Dec
16
2010
By
of Valet.

Flying
with Style

We are now in the busiest travel time of the year. Whether it's last minute business before you take off for the holidays, going home to see the family or a New Year's getaway, we've got all the info you need for a stylish and stress-free trip. Starting with an ideal travel look that pairs as well with your jeans and sneakers as it does with a suit and tie.

 
Presented by
 
Virgin America. Click to book travel.
The Dopp Kit
 

Valet advocates the realistic dopp kit.

 

And keep it stocked at all times. Here's what we suggest. Just add your own razor and toothbrush.

Packing Suits
 

Step-by-step instructions on how to ensure your suits and blazers arrive wrinkle-free.

Travel Apps
 

Packing Pro
Reminds you what to bring via custom, sortable packing lists. (iPhone; $2.99)

 

Free Wi-Fi Finder
Enough said, but handy indeed. (iPhone, Android; Free)

 

TripIt
This travel organizer replaces the emails or printouts of confirmations and directions you used to take on trips. (iPhone; Free)

 

Kayak
Compare fares from hundreds of travel sites for the best deal on flights, hotels and car rentals. (iPhone, iPad, Android, Blackberry; Free)

  • If you need to arrive in a suit, put on your jacket but pack the pants in your carry-on to keep everything as fresh and wrinkle-free as possible.

What to Wear on the Plane

An unadorned mac trench is the perfect flight jacket. It's timeless enough to serve as a topcoat, it's waterproof and it packs easily. $239 at Nordstrom

Wear a comfortable, cotton shirt that breathes well and won't look bad wrinkled. Steven Alan's reverse seam shirts are tailored enough to keep you from looking sloppy upon arrival. $168, at Steven Alan

Dark jeans are every traveler's friend. They're classic and versatile—go ahead and spill, no one will notice. From $65, available from Cheap Monday (pictured), Gap, APC

The security lines are stressful enough without having to worry about unlacing your shoes. Slip on a pair of loafers, Top-Siders or a laceless pair of Supergas. $48, at Zappos

Wear a cardigan sweater. It's a lot sleeker than a hoodie and slips on or off with ease. It can also double as a jacket (or a makeshift pillow on the plane). $60, at Lands' End Canvas

We asked Andrew Harper for his expert travel tips ...

* Andrew Harper is the pseudonym of a gentleman traveler who writes candid reviews of unique hideaways and hotels on his popular travel website.

1

The easiest way to improve life at airports is wearing loafers or deck shoes.

 
2

Pack a Leatherman, which has a variety of tools, the most useful of which is a tiny screwdriver for fixing sunglasses.

 
3

I never leave home without cash. Credit cards are fine, but no matter where you are, people are always happy to accept American dollars.

 
4

Noise-canceling headphones really do work and are, in my view, a mandatory purchase.

 
5

Don't count on buying sunscreen when you arrive. Clarins makes the best and it won't be in gift shop.

 

Editor Recommended Bags

 
Business Traveler
 

The TravelTeq laptop bag,
$496

Rugged Traveler
 

J.W. Hulme sporting originals,
from $285

Efficient Traveler
 

Patagonia's burrito bag,
$180

  • Need a roller bag? Look for one that can take a beating. Muji's durable nylon upright sits atop four sturdy 360-degree-wheels, rolls smoothly and turns without tipping. $124, at Muji
 

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