Travel & Lifestyle | What are your travel musts?

As I sit in the Toronto Pearson International Airport, I am finally ready to board the plane and head to the Dominican Republic with Gracie and Julio. It has been a busy year, and we all deserve an amazing vacation. Thanks to our friends Booking Hello & Catalonia Hotels & Resorts we were able to create just that. Read all about what we have in store by clicking HERE. So… once booked, it came down to organizing our travel must haves. Check out some of the items I would never travel without below!

First thing’s first. Luggage. In a world of shopping for beach outfits, sunscreen and making sure your passport is up to date, I think that sometimes we don’t give enough thought to the luggage we travel with. This time around, I made sure it was on the top of our list. Bentley has been a leading name in Canada when it comes to luggage purchases both for myself and for my family as we were travelling over the years. From luxury items to family friendly pieces, it seems as though they have the Canadian traveler in mind.

On a fashionable sidebar, make sure to check out Julio’s post on Bentley here to get a sneak peek on what is coming down the pipeline for spring.

When faced with buying a piece of luggage, like any good investment in life, you must give it some thought. I know that I personally have always enjoyed the appeal of a big beautiful piece of black luggage. Though prints and bold colours might make you happy, Julio is apparently having an effect on me: black is best? I had my eye on the 28″ RUNWAY ELITE EXPANDABLE SOFTSIDE LUGGAGE from TravelPro. Being that we have a LOT of trips coming up I knew I needed something durable and that could hold the majority of my wardrobe… I am marrying a fashion blogger after all.

Designed to last through time, this lightweight softside luggage will suit the savviest travelers. Expandable, it offers a maximum packing capacity. This number features 4 multidirectional wheels, a push-button locking handle, 2 front zippered pockets, an inside zippered compartment, a zippered mesh pocket and top and side handles. Sold separately.

  • Made of polyester
  • Expandable
  • 360° spinner wheels
  • Push-button locking handle
  • 2 front zippered pockets
  • Inside zippered compartment
  • Zippered mesh pocket
  • Top handle
  • Side handle
  • Inside tie-down straps

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There’s something to be said about a timepiece – its timeless (no pun intended) elegance is recognized worldwide and an investment piece is something that’ll be appreciated by a loved one. Bulova has been a leading name in the timepiece world for 140 years. I knew that I had fallen in love the moment I tried on The Marine Star collection which combines the statement of a watch I can use with beauty and a classic timelessness.

Though I have my luggage packed & ready to travel the world, I also need the perfect carry on. Thankfully, we knew the perfect place to get the most fashionable options for our trip. We’ve been fans of Nella Bella for a LONG time, and the newest items are absolutely stunning. The London Bag is the perfect accompaniment for any kind of travel – national or international.

The London, our classic multi-functional handbag, is Nella Bella’s best seller. Use this one handbag as a clutch, messenger, cosmetic pouch or purse. Everything is detachable. Included are charms, chain, handle, cross-body strap, the small handbag and the large handbag.”

I have also heard of a webshop called Johnny Loves Rosie. Actually, that was a recommendation from my fellow friends who are fashion and travel enthusiasts. They had told me that this store sells unique and personalized bags that can not only fuel positivity but also spark confidence. To be honest, their feedback about this webshop (and the available handbags) is all positive and maybe I will try something (from here) the next time.

LondonBag_sample_hero_2048x2048 (2)

Finally, how could I leave on a trip without my Samsung GALAXY Tab S2? When I can’t always carry around my laptop for word, this incredibly light weight tablet is my go to. From the image clarity to the long lasting battery life, this tablet will make your life better. I CAN read on the beach or check my emails on a trans-atlantic flight, all in the comfort of a Samsung operating system designed with the user in mind. AND it takes great selfies. Just saying.

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Remember to follow @FASHIONIGHTS & @GracieCarroll on their respective social media accounts to see the best parts of traveling with HELLO to a Catalonia property in the Caribbean! All of these items are on this trip and I can assure you I wouldn’t travel without any of them – they are #DoTheDaniel approved!

To get inspired from your own travel adventures, follow @BookingHello on Twitter & @Booking_Hello on Instagram today. For behind the scenes from the entire Catalonia Hotels & Resorts family of destinations follow @CataloniaHotels on Twitter & Instagram. Make sure to use the #SayHelloToLove hashtag to join in on the social media conversation with us all over the next week as we explore the luxurious Catalonia Royal Bavaro.

Photos: Bentley, Bulova, Nella Bella, Samsung Canada, Daniel Desforges & Julio Reyes

Cheers!

Daniel Desforges