Summer Travel & Planning Tips

With all the end-of-year activities at school and fun around graduation, it’s easy to get bogged down in the day to day of May.  But summer is just around the corner and many kids are out of school in a few weeks.  What are your summer plans? 

If your plans include vacation, travel, or any trips to the beach or pool, we have some tips on how to make packing easier on you.  For some, getting ready for a vacation can be a lot of work, especially if you have the responsibility of packing for your children.  Even getting prepared for a beach day can be daunting with a bunch of kids and a lot of things to remember. We’ve created checklists and tips & tricks for our readers. 
 
Summer Travel / Vacation Checklist 
When traveling on vacation, being prepared is a must. Forgetting one key item has the potential to put a damper on your mood so the key is to be organized.  We involve our kids in the packing process to make things easier but also to get the kids excited about where we are headed.  Use it as an opportunity to talk about the weather, what’s appropriate to wear for your plans, and help teach the skill of advanced planning. 
 
Use this handy checklist when packing: 

• One day-time outfit for each day and coordinating shoes

• Note: If you are traveling for 7 days, you don’t need 7 pairs of jeans. Usually, 2-4 pairs of pants should do the trick. We recommend 1 black, 1 white, 1 grey, 1 denim wash, or some variation! 

• Several nighttime / dressier options and coordinating shoes

• Dresses pack so small! Don’t overdo it, though. Be realistic about how many dresses or dressier options you will need. 

• Accessories like bags / jewelry! Keep it simple. 

• Choose a few key pieces that will work with a variety of outfits. 

• Workout / yoga clothing

• Make sure you don’t forget to pack the appropriate shoes & socks  

• Undergarments for daytime, nighttime, and sports outfits 

• Toiletries and Make-up (under 3.4 oz. of liquid per item if you are not checking your bags) 

• Book / Kindle / iPad 

• All chargers.  

• We keep all chargers in a small, monogrammed bag that zips tight. (And when we say “all,” we really mean ALL. How are there so many charges to remember? From your Amazon tablet charger, headphones charger, iPad charger, iPhone charger, laptop charger (if traveling for work)…. Keep them all in a single bag. When you need a charger, just pull out the charger bag! 

• Do not forget headphones! 

• If you are traveling on a plane that may have entertainment in the seats, remember to bring headphones that plug into the seat (meaning those that have a 3.5mm aux jax – meaning those with a single pointy end )   Many airlines will sell them or give them to you if it’s a long flight, but if you have them, bring them to reduce waste.

For your charger bag, consider this one by CB Station that you can personalize with your name, initial, or choose to label it CHARGER.  Depending on how many chargers you must bring, this 7 x 11 x 3” bag is a good option. 
 

 
Need a make-up or toiletry bag?  Here are some favorites. 

 
 
Beach Day / Day-Trip Checklist 
We like to have a “go” bag for the beach or pool ready so we can “go” anytime without much effort.  For us, it stays in the laundry room packed and ready to go at any time! Keep your bag packed and stocked so the day of your beach outing or pool outing, you aren’t running around last-minute trying to find everything. Just add perishable items and hit the road.  Here’s what you should include in your fully stocked beach/pool bag. 

• Sunscreen. (Check the date at the beginning of the season to make sure it’s not expired). We go with a total of three sunscreens: 1 face stick, 1 spray, and 1 lotion. Keep them in a sealable plastic bag so there are no spills!)

• Bug spray 

• Quick-dry towels 

• Goggles 

• Small beach toys

• Hat and/or sunglasses 

 
Need a beach bag option?  Check out this Canvas rope tote that can be personalized with your initials or name. 

 
 
We also like the style of this one! 
 

And, of course, there is the classic Large Boat Tote – available in so many colors. This screams summer! Amply sized to carry LOTS of stuff.


 
For larger beach toys like Spike Ball net or corn hole, keep them somewhere where you can easily access them in your garage. 
 
On the day you’re headed on your beach or pool daytrip, make sure to pack some healthy snacks and salty/sweet snacks from your pantry.  Fill a small lunch bag like one of these shown below, available at More Than Paper, and toss into your larger bag. 

 
Don’t forget water bottles for everyone! We love these personalized water bottles from Boatman Geller! 

 
Wishing you happy and safe travels this summer. 
 
 

European Vacation

Have you ever dreamed of taking a European vacation? Maybe you've been once or twice before but you are dying to go back. Or you're ready to explore an entirely new city. Where would you go? What would you do? At More Than Paper, we've been doing some research (and planning of our own upcoming vacation!) and developed a European Destination Quick Guide.  Through hours of research, we've narrowed it down to 5 cities that are top on our list. See if you agree or if they entice you at all! 

1. Amsterdam - Toss aside any prejudice you may have about this city for its Red Light District or laws on marijuana. Amsterdam is home to incredible museums --  from The Van Gough, Rijksmusuem (home to more than 8,000 works including Rembrandt and Ver Meer) and the Stedelijk Museum. Tour the Anne Frank House, the beautiful windmills of the countryside, or the expansive canals. Experience a true Heineken and learn about the brewery by taking the informative tour (a popular destination spot for non-drinkers, too!) 

2. Prague - An entirely different vacation experience, immerse yourself in incredible culture unlike others before. Spend time touring the Prague Castle, Old Town Square, Old Town Hall and Astronomical Clock. Explore traditional pub food and drinks. 

3. Barcelona - See incredible architecture at the Gaudi and the quintessential Gothic Cathedral. Explore art at the Picasso museum and works of Miro. Indulge in tapas, seafood and red wine.  A late night party city, consider hitting the town for a late dinner and drinks into in the evening at one of the fabulous night clubs - many known for indie rockers and live music. 

4. Paris - See the Eiffel Tour, tour the Louvre, Musee D'Orsay, Pompidou (modern art museum), Musee de l'Orangerie (filled with works of Monet's Water Lilies!), the Arc de Triomphe, shopping on the Champs Elysse... we could go on.  There's nothing quite like french food either. 

5. Florence - Speaking of food....the only place topping France in food is Italy.You must visit the Duomo, Michelangelo museum, Accademia Gallery, Uffizi museum, and Palazzo Vecchio. There are dozens of eateries not to be missed, you might find yourself eating much of the time you are there! 

So which one sparks your travel interest? Where will you go first? 

When you've decided, your tickets are purchased and it's time to go, check out More Than Paper's essentials for packing your bags! These must have items are sure to make that long plane ride better and keep you in style. 

Travel Neck Pillow / iPad / iPad case by Boatman Geller / Evian hydrating facial spray / Gone Girl Book / Vogue Magazine / Louis Vuitton Travel Roller / Cosmetic Case / Laptop Carry On 

Bon Voyage! 

Plan a summer vacation

We're halfway through May and Summer 2014 is upon us! Are you planning a summer vacation with your family? Whether you get in your car and get away for the weekend, or you fly somewhere exotic for a week, the value of a summer getaway can not be overstated.  Refreshing for the mind, a getaway allows us to recharge and make lasting family memories.

More Than Paper has you covered with ideas for everything you need to travel in style.  We have a variety of personalized goods and must-haves for any adventure you take. From a trip to Disney World with the kids to a trip to the mountains with your husband, we know it's fun to travel in style.  Here's your official passport to summer style and leisure...

Look for some of our favorite things to travel with here:

(1) Ray-Ban Sunglasses (2) Personalized Beach Flip Flops by Paper So Pretty (3) Personalized Luggage Tags by Boatman Geller (4) Orphan Train - must read book for summer! (5) Personalized Accessory Bags (6) Beach Bag by Zoubaby  (7) JCrew Maxi Dress (8) Louis Vuitton Luggage

What summer travel plans do you have? We'd love to hear! 

Inside New York: 10 things to do from New Yorkers

At More Than Paper, we've traveled all over the world and yet, nothing compares to New York City.  It's so vibrant, so eclectic, so electric.  The city itself has an energy not easily rivaled.  With over 50 million visitors to its 23 square miles of space each year, this "center of the universe" has an abundance of things to do, see, eat, and experience. 

You can scour the internet and travel books to find plenty of lists on "what to do" in New York City.  Many will tell you to go to Times Square, visit the Empire State Building, and go to the 9/11 Memorial.  But we wanted to know what real New Yorkers do; so we asked some local friends the question:  "If you only had 48 hours in the city: what would you do?"   The list was long and friends eagerly replied. (New Yorkers are passionate about their city!)  Here are 10 things to do in NYC in 48 hours, straight from New Yorkers.  

1.  Visit The Whitney, the world's leading museum of 20th century and contemporary art that focuses on art primarily by living artists.  For modern art lovers, this is a must see. (Photo credit)

2.  Get "Frozen Hot Chocolate" at Serendipity.  (Photo credit) 

3.  Visit Chinatown and go to Joe's Shanghai, for the best soup dumplings in town.  (Photo credit) 

4.  Go shopping in Nolita/SoHo (East of Broadway) and shop at TopShop for women's apparel, Sweet William and Zara for kid's clothes. 

5.  Lots of our New Yorker friends wanted to share their favorite burger spot:  The Corner Bistro and The Shake Shack were  listed.  Lots also wanted to share pizza spots, too.  Listed were Capizzi, Rubirosa, and the touristy but yummy, Lombardis.  (Photo credit)

6.  On a nice day, a visit to The High Line is a must. For tourists and non tourists it is a true oasis on the west side of the city from Chelsea - through the meatpacking down to the West Village. (Photo credit) 

7.  Go to Rock Club in the Lower East Side, former home to Ceebee geebees. This area is an awesome spot to take in local music all night long, check out acoustic music at "The Living Room." Afterwards get a burger at Schiller's Liquor bar.

8.  Take in a cheap but very funny Comedy Show in Chelsea at the Citizens Brigade Theater -- afterwards head to the "Half King" lots of comedians hang out here and lots of interesting readings!  (Photo credit)

9.  No frills eateries:  Hagi is a hidden Japanese tapenyaki sake bar near Times Square-- amazing for late night.  Calexico Taco Cart is street cart food in Soho "fancy tex mex"- their pulled pork burrito is to die for.  Crif Dogs in the East Village has the best and most creative hot dogs, there is a secret bar attached to it that you have to enter via a phone booth ( if they will have you!)  Korea town - karaoke Korea town at night, so much fun- beforehand get Korean dumplings and Bimimbap at "Mandoo Bar"- delicious.  359 Broome Street in Little Italy looks like a convenient store but has the best Vietnamese Deli- Bahn Mi and Spring Rolls, such a hidden gem, seriously the best. 

10.  Here are a few happening nightlife recommendations, which is always changing in NYC, and by the time you are reading this, are probably out of date:  West Village, Daddy O, Fedora, & Ippudo.

Do you have recommendations that we missed? We are sure there are thousands more!  Be sure to share them with us at the bottom of this post!