The Gray Suit Visits Style Aspirations

I just posted as a guest writer on my friend's Style Aspirations site. Learn more about virtual items you can pack for your trip --- this time specifically for Paris. Save space in your bag by packing on the apps and leaving room for your beloved fashion finds! Read my guest post and learn more about this shopping app (featured left). Later, I'll have the Style Aspirations writer post something about one of her Parisian finds!

Image of blog.ricksteves.com
Visit his blog! 

The idea of an audio tour you might experience in a museum has now been borrowed for travel guidebooks! Rick Steves has apps for Apple and Android products. You can download floor plans of a museum, download an audio tour of the Sistine Chapel and a walking tour of Vienna. Listen to Rick Steves' overview of his app offerings.  

No longer do you need to bury your head in a book, you can listen to his information and musings as you are looking at the scenery, art work or buildings. Brilliant!

Now, as a writer and romantic, it is hard to admit that books are going virtual - but I believe there still is a place for books, and I enjoy reading them thoroughly before a trip while planning an itinerary. But on-the-spot audio information is invaluable and saves space in your bag!

This page will guide you to the app store -- download, listen, learn and enjoy! Share any other apps you find useful for travel and/or other guide book companies whose apps you use!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/heshimakenya

Do you like to bring a piece of clothing from another part of the world to your own home? What if you could order a beautiful scarf that was made in Africa - that also had a great cause and story behind it? 

Maisha Collective description from their site.

The Maisha Collective empowers refugee girls and young women from DR Congo, Somalia, Ethiopia, Sudan, and Burundi with economic opportunities to rebuild their lives with peace and dignity. By managing a business collective that designs and produces a line of unique tie and dye scarves, participants gain life-long business and marketing skills that develop their confidence and prepare them for future independence. The power of purchase inspires their journey to support, empower, and ultimately protect other young refugee women.

All profits are reinvested into the Maisha Collective and support the participants’ success in Heshima Kenya’s programs. 

Browse scarves here, place your order, and support this cause! Add elegance to your wardrobe. I think Grace Kelly would approve, don't you?!

Vacation is official with the first toast to getting away from it all. During your travels, do you ever take note of a local wine, brew or liquor? 

Wine journals and cocktail diaries are helpful for when you're out and want to jot down your new find. If you cannot pack a bottle in your luggage, at least you'll have a name to look out for in future trips or at home.

If without a proper diary or journal, at least remember to carry a pen and scrap paper (or napkin) and write down a note! Who would ever want to forget the white wine from Santorini or gin from West Virginia?

Cheers to my fellow travelers who enjoy the finer things in life! Take a look at these "Cary Grant Cocktails". Enjoy!

Share and send along suggested spirits we should try with our next meal when we want to transport ourselves and toast another corner of the world.