The Carry-On Edit

When planning our Andalusia adventure, I wanted a resort that would give us plenty of relaxation time while also serving as a convenient base for exploring southern Spain. The Marriott Marbella Beach Resort ended up being exactly that—a beautiful beachfront retreat with easy access to some of the Costa del Sol’s most charming destinations. Resort…

Travel days to Europe always sound glamorous until you’re running on no sleep, carrying your life through multiple airports and train stations, and trying to remember what time zone you’re in. A few things absolutely saved me on this trip: • My Stanley cup — having cold water for hours felt like such a luxury…

The final stretch before Spain is officially here — and at this point, the excitement is REAL. These last few days are less about shopping and more about locking everything in so you can actually enjoy the trip once wheels are up. Here’s my realistic countdown routine before an international trip: DAY 3: Secure the…

We’re officially four days out and I’ve hit that very specific phase of pre-trip energy: everything is happening all at once—but the suitcase? Done. And not just done… strategically done. This trip is carry-on only (as always), and after a few edits, swaps, and one moment of “do I really need this?” honesty, I’ve landed…

At this point, the outfits are mostly set, reservations are made… and now it’s time for the part no one really talks about—making sure real life is handled before we leave. Because the goal isn’t just a great trip… it’s coming home to zero chaos. Here’s what I’m focusing on today: Work: Shifting Into Delegation…

We’ve officially entered the “everything lives on the dining room table” phase. Piles are forming, lists are multiplying, and I’m doing that very Type A thing where I lay it all out so nothing gets forgotten. This is the last-minute stock-up window:• Travel-size everything (and backups… because Europe rules are still rules)• Laundry sheets +…

At this point in the countdown, the excitement is very real—but so is the potential for overpacking, overplanning, and second-guessing everything. Days 9 and 8 before a big international trip are where the magic happens if you use them right: you’re not starting from scratch anymore, you’re refining. This is the edit phase. ✈️ What…