Trin's Weekly Wander

Packing for a family trip can feel like preparing for battle. Between making sure everyone has the right clothes, remembering the snacks, and keeping track of all the “just in case” items, it’s no wonder moms often end up exhausted before the vacation even begins. But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be that way. After planning and taking countless family trips, I’ve learned a few tried-and-true packing strategies that make the process smoother, lighter, and far less stressful. Today I’m sharing my top three tips every mom needs to know. 1. Pack by Person, Not by Category One of the easiest mistakes moms make is packing all the shirts together, all the pants together, and so on. While this might seem organized, it often leads to a messy suitcase and kids asking, “Where’s my stuff?” the second you arrive. Instead, pack by person. Give each child their own packing cube or zippered bag with complete outfits. Label them if needed. That way, when it’s time to get dressed, yo...

Packing Like a Pro: My Personal Method for Any Trip 🎒 There’s nothing worse than overpacking, underpacking, or realizing you forgot something essential once you're already at the airport (guilty 🙋‍♀️). Over the years—and many suitcases later—I’ve created a tried-and-true system that helps me pack smarter, lighter, and with way less stress, whether it’s a weekend road trip or a two-week international escape. Here’s how I pack like a pro—every single time. 📝 Step 1: Start with the Schedule Before I even unzip my suitcase, I look at my itinerary: What activities are planned? How many dressy vs. casual moments? What kind of weather can I expect? This helps me plan outfits by function—not just by impulse. No more packing “just in case” clothes that never get worn. 👗 Step 2: Build Outfit Blocks Instead of randomly pulling items, I create “outfit blocks” that I can mix and match. I aim for 3 bottoms, 5–6 tops, 2 outer layers, and 1–2 statement pieces. Then...

My No-Fail Packing Formula (That Works for Every Type of Trip) I’ve been the chronic overpacker—the one who brings 12 outfits for a 4-day trip, then still somehow forgets pajamas. But after years of traveling (and packing for clients, too), I’ve created a simple formula that works for every type of trip—beach, city, ski, or anything in between. No stress, no forgotten essentials, and no checked bag surprises. Step 1: Pick Your Color Palette This sounds fancy, but trust me—it’s the key to packing light without feeling like you’re wearing the same outfit every day. I stick to 2–3 base colors (black, white, tan) and add 1–2 accent colors (blue, pink, or whatever feels right for the vibe). Suddenly, everything matches, and I can mix and match instead of packing entire separate outfits. Step 2: Use the 2-2-2-1 Rule For a weeklong trip, I pack: 2 bottoms (shorts, skirts, or pants) 2 dresses (or jumpsuits) 2 pairs of shoes (one comfy, one cute) 1 jacket or layering piece ...

We all know to pack the basics: toothbrush, charger, maybe an extra pair of socks. But there are a few unexpected items that have completely changed the way I travel—things that save time, fix problems, or just make my trip way more comfortable. Photo credit: Vlada Karpovich / Pexels Here are 10 underrated, non-obvious items I always throw in my suitcase (or carry-on), whether I’m going on a weekend getaway or a long-haul adventure. They’re all tested, loved, and travel advisor-approved! 1. A Flat Lay Packing Mat This one’s part organizer, part aesthetic moment. I use it to plan outfits before packing, but it also comes in handy at your destination—especially in hotels with limited space. Bonus: it makes packing back up way easier. 2. Foldable Travel Hangers Yes, hotels have hangers… but usually not enough, and definitely not for things like swimsuits or delicates. I pack 2–3 lightweight foldable ones and use them for drip-drying or hanging outfits I want wrinkle-free. ...

Packing smart doesn’t mean packing less—it means packing better .  I like to keep my summer travel bag light, organized, and full of the essentials that make me feel calm, comfortable, and a little extra cute on the go. Here’s what’s in my bag this season—and a few tips that’ll help you build your own easy-to-pack travel kit: 🎒 The Essentials: Passport + printed copies of travel docs (yes, I still print—just in case!) Hand sanitizer + wipes (because… travel) Vanilla lip balm + hand cream – my go-to for keeping skin happy in dry airport air AirPods + downloaded playlists – including my cozy country travel playlist 🎶 Collapsible water bottle – saves money and space Sunglasses + wide-brimmed hat – sun-safe AND photo-ready 😎 👚 Travel Outfit Tip: I always layer a soft oversized cardigan over a basic tank + leggings.  It works for cold airports, hot destinations, and everything in between. 📦 Bonus: My Travel Mom Tip Pack a mini pouch with: Bandai...

Packing for a cruise? I’ve got you. As someone who lives for planning the perfect trip, I’ve tested all the things—and these are my ride-or-die cruise essentials, all linked in one place inside my Amazon Storefront . 🧳 My Cruise Must-Haves Magnetic hooks (life-changing for small cabins!) Waterproof phone pouch Comfy + stylish swim cover-ups Motion sickness bands that actually work Compact, cruise-approved power strips If you're feeling overwhelmed packing, just scroll through my curated list and grab what fits your trip! 🧭 Check out my Cruise Essentials List here

Planning a trip can feel like playing a game of Tetris: flights, hotels, transfers, activities, dining… all moving pieces that need to fit together just right. And if you’re anything like most travelers, you’ve probably wondered: “What should I book first so I don’t mess anything up?” Photo credit: Boris K. / Pexels Let me take the stress out of it. As a travel advisor, I build trip timelines for clients every day. Here's the order I recommend booking your travel in—and what you can safely hold off on without risking sold-out frustration or extra fees. Step 1: Lock In the Big Picture (Flights + Dates) Flights are the foundation of most trips. Once you know your travel window, the first thing you should do is check airfare. Flight prices are dynamic and often rise as you get closer to the travel date, especially during peak seasons or holidays. 💡 My tip: Even if you’re not ready to book, set up flight alerts or work with a travel advisor (👋🏼 hi!) to monitor pricing ...

If you’ve been cruise-curious but not ready to commit to a full week at sea, you might’ve come across a 3-day cruise and wondered: Is it even worth it? Short answer?   Yes—but with a few things to consider.   Here’s my take after booking both short and long cruises for clients. ✅ The Pros: Budget-friendly : You get the cruise experience at a lower price point—great for first-timers! Perfect weekend escape : Ideal for a girls’ trip, couples’ getaway, or a “mom break.” Minimal packing, max fun : Three outfits, one swimsuit, and you’re good to go! Cruise perks, fast : Food, entertainment, views, and vibes—all in a compact itinerary. ❌ The Cons: Less time to relax : Just when you’ve settled in… it’s time to pack again. Limited destinations : Usually only 1 or 2 port stops (if any). Crowds + tight schedules : Short cruises often book up quickly and feel more “go-go-go.” Trin’s Take: If you’ve never cruised before and want to dip your toes in the water, ...

As moms, we hear a lot about family vacations—but let’s be honest, sometimes it feels like vacations are designed for everyone except us. We’re the ones doing the packing, the planning, the snack prepping, the bedtime managing, and often the worrying. By the time we finally get to the destination, it can feel like just another job instead of a break. But here’s the truth: moms deserve vacations too. Not the kind where you’re just tagging along while managing everyone else’s fun, but the kind where you actually get to rest, laugh, and make memories. Here are five reasons why. 1. Rest Is Not a Luxury, It’s a Necessity Motherhood is 24/7. There are no sick days, no time-outs, no clocking out. Vacations are one of the rare opportunities for moms to recharge—not just physically, but emotionally and mentally too. A rested mom is a better mom, partner, and person. Taking a break isn’t selfish; it’s essential. 2. Memories Include You, Too Think about family photo albums. Too often, m...

Let’s be real: we don’t always have time for a 10-day escape. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have an amazing, memory-filled vacation in just three days. Weekend trips are one of my favorite things to plan for clients—especially busy moms, couples, or friend groups who just need a break without using PTO or pulling kids from school. Photo credit: Mizuno K / Pexels If you’re working with a Friday–Sunday (or maybe Monday) window, here’s how to make the most of it—without feeling like you're racing the clock. 1. Pick a Destination That’s Easy to Get To This is rule #1. If it takes 7 hours to get there, you’ve already lost your weekend. Look for places you can fly to in under 3 hours or drive to in under 5. My go-to weekend trip picks include: Coastal towns (like Charleston or Santa Barbara) Nature getaways (like Sedona or Asheville) City breaks with walkable downtowns (think Austin, Nashville, or Chicago) Pro tip: If your Friday is flexible, take a late-night ...

Let’s be real—flying with toddlers can feel like running a marathon while juggling flaming torches. Between unpredictable moods, short attention spans, and the occasional meltdown, it’s no wonder so many moms dread boarding a plane with little ones. But here’s the thing: with the right prep and a few smart hacks, flying with toddlers can actually be smoother than you think. As a travel advisor (and a mom myself), I’ve seen it all. Here are my best tried-and-true tips for surviving—and even enjoying—your next flight with your toddler. 1. Choose Flight Times Strategically If possible, schedule flights around your toddler’s natural rhythms. Early morning flights are often less crowded and tend to have fewer delays. Plus, kids are usually in better moods earlier in the day. For longer flights, aligning takeoff with nap time can be a game-changer. Pro Tip: Avoid super late-night flights unless your toddler is already a great sleeper on the go. Overtired toddlers = meltdown central. ...

  And why it might just be the travel support you didn't know you needed. If you’ve ever tried to plan a family trip while juggling work, kids, school calendars, snack requests, and that never-ending pile of laundry — you’re not alone. I’ve been there too. I started Travel with Trin because I believe travel should be exciting, not exhausting.  Whether you’re a busy mom, a first-time traveler, or just someone who craves a break without the stress of planning, I created this space for you . I’ve always been the go-to person for organizing adventures, finding great deals, and ensuring every detail is handled.  But more than that, I’ve always loved helping people create meaningful memories with the people they love most.  So, I turned that passion into a business—one that supports you in traveling smart, traveling stylishly, and traveling without  overwhelm. What You Can Expect Here: Family-friendly destination guides Travel planning tips and packing hacks Beh...

Traveling doesn’t have to drain your bank account to be meaningful, fun, or even luxurious. Whether you’re planning a family trip, solo getaway, or a romantic cruise, there are so many ways to save money while still living your best travel life.  Here are some of my go-to budget travel hacks —plus a podcast that completely changed how I book my trips! 💳 1.  Use Credit Card Points the Smart Way One of the biggest game-changers for me has been learning how to travel on points .  I’ve been hooked on the podcast Points Talk with the Travel Mom Squad , and let me tell you—it’s full of golden info (thanks Heather for putting me onto it!). They break down how to use travel credit cards the right way, how to rack up points without going into debt , and how to turn those points into hotel stays, flights, and even full-on family vacations. If you’re curious about travel hacking or just want to make your everyday spending work harder for you, check them out on Apple ...

 And why you’ll never want to plan a trip without one again. You know that feeling when you’ve opened 14 tabs comparing hotels, read 37 “Top 10 Things to Do” lists, and still don’t feel confident in your decision?  That’s where a travel advisor comes in — and makes your life 100x easier. At Travel with Trin , my goal is simple: to help you enjoy the fun parts of travel and leave the stress behind. Here’s how I do that: 1.  Say Goodbye to Hours of Research I’ve already done the legwork for you.  I know which resorts are family-friendly, which cruise lines have the best kid zones, and which destinations are worth your time (and which ones to skip).  Instead of hours of online searching, you get expert-backed recommendations just for you. 2.  You Get Curated Options, Not Clutter Rather than dumping 100 choices on your lap, I narrow it down to the top 1–3 options that fit your goals, budget, and vibe.  You pick your favorite — and we’re off. 3....