Samsonite Stryde: The Design

I tested the Samsonite Stryde both on a road trip and my most recent trip to Colombia. First, I really like a square and wide design. I feel that it fits better in our car than the long, rectangle luggage. The outside is a hard-case with a stylish ridge design, which makes it stand out on the luggage belt. I got a lot of compliments from the bell hops at the many hotels that we stayed at. They see a lot of bags, so I consider it a compliment!

How I packed:

In order to carry the least number of bags as possible, I shared the luggage with my daughter. She’s still tiny so her clothes fit easily. The one thing that occupies space are the diapers. However, this is a bonus because as I use them, I create more space for souvenirs! I packed one side with my piccola’s items and the other side with mine. Dining Traveler Tip: when packing, choose your shoes first, and work your outfits around them. Shoes occupy the most space! I liked that the Samsonite Stryde has pockets on one of the sides, great to separate underwear and toiletries.

Samsonite Stryde: Functionality

I find the Samsonite Stryde to be very light, which is great given the strict weight restrictions on suitcases. You want to make sure that the weight of the actual items inside the bag are maximized. It has two handles, one on top, and the other one on the side, which makes it much easier to load/unload. My point for improvement is that one side has a zipped cover and the other one does not. Wish both sides had a zipped cover in order for items not to pop at you when you open the suitcase.

The Verdict:

I am very happy with my Samsonite Stryde suitcase! Given that’s on sale at $259.99, it’s an affordable yet stylish and durable piece of luggage. The suitcase also has a 10 year limited warranty, which gives you a warm and fuzzy that your suitcase is a long-term investment.

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Samsonite but opinions are my own. I have purchased Samsonite products in the past and have always been satisfied by my purchases.

The post Road Tested: Samsonite Stryde Review appeared first on The Dining Traveler.

Beauty Products

I am not talking about makeup here, but rather products that will make life a bit more comfortable in the outdoors. Beyond bronzer and a bit of lipstick, I am too lazy for makeup. It was still pretty cold in Lexington, VA so we definitely needed a good moisturizer. Lately, I have been using a lot of coconut oil, not only on myself but on piccola. Love the packaging of Coco Luxe as the oil comes in a squeezable tube. Bonus: it’s 100 ml, making it carry on material as well. What also makes me a fan is that I can use it in different climates. It keeps you hydrated in cold weather and it’s the perfect after-sun moisturizer (as I just discovered in Colombia).

Another item I discovered was Aromaflage, a delightful perfume that also repels mosquitoes. The blend of vanilla, citrus, and cedarwood smells like a dream. My travel buddy Carlis of Spicy Candy DC got me hooked on dry shampoo, now a go-to travel item! Keeps my hair bouncy and fresh in between washes. Lastly, a good sunscreen is a must when in the great outdoors. True Natural has a baby sunscreen that works well not only for babies but for adults as well.

What to Wear

What to pack for a glamping trip? Stylish yet functional items. We visited during late winter, so the weather was still a bit cold. I am in love with my new jacket from Filson, a shop that specializes in stylish yet rugged outdoor wear. The jacket has a wax coating which makes it water repellent. Also like that I can bring the jacket to their 14th Street shop in Washington, DC to have it reapplied if the wax wears off. I also loved the selection of outdoor items from Orvis online shop. Orvis has a lovely yet stylish selection of outdoor gear. From Barbour jackets (a favorite of Queen Elizabeth, now that’s glam!) to stylish rugged hats, it’s a great stop to pick up the perfect items for your glamping adventure.

A fun part of my glamping trip was cozying up by the fire in my pajamas. I did this with my new Manito Silk pajamas. Their simple yet luxurious design make it the perfect luxury item to bring with you glamping (and pretty much any other trip). If you want to go the extra luxe mile, order their fine silk sheets!

Shoes

I’m a light packer, especially for a weekend trip. Our glamping trip did not include much hiking but more time hitting wineries and breweries! I love my Donald J Pliner brown riding boots that I bought at Nordstrom a few years ago and still running strong! They have a rugged sole that’s perfect for a short hike yet stylish enough to wear to restaurants and wineries. If you’re spending more time in the trails, my glamping expert friend Kristen Kellogg of Border Free Travels suggests Blundstone. She says “I love Blundstone because they’re both stylish to wear around and also comfortable for day hiking”.

If your glamping at a warm location, I recommend Chaco “Maya” sandals. I love that they are minimalistic on top but rugged on the bottom. The sandals make the perfect transition from wet to dry areas. I just tried my new pair in the Rosario Islands of Colombia, they are stylish yet practical.

The Edibles

What I loved about our cabin with Glamping Hub is that the basic condiments (salt, pepper, herbs) were already in the pantry. We bought some other basics at a Kroger supermarket nearby. However, before traveling, I discovered the most delicious snack: SmashMallows. I cannot get over of how good they are! We had them topping our hot chocolate and roasted over the fireplace. If you are a whisky drinker like my Dutchman, bring a nice bottle to cozy up to the fire such as a Laphroaig Scottish single malt. When deciding what to pack for a glamping trip in terms of edibles, I suggest bringing your favorite snacks/drinks if you’re traveling by car but also research if there are supermarkets nearby to purchase food for the cabin.

What to Pack for a Glamping Trip: The Verdict

There are so many ways to glamp in different climates that the conditions are going to vary. What to pack for a glamping trip may range from cozy pajamas to string bikinis. The main thing to bring is great company to make good memories like we did in Lexington, VA.

Disclaimer: I received free samples for some of the items mentioned on this post. However, I did not receive any monetary compensation. Opinions are my own. 

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