We all love to go on vacation, but what’s that one thing that most of us hate and, at times, kills our excitement? Yes, you guessed it right, it’s packing! How many dresses are too many dresses, what accessories go with them, how to put everything in that one suitcase, and so many other similar questions start haunting us weeks before we actually leave for the trip. This is when you can put all your trust in Samantha Brown, a woman who’s traveled to over 60 countries and holds two Emmys for PBS for her work on Samantha Brown’s Places to Love. Here’s how she manages to have the most fun throughout the trip, along with the daunting task of packing!

Plan Your Wardrobe

One of the first tips that Brown has to offer is to plan all your outfits for every occasion. From evening dresses to hiking shoes, plan everything. This way, you can avoid overpacking and save space for what’s really necessary. She added that you could also color coordinate clothes and carry one neutral pant with more than one top or T-shirt. Also, try not to carry a million pairs of footwear because they can take up too much space. Basically, coordination is the key here!

Switch Your Toiletries From Single-Use Plastic to Better Options

According to Brown, you can save your suitcase space by trading your toiletries. Instead of big plastic bottles, she recommends backpackers carry shampoo and conditioner bars. Also, you can start carrying a one-time-use toothbrush and replace your toothpaste with its tablets. This can not only help you make better choices but is also an eco-friendly initiative if you want to travel long-term.

Use Every Inch in Your Suitcase

Why waste any corner when you can use it all? Well, Brown believes in not leaving behind any space, even between the handles of the bag. Wherever you see space, stuff small items such as your underwear, socks, small bottles, roll-up skirts, and other light clothing items. In fact, she packs her delicate items even inside the shoes to utilize all the space.

Use Vacuum Bags for Children

If you’re planning to have your kids along with you for your travel, Brown suggests taking vacuum bags with you. These bags are perfect for dropping in all the dirty clothes and then rolling all the air out. This way, this laundry roll provides you with even more space than what you had at the beginning of the trip. Now, you can use it to put in all the items that you’ve bought.

Understand the Real Capacity of Your Bag

Brown posted this specific hack as her favorite one on her Instagram account. She explains how people often miss out on the expanding zipper that comes in huge suitcases now. Even though your luggage looks all jam-packed, this zipper creates so much extra space. You can now pile up more items inside the bag, and the expanded top will easily zip up. She likes to call this additional space an expensive compression bag, and yes, we agree!

An experience with the Silversea Spa & Wellness Program will change your mood and attitude, instantly. The wellness program aboard the ship is designed for the ultimate comfort and luxury of the clients. Their interior design is a sight to behold, with intricate mosaics on the wall. The cruising experience is packed up with amazing service, roomy bathtubs, and a wellness program that will be imprinted in your memory. A sensational journey of ultimate comfort in luxury is the vibe that cruise company Silversea is going for with their latest idea.

Silversea’s Range of Cruises

The luxury cruising company has come up with an unusual wellness philosophy, Otium, which is being implemented on Silver Dawn, the 10th ship in the company’s lineup of amazing vessels. As with all the other ships, Silver Dawn also boasts rooms with walk-in closets, butler service, and their unique culinary service S.A.L.T. ( Sea-and-Land-Test). But with this ship, Silversea is integrating a wellness program named “Otium” which means “leisure” in Latin.

The New Wellness Program by Silversea

According to the CEO of Silversea, Roberto Martinelli, the inspiration for the program came from elite Roman traditions. Barbara Muckerman, the chief commercial officer added that they don’t want their travelers to think of boundaries, restrictions, and prohibition of calories when they’re indulging in wellness. Retreating from the regular duties of life for a while and indulging in the finest food and wine is considered valuable for a healthy balance. The Silver Dawn has you eating caviar and foie gras burgers during your manicure or spa. The concept is called Comfort Food Experience, and questions why a foie gras burger cannot be eaten while doing nails. Though there were some questions regarding the health benefits and the dichotomy of the programs, Martinelli seems to be happy treating their customers with ultra-luxury.

Otium Facilities

Otium has a variety of facilities that are bound to make travelers happy. These include a fitness room, beauty salon services and products, and a luxury menu. The Otium bathing experience takes place in a spacious bathtub. The Otium Balcony experience has a delectable hot chocolate menu during the colder seasons that’s sure to stick in your memory forever. The food-and-chill in-suite dining menu is perfect for comfort and relaxation. The wellness center, decorated with bespoke artwork and a soothing color palette, is an experience that shouldn’t be missed.

The Expansion

Otium will be included, along with its wide range of menus and facilities, in the future launches of ships by Silversea like the Silver Nova launching in mid-2023. The ships having the Otium Wellness Programme will feature a 1300-sq.ft. Otium suit along with the gym and spa center, all decorated in a beautiful Roman-inspired interior. The motto of Otium is to provide the ultimate treatment and relaxation to all its patrons. It wants to showcase that wellness is not about being thin, eating only 1200 calories, or reducing cellulite; rather, it’s about balance. Otium products and services are available to order and allow you to unwind through memorable sensory journeys.