So much is missed when we take naps on flights. The U.S. has some gorgeous spots! I snapped a few of these on recent flights between Portland, OR and Chicago.

Tip: Always keep your phone on airplane mode rather than turned off so you're ready when the opportunity arises!

Beautiful Fall Foliage - Portland, Oregon

Took a few pics of the changing leaves in my hood over the past two weeks. I love Oregon! 
Enjoy!

Travel Checklist for Chicks

General packing tips:

• Put all liquids and gels in Ziploc bags; if using TSA precheck, don't sweat the 1 bag requirement--I usually have 2-3 and they never care
• Get travel size items at Target vs. drugstore (cheaper)
• Always wear sneakers vs. flip flops, heels or sandals for air travel. If sh*t goes down, your feet are protected and you can move more quickly. Plus, better for running through airport
• Bring socks if you don't have TSA Precheck. Nothing grosser than going barefoot on public floors.
• Keep anything that could leak in a Ziploc bag
• The below referenced suitcase and its contents fit in the overhead for carry on
• Pre-plan your outfits, don't just bring random tops and bottoms-- unless they are so neutral in color that they will all match each other
• Bring just enough of the below for the amount of days in your trip. You can always buy more at your destination if needed.

SUITCASE:

Belt

Blow dryer (unless hotel has one—check web site)

Bottoms (pants, skirts)

Bras (appropriate colors for tops)

Brush and comb

Coat/jacket (check weather ahead of time)

Dressy Outfits? (receptions/special events?)

Evening purse/clutch

First Aid Kit (mini)

Gloves

Hair stuff (argan oil, styling lotion spray, leave in conditioner, travel-size hairspray)

Hair things (e.g. bands, clip for styling)

Jewelry (in baggie)

Feminine hygiene products

Pajamas (1-2 sets)

Plastic bags for dirty delicates and bathroom stuff; hotel laundry bags also handy for this

Running shoes (wear)

Scarves

Shoes (match to outfits; 2 pairs max in addition to ones you're wearing; flats are lightest and easiest to pack)

Sink plug in case you need to wash anything in sink (many hotel sink plugs don't work well)

Snacks/bars

Socks/Tights/Trouser Socks

Suntan lotion, goggles, beach towel, lip sunscreen (vacay)

Tops/Shirts/Sweatshirts

Umbrella

Underwear

Workout top, pants and socks (bring sneakers by default)

Shower bag: (place in plastic bag to prevent getting other items wet)

Facial cleanser and scrub (travel size)

Facial loofa

Body poof/loofa

Razor

Shampoo & Conditioner

Shave gel

Shower cap

Shower gel

Soap

Toiletry bag:

Antiseptic wipes

Medication/s and vitamins (just enough for the trip)
Contact lens case and cleaner

Deodorant

Emergen C (take/drink one the day before your trip, plus each day during trip)

Extra pair of contacts

Eye drops

Floss

Make up

Makeup remover cloths

Moisturizer (face and eye)

Mouthwash

Nail file

Perfume or body spray

Qtips

Scissors

Sharpener

Tide packets

Toothbrush/Toothpaste

Tweezers

PURSE:

Cottonelle wipes (thank me later)

Glasses in their case

If renting a car, bring car charger for phone and cable for iPod

iPod (charge first) and earbuds

Kleenex

Neck pillow (if long flight)

Passport (if traveling internationally)

Reading glasses

Snacks

Spending cash, credit cards

Sunglasses and case

Travel itinerary

Electronics bag:

Mobile charger (charge first)

Cell phone charger

iPod cord for charging, cube speaker

Extra battery for mouse

LAPTOP BAG:

Laptop (incl. power cord/charger, travel mouse—turned off)

Notebook, agendas, other print outs

Pens and highlighter

TO DO’s BEFORE LEAVE:

Turn off heat/air conditioning

Charge cell phone

Remove expiring food from fridge

Do dishes

Empty trash cans

Close/lock all windows

Water plants

Why all the sloppy hotel housekeeping?

I'm a stickler for having my hotel room be as it should upon check-in. I've traveled a lot over the past few years, and have experienced a lot of little issues including no toilet paper in the room (no joke, happened to me in DC), blow dryers that spontaneously combust, light up mirrors that don't light up, dead outlets, mildew in the shower, condom left on the bed (unopened, thankfully) and getting the tail end of the kleenex box. I understand that hotel housekeeping staff has to move quickly to turn rooms for the next guest. However, it is also their job to ensure everything is fresh, clean, and new... and in working order for each guest. 

It's a pain in the ass for me as a guest to have to call down to the front desk and request something while I'm trying to get ready for work or a conference. In a lot of times, I will call the front desk and they will completely forget to bring the replacement item. For as much as we pay for hotel rooms he's days, and the fact that hotel staff expects a tip, I find this type of behavior unacceptable. 

I know there are staff that work very hard and do an awesome job, but I feel like there are a lot who just skirt by to earn a paycheck. Very frustrating.