I’ve never been a huge girls’ trip kind of gal. I enjoy traveling more with mixed company. Probably because I’m the worst over-packer, and a few extra hands come in super handy on the arrival and departing. Thanks, Jon!

But, when I do plan to go, I go with those who enjoy to travel like me.

It’s a must to have a lunch and dinner reservation. There is nothing enjoyable about a group of hungry girls, roaming the streets, looking for a place to eat.

Everyone needs a pit stop.

Traveling inspires ideas. If you don’t get out once in a while and explore, you will get in a rut. It doesn’t have to be a fancy place—anything will do.

THE HOTEL: There is no need to waste money on an expensive hotel when traveling with girls. Anywhere with a little bathroom space, a decent bar, and a great location is all any girl needs.

I’d rather have a new Hermes belt strip than a fancy hotel.

THE PACKAGE SURVEY: I adore packaging from a fine boutique. I’ve been known to buy the cheapest item in the shop—just to get the bag. (For example: One Chanel lip gloss purchase will get you a lot of attention from the sales associates in any shop all day long.) Shopping in a boutique is not too shabby either. They greet you with Champagne and hot toddies!

THE POST SHOPPING DRINK: The rehash. My family has a longtime running joke: After shopping, my sister and I would come in the door and tell my dad, “We had the best luck!”  So to this day, I still enjoy rehashing the event. When traveling, I like to wrap up a fun, shopping day in a festive hotel bar.

SCHEDULE A BLOWOUT OR TWO: especially if the hotel bathroom space is tight. Eliminating the hair-drying time in the room allows for more shopping, eating, and exploring. Salons are all over town. Work it into your schedule. It’s a nice break to rest your aching feet too. thedrybar.com

Shopgirl Tips:

1. When at all possible (if you don’t need it for the trip), ship all purchases. It’s best not to walk in the door with lots of loot on your return to children and husbands who did not get to go. And it will also save on tax. Learn your Fed Ex driver’s names and get their cell numbers and program them on your phone. (For example: Fed Ex Craig, Fed Ex David, etc.) Alert them of arriving packages, and coordinate delivery. This saves you from sitting around when a signature is required.
2. Also, I prefer to shop in a boutique over major department stores. The undivided attention and beverages make it a home run. And look, the sales associates have manners too!

   

3. Try on for size. Many boutiques do a generous markdown at the end of the season, but they are usually final sale. Know what works and make a note of it.

Look Around

It’s a good idea to get recommendations or go with the tried-and-true restaurants. Gramercy Tavern never disappoints. The Tavern (the bar area in front of the dining room)  accepts walk-ins too and has a delicious burger! The decorations are spectacular.

OTHER LUNCH SPOTS:

The Blue Box Cafe in Tiffany’s opened recently and only accepts reservations online.  When we called before our trip, they did not take reservations at all. So if you have your heart set on going, plan ahead. It is decorated in what else but Tiffany blue!

FOR A QUICK BREAKFAST OR LUNCH ON THE GO:

COZY DINNER SPOTS: The Eddy, an upscale, hip, American fare restaurant in the East Village with a strong French wine list, serves small plates of interesting combinations. The menu changes frequently, so check it out at their website before you go. 342 East 6th Street, New York, NY 10003, theeddynyc.com

Want authentic Italian in a happening atmosphere? Try Olio E Piu in the heart of Greenwich Village, serving classic Italian dishes with a focus on house-made pastas, hand-stretched pizza, fish, and more. We ended up splitting four pasta dishes and one pizza, because no one could decide! 3 Greenwich Avenue, New York, NY 10014, 212/243-6546, olioepiu.nyc 

SPLITTING THE TAB: Not to give girls a bad rap, but sometimes when I’m out with girls and the bill arrives, that’s when the fun ends. At kittysplit it couldn’t be easier to divide up the bill. Enter everyone’s email address and their expenses such as Uber rides, bar tabs, tips, etc. and kittysplit does the rest. Each person will be notified exactly what they owe. It’s genious. Try it next time you travel or host a party. Thanks, Mary Lauren, for sharing this with me! And, for being our “cruise director” for the trip. Great job. kittysplit.com

EXTRA BAGGAGE: My last tip is to pack an empty duffle in your bag when you go to New York. With the added baggage fees now, it’s a must. There will always be a few street and sale items that you can’t ship, and you will be thanking yourself when your other bag is sitting on the scale at the airport weighing in at 54 pounds!