Tia Talks: Do You Travel Well Together?

Happy Monday! Today, I wanted to talk to you guys about traveling…do you travel well together with your significant other? What about your best friends or your family? Who’s your favorite person to travel with?

I think that Chris and I travel well together – neither of us likes a jammed-packed schedule, and we’re comfortable hanging out and relaxing at a resort/beach. We also like the same activities and restaurants. But there are 3 things I do that bug Chris when we travel.

1. I overpack, and my bags get heavy. I promise I used to be better about it, but with blogging, I like to use trips as an opportunity to get blog photos, and need to bring extra outfits (and shoes). I’ll tell Chris that I’ll be in charge of my own luggage, but after I stuff my suitcase to the point of almost bursting, and struggle to lug it around, he inevitably ends up helping me with it.

For our Europe trip, I brought a large 28″ suitcase, a carry-on suitcase, a large tote, and my purse (I also had several other purses tucked into my luggage – all for outfit shots!). We did a ton of walking around and switching trains and it was awful. I even strained a muscle in my chest from lugging my suitcases around (one in each hand) across cobblestone streets. Our cheap suitcases didn’t have great wheels and would constantly get stuck or topple over. My lock also kept malfunctioning, and locking me out of it. For our Australia trip, I decided to “scale back” to bring one large suitcase and a duffle bag. But once I checked the suitcase, I was left carrying my 30 lb duffle in my arms. It was not enjoyable.

2. I overpack, and it takes forever to repack. The other issue with my overpacking is that it’s hard to repack if I take anything out. My old suitcases don’t really have internal pockets, I can never figure out how to maneuver everything back in – I waste a lot of potential exploring/sightseeing time trying to repack my suitcase…or trying to convince Chris to let me put my stuff in his. He doesn’t love that either.

3. My phone is always dying. Lastly, my phone is constantly low on battery, probably because I’m always on Instagram. So I make Chris google everything/navigate. And then his phone dies.

Overall, my luggage situation has created too much unnecessary stress! So I was really excited when Andiamo sent me this beautiful Royal Sapphire carry-on suitcase. It’s incredibly durable and lightweight, but fits SO much despite it’s compact frame (My old carry-on fit like one jacket and one pair of shoes, and was full. Most of the interior space was taken up by the retractable handle).

Andiamo is an American luggage manufacturer and retailer that has been around since the 1970s. My suitcase, “The Andiamo Classico” is 20″, and also comes in red and black. It has an aluminum frame and handle, 360 degree spinner wheels, and a 30/70 split that allows for optimal storage and organization. And my favorite part? There’s a built-in USB port, so I can CHARGE MY PHONE!!!

I love how this suitcase helps to keep me from overpacking. If I commit to only bringing this carry-on and my Lo & Sons bag (which slides over the retractable handle), I’m good. I literally can’t overstuff the this suitcase due to its construction. It glides so effortlessly, and fits in the overhead compartment with no issue (unlike my bulging nylon suitcases). I don’t need Chris’s help!

You can check it out here – all US purchases come with free shipping, and there’s a 100 day risk free trial.