Travel

Let’s Get Ready To Travel?

May 18, 2021 by robincharmagne 2 Comments

Hello pretties,

Folks are getting vaccinated and are ready to travel! But are you really ready? Yes, I am absolutely in the group that is ready to pack my luggage to capacity and buckle up for a smooth takeoff. However, before you do, have you cleaned your luggage? I mean it has been sitting in the closet or under your bed or even in the garage for at least a year or more? Today I am sharing tips for cleaning your luggage.

How To Clean Your Luggage

Before you clean your luggage, let’s disinfect it using disinfecting wipes that contain at least 60 percent alcohol. Clean the handles, the side hand grips, the zippers and the wheels. Be sure the surfaces remain wet for at least 30 seconds to kill viruses and bacteria.
Clean the outside of your luggage with non-detergent soap and warm water. Gently scrub the outside surfaces with a cloth. Do NOT use bleach, spot removers, or cleaning solvents as these could damage your luggage.
Use a vacuum cleaner with the crevice attachment to remove dust, dirt, and other debris. Dispose of the vacuum bag (in an outside trash can) once you have cleaned your luggage.
Dry luggage outside or in an open area, if possible.
If you use packing cubes, soak them in the sink with warm water, wash and rinse. Hang them to dry.

Now if you are itching to step out brand new in your 2021 travels, here are some cute luggage options. These three piece sets are moderately priced, with a choice of hard or soft side.

I am so excited to get on a plane and travel to some beautiful locale with loads of sun and beach. My luggage is clean and ready to go. Do you or have you cleaned your luggage?

Staycations Are Good For You

March 18, 2021 by robincharmagne 6 Comments

Hello pretties,

I remember March 11, 2020, very clearly. Me, along with my travel sis Tanisha, were excitedly preparing for our second West Coast Tour in Napa Valley. Just 12 days before our departure, the World Health Organization declared the pandemic. And, just like that, EVERYTHING changed. Airline flights, hotel reservations and, exciting excursions were canceled. Who knew what 2020 would bring? We were ill-prepared for any of what was to come for the remainder of the year. There was social distancing, mask wearing, toilet paper shortages, near economic collapse across multiple industries, racial unrest, continued police shootings, impeachment, virtual school, no movies, no dining, no gym, virtual baby showers, weddings, and funerals, wildfires, Kobe and Gianna Bryant, Chadwick Boseman, Alex Trebek, no Summer Olympics, Zoom meetings, murder hornets, and 538,000 deaths. If all these things were not enough to bear, my Mom’s passing just about took me out. I MEAN! It is no small thing to have lived through 2020.

Fast forward to about a week ago, I realized the giveaway gift certificate I won in 2019 for a hotel stay and dinner at a local hotel was about to expire, oddly enough on my Mom’s birthday. Light bulb moment – girl, take a staycation to do absolutely nothing except eat, sleep, shop, and journal!

I packed super light and headed to the Crowne Plaza® Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia in a beautiful and bustling suburb about 30 minutes from home.

I checked in, showered and changed into my favorite pjs to relax before dinner. I took some time to journal how I felt about the events of 2020. It cathartic to get your thoughts on paper and then talk them out. 2020 was scary and if you are like me, you personally know someone impacted by covid. I experienced job loss, missing family and friends, no travel, and death. It was a lot to experience and admittedly some days I did not even want to get out of bed. After I wrote it out and cried it out, and worked it out I was hungry. I headed to the restaurant for complimentary dinner.

Bucket list item checked – dined solo dolo!

Backyard at Parkwoods was earthy and calm. Lots of windows with sun coming through and a great view of the backyard. I ordered comfort food – wings and fries, two really good drinks, and I have to say the best key lime pie I have ever had – so delicious!

Back to the room for more lounging and relaxing. On a staycations you can unplug, reconnect with you, and let your mind and body rest! That’s what I did, no agenda, just whatever. We need an unplanned day sometimes!

If you have not staycationed in your own city, it is a great way to ease back into travel. You save money, and help the local economy by dining and shopping in the area of your hotel. 2020 tried us, but we survived. I feel recharged and ready to take on 2021! Special shoutout to Atlanta Digital Creator Ohnikka for hosting the giveaway! Are you taking a staycation or vacation?

Toronto, Canada – Let’s Go

March 25, 2020 by robincharmagne 2 Comments

Hi Pretties,

Have you dreamed of traveling for the holidays? I mean how much turkey, dressing, mac n’ cheese, collard greens, and sweet potato pie with a big glass of sweet tea will you have in a lifetime? But that menu does sound really good, fattening but super good. Okay I digress, yes that Thanksgiving menu sounds grand, but what about a trip up North, way up north to Toronto, Canada. I traded turkey for Toronto and it was so worth it!

This trip was at Thanksgiving and the temps were quite cold and it was not Thanksgiving in Toronto. Canada celebrates Thanksgiving in October. And, as a major metropolitan city and the capitol of Ontario, Toronto has everything – lodging in every price point, dining with diverse options, sightseeing from museums to the zoo, and shopping from high end designer stores to vintage boutiques. We were there a short amount a time but managed to see some fun sites such as the Toronto Christmas Market and the CN Tower, which has amazing views by the way!

Toronto-landmarks-robincharmagne — Toronto Christmas Market/CN Tower/Canada Sign/Toronto Eaton Centre

My most favorite attraction in Toronto was the Bata Shoe Museum. During the time we visited, there as a Manolo Blahnik shoe exhibit called The Art Of Shoes. First things first, do you know this famed shoe designer is a man? I did not and was totally taken aback. There was a large display of shoes, renderings of shoes, and a video featuring the designer. In addition to this fabulous exhibit, there were several floors that housed various exhibits of shoes – the earliest shoe design from over 4,000 years ago, basketball shoes which as I recall belonged to Shaquille O’Neil, glass slippers, snow shoes, kids shoes, mens shoes – something for everyone and super educational, I mean who knew shoes had such a storied history. There is also an adorable gift shop with an assorted selection of shoe related gifts.

Toronto-ShoeMuseum-robincharmagne — History of shoes, so amazing and beautiful

The food in Toronto was really good with lots of choices. The first place we ate was Jack Astor’s is was very lively and we had a fantastic server. This spot was the jump off for our trip, a real neighborhood feel. And, definitely put us in a mood to have a good time seeing Toronto – highly recommend. Apparently Evviva’s is super popular because there was a line and a wait. I would say it was so worth it. Not only was the food delicious, but the ambiance was really nice – highly recommend. My favorite though was dinner at the CN Tower. The service was outstanding with a very attentive server. Our food was on point, beautifully presented and delicious. But the view of Toronto is unmatched. The restaurant revolves with 360 degree views of Toronto. So pretty, especially at night. The prix fixe menu with three courses was well priced at under $100 – highly recommend

Toronto-Eats-robincharmagne — Jack Astor’s/ Evviva/CN Tower

Toronto has some interesting sites, including a wrecked police car hanging out of a building. I believe this was from a local television station. Another interesting building is the Flatiron Building that has a trompe l’oeil painted on the side by the artist Marg. There are also many architecturally stunning buildings throughout Downtown Toronto. Grab your camera so you don’t miss a shot.

As you can read from this post, I loved Toronto – the food, the attractions, the shopping, we didn’t have dull moment. But frankly, unless you like super cold weather, I would not recommend going at Thanksgiving. It was soooo cold for my taste – I’m talking puffer coats, hats, scarves, and gloves. However, if you prefer colder temps, it is the perfect time of year to visit. The Christmas Market is also a good draw for this time of year. I plan on visiting Toronto again…when it is warmer. Do you prefer traveling in colder or warmer weather?

Renaissance Gateway Staycation Part II – Let’s Go

February 20, 2020 by robincharmagne 4 Comments

Hello pretties,

Today, I’m sharing Part II of my staycation at Renaissance Atlanta Airport Gateway Hotel. Of course, a well appointed, comfy room is a must but I am drawn to hotels with beautiful decor. Take a peek at some of the artwork and furniture pieces…

The lobby bar is well stocked with comfy seating

This room off the bar is like a big living room/game room/craft room-so inviting

This hotel felt like a big home with all kinds of living spaces for dining, relaxing and of course nice rooms for sleeping. The location is perfect for travelers being 5 minutes from the airport and ten minutes from restaurants and shops. If you’re in The A, choose this beautiful hotel!

Have you stayed at any beautiful hotels? Do tell!!!

Renaissance Gateway Staycation – Let’s Go

February 18, 2020 by robincharmagne 4 Comments

Hi pretties,

Staycations R’ Us, or me rather. A short getaway is good for your overall well being. I am fortunate to have so many amazing hotel choices right here in my hometown and I chose the Renaissance Gateway for a long celebration weekend.

Let’s face it, a hotel room can make or break your stay. Here are some things to consider in a hotel room:

Location – high up, away from the ice machine and elevator
Size – big enough to move freely
Staples – coffee station, free water
Bed – nix the decorative pillows
Bathroom – big, with a a door, and easy to use shower head
Extras – good toiletries, reading nook

The Room

Let’s talk about this door! How unique is this design?!

I love the room, so fun and modern. The gallery wall over the bed is a mix of contemporary art in a classic black and white color combo! The wall art is quite interesting and definitely sparks conversation. I love that the bed doesn’t have a million pillows – nap ready!

The bathroom is cool, but not cold in white, black and gray tones. The dark flowers are a nice touch. It’s well appointed and a good size.

But then a glance to the right and bam, an incredible art wall – in the bathroom. Was not expecting it and loved it!

The decor is simple but unique. The settee at the end of the bed is perfect for getting dressed or relaxing in front of the television. A reading nook is always a nice feature of a room, this one is no exception in a beautiful apple green. But, my favorite piece is the trunk bench, in a rich brown with belt detail and accented with a cute pillow.

The obligatory full length mirror is a must. The rustic frame is compliments the room’s decor.

This room was right up my alley. My preference is a modern room without too much stuff and lots of unique details. I was so pleasantly surprised but really this hotel is smartly done with accents that really standout.

Next post I will share this unique space and my thoughts overall on my staycation.

Does the hotel room matter to you or is it just a place to sleep?

A Bag And A Bonus – Let’s Go

November 14, 2019 by robincharmagne 6 Comments

Hi pretties,

Ahhh Paris, still on cloud nine from my Girl’s Trip last month and I can’t wait to share more deets about this trip. But first, let’s talk about the shopping. Paris is known for its fabulous fashion and accessories. You will find EVERY major fashion house in Paris from really affordable stores like H&M to top of the line stores such as Hermes. There is something to buy at literally every price point. However, my particular jam is handbags. I had a thought wayyy in the back of my mind to buy a bag. I wasn’t sure what style or brand but I kinda, sorta thought I would snag something cute.

Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann

Galeries Lafayette was our first stop, the big one with the fabulous rooftop views of Paris.

Honestly, there were so many bags that I was a bit overwhelmed. If you are in Paris and love shopping, you must visit this location. The dining, shopping and views can’t be beat.

The Avenue des Champs-Élysées

I do not have to tell you about this famed street that is a shopper’s dream. There are super high end stores like Cartier and then there’s The Gap. The avenue again has something for every budget. Tons of places to eat – we chose Five Guys because the girls were starving and we wanted something super quick but delicious! But I was still on the hunt for a cute bag. While strolling the avenue, we stumbled upon Lancel. I had never heard of this French brand but the bags were calling me…Come in Robin, see what we have! I am glad I did!

Lancel

Lancel is a French brand that started in 1876 and is a premier French luxury brand. Each bag is handmade from luxurious leathers. There were so many beautiful styles but I am a sucker for a good crossbody. I chose the Clic de Lancel in black. Let’s look at this chic but edgy bag.

beautiful hardware/spacious interior/outside pocket/bag charm

silver hardware/bill compartment/card slots/compact

“With Clic, vintage understatement meets the rebellious elegance of today’s women.” -Lancel

VAT (Value Added Tax)

So here’s another good reason to buy luxury goods abroad. The Value Added Tax, or VAT, is a consumption tax assessed on the value added to goods and services – like a refund. So if you buy certain goods in Europe, you get a refund on your purchase based on the price, usually about 12%. Isn’t that THE best. Lancel did all the paperwork right in the store. When you leave, you present the form at the airport. You can choose a cash refund or have it applied to a credit card…easy peasy.

Currently obsessed with this chic crossbody. I think it falls right in the middle of being a casual weekend bag but equally good as a dressy bag. Loads of interior space to hold everything for the on the go girl! And, a matching wallet to pull off a polished look. I love that it is a French brand that is not so well known. After a 140 years, I think Lancel sure knows how to make a bag.

Have you purchased luxury goods abroad?

9 Travel Gifts Under $25

October 31, 2019 by robincharmagne 6 Comments

Hi pretties,

I am fresh off of a vacation with friends and hyped to share all the deets. So, last Thanksgiving we had a meeting in the ladies room (some of y’all are not going to catch that) and decided to take one BIG trip to celebrate our 55th b-day! Fast forward to October and me the my besties plus 1 are ready for our Girl’s Trip to Paris. And, it was magical! Yeah I know everyone says Paris is magical. But I knew it would be something special when the gifts starting coming. Everyone on the trip brought something cool and useful for the Fabulous, Fierce and Favored crew! Today I am sharing some of my favorite travel accessories, all under $25! Take a peek…

These products are perfect for a weekend getaway to your favorite city or a long-haul trip. Here are my faves – loving the ear buds, at a very reasonable price I might add. Especially considering on the last leg of my flight, I was horrified to hear the flight attendant hawking those cheap azz ear buds, not cool. And next up, phone gear. The phone stand makes it easier to watch movies you’ve downloaded to your phone. Moving on to my last favorite, if you rock a black suitcase, a fun luggage tag will help it stand out in a sea of black bags. On this trip, when I arrived at baggage claim, my bag was already off the conveyor. A fellow traveler said someone thought it was their bag until they saw my luggage tags.

I am so excited to share pics and stories from our Girl’s Trip! Tell me do you buy gifts for friends when traveling together?

Hotel Indigo Atlanta Airport – Staycation – Let’s Go

June 10, 2019 by robincharmagne 10 Comments

Hi pretties,

Staycations are super easy for quick rest and relaxation getaways without spending too much money. Over a fun filled Memorial Day holiday weekend, I did another staycation. These weekend hideouts are becoming routine for me and I fully endorse taking time for yourself. For this stay I chose a location outside of the city but with a familiar brand – Hotel Indigo.

The Backstory

Hotel Indigo is part of the IHG family of brands. I would categorize these as boutique hotels with unique decor that is vibrant, colorful, and inviting.

I staycationed with this brand before at Hotel Indigo Atlanta Vinings. My stay at this pretty as a picture hotel was satisfying with excellent service and unique decor that celebrates the neighborhood history. My experience at Hotel Indigo Atlanta Airport was equally good…take a peek.

First Impression

Both of these locations are fine hotels, but the room at the Airport location was fairly plain. Except for the vintage looking photo graphic on the wall, the room was not a standout. But frankly, I was looking for a comfy bed and a good restaurant, the Airport location scored big on both fronts.

The Winning Touch

The icing at the Airport is the decor, which I would describe as modern chic. A fancy room is of course a bonus, but am a big fan of commercial interior design and this hotel is definitely a winner.

Comfy and inviting in a soft color palette

The Deets

Location – close to Hartsfield-Jackson Airport and Downtown Atlanta
Vibe – not too loud and bouncy
Price – moderate less than $200 a night
Room size – generous and easy to navigate
Amenities – basic – restaurant, business center, gym, and pool
Internet – free
Miscellaneous – allows pets $75 fee

The Verdict

Both hotels met my needs for a staycation. My main complaint if you will with Hotel Indigo Atlanta Airport is the air conditioner was hella loud, really loud, woke me up in the middle of the night loud. That was annoying and impacted my sleep. My other concern was housekeeping. I left my room at 6:30am for an appointment on Saturday and when I returned after 12 noon, my room had not been serviced. On a positive note, the hotel staff was pleasant and helpful. And, the restaurant food and drinks were delicious, be on the look out for an upcoming restaurant review.

I would probably stay at Hotel Indigo Atlanta Airport again, it’s a pretty hotel with really comfortable beds and good service. Hotel Indigo is a hotel brand I recommend without reservation.

Are you planning a staycation this summer?

Canopy Atlanta – Let’s Go

January 17, 2019 by robincharmagne 5 Comments

Hi pretties,

I was super excited to attend my first hotel opening for Canopy Atlanta. Located in Midtown Atlanta, this hotel is part of the Hilton family of brands. I am always looking for staycation spots in The A and this one is definitely being added to the list.

Canopy is a lifestyle hotel situated in the heart of Midtown, with close proximity to many popular attractions such as the High Museum of Art and the Art District. It has 176 rooms and 4 canopy suites that include complementary Wi-Fi.

Xhibit

For the event, we were able to try bites from the Xhibit Kitchen and Bar. Everything was not only visually appealing, but so delicious! The restaurant has a Cafe, Bar, and complimentary tastings each evening!

Rooms

After sampling some the goodies from Xhibit, we were treated to a tour of the hotel including the guest rooms. The decor is contemporary in style with a mostly neutral color palette. I really liked the open closet space as soon as you walk in, just hang your stuff and go! And there is filtered water on every floor.

Art

Art plays a big part in the decor of the hotel. Many of the installations were designed by local artists. I especially liked the wall that acknowledged patrons of the arts that supported the hotel, check it out you may see a familiar face!

Canopy also boasts meeting spaces, an outdoor terrace with fire pit, and bicycle rental.

If I had to describe Canopy in three word, it would be artsy, cool, and fun. The decor really adds to the ambiance, it doesn’t feel stuffy at all. With their brand promise to deliver a “positive stay”, this hotel is a welcome addition to Midtown Atlanta. I see a staycation in my future.

When you vacation, do you notice the art work at the hotel?

robincharmagne

News in Travel – Let’s Go

February 22, 2018 by robincharmagne 6 Comments

Hello,
The temps are getting warmer and Spring Break is right around the corner. You know what that means, it is time for travel. But before you pull out the suitcase and the sunscreen, you need to know about some changes that could effect your travel plans. Take a peek at these tips for domestic and international travel……