Tag Archives: travel

Passports in the Time of Covid

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Hey, Dolls! I initially posted this on Instagram, but received so many questions, thought I would bring the information and conversation to The Pretty Domestic. Peep the story below.

So, rookie mistake y’all …. I let my passport expire!

The backstory. Team Selby’s favorite cousin calls, literally three week ago, and says he’s found a most fabulous place in Cabo

April 1st – 5th – let’s go. We were in immediately. I checked our passports (my gut must have told me something), and mine was expired. Ok, no problem, I’ll pay a little extra + expedite the process. Well, y’all, the State Department was not making it easy on a Doll. 

Fast forward, I’ve been to Cabo and back , so I give you my primer “passporting” in the time Covid.

✈️ Start early.. The usual places that provide the services outside of the State Department cannot do anything less than 4 to 6 weeks.

✈️ Make sure you have every document you may need – including proof of travel. 

✈️ About that proof of  travel, you can’t even schedule an appointment if your travel is not booked. Travel insurance is a must! 

✈️ Don’t expect to get an appointment right away. Take multiple approaches – try scheduling online and calling. Don’t take no for an answer. Call + call again. 

My take – the State Department is trying to discourage travel. Don’t be discouraged!

✈️ Be prepared to travel elsewhere for your appointment. Appointments + staff are extremely limited, so you may need to hop in the car, or on the train, to get to your appointment in another city. I’m in Baltimore, fortunately got an appointment in DC – but was prepared to hit I-95 North + South if necessary. 

✈️ Be early, have ALL of your documents + be prepared to wait. I was told the wait would be fours – it was 2.5. But, I left with passport in hand! 

Have you traveled internationally during Covid? What was your experience? I’m no expert, but will answer any questions you have based on my experience.

Until then, keep sharing the pretty!

TPD

Travel Essentials for Your Staycation

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Hey, Dolls! I don’t know about you and your family, but we canceled our annual vacation. We just weren’t willing to risk the yearly August sojourn to Martha’s Vineyard. Sadly, we would have arrived this week. Feeling a little maudlin about not going anywhere, RS and I decided to do a local staycation and book some time at the Four Seasons in our city. It doesn’t hurt that this is our anniversary week. I don’t need to pack much, but plan on bringing a little luxury with me. Peep my “must-have” travel essentials for a much-needed staycation.

The Pretty Domestic-3

Voluspa Bourbon Vanille Petite Tin Candle. I am obsessed with candles, and whenever possible like to bring one with me when I travel. The Voluspa travel size candles are perfect for adding to the corner of your tote and  bringing a yummy scent to your hotel sanctuary. 

Sleeper Feather Loungewear. The drama of loungewear from the old Hollywood speaks to my soul – think Dorothy Dandridge … Elizabeth Taylor … Betty Davis. I mean what’s more screen siren than feathers. This set from Sleeper really amps up the glam.

Introval Wireless Changing Station. My motto – ABC – Always be Charging! How cute and practical – charging all of your Apple products at one time. Go to bed, wake up and everything is ready to go.

Free People Starry Eyed Sleep Mask. I like a dark room while I sleep and then to let the light in at my own pace in the morning. (The irony, I sleep with the TV on. I know, I know.) That said, the Free People leather sleep mask is super luxe, comfy and guaranteed to block out the light.

Birdies “The Songbird” Slipper. I mean if your loungewear has feathers, you certainly need an equally appropriate glam slipper. Enter Birdies “The Songbird” jeweled slipper. They may be a little heavy for year-around, but my feet are always cold. And, what’s a staycation without a pair of sandals in your tote if you need to change. But, aren’t they fabulous!

Diptyque 34 Boulevard St. Gertmain Solid Perfume. We all have our favorite perfumes, but sometimes they’re just too bulky with which to travel, even on a local staycation. Diptyque’s solid perfume is the perfect answer. So petite and easy to throw in your tote. The smell is heavenly with notes of Amber/Patchouli Accord, Rose. Cinnamon and Blackcurrant Buds.

Frette Spa Slippers. Your hotel will provide a pair of spa slipper/sandals, so these are a nice to have, but surely not a necessity. But if you like to have your own, ensuring a nice fit, these are your go-to. 

Louis Vuitton Keepall 55 or 60. It’s a staycation, you’re not going far, so no need to overpack – says the person who always overpacks. Everyone’s favorite go-to, the Louis Vuitton Keepall. Easy to carry, just enough space for an overnight or two and forever stylish.

What are your favorite travel essentials? Drop a comment below and don’t forget to subscribe to The Pretty Domestic.

Until then, keep sharing the pretty,

L.

The Pretty Domestic