hold in the warmth.

Are you going to be sightseeing and doing a lot of walking, attending special events or traveling for work? You can pack only casual clothes, only dressy clothes or a mix of both depending on your activities of your trip.

“Dress Like the Locals”

Find out how the residents of your destination dress to blend in. Dressing in attire that stands out may attract attention of pick-pockets and possible thieves, which you don’t want! Research how the locals dress on Google or Pinterest to find out more.

Step 2. Clothes

Pack core closet essentials.

Rely on your core closet essentials to build your travel capsule wardrobe and you will have endless outfit possibilities! What are core closet essentials ? They are neutral color, basic essentials that are classic and timeless and never go out of style. They are, for example: blue jeans, black pants, black skirt, white/gray/black tee, white blouse, denim jacket, utility jacket, black flats, etc. See the Capsule Wardrobe Starter Kit for 35+ core closet essentials you can choose from when you pack for your trip. The Capsule Wardrobe Starter Kit contains several pieces from the Simplified Style®: A Year-Round Core Closet Essentials Capsule Wardrobe E-Book. Simplified Style® includes all the neutral-color basic essentials you will need for a capsule wardrobe, a wardrobe plan for each of the 4 seasons of the year, Over 400+ Outfits, plus more!

TIP: Never pack complete outfits, but Pack Individual Items instead.

Packing complete outfits (a top and bottom and/or layer) can lead to overpacking. When you focus on packing individual items (X number of tops, X number of bottoms, X number of layers, etc) you will have the most outfit possibilities because they will ALL coordinate !

Use Neutral Colors

Make sure to pack clothes in mostly solid, neutral colors , like Black or Navy, Gray, White, Beige, Tan or Camel. Just like in creating a full capsule wardrobe (see “ How To Start A Capsule Wardrobe: A Step-By-Step Visual Guide “), use Black or Navy as your Base Color when building your travel capsule, so all your clothes will coordinate!

Adding Accent Colors or Patterns (Optional)

Take your Travel Capsule up a notch by adding 1 or 2 accent colors . Or, if you want to add a pattern to the mix, add only 1 top or bottom as the pattern piece. This is optional! If you are packing only clothes with neutral colors, you can add color to your travel capsule with a scarf, belt or jewelry!

Stock Your Closet With Core Closet Essentials & Get 400+ Outfits !

Get your copy today.

Step 3. Shoes

Wearing the right kind of shoes on your travels is very important! You want to wear shoes that not only look great but are comfortable for walking. Here are some recommended styles of shoes that are appropriate for activities on a trip.:

brown strap sandals (sightseeing – warm weather) black slip on sneakers (sightseeing – warm weather) nude block heel sandals (events/dinner – warm weather) black pumps (business trip events – warm or cool weather) black or nude loafers (sightseeing/dinner – warm or cool weather) black or taupe booties (sightseeing – cold weather) black or brown tall boots (sightseeing – cold weather)

Shop Everlane For Your Core Closet Essentials!

What To Wear On The Plane

You can  wear one of your outfits  from your travel capsule wardrobe (to save room in your suitcase) and pack the rest of the capsule in your carry-on suitcase! Plus, you can wear the same outfit on the flight back home. An example of a comfy outfit to wear on the plane:   jeans, tee, cardigan or utility jacket and a pair of flats or sneakers.

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How Many Items To Pack

Count the number of days on your trip, including the days to and from your destination. That’s how many days you will pack for. As a rule of thumb, the longer the trip, the less you want to pack to make room in your suitcase.

Use the Universal Packing List below to pack for the number of days on your trip. Feel free to adjust accordingly . Using the packing list below is the most efficient way of packing for your trip using the minimum amount of clothes you will need. You may or may not need to wash any clothes you pack, depending on your laundry preference, how many days of your trip and the climate you are traveling to (see “Laundry Consideration” below). For example: a top can be a t-shirt or blouse, a bottom can be pants, jeans, shorts or skirt and a layer can be a denim jacket, utility jacket, vest, cardigan, etc.

Whether you are traveling to a cold environment or one with just a chill in the air, you will want to pack a coat ( insulated parka ) or a light jacket ( utility jacket , insulated vest or rain jacket ). If you will be flying to your destination, you can save room in your suitcase by wearing it on the plane if it is approximately the same temperature as the place you will flying from. Delta Airlines lists a jacket as a “freebie”, meaning you are free to carry it on the plane with you. If your coat or jacket is easily packable, you can always pack it in your suitcase with your travel capsule wardrobe. A great coat to wear for the Winter that you can roll up and pack in your suitcase is an Insulated Parka like this one .

Step 4: Accessories

You don’t want to overpack your suitcase with accessories since you can use accessories repeatedly throughout your trip. You can pack these accessories and/or wear them on the plane to save room in your luggage/tote/handbag:

• Crossbody Bag  – This type of bag can be worn as a shoulder bag or crossways over your chest. If you get one with handles, you can also carry it like a handbag. If you have one with a zipper and no outside pockets, it will keep thieves and pickpockets away, and also wear it across your chest to be secure. This Small Transport Crossbody comes in black or brown so it will coordinate with all your outfits!
• Scarf – Cashmere scarves are not only soft, but they are warm too, especially in cold climates.
• Bandana – These are great to wear in the Summer as an alternative to jewelry. You can also tie one on your handbag/crossbody handle to add a pop of color!
• Mix & Match Jewelry (such as Kendra Scott) – Pick up to 2 necklaces, 2 pairs of earrings and a bracelet all in the same jewelry tone (gold, silver or rose gold) so they all coordinate.
• Hat – Either wear it on the plane or pack a “packable hat” in your suitcase. Straw hats are great to wear in the Spring and Summer and Wool hats are best for Fall and Winter.
• Beanie – If you are traveling to a cold climate be sure to pack a beanie in a neutral color, like black or gray to coordinate with all your outfits.

The Necessary Extras

“carry-on” suitcase.

By bringing your suitcase with you on the plane, you can avoid the extra time and money checking in your luggage. Plus, by keeping your suitcase with you prevents the possibility of lost luggage! Just as the name implies, this small-sized suitcase meets the standard airline bag requirements to be allowed to carry onto the place and stored in the overhead compartment above your seat. If you will be traveling via a plane to your destination, be sure to check with your airline to make sure your suitcase is compliant. See Delta Airlines Carry-On Rules to find out more information on what items you can bring on the plane with you.

Pack like a pro and travel in style with this 5-Piece Luggage Set with Carry-on Suitcase, Tote and Packing Cubes (6 colors available) from world traveler TV host Samantha Brown.

These are great carry-on suitcases to pack your travel capsule wardrobe:

Tote To Carry On The Plane

Most airlines, like Delta Airlines , allows a carry-on suitcase and a purse on the plane. If you want to carry your crossbody on the plane, but also need to pack some items for the plane trip, you can carry on a tote. You can put all your necessities (wallet, passport, phone, lipstick/lip balm, earbuds, computer, eyemask for the naps on the plane, scarf/bandana and your crossbody in the tote. Be sure to check with your airline to find the dimension restrictions of the bag you can bring on the plane. Here are some totes and crossbody bags to take with you on your trip:

Packing Cubes & Other Organizers

When you pack your clothes in your suitcase, do they tend to shuffle around and get wrinkled? You need to use packing cubes ! This budget-friendly 3-Piece Packing Cube Set will keep your clothes organized for easy packing in your carry-on suitcase. Pack like a pro and travel in style with this 5-Piece Luggage Set with Spinner, Tote and Packing Cubes (6 colors available) from world traveler TV host Samantha Brown.

If you like to pack convenient travel-size toiletry containers , you store them in this Toiletry Bag that easily expands into a hanging bag. If you need a makeup bag , this Tumi Nylon Cosmetics Case is a bit of a splurge, but it will help keep your makeup in its place while traveling.

Laundry While Traveling

If you need to freshen up your clothes while on your trip, you can pack a small, packable container of laundry detergent and wash any pieces in the sink in your hotel room, then hang to dry! When building your travel capsule wardrobe, avoid packing dry-clean-only items. This 6-Piece Travel Laundry Set contains everything you need to maintain clean clothes while traveling!

Travel Packing Checklist

Use the following checklist to help you pack for your trip (you may or may not need to pack all these items). Use the “Notes” section to add additional items to your list or write your travel schedule. You can also download the travel checklist here .

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20 comments.

Love all of your ideas! I am getting ready to do a Baltic cruise in 2 weeks and I’m struggling with how many dresses for the cruise and clothes for ports. Do you have any suggestions?

Great comprehensive post! Loved all your ideas and lists. I still like to take a backpack on the plane instead of a tote because I can fit so much more in it. All of my toiletries, blow dryer, straightener, curling iron, a book, rolled up rain jacket, and usually a pair of Nike’s. I can even squeeze in a couple of extra tees or thin cardigans folded Marie Kondo style if needed.

This is wonderful!! Thank you!

I’m a little surprised at the suggestion of 5 tops and 4 bottoms for 14 days. Is the 4 bottom suggestion related to taking of skirts or shorts? I don’t wear dresses or skirts and was thinking that 2 pairs of pants would suffice for a 2 week European trip. Am I being overly optimistic?

You are Brilliant, of course! I like the math of your presentation. Yes, 20 days in Italy was fine with just a backpack of clothing and a bit of sink-laundry along the way. Now I am prepping for 3 weeks in France next spring with 3 bottoms, 5 tops and 2 layers. Your posts are helpful and oh so inspiring! Thank you.

Carrying women’s lightweight backpack w toiletries, makeup, meds, foldable umbrella, Kindle, small purse ~ along w the other suggested items above is so much easier than a purse or tote. Outside pockets for refillable water bottle, secure pockets for travel documents.

Wow, this is a really helpful post Leanne! I love the Tory Burch tote!

Since I have a Capsule Wardrobe I rarely travel with full-size luggage, a carry-on is usually more than enough. And people are always impressed with my minimalistic packing 🙂

I usually make sure to include at least one versatile layer like a jeans jacket even in hot climate in case it gets chilly in the evening or to keep warm on the plane.

I am a million mile flyer and haven’t carried a hairdryer for 20 years. Hotels always have them… even Air BnB. Our US hairdryers aren’t compatible with many countries’ and all of Europe’s current.

Please add chargers to the tech list to avoid wasting time shopping for one. Your phone can be charged in any country with the correct plug adapter. And a plug converter for your smart phone and/or tablet .

HEy just heads up for anyone travelling to Australia in summer. It is hot and humid. Most locals change outfits at least three times a day so pack extra tops, bottoms and underwear so your not washing everyday.

This is the first Pinterest post that I’ve seen with an Universal Packing List! So many useful tips, too… thank you.

I wanted to reply to your comment. I went to Europe for 2 Weeks. I wore 1 pair of pants, a cardigan and a tee on the plane. I packed 2 pairs of pants, 1 more cardigan, and 6 tees. It was all mix and match. I figured out by adding a scarf that made that 84 different combinations (something like that) It all fit into a carry on back pack. One pair of pants were jeans, the other 2 were black ponte pants, and I really could have gotten away with just one pair of the black pants. So, I think since you aren’t going to wear skirts or dresses, 2 pairs of pants would be just fine.

Im traveling to Asia in January 2020 for 22 days. However there will be extremes in Temperatures! Shanghai-50-60s, Nanjing-30-40s, Taipei- 50-60s, Hainan- 70-80s. How do i pack for such extremes each location about 5-7 days? Help!

I am going to las vegas for 2 days in December with temps 50’s/60’s degrees. I Fly in late Thursday night, fly back out early Sunday. So literally there Fri and Saturday. Touring during the day and a show each night. What should I pack?

I have several travel capsule wardrobes on the blog that you can select from. They are for several days, but I would recommend picking 3-4 tops and 2-3 bottoms, plus 1-2 pairs of shoes to pack. I always recommend packing clothes and shoes with neutral colors so they will all coordinate, making several outfits. Depending if you are to dress up for any of the shows, you may want to pack a dress, black is always a classic color to wear. Here is the link to all the travel capsules on ClassyYetTrendy.com: https://classyyettrendy.com/category/travel-capsules/

I am going to Italy, Spain, United kingdom & then cruising thru Scandinavia in April for 58 DAYS! The weather is going to vary, especially up in the Baltics. Should I base my packing on spring plus a jacket from your 14 days list? I mainly wear pants but will need 1 dress for formal nights on the cruise. Appreciate your advise & am enjoying your website.

I recommend first to check the weather in those countries on the days you will be there. Then, based on the weather, you will know what season capsule wardrobe you will need to pack, plus what type of coat or jacket. Have fun and safe travels!

One thing I haven’t seen mentioned is exercise clothes (though I realize not everyone is a fitness freak like me). I’m trying to decide how much gym wear to bring for a 10-day overseas trip.

That’s a great suggestion! I did a blog post for 10 Athleisure Essentials, which all coordinate well together for a mini capsule wardrobe, and you could pack them for your trip! If you are going for 10 days, you may want to pack either a pair of jeans or another pair of leggings.

None of my exercise clothes are fit to be worn outside of the gym (ha!), but I sure there are good suggestions when I need to upgrade that part of my wardrobe. I was thinking of wearing my jeans on the plane, but I know it won’t be comfortable for a 13-hour flight. Leggings are something I never embraced wearing outside of exercising, so I need to do some research in that area.

I also don’t have a problem checking in luggage (even a carry-on sized on) if I need to bring slightly more than what a small suitcase can fit. Having a slight physical disability, it’s not a good idea for me to drag suitcases around the airport, and its a bit of a challenge for me to cram it in the overhead bins. My current carry-on case is older (20+ years) and doesn’t fit as much as the modern cases do.

Comments are closed.

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“The look for spring is chic, elegant and things that you would wear in real life. It’s understated elegance in softy pretty colors with lots of yellows, really beautiful pastels, coral, pink and soft blues hues. The spring palate is light and airy.”

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Journey into the World of Wanderlust: Samantha Brown, Travel Goddess

Lisa Ellen Niver September 11th, 2023

By Lisa Ellen Niver

It was my honor to interview the Travel Goddess, Samantha Brown. I first met her in person at the Travel and Adventure Show in 2016 and in 2023, I was a speaker at the same show!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Samantha Brown (@samanthabrowntravels)

Find Samantha Brown’s Show, Places To Love , on her website and visit her on Instagram . In 2024, it will be 25 years that she has been sharing her travels. As she says, “ girl with the best job in the world .”

Listen or watch our interview on  Spotify ,  Apple Podcasts ,  YouTube  or your favorite podcast platform

READ THE TRANSCRIPT BELOW

Lisa Niver:

Good morning. This is Lisa Niver from We Said Go Travel and I am beyond thrilled that today I am with none other than the travel goddess Samantha Brown. Hi, Samantha.

Samantha Brown:

Hey, Lisa. How are you?

Oh, my gosh, I’m so excited to get to talk to you. I have been watching you at the travel show for years, and years and years and I am so excited. I even wore this map in your honor that I got to also speak at the travel show this year. I thought oh, my gosh I’m speaking at the same show as the goddess.

Samantha Brown and Places to Love at The Travel and Adventure Show 2023

Lisa Niver speaking at the Travel and Adventure Show 2023

That’s wonderful. It’s nice to see you again.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lisa Niver ✈️ (@lisaniver)

Oh, thank you. So, I know that you’ve been such a generous speaker and you have just inspired so many women. I spoke with Alex after the Women’s Travel Fest where you were the keynote speaker. And she was saying how for many people it was their longtime dream come true to be able to be there and hear you speak. That you really inspire so many women to get out on the road.

Samantha Brown and Lisa Niver at Women’s Travel Fest 2023

Yeah, that’s probably what I am most proud of, and most shocked by in my career. I never thought I would be someone who people look up to. And I guess that’s why I do have the best job in the world is that I get told, on almost a daily basis, what my work has meant to someone else and that is phenomenally validating. So, not only do I have this amazing job, but the people that I have been able to be a part of their community in terms of whether they watch me on TV, or now they’re on social media or whatever it is. It’s just something I never in my wildest dreams thought I would be that person and I never take it for granted.

I think that’s so beautiful. And as you said just now, and as it says on your Twitter bio, “girl with the best job in the world,” can you tell people a little bit about how did this happen? When you were little were you drawing on maps? Did you always want to be on TV? How did it happen?

I went to college at Syracuse University for musical theater, and that’s what I wanted to be. I wanted to be an actress and I wanted to move to New York City, and so, at Syracuse I studied acting, singing, and dancing. And when you are in musical theater you are considered a triple threat, because you can do all three. And then I moved to New York City and I wasn’t threatening at all.

In fact, I was really bland compared to the unbelievable talent that is out there. Actually, I saw that you had Pauline Frommer as a guest and she was also in musical theater as well. I remember seeing her at the auditions, I knew she was a lot more successful than I was in theater, but you should ask her about that. So, we share that in common.

So, I just kept auditioning, and I got this strange job on the Travel Channel. I had to audition for it, to be their host for a new show called Great Vacation Homes. And my first reaction was what’s a host? Why am I auditioning for this? But I thought, okay, I’ll just get a reel because I wanted to go to Los Angeles to make it in sitcoms. So, that was my plan and I am so glad it did not work out. The Travel Channel really hit it off, I loved my time there, I had amazing experiences and I had a job I never thought I would have.

That’s so inspiring. Because for a lot of us, when things don’t go how we planned, there’s often a feelings of being a failure or a mistake, but you’re saying it was the best thing.

Absolutely. And it wasn’t like I turned my back on acting and musical theater. Because one of the things you learn in acting is that you never judge your own character. It’s all about understanding what your motivation is, and your motivation is always in another person. Your motivation in acting is always to get more from another person or affect the other person. It’s never you, that makes it too self-centered, so that’s something that you are taught in acting and I absolutely take that little chunk and I bring that with me.

That’s how I kind of got my start as a travel host because, for me, the show was never about me it was always about the other person. How do I get to know them? How do I get to be a part of their culture? What is it? What tactics can I use so this person understands I’m a kind person who they would want to spend time with. That little jewel is my guiding star. Even today, even though the name of my show is Samantha Brown’s Places to Love, the show is not about me.

That’s really great advice for people, for a TV host, or as a human being, or a friend or in line at the DMV that there is something about the interaction about really learning something about someone else.

Yes, it’s always the other person.

That’s really impressive. I’ve heard you speak so many places when you were here in Los Angeles at the Dolby Theater for the Japanese National Tourism Organization or at the travel show and you always share such really useful tips. Can you talk about your ritual when you’re traveling?

If I am in a place for more than three days, which is more than likely if I’m traveling and we’re shooting Places to Love, I will create a ritual. And that means I do one thing, the same thing, the same time every single day. And for me, it’s usually a coffee shop that I’m going to begin my day at. It’s right around the corner from my hotel, but not my hotel, but still a local experience where I can feel the ebb and flow of a location better. And I love that, because it just gives me a break. One thing about traveling, or my pet peeve of travel, is that it requires incessant thinking, right? When you’re traveling it’s always what am I doing next? Do I have the tickets? How are we going to get there? Is it going to rain? When are my flights? My flight leaves in three days. You never stop, and you want your brain to stop.

When you create a ritual, you just become more calm, you’re just more in the moment and that brain stops, and I love that. I love doing that. I’ve talked to people, who say we do that all the time. At the end of the day, we go to the same bar, and have the same drink and get to know the waiter. You create your own community in the short amount of time that you’re there, and it does wonders to really enrich your trip. I think as Americans, and I understand that different countries are watching this right now, but Americans we’re very productive, unfortunately so.

We see vacations as places as a second location to be productive that’s different from our work schedule. We check things off the list. We’ve got to do five different things today because, man, we’re never coming back here. And I get that. I get that pressure we put on ourselves to see and do it all, but this is a reminder every single day just to keep those challenges in check and enjoy life a little bit more.

What you’re saying is so important. Get out of your hotel, see the local culture. Can you tell people a little bit about when you were in Madison, and you were a judge about mustard?

I love mustard, by the way. I love all kinds of mustard, I collect it if I go to places, and in  France you have to collect the mustard. There is the Mustard Museum, it’s just outside of Madison, Wisconsin. The man who founded it is an adorable man who loved mustard as much as a lot of us do. He started collecting it and now you can experience mustards from all over the world. Mustard companies from all over the world send him their mustard, so you can experience mustard from Uzbekistan, and then he has from France, to Argentina. Some is spicy, some is more sweet, but every year he has a mustard contest. I got to be a judge and it was wonderful. I like the peppery stuff.

I was in Destin, Florida, and I was a judge at the lionfish competition. Maybe, next year you will be a judge with the lionfish, because we’re helping the planet by eating the lionfish.

And it’s good eating.

I love to eat lionfish.

Lionfish in a taco!! I totally agree, eat the invasive lionfish, definitely.

I agree. I heard you also learned a sport from an Olympian in Madison .

Yes. Becca Hamilton who is on the women’s curling team and she is, I believe, a world champion. They didn’t win the Olympics. That was her brother.

Her brother is a famous male competitor. They’re a duo and so the Madison Curling Club is where they were brought up This is where these two Olympians were reared, but she was fantastic. And I was telling her, I remember when they launched this sport in the Olympics about ten years ago and everyone was thinking what in the world is this sport? But we loved it.

I love the fact that you learn about the people who curl and they’re like insurance adjusters by day and they have this Olympic career on the side. It was so refreshing that they’re just like us. But of course they train a lot and it’s a hard sport, but it’s great. It’s a really fun sport and the way that Midwestern towns and cities really embrace this sport and make it more of a social thing. If you’re in a town that has a curling club go visit it, you’ll have a great time.

I haven’t tried curling, but when I was in Ireland I tried hurling, not the throwing up kind, but the sport kind.

I know that when you were in Ireland you tried some unusual things that we haven’t all heard of like blokarting.

I tried hurling as well.

Oh, you did. How did it go?

That’s a very dangerous sport. That’s like a cross between baseball and tennis and you’re whacking a ball.

And lacrosse.

For blokarting, it’s very different and it’s actually not a sport, it’s just a recreation. They have beautiful beaches in Ireland and it’s this wind-powered cart. So, in the same way we all dreamed of having our own little go-karts when we were young, this has a little sail and so you can go sailing across the sand. It’s phenomenal. It feels so great.

I’m actually someone who’s very scared of being on the water, especially in the ocean, but I love the wind on your sails. Who doesn’t love that feeling? It gives you that feeling of being out there maybe windsailing, but you’re on terra firma. I believe it was developed, created in Northern Ireland. If you ever go, absolutely try it out because it’s just fun.

I have to do that. I’m recently back from Ireland. I did falconry at Ashford Castle.

Well, now you can fly like a falcon by blokarting.

I like that idea. I know you travel with a teacup and there was a special tea in Ireland with a twist?

Oh, yes, I did. Where was that? That was Glenarm Castle on the Antrim Coast of Northern Ireland. A beautiful castle, a Downton Abbey thing, and they’ve opened it up. The family still lives there and they’ve opened it up. They have a farm, and a dairy, and beautiful gardens and you can just enjoy. That’s a beautiful place. Actually, I experienced the high tea at a very upscale hotel in Adare, Adare Manor .

They just had a big renovation.

Yes, they did and it is like a six-star hotel. It is through the roof in terms of its luxury and beauty. And very few of us can afford this on a regular basis, but you can, as I always say, date the hotel, so I took it to high tea. It’s in this amazing room that is the second longest room in Ireland, second only to the library in Dublin.

They do wonderful cocktails and they put them in teacups so you’re a teetotaler!  I had a beautiful botanical gin and tonic with these beautiful pastries. It is one of these epic places for tea. Lisa, I think a lot of people enjoy tea in different places, very high-end, and this would be one of them, absolutely.

I don’t think I’ve ever heard you say date your hotel before, but I love that.

Yeah, just date it. If you can’t afford to stay there, take it on a date.

That’s so funny. One of my favorite things about coming home from Ireland is preclearing at the airport that you come home domestic.

I was just in Canada as well where they have that and there’s nothing better than that. And it’s so funny how it just takes all of the stress out of flying because you land and you’re now domestic. And I love preclearance airports. I think they’re a reason alone to go to a country and enjoy it. All of the airports in Ireland as well as Canada are preclearance airports.

Were you filming something new in Canada or were on family holiday?

I was there shooting an episode in Victoria in British Columbia. A beautiful little city on that gorgeous Vancouver Island. It’s the gateway to Vancouver Island as well as the rest of British Columbia. We were up there exploring its more sustainable methods in terms of what they’re doing to protect the wildlife, First Nations culture as well as great food. It’s just a beautiful place to be.

I know when you travel one of the things you love to do is collect art and there’s beautiful art right behind you. Is that from one of your recent visits?

Yes. Yes, that is Jenny Pickens, the artist, and she’s from Asheville, North Carolina, self-taught and I love her work. I met her as we were shooting an episode there and we focused on this really great shop called the Noir Collective. It is in a neighborhood that used to be considered the Black Wall Street of Asheville with many very successful businesses for Black Americans. It fell on some hard times because of rezoning, but this group of people is trying to bring it back. You can meet a lot of the local artists and see their work. And I love this piece because she’s sewing the world and it’s a woman who’s slowly mending or sewing the world together and it’s got a heart. So, I thought it is like my show Places to Love and she’s beautiful.

That’s beautiful. I also really like when you put your season together that it’s a mix of domestic and international. We have so many great treasures of places to visit here in the United States.

Yeah, I agree, and I always love to explore what I call the B-side cities. So, if you remember records, there’s the A-side and then there’s the B-side. And the A-side is the Rome, and the New York and the Paris. But then there are the B-sides and I think B-side cities just give you just as much as the A-side city, but it’s not as expensive, it’s not as busy, and it just gives you a better experience. So, with the United States that’s what we try to focus on, especially in these days where you’re hearing so much about just too many people being in the same place at the same time.

There’s plenty of room for all of us. We need to divert people to come this way and see this is a great place. So, we’ve done a lot of cities that people would never think of going to. And then when you find out all of the great art that’s there, food that’s there, activities, and you don’t have to spend 400 dollars on a hotel. People are really excited affordable travel.

I think it’s great that you’re sharing all those places with people. And I saw on your social media about Big Sky, Montana. Was that for a recent filming, or we can watch that now, or does that come in the next season?

We filmed that last year. That was a part of season six, so that’s running now. That’s a great place. Montana is a beautiful state no matter what time of year you go. Most people go to Montana in the summer, maybe it’s to get to Yellowstone, but winter, oh, my gosh it’s just magical. Not the cheapest place to go. Big Sky, Montana, is a resort and it’s 300 dollars a day for a lift ticket. But let me tell you as someone who grew up in New Hampshire, grew up skiing, the skiing is phenomenal and worth it. I skied in my jeans in ice-cold weather in New Hampshire and so to be up there out west where it’s just a lovely day, I think it’s an amazing place to be. I love Montana. I’m a big winter fan. I’m one of those rare people, Lisa, who love snow.

I’ve seen a lot of different episodes and recently you were filming somewhere it was definitely not chilly. You were in Israel.

I was, yes. And oh my goodness I still have dreams about it. It took me a week back home to really feel like I was back in the United States, because I just felt smitten. It’s like falling in love where you just can’t get your head out of the clouds. It was phenomenal. Clearly, I don’t have to explain what Jerusalem is and why you would want to go, but what I love about cities is that the whole world can seem like it hates each other, and when you go to a city that’s just not what’s happening. Everyone lives with each other. Cities are seen as these unfriendly dangerous places and a lot of the times it’s the exact opposite. So, it was wonderful discovering that for myself and I would love to go back. It was a trip of a lifetime, truly.

I’m so glad you got to go there. I studied in Israel in high school and I spent a semester in college in Jerusalem.

Oh, my gosh, I’m so envious. What a place. It’s magical, right. I see so many people like you, so it’s so youthful, there’s so many young people there. And it’s just there is an energy there that you just can’t help but get swept up into it. We met some phenomenal people and I’m really excited to share that episode. Because it’s just a special place and it really belongs to the world. I think that’s what people don’t understand is that Jerusalem is a city that belongs to the world.

And I feel that way about New York City, like we’re not really of the United States. I live in New York, I’ve lived here for 37 years, and it’s not the United States, it’s everyone’s and everyone comes here. And I felt the same way about Jerusalem. It’s like this is for everyone. There is no need to take sides. This is a place for everyone.

I agree with you. I always can’t wait to get back again to Israel. I know people are going to want to know where do they see all of these incredible episodes? And when is season seven coming? So, tell us where is the best place to get all the updates?

On my website, and you can follow me on social media. Of course, I’m on Instagram, and Facebook and I’m even on TikTok now. Samanthabrowntravels is my handle for most of those. The show airs in the United States on TV in a place called PBS, which are our public television stations. But you can also stream the episodes free directly from my own website, which is samantha-brown.com. Season seven, which we are working on now, begins in January. So, we still have a lot of shooting to do as well as editing, but it will be launched in January of 2024.

Oh, my goodness that’s so exciting. I really appreciate with your busy production schedule that you took this time to talk to me. I really have been so inspired myself by you. Honestly it was such an honor to speak at the same show as you, the travel goddess, thank you.

Thank you Lisa. And thank you for wearing your map shirt for me. I feel very special.

Thank you so much for sharing your tips and your wisdom. And I know everybody can’t wait to catch up if they haven’t seen all six seasons already, and to see Israel and all the upcoming new cities that you highlight in season seven. Thank you so much.

Lisa, it’s been a pleasure.                                           

Coming next season: ISRAEL

@samanthabrowntravels In Jerusalem for the very first tine! Shootint Places to Love Season 7 #travel #placestolove #samanthabrown #jerusalem ♬ original sound – Samantha Brown

I love these tips to make travel BETTER: PLACES TO LOVE: HOW TO MAKE TRAVEL COUNT

Did you miss our latest “Places to Love” Season 6 episode, where we got to adventure in Madison, WI? Check our episode page to watch and learn more about all the fun we had and the wonderful locals we met! https://t.co/8WDnlGs82i #samanthabrown #placestolove pic.twitter.com/WflICtbLLH — Samantha Brown (@SamanthaBrown) January 23, 2023

Samantha Brown is a two time Emmy Award winning Television personality and travel expert.

Over the last 20 years, Samantha has traveled around the world visiting over 250 cities in 75 countries and 45 U.S. states creating over 200 hours of engaging and informative television programming along the way.

Samantha started her TV career at the Travel Channel where over 15 years created many iconic travel series, including Great Hotels, Passport to Europe, Great Weekends and Samantha Brown’s Asia.

In 2018, Samantha moved from Travel Channel to PBS and her new show there, “Samantha Brown’s Places to Love” quickly became the highest rated travel program on public television. In 2019 she earned two Emmy awards (Outstanding Travel and Adventure Program and Outstanding Host for a Lifestyle, Children’s or Special Class Program) and has been nominated again every year since.

In Places to Love, she finds the destinations, experiences and most importantly, the people who make you feel like you belong to a place, and not just a consumer passing through.

Samantha’s fun-loving style has made her a revered and engaging television personality whose approach is less expert, less host and more a person you would want to travel with. She lives in Brooklyn, NY with her husband and 9 year old twins.

More interviews and talks with Samantha Brown

• Women’s Travel Fest Keynote Speaker 2023
• Samantha Brown in PRINT in the Jewish Journal 2023
• NYC 2023 Launch party for Season 6 of Places to Love
• 2019 interview: Places to Love Season 2
• Japanese National Tourism Organization Key Note Speaker 2018
• Los Angeles Travel & Adventure Show 2016: Travel Speaker
• Women’s Travel Fest 2014 Keynote Speaker

I loved Samantha Brown’s talk in 2016 at the Los Angeles Travel Show! You can read my notes in the instagram comments ! “Be on a mission to connect with the culture…How do you belong when you travel? Be part of a new story….travel is an investment in your life!!” She ate ants, eyeballs and guinea pigs!!

LISTEN on  APPLE PODCAST :  MAKE YOUR OWN MAP

Lisa’s book:  brave-ish, one breakup, six continents and feeling fearless after fifty, please comment below and enjoy these related articles.

Lisa Ellen Niver

Lisa Niver is an award-winning travel expert who has explored 102 countries on six continents. This University of Pennsylvania graduate sailed across the seas for seven years with Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Renaissance Cruises and spent three years backpacking across Asia. Discover her articles in publications from AARP: The Magazine and AAA Explorer to WIRED and Wharton Magazine, as well as her site WeSaidGoTravel. On her award nominated global podcast, Make Your Own Map, Niver has interviewed Deepak Chopra, Olympic medalists, and numerous bestselling authors, and as a journalist has been invited to both the Oscars and the United Nations. For her print and digital stories as well as her television segments, she has been awarded three Southern California Journalism Awards and two National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Awards and been a finalist twenty-two times. Named a #3 travel influencer for 2023, Niver talks travel on broadcast television at KTLA TV Los Angeles, her YouTube channel with over 2 million views, and in her memoir, Brave-ish, One Breakup, Six Continents and Feeling Fearless After Fifty.

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