My Top 5 Tips You Need to Read BEFORE You Travel

I've been very fortunate in that I've managed to do a lot of travel over the years. Part work, always pleasure... and I suspect I am a bit of a nomad at heart.

My travel partners often freak out at how relaxed I am about the finer details of our trips... take for example my habit of not booking accomodation until I arrive at a destination, or my penchant for changing plans on route.

Whilst I am a little happy go lucky on most things... I do have some tips that I absolutely swear by and as I gear up for my trip to the Big Apple in August for our US launch, I thought I would share my top 5 travel tips with you guys.

1. PACK LIGHT

I cannot express the importance of this enough. You need to pack light, roll up that clothing and leave plenty of room in your bags. Not only does it make it easy if you change your accomodation plans (you don't need to lug a big heavy suitcase along with you), it also means that there is loads of room to bring home all your gorgeous shopping scores.

2. STYLE IT UP

Even though you have packed lightly and may not have a huge array of outfits with you, you can totally change the look of an outfit with your accessories. A causal look designed for the day can transform into something Uber glamorous for the night by simply adding some bling. No, I am not just saying that because I am a jeweller and I have a heart made of bling... I honestly swear by this tip!

3. MAKE FRIENDS WITH THE CONCIERGE

Remember this my friends... the concierge is your best friend when it comes to finding out all the hidden gems that only the locals usually know about. As soon as you check in - befriend the concierge or the front desk receptionist as they are armed will all the knowledge you need and that can turn an awesome holiday into a completely unforgettable one for you. Ask them where the locals love to eat and shop and hangout. There is no better way to truly get to know a destination than by experiencing it through the eyes of a local.

4. EXPLORE ON FOOT

Often the best places to visit are hidden up the laneways that most tourists walk past. Get off the main roads and go up those laneways. Look up and look around and say yes to going to places that are a little out of the way... that is of course if you want the ultimate experience.

5. BE IN THE MOMENT

Get off your phone, forget social media and immerse yourself entirely in the experience. Stop and look around. Sit and people watch, breath in the scents and enjoy the feeling of freedom. Relax and eat with no guilt and savour every single mouthful. Speak to the locals and truly engage yourself in the conversations. Milk every single moment and then... when you are on the way home, plan that next trip because hey, why the heck not... life is for living!

xx Kate