I know many of my readers love to get out and go as much as I do. When I travel I like be ready for a wide range of activities and experiences, from the rough and tumble to the elegant and refined. I want to be comfortable, but I also enjoy looking polished and pulled together, no matter the setting or occasion. So today I’m sharing 7 tips for traveling in style and comfort.
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Tip #1 – Invest in a travel capsule wardrobe you can anticipate wearing with joy.
In this recent YouTube video I shared why and how you might want to create a capsule wardrobe. A travel capsule will help you pack everything in a limited space, but still create multiple outfits with items that mix and match beautifully.
I like to create a very limited color palette for my travel capsule. It may even be comprised of colors that I don’t normally wear in my seasonal wardrobe, but that I can enjoy for a vacation. That leads us to tip number two.
Tip #2 – Include some tonal outfit options in your travel capsule wardrobe.
Tonal or monochromatic outfits always look just a little more chic, don’t you think? Wearing the same color head to toe is such an easy way to look pulled together and polished without much effort.
Tip #3 – Pack some pretty, versatile dresses.
Many women enjoy the ease of a dress on vacation. You’ll look feminine, a little dressed up (but not too much, necessarily) and pulled together in a dress. And they can also be very comfortable, cool and versatile. For a day of sightseeing, don’t hesitate to complete a dress outfit with fashionable sneakers. All the cool girls do! I saw hundreds of women in London wearing sneakers with dresses of all kinds.
Tip #4 – Keep jewelry simple, but impactful.
I don’t like to travel with a lot of jewelry, personally. But I do want to accessorize my outfits when I travel. So I often travel with just the jewelry I can wear while traveling, usually a necklace, earrings and a bracelet or two. I select pieces that I feel will work with most everything I’m wearing. I might also carry one statement necklace that won’t easily tangle. And bangle bracelets are also easy to pack.
Tip #5 – Use a handbag that has multiple straps.
You can multiply your accessories by using a handbag (or two) that has two or three ways to use. For instance, my bucket bag has a longer strap so I can wear it on my shoulder. But I can also carry it as a satchel.
If you plan on fine dining, it might be nice to have a bag that can convert to a clutch.
Tip #6 – Pack layers that will accommodate fluctuations in weather and still look stylish.
Especially during the spring and summer, I prefer to pack wearable layers rather than coats if possible. I do recommend wearing or taking a jacket or two. But when you include layers like a button-up linen shirt, a pretty sweatshirt and/or a cotton or cashmere sweater, you can create additional outfits that look polished and stylish when the weather turns.
Below I’ve gathered some of my favorite pretty layers for spring and summer vacations.
Tip #7 – Pack or travel with a matching set for multiple outfit options.
Throughout this post I’ve been sharing my Frank & Eileen Tuscany Getaway set in eucalyptus. It’s also available in other colors. This 100% washed linen set is super comfortable, but also chic and elevated. I can wear the two pieces together or I can separate them and mix with other things in my suitcase for multiple looks.
Of course, Frank & Eileen clothes are luxurious and beautiful, but also pricey. I found other similar options at much lower prices to include in the shopping widget below. However, I’m not at all familiar with the quality of these items. I also collected travel sets that are sporty and fun, some from Frank & Eileen and others that are more economical. Again, I’m not familiar with the less expensive options.
Finally, here’s a shopping widget with the items in my outfit. Just click on the photo to shop the item at the retailer website.
Thanks so much for dropping in today. Let me know if you have other ideas for traveling in style and comfort. Honestly, I’m not sure if the comment feed has been fixed or not. But we can try!
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Blessed for My Day
What we believe to be true about a circumstance or person plays a huge role in how we respond, interact and conduct ourselves in a given situation. But sometimes I realize that my behavior and words are more a result of what my heart feels rather than the truth I know in my mind. For instance, I might respond out of fear or insecurity and come across sharp and even angry, even though my mind knows that there is no need to fear or feel out of sorts.
That’s why it is so important to memorize and meditate on Scripture. If I will take the time to locate a Bible verse that speaks truth to my situation, then I can write it on a notecard and carry it with me throughout the day. I can take a few moments occasionally to read that verse and realign my thoughts, emotions and behavior with it. That way I will act out of the truth of God’s Word rather than my misconceptions or faulty feelings.
These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. And you shall repeat them diligently to your sons and speak of them when you sit in your house, when you walk on the road, when you lie down, and when you get up. ~ Deuteronomy 6:6-7
Thank you Kay for another excellent post. This is ideal to focus my thoughts for an upcoming holiday. Your ideas and recommendations are always so welcome and I enjoy looking at your posts and videos each week. I hope you have had a fantastic time in Arizona with your family.
Thank you, Jane. We had a great trip.
I’m concentrating on a wardrobe that I’ll need for a European cruise and as much as i like the 2 piece set you featured, the last thing I would pack would be linen. I would feel it would need a good pressing every time I put it on. On their website it shows a beautiful non wrinkled outfit. I will be checking out the other two piece outfits because, as you said, they are so versatile and can be mixed or matched. Thanks Kay! Always enjoy your blog!
I’m glad you got some inspiration. Enjoy your cruise.
My trip to Costa Rica happens at the end of April. It is going to be hot there, so I am thinking loose dresses.
Thanks for all the advice and suggestions, Kay.
My most difficult issue when packing for a trip is narrowing down shoe selection. Shoes take up a lot of room in a suitcase!
I’m the (self-proclaimed!!!) queen of light packing. Something that helps me is to wear my most bulky shoes on travel days, putting only the flats and sandals in the suitcase.
Great tip. thanks for sharing.
We are taking a UK cruise in August and I have 2 questions. What is a nice looking but secure cross body bag for port visits with a lot of foot travel? Also, what brand of waterproof but nice-looking walking shoe do you recommend? Thanks for any tips and I so appreciate your blog.
This is my absolute favorite crossbody bag for travel. https://rstyle.me/+PvdEIWMNRZpACA6EBDG5Kw I like it because it looks polished and not touristy – something you really want to stay away from because looking like a tourist just makes you more vulnerable to theft. I linked you to Hobo because they have the best color selection. I have it in black and truffle, but that light blue is beautiful. The bag has ample pockets inside and out and has an adjustable strap. For walking shoes I suggest you have two pair that wear a little differently on your feet. Wearing the same shoes over and over can cause problem as the miles accumulate. So I suggest a good pair of walking sneakers like these https://rstyle.me/+xQ7UI-s-u1ATLQwQk8vEQA or these for a better price https://rstyle.me/+tXmYzrC80vZoKcKi3z5Ilw (I wore those in London). And I suggest a pair of these in the style of your choice https://rstyle.me/+J7oAivtaiq3EEDszFHNZwA I suggest a sandal. They’re great for walking and will give you versatility along with your sneakers.
A great trick for determining the versatility of your travel wardrobe is to multiply the number of tops by the number of bottoms. So 3 tops x 3 bottoms = 9 different outfits. Add a 3rd layer like a cardigan or blazer and that doubles the total. This only works is the pieces are different from each other. Taking 3 pair of blue jeans just counts as one since they are too similar.
Gayle, I traveled in China like this for 3 weeks with a baby and a toddler CARRY-ON LUGGAGE ONLY. It works like a charm.
Love the 2 pc. set. It looks soooo comfortable. I just purchased my first “track suit.” Even though it’s different, your blog will help me style it. Keep it simple, right?
Absolutely. Modern track suits are so in style right now. I’d just add a solid tee and trending low-profile sneakers.
Great post, Kay. I limit my color palette to one neutral and two colors. I choose my shoes first, thinking about what activities I’ll be doing. My Athlete Endless pants served me well on a recent trip.
Love this travel tips!! Thanks, Kay!
Kay, I enjoy your posts about clothing and get some great tips there. My favorite part is your Blessed for My Day writings. Always spot on. Tuesday or 2nd post this week was about applying the scripture to our sin. My husband has been a preacher for over 40 years and stands firm on this truth. Thank you. I look forward to reading them all each Saturday!
Hi Kay
I really enjoy your blog and would like to ask if you have any suggestions for travel to Ireland. I’m leaving in April 2026 and a little confused about what I should bring. What are
I’ve never traveled to Ireland, but I think smart pants like these https://rstyle.me/+hmq4MamxJ7duy1087_9NNg would be smart. I frequently wear those for travel. They can be dressed up or down. Two pair would be great. Top with cotton sweater, button up shirts, tees, whatever. Definitely take a nice jacket like this, too https://rstyle.me/+IyrSgU4ilbpBsYIzllN3lQ
Topical post since I’m packing for a weeklong Rome trip followed by a Rome to FLL cruise and I’m already at 50 pounds baggage weight limit. Will have to go back through and tighten up navy/flax colored capsule. Even thinking about ditching metallic Brighton purse for something lighter weight. Usually take convertible backpack/purse from Pacsafe but don’t want black. Kay thoughts for a light colored travel purse?
I love these and have two of them. The light blue is so pretty. https://rstyle.me/+PvdEIWMNRZpACA6EBDG5Kw
I like to see s variety of clothes. I am in Ohio, but will go to Ontario in April. After that. we do many short RV trips. I have never been able to pack light, so I spend a lot of time getting ready to go anywhere. I do try to take items that can be worn with more than one piece !
Thanks for the travel and packing tips. It helps a lot. And I so appreciate your devotionals each day. You are a blessing to me!
Some good tips Kay! We cruise quite often, along with other trips too since I’ve retired, so I’m always looking for ways to pack more efficiently. I really dislike packing — but I definitely need to get better at it. 🙂
Travel brings its own challenges when it comes to dressing both appropriate and fashionable. Thank you for showing it is possible and fun to do both!
Love the tonal monochromatic F&E outfit you are wearing. The color is gorgeous. It could be dressed up or down depending on jewelry/shoes/accessories. I try to have only two pairs of shoes when traveling, but both have to be very comfortable! Do the wrinkles soften if sprayed gently and drying overnight?
Yes. They’ll soften with wear and laundering, too. This was the first time I wore it and I’d been holding the grandbaby and such. This was real life here! 😉
I have to say that time I actually laid out my “capsule” on my bed worked out sooooo much better than when I just picked things out of the top of my head thinking I had a capsule going. Not! I still had that “I don’t have anything to wear” struggle every morning… On. My. Vacation! I enjoyed my days so much more when a thoughtful capsule awaited me each morning. Thanks and Kay! Love all the tips–I need to be more thoughtful about jewelry tho.
These tips are very helpful, Kay! I travel a lot, and I have the most trouble packing when I visit my mom in the Buffalo, NY area. Lots of casual wear, with a few “smart casual” options thrown in. I think I just need to take your advice and pack a more tightly coordinated capsule – especially by limiting the colors. When I go next week, they will still have snow on the ground, but highs may reach in the 50s. It’s hard to wrap my mind around packing for that weather.
I had never thought about using a bag with two straps for travel. Makes lots of sense and may mean you don’t need to pack an extra bag.
My favorite jewelry for travel is a reversible omega that is gold on one side, white gold on the other. I carry hoops of each color and change pendants to go with my outfit that range from dainty to statement sized. I also collect pendants from my travels. My favorite was a huge baroque pearl pendant and matching earrings from Bangkok.
Great ideas. Thanks for sharing. 🩷
I am always excited to read your blog posts, but a bit disappointed lately to see featured items are priced quite high. Almost $500 for a travel outfit?
It would be great to see a variety of items catering to different budgets again.
We have been taking longer road trips lately and really need comfortable – easy wear clothes. Thanks for sharing what works for you
Thanks for these helpful tips.
I enjoyed the post concerning a travel capsule. I also do not like to travel with much jewelry.
I limit myself to one gold necklace with earrings and one in silver. I also try to wear tennis shoes while traveling as they are more bulky to pack. Thank you for the informative travel post.
We’re getting ready to go a cruise next week and I’m planning to wear a comfy monochromatic outfit that I can wear multiple ways. Your post has great tips to make a simple outfit stylish.
Kay, your tips are very helpful to me. I am cold natured and keep my feet and ankles covered with socks and shoes Oct-March. I like the ankle pants and jeans you wear with sandals but it will take me several more weeks to be brave enough to go for that open ankle look.
Me, too! Meanwhile I’m wearing loafers and sneakers and even booties.
I love the idea of a travel capsule wardrobe. I always do that. I tend to keep a slim wardrobe anyway so it is important for things to go together. that was a great idea about different straps for the same purse.
My husband and I are retired and travel quite a lot. I utilize a capsule wardrobe and also have purchased “capsule” nice quality jewelry so I can leave my fine gold and diamond jewelry at home – including my wedding ring.
Though I’ve commented on your YouTube channel, until today (like about a minute ago) I had not figured out how to comment on your blog. So now I’m trying/testing it.
I loved the all green outfit you shared today. It looks both elegant and comfortable, which I think is often hard to achieve.
Thanks so much for commenting, Lisa!
I have tried bringing a limited amount of jewelry on a trip but I always end up being disappointed. For me, I really enjoy pairing my jewelry with my outfits. So unless the travel circumstances make it unreasonable, I always bring an assortment of jewelry.