Winter hasn’t even started yet, but chances are good that if you live someplace where the temperatures are dropping and the winds are blowing, you are already thinking ahead to your next vacation, preferably someplace with palm trees, where the days are balmy and the nights are delightfully temperate.
To me, nothing is more magical than stepping off a plane in the middle of the winter and finding myself someplace sunny, with a suitcase full of warm weather essentials. In addition to a few changes of clothing, some sunscreen and, of course, my laptop, that suitcase of mine is going to be holding a few very special items that will make my vacation truly perfect.
First up, my shvimkleid. Yes, we have all seen the videos and heard the jokes, but the reality is that for those who are looking for protection from the sun, as well as anyone who prefers to keep her knees and elbows covered even while swimming, full coverage swimwear is an idea long overdue. If you’ve ever gone into a pool in a full length t-shirt, you know what I’m talking about. They get long and heavy when wet and take forever to dry and, to be perfectly honest, they aren’t exactly the most fashionable. Thankfully, there are several companies that have risen to the challenge, including Westchester-based Hydro Chic. Its full line of colorful swim tops and skirts of assorted lengths and styles offer an ultraviolet protection factor of 50 in and out of the water when used and washed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Best of all, these items aren’t just practical, they are pretty cute looking as well, which means you don’t have to look like something the cat dragged in on your next family trip to a water park or the beach. I have gotten lots of positive comments on my adorable three-quarter length baseball shirt and matching below-the-knee skirt (with attached pants for extra coverage) and, while these specialty items don’t come at bargain basement prices, they are a sound investment for your next vacation.
Another great item that has earned a spot in my suitcase is a fabulous folding raincoat, from a company called RainRAPS. A cross between a poncho and a pashmina, this waterproof, hooded, reversible outerwear provides serious protection from inclement weather, yet is lightweight, durable, quick drying and takes up almost no space because it folds that small. While I wish the sleeves on this coat were just a tad longer so that they come all the way down to my wrists, my RainRAPS has come to my rescue on several occasions and it is my go-to cover up when I want something light that will keep me dry no matter what. Apparently I am not the only RainRAPS fan out there: the product has been featured in national publications including Good Housekeeping, Oprah Magazine and USA Today and was honored as a Spanx Leg Up winner in 2013.
They may be the ultimate in dweebdom, but going on vacation without a selfie stick to capture those once-in-a-lifetime moments is a major mistake. Let’s face it, almost all of us use our cell phones as our primary camera, especially when vacationing, but unless you are part orangutan, your arms are just not long enough to get a good shot, making selfie sticks dorky but uber practical. I love my highly-rated Looq DG which folds down to a relatively compact size, but extends significantly when it is time to capture that Kodak moment and, with no battery, external power source or need for wifi, this selfie stick is always ready to roll. As another bonus, the Looq DG weighs next to nothing which is particularly helpful when you are on the run all day and find your bag weighed down with sunscreen, tissues, water bottles and assorted snacks to feed the starving masses also known as your family members. Best of all, while some selfie sticks require you to take your camera out of its protective case, this one was able to securely accommodate my iPhone, case and all.