Stay Organized While You Travel with Moleskine

Are you a Moleskine travel notebook junkie like me? Well, if you're not, I may just have the product that will convert you.  Stay Organized While You Travel with the new Moleskine Portfolio on the Go.

Perfect for those travel receipts, ticket stubs you want to save, that little scrap piece of paper you just wrote on and more ;)  Constructed in the durable and ever-lasting Moleskine style, Portfolio on the Go contains expanding internal pockets that fold out accordion-style.

But here's the coolest part: Moleskine Portfolio on the Go comes in two sizes - XS and Pocket - and once you've filled your XS Portfolio on the Go, you can file it directly into the Pocket Portfolio on the Go.  No transferring of annoying little papers needed.  Your Chicago trip can be in one Pocket with your great escape to Jamaica in another.

Moleskine Portfolio on the Go is priced at only USD $9.95 for XS and $13.95 for Pocket.  For staying organized while you travel: priceless.

For more information, visit Moleskine Portfolio on the Go.

Images: Moleskine.

Asia Travel 101: What to Pack for a Trip to Asia

Are you planning a trip to Southeast Asia this year but are not sure what to pack? Depending on the month and the destination, Southeast Asia offers a variety of climates and weather fluctuations. There is high temperatures and lots of rain in this popular tourist destination and it is important to think in terms of wet and warm. If you are not traveling up into high altitudes you don't really need a jacket for this type of adventure.  If you want some tips on what to pack for Southeast Asia, then check out this list and tips on clothing and objects to bring with you.

Mix and Match Your Clothes

Pack lightly and choose clothes that you can match with other clothing items. Women can pack two to three pairs of pants, two pairs of shorts, light blouses, a cotton skirt, four to five pairs of underwear and four pairs of socks. One or two bathing suits and a sarong comes in handy if you are staying at a hotel with a pool. Make sure all of your clothes are completely interchangeable.  The same goes for men minus the sarong and skirt.

Choose Fabrics that Dry Easily

Nowadays we have many clothing options to choose from where synthetics are concerned. Buy clothes that dry fast and that can be hung out in the sunshine. If you choose to take cotton clothing items with you, you may have to wait a little longer for them to dry but this material is the next best thing to synthetic fabrics.

Shoes are Essential

It is extremely important that you have two solid pairs of dependable shoes. Make sure you have a durable pair of running shoes that can both survive the wet, rough and muddy terrains. It might be smart to have one pair of hiking shoes for rocky paths and hills, one pair of general running shoes for walking and a pair of light flip flops for beach days.

Leave Toiletries at Home

In Southeast Asia the weather is like a sauna. You don't need all the hairspray, gels, moisturizers, make-up and other various products you use at home on a general basis. Take the basics such as shaving cream, razors, sun block, a few bars of soap, travel size shampoo and conditioner, a comb, nail clippers, deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste. Keep it simple.

Prepare for Rain and Lots of It

If you can pack it, bring a lightweight rain jacket or poncho that can protect you from rain when need by. Pack a purse-sized umbrella for those extra rainy days.

Pack a Fan

It does get extremely humid so if you can find one of those mini-fans that you can take anywhere with you, bring one. It may be a lifesaver and make all the difference when you feel overwhelmed by the heat in this popular tourist destination.

Extras to Take With You

Make sure you have copies of your passport, driver's license, identification and other important documents when you travel to Southeast Asia. Put a copy in your carry-on bag and in your luggage and keep one with you at all times. Make sure you have enough of your personal medications so you don't run out and run into an emergency. 

Keep the prescriptions with the actual medications as well. Take a roll of toilet paper just in case as some areas and hotels are not up to par with amenities and services. Bring mosquito repellent and a hat for extra protection from bugs and the sun when you are out touring around. Be a smart traveler and leave your valuables at home. There is nothing worse than losing your great grandma's pearl earrings during a canal boat ride or a jungle trek.

Author: Natasha Jervis

Natasha Jervis is a dedicated and professional travel copywriter with over 14 years of experience in the travel and tourism industry. Some of her past and current roles include the New York Times travel channel on About.com, Sunwing Vacations, CanadaTravels.com, Escapes.ca and a variety of other worldwide travel media resources.  You can find some of her more recent works here.

Images: Tourism Authority of Thailand

Brand New Hotels in the USA

Are you stuck in a traveling rut? Staying at the same hotel time after time because it's familiar?  Well, there are plenty of Brand New Hotels in the USA to choose from so let's take at look!

New York

• Hyatt Union Square New York Hotel, NYC - opening April 30, 2013, this hotel is geared towards both business and leisure travelers alike.  A newly built property, the Hyatt Union Square New York Hotel features loft-style studio guest rooms with inviting outdoor terraces; rates from $300.

• Archer Hotel, NYC - opening in the spring of 2014, this Midtown Manhattan boutique property is also a brand new build with 180 rooms spread over it's 21 floors. Guest room amenities include exposed brick, artwork and custom furniture; rates from $350.

• Baccarat Hotel & Residences, NYC - also opening in 2014, the beautiful 50-story glass Baccarat Hotel & Residences will featuring 114 guest rooms and suites while being located across from the popular Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) in Manhattan; rates to be announced.

California

• SIRTAJ Beverly Hills - newly opened, this intimate boutique hotel offers just 32 rooms with tons of complimentary amenities including breakfast (in-room or restaurant), WI-FI, and welcome drink.  In-room bonuses include luxury linens & robes, iPod docking station, and Lavazza coffee/espresso makers; rates from $195.

Vermont

• Hotel Vermont, Burlington - with a goal of being LEED-certified, the Hotel Vermont (near Church Street Marketplace and Waterfront Park) comes complete with a rooftop garden and farm-to-table restaurant.  Opening in spring 2013 with rates from $195.

Colorado

• The Ranch at Emerald Valley, Colorado Springs - this all-inclusive Broadmoor resort property offers ten luxury cabins outfitted with wood-buring fireplaces and chef-prepared meals including activities like hiking and fly fishing; rates from $870 per couple.

For more information on new hotels around the world, check out: Brand New Hotels to Visit in 2013.

Images:

Hyatt Union Square New York Hotel

Baccarat Hotel & Residences

The Ranch at Emerald Valley

Cruising for a Cause

Honoring military veterans and active duty personnel, Princess Cruises is offering a 4-day sailing onboard the Caribbean Princess sailing from Houston, TX, on November 5, 2013.

Supporting both the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund and Operation Homefront, this memorable cruise will offer a USO-styled show, guest lecturers, a military film festival, Stars & Stripes Sailaway and a Red, White & Blue Gala event.  Distinguished special guests include Admiral Gary Roughead, Admiral Michael Mullen (Ret.) and retired Generals George Casey and Norton Schwartz.

Rates for this U.S. Veterans Cruising for a Cause sailing from Houston to Progreso, Mexico, start at just USD $549 and include both a $50 onboard credit and a $100 donation.

Wouldn't this make the perfect Father's Day gift for the military man in your life?  For more information, visit Princess Cruises.

Images: Princess Cruises