Top style tips for the United Kingdom

• Like most of Western Europe there is no dress code as such and really anything is acceptable.
• Black is always a popular color, and smart casual clothes will help you fit right in.
• In the UK jeans are worn by everyone – young and old alike – and unless you are visiting more upscale restaurants they are perfectly acceptable to wear everywhere.
• But a few up-market London venues and country hotels do still have a ‘smart’ dress code which is enforced (no jeans or sneakers, jacket and tie for gents) so check if you plan to dine in these places.
• Unless you are staying at a hotel with a swimming pool, or intend visiting a spa, or the beach in high summer – leave your swimsuit at home as you’re unlikely to need it.
• If you are hitting the beaches, regular swimwear / a bikini is fine for swimming on the hottest days (July and August), but in spring and Fall wetsuits are popular (short or full length) to keep out the chill. From October to March it will be just too cold to swim, except for the very hardy!
• When out in the countryside you may be some distance from shelter if the weather turns bad; at all times of year go prepared with a sweater, waterproof, snacks and drinking water. Take a mobile phone in case of emergency too.
• If you are looking for a highly versatile travel jacket to bring along we recommend the SCOTTeVEST range. Their range of jackets have been specifically designed with traveling in mind and include RFID security (to protect your passport information), 23 secure pockets and personal connectivity integration.

Shoes to pack for the United Kingdom

• The best way to see many of the sites in the UK is to walk, and good quality lightweight but smart walking shoes are recommended. For comfort and style we recommend Hotter shoes, and they have something to suit all occasions.
• Save your high heels for the evenings.

Pack for the weather

• The weather can be changeable in the UK, from day to day and even hour to hour – it’s not unknown to experience all four seasons in one day. Pack a lightweight raincoat and travel umbrella whatever time of year you visit, even in the summer.
• In the cooler months of November, December, January, February and March a warm coat, gloves, warm hat and a scarf are essential – and layer up.
• Dressing in layers will help you cope with the temperature changes all year round.
• We love the Weather+ app – it gives an accurate 6 day forecast for day and night, which when you’re planning from home is really helpful. You can keep all the places you’ve been to too – a nice way to remember your trip 🙂

Clothing tips for women

• Jeans are always popular and will serve as a versatile base to your wardrobe. Wear them with cool layers such as camisoles and t-shirts for the summer, or warmer ones e.g. a long-sleeved shirt and sweater in the winter.
• A few well-chosen pieces of costume jewelry will transform any outfit.
• A pashmina is also a versatile piece that will dress up any outfit too.
• The leather RedDog BagPod is a really versatile and stylish bag that can be used from day to evening. Wear it over the shoulder or convert it to a clutch, or use it to keep your belongings and travel documents tidy and easy to find.

Clothing tips for men

• There are no specific things to bring to your attention, check out our packing list for our suggested capsule wardrobe.

Regions of the United Kingdom

• If walking along the coastal paths or in the hills or mountains, make sure you have appropriate footwear with good ankle support, as the terrain can be steep and uneven underfoot. Sturdy sneakers or walking shoes are fine in dry periods, but opt for boots with good grips in wet or muddy conditions. Don’t try challenging walks in casual shoes, and certainly don’t wear flip-flops – you’ll be at risk of injury if you do.

Other things to pack

• To use electrical gadgets you may need a travel adapter plug, and also a step down voltage converter if your devices are not designed for European voltage (230V).
• Also take a comfy shoulder bag or day pack to carry your sightseeing essentials and keep your hands free.
• If you tend to buy bottled water, consider carrying a LifeStraw Filtration Water Bottle – fill up from any source and get clean, safe drinking water without wasting plastic bottles.
• Avoid paying unexpected baggage fees – use an accurate luggage scale to ensure you keep within the weight allowance. Don’t forget to leave room for souvenirs on the way home!
• Save on packing and buy your toiletries there. You’ll find all the major brands and they are inexpensive.

GOA – The mere mention of the name conjures up images of beaches, crowds, and parties that last all night. These elements and more is what adds to your experience in one of the world’s most popular beach city, GOA. But if you are thinking of making Goa your home, you will need to wander away from the touristy spots and discover a land rich in culture and traditions. A land where history and the modern co-exist in perfect harmony. And that takes us to the less crowded South Goa, for a truly Goan experience.

What to experience in Goa?

Beaches: Away from the party zone, yet not so quiet, the beaches in South Goa are fringed with coconut trees. Palolem Beach and Agonda are definitely the more popular beaches, but a trip to Arossim, Mobor, and Bogmalo will give you the perfect laid-back vibe that is typical of the local people. While at Palolem, do check out ‘Silent Noise’, to experience a different party vibe. Plug in the wireless headsets that you will be handed on entry and groove to the music late into the nights.

Treks, wildlife, and waterfalls: The proximity to the Western Ghats and the forests open up a wide range of adventure tourism option. The Netravali Wildlife sanctuary, the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary allows you take in the charms of the forests. A trek to Tambdi Surla is something you should not miss. Located inside the Bhagwan Mahavir National Park, Tambdi Surla is home to one of the oldest Siva temples in Goa. And just beyond is one of the most mesmeric waterfalls. Dudhsagar, the fifth tallest waterfall in India, is also one of the most popular waterfalls in the region.

Monument: Are you a history buff? Don’t miss out Cabo De Rama, one of the oldest forts near Canacona, the view from the fort is mesmerising. For taking in the ancient Portuguese architecture a visit to the old mansions at Chandor and Quepem is a must. Loutolim is like a picture postcard that jumps out of a history book. The Se Cathedral, one of the most popular destinations in South Goa, also takes you back to Goa’s Portuguese past.

Food: You normally associate Pork Vindaloo, Chicken Cafreal, and Feni when you think about food in Goa. Goa is home to some unique food, thanks to its long tryst with the Colonial rulers in the past. Do not leave Goa without trying out poi, pao, kakon, and katro at a traditional Goan bakery. While poi is wheat bread, pao is the simple white bread with a traditional twist. Kakon and Katro are made in a designer mould.

Goa is not just a destination. It is a feeling that grows on you.

What’s a better way to show that special someone that you want them to be your Valentine than to whisk them away from everything for a romantic weekend? Time spent doing something (or nothing) together, combining good food with good company… That’s just about the best way to say, “I want to spend all my days with you.”

Whether it’s hitting the slopes, hanging out in a cabin in the woods, lounging on the beach, or exploring a quaint little village, nothing prepares you for being together forever like traveling together.

We’ve compiled a list of our favorite places to relax, unwind and let the romance between you two blossom. Here are 11 of the most romantic U.S. cities for a Valentine’s Day getaway.

1. New Orleans, LA

New Orleans draws you effortlessly into its mystery, romance, and history. From the jazz clubs to the gourmet restaurants to the home of voodoo queens and murderous mavens, something is sure to spark the slow-burning embers of romance, or even the white hot passions of desire, when you visit NOLA.

Take a harbor jazz cruise to get in the mood, then hop off to sip café au lait and have a beignet at Café Du Monde. Make sure to grab dinner at one of the city’s French Quarter courtyard restaurants before strolling down Bourbon Street. Veering off the path to get your fortune told in Jackson Square, and take a tour of the city from one of the walking tour companies — whether it’s a history tour, a ghost tour, or a New Orleans After Dark tour, you’re sure to find an excuse to hold your lover’s hand.

2. Laguna Beach, CA

What could be more romantic than a trip to the state where dreams come true? Laguna Beach, located between Los Angeles and San Diego, is known for its picturesque beaches and relaxing ambiance. After checking into one of the city’s historic inns, take in a morning yoga session on the beach, visit some renowned art galleries, and grab lunch for two at a bistro near the shore. For your afternoon, there are museums to wander through, and plenty of shops to visit. And your evening wouldn’t be complete without a candlelit dinner and a play at the nearly century-old Laguna Playhouse. And make sure to add surging and whale watching to your agenda before you leave.

3. Lanai, Hawaii

One of the most secluded spots in the Hawaii islands, visiting Lanai can feel like you’ve got an entire island to yourself. According to local lore, Pehe, the wife of a great warrior, died near Lanai. Her heartbroken husband buried her near on one of the mountains and then jumped to his death in the surf below, unable to face life without her.

Romance is sure to take hold with such spirits of love floating around. Whether you stay at the Four Seasons Lanai or any number of other resorts, you’ll feel like you’re living in a tropical wonderland if you take a trip with your sweetheart to Lanai. You can enjoy horseback rides through Cook pines or a picnic on the beach before sailing away for the day and returning for a dinner under the stars on a secluded stretch of oceanfront. Later, you and your lover can fantasize about returning to the island for your honeymoon — or to renew your vows!

4. Sedona, AZ

Sedona’s breathtaking scenery alone is enough to make it one of the most romantic spots to visit for Valentine’s Day, but its wide variety of activities for couples put it over the top. At L’Auberge du Sedona, couples can relax together during a spa date before dining at a four-star restaurant in the resort and later enjoying a rose petal turn-down service complete with champagne and strawberries awaiting you when you return from dinner. Have breakfast Creekside at L’Auberge on Oak Creek before heading out for a Jeep adventure on the red rocks, or visiting a local winery.

5. Charleston, SC

One of the oldest cities in the U.S., Charleston feels like walking back in time. Cobblestone streets, historic churches, and harbor views couple with gourmet dining, one-of-a-kind hotels, and Caribbean-themed architecture all lend to the unique charm of the town. Charleston is known for its amazing restaurants, as well as its boutique hotels, and has plenty of spaces where you can stroll and take in the sites.

From the harbor side, you can walk past pastel southern mansions facing the ocean, or catch a glimpse of Fort Sumter and the place where Blackbeard and his men held the city hostage in the late 1700s. After dinner, you can enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through the old part of the city before stopping at Kaminsky’s to indulge in one of their house-made desserts, coffees, or spirited cocktails.

6. Jackson Hole, WY

If outdoor adventure is your kind of romance, you’ll love some of the ski-in, ski-out resorts at Jackson Hole. Whether it’s swishing down the slopes or enjoying an après-ski hot chocolate in front of a fire, there’s a plethora of ways to spend some quiet — or not-so-quiet — time together.

At Spring Creek Ranch, you can lounge in luxurious surroundings in your hotel room, or indulge in hot tub time outdoors surrounded by snow. Their Valentine’s Day packages include a room with a fireplace, breakfast, dinner, a couple’s massage, and a strawberry and champagne welcome package. Stunning views, snow saucers, or sled and evening turn-down service are included free.

7. New York, NY

What could be more fun than spending a weekend together in the city that never sleeps? You can take a trip to the Hayden Planetarium, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, the Diamond District, or Central Park and still have a million things left to do to round out your weekend together. Indulging in a show on Broadway and dinner at one of the city’s stunning gourmet restaurants is a must.

If you’re looking for a restaurant recommendation… Travel experts say Zenkichi, with its private dining booths and mysterious air, rivals One if by Land, Two if By Sea, an eatery located in an 18th century carriage house and known for its 7-course tasting menu, as the most romantic restaurant in the city.

8. Kennebunkport, ME

Can there be anything more thrilling than staying in the city used as a resort by the most powerful men in the world? Okay, outside of bungee jumping over the Grand Canyon, that is. Kennebunkport has been long known as a vacation spot for presidents. But you can turn it into a winter wonderland escape for you and your lover. A draft-horse sleigh ride through the snow followed by hot chocolate or some time on the slopes starts off your snuggly adventure, followed by a chance to design your own piece of jewelry for your love, featuring Maine’s own watermelon tourmaline. Staying at the 150-year-old White Barn Inn not only means luxury accommodation, but also gourmet dining in the area’s only 5-star restaurant. If you’re up for the adventure and feel sure-footed, climb the rocks on the jetty to reach where countless lovers have popped the question that altered their futures forever.

9. Bald Head Island, NC

Located off the coast of southern North Carolina, Bald Head Island is home to fewer than 200 residents and even fewer cars. Residents get around in golf carts and are careful not to disturb the delicate natural balance of the island, which is known for birding and sea turtle nests. At VRBO, you can rent out complete homes, like Bald Head Island Jewel, completely renovated in 2013 and ready for your weekend getaway. Complete with the use of a new golf cart, you can tool around the island, view the scenery, or stay in and just relax in your little island escape.

10. Gatlinburg, TN

While Gatlinburg is probably best known for its family-friendly atmosphere, it’s a great place for couples to get away from it all too. Cabins in the mountains overlooking vast spans of wooded views, many with deckside hot tubs, offer a unique way to escape the hustle and bustle of real life. Make sure to check out whether or not your cabin gets cell phone reception though. If you’re depending on your Spotify playlist to set the mood, you’ll want to be able to ensure you get a signal. Conversely, if you’re planning a vacation away from office e-mail, social media posts, and annoying phone calls, you can book a spot that’s a little more off the grid.

11. Savannah, GA

There’s an air about Savannah that just makes it feel special. Serving as the backdrop of the best-selling book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, Savannah is steeped in history and mystery. Walk along the Spanish moss draped trains in Forsyth Park with a picnic lunch (courtesy of Smith Brother Butcher Shop) before taking in a meal at one of the restaurants overlooking the park. After a spa date together, you can relax at one of the city’s rooftop bars and watch the lights and stars sparkle on the water while you sip craft cocktails. And in the morning, get up to watch the sunrise on Tybee Island, just a short drive away from the city.

When preparing for a trip, we tend to focus our energies on booking hotels, researching attractions, planning routes and learning about the local culture. Planning our outfits, unfortunately, is often one the last things on our minds.

Just because we’re away from home, however, doesn’t mean fashion should be neglected. After all, dressing a little stylishly can heighten the experience by adding some of the old charm back into traveling. You also don’t know who you might meet in a foreign place — it could be a new friend, and potential business partner or maybe even a romantic interest. If you dress well, you’ll be prepared to meet anyone.

Furthermore, in many places in the world, you’re probably going to stand out. So if the locals are going to be staring at you anyway, you might as well look your best.

Looking stylish, of course, doesn’t necessarily mean walking around in a suit and tie. You just need to pack a few items that are both attractive and comfortable. This guide will provide some tips on how to look your best and feel good when you’re living out of a suitcase.

Finding Stylish Travel Clothing

When searching your wardrobe or shopping for stylish travel clothing, keep the following four things in mind:

• High-quality: This refers to how well the clothes are made and how resistant they are to tearing and abrasion. The seams should either be double sewn or contain at least 12 stitches per inch, and even more for pressure points and tight fabrics such as shirts. Cotton and wools are great options for travel, and if you’re going to a location with extreme weather, consider looking into synthetic fabrics and specialty travel clothes.
• Comfortable: Vacations are times when you’re supposed to enjoy yourself, but if your shoes are too tight or your pants are chafing, it’ll be harder to have fun. Ideally, the clothes you bring on a trip should be worn many times beforehand. Comfort is especially important for shoes.
• Classic: Choose more conservative, less gaudy clothing if possible. Your outfits should also go with your complexion and build.
• Single-color: Picking one color just makes things so much easier when trying to match items. The easiest colors to wear and mix are blacks, whites and blues. They also work in a wide variety of climates and locations.

Luckily, finding travel clothing is easier than ever before. Men’s travel wear is becoming more comfortable, affordable and stylish, and shirts and pants with wrinkle-free and sweat-wicking fabrics are becoming the norm.

Tips For Traveling In Style

Here are our top recommendations for stylish travel clothing items and some of their practical benefits:

1. Hats

The hat is a classic accessory for men that has decreased in popularity over the last 50 years. This is unfortunate, as hats can be stylish and come with some practical benefits.

First of all, they’re functional — they protect you from harsh elements such as rain, snow and sun, make you appear taller than you are and mask baldness or any imperfections on the top of your head. Wearing a hat will make you look and feel better.

Secondly, they’re timelessly fashionable. For millennia, hats have largely helped to define the identities of the famous figures who wore them. It’s tough to image cowboys without cowboy hats, Russians without their ushanka or Frank Sinatra without his fedora.

A few of our hat recommendations include:

• Panama hats: The Panama hat is a lightweight, lightly-colored straw hat with excellent ventilation, making it perfect for tropical, seaside destinations. Also, this style was a favorite of Humphrey Bogart, and who could question his fashion sense?
• Crushable hats: These hats are made for travel and can handle a fair amount of compacting in your suitcase. Crushable hats are durable and will look as good as new with a little steam.

2. Shirts

If you have the room in your suitcase, it’s best to bring along a few different types of shirts, including:

• Button-down: Even if you’re traveling for leisure, you never know when you might have to dress up. Packing along a simple button-down is an excellent idea because it can easily go with a blazer and denim if you want to go to a fancy restaurant or concert. Without a blazer, it is still an excellent semi-formal look.
• Coat or Jacket: If you’re traveling to a place with cold or wet weather, you might end up wearing your coat more than any other item in your suitcase. Some stylish options include trenchcoats, wool overcoats and weatherproof microsuede jackets. Whatever you choose, make sure that it fits well and doesn’t have ostentatious colors or patterns.
• Suit: If you’re traveling for business, you’ll likely need a suit at some point. It’s a good idea to wear this while traveling, as it will avoid getting wrinkled in your luggage.
• Sweaters: If you’re heading to a place with cooler weather, there are few items more ideal than sweaters. They’re fashionable, functional and, with the right cut and color, can go well with many combinations of clothing. If you have a light cashmere sweater, for instance, you can use it to dress up jeans and a shirt or dress down a two-piece suit. They’re also easy to maintain, as they are durable and don’t have to be ironed. Bulky sweaters may take up a lot of space in your suitcase, so you might want to wear one while you’re traveling.
• Undershirts: Undershirts are helpful because they help keep your shirts and jackets clean. Not only do undershirts keep you looking fresh for longer, but you can easily wash and dry them in the evening.

3. Accessories

Most men these days don’t accessorize much, but it’s one of the easiest ways to be fashionable on vacation. This is because accessories don’t take up much space in your suitcase but can completely transform your look.

Our most important tip regarding accessories is to keep them to a minimum. If they don’t serve any purpose, don’t bring them along.

• Belts: Belts are a must-have accessory. The right belt can complete an outfit and bring some polish to an otherwise casual look. Belts don’t take up a lot of space in your luggage, but if you’re short on space, consider a reversible or two-tone belt.
• Sunglasses: Whether you’re on an airplane or a tropical beach, sunglasses will make travel more comfortable. Large, darker-tinted glasses are especially effective at protecting you from window glare and helping you sleep — just make sure that the pair you choose suits your facial features. Sunglasses are one of the items that travelers are most likely to forget to bring, so make a note to pack them.
• Scarves: If you’re bound for a colder destination, a scarf is an excellent accessory. It keeps your neck warm and goes well with winter jackets, tee-shirts or button-downs.
• Suspenders: If you want to take your personal style one step further, wearing a tie and suspenders is a great idea — just remember to bring a tie clip, too.

4. Undergarments

Unless you’re planning to without pants, your underwear is probably not going to affect your look. So in this section, we’re going to focus merely on undergarments that maximize your comfort and convenience while traveling. Here are three criteria your underwear should meet:

Performance

Your underwear should be comfortable to wear and versatile. We tend to partake in a wide variety of activities when we travel, including walking, running, climbing and exercising, so your underwear should be suitable for all of these things. To achieve this, your undergarments should be made of a light, soft and breathable fabric. An elastic waistband that wicks moisture is also a plus.

Cotton boxer-briefs should be avoided, as they will stretch out easily and lose their shape, making it easier for them to ride up on your legs. Also, if cotton gets wet, it will likely cause chaffing.

Portability

When you’re traveling, especially if you’re only taking a carry on, your space is limited. To make the most of it, make sure to buy underwear that will pack down small.

Washability

Your underwear should be made of a material that dries quickly. Regular cotton underwear takes a long time to dry, and when it does dry, it’s often hard and rough, which won’t be much fun to wear. Cotton also isn’t particularly effective at managing odors.

5. Pants

When it comes to pants, you have many options, including jogging bottoms for maximum comfort, chinos for a smarter comfort or jeans for a more relaxed and stylish look. Many people have been led to believe that jeans are uncomfortable when traveling, but this is not necessarily true. Just make sure you choose jeans with a slim or relaxed fit.

One particularly versatile item is a pair of dark-colored jeans, whether black, indigo or navy. Dark jeans can be either casual or formal, and you can wear them with practically anything and for almost any event. With a button-down and blazer, you can go out to a fancy dinner, and with a t-shirt and jacket, you can wear them for everyday use. Jeans are definitely a men’s must-have travel item.

It’s also worth it to include a more formal pair of pants in a fabric that is suitable for the season. Wool is an excellent choice for winter, and cotton or linen works well for the summertime.

6. Shoes

Picking the wrong shoes can be a serious mistake. Before choosing a pair to accompany you on your adventures, you need to consider the following:

• They should have support and insoles. Your shoes should have proper foot support. High-quality insoles will make shoes and boots feel much more comfortable.
• They should be destination-appropriate. This one may be obvious, but your shoes should be suitable for the location. Sandals are probably not the best choice for the mountains of Iceland, and heavy-duty hiking boots are probably overkill for the streets of Paris.
• They should be broken in. Make sure the shoes you want to bring are broken in. If you’re going to buy new shoes, do so a month or two before your travels so you can wear them frequently before you leave.
• They should be breathable. Feet tend to swell when on an airplane, so make sure your shoes will let your feet breathe.

Because we’re aiming for fashion as well as comfort, ensure that your shoes go with the rest of your outfit. At least one pair should be able to pass for both casual and dress shoes, and you should be able to use them almost every day. Black and brown tend to be the easiest colors, but for some people, blue or red sneakers work just as well.

Shoes are often thought to be the most important part of one’s look, so you should put extra time into picking a pair that’s stylish and versatile. This also means you should make an effort to clean them regularly during your trip.

Here are some recommendations for stylish and comfy footwear for your travels:

• Boots: Boots are a great choice for men who travel because they protect your ankles when the weather’s bad, provide support and, if they contain the right sole, are great for walking. If not too casual, you can also wear them with a suit or sports jacket.
• Loafers: If you don’t feel like untying and retying laces when going through security — or only have space for one pair of shoes in your suitcase — then loafers may be the best option for you. You can easily slip them on or off and they’re quite versatile, looking equally as good with a suit as with a pair of jeans.