The Casual Luxury

16/09/2020

19/08/2020

Taking advantage of the beautiful weather and enjoying the last few weeks of summer in Chicago. I've curated a list of some of my favorite spots in the city (where to stay, where to shop, etc), so be sure to save this post as a starting point for your next trip to the city! Cheers!

http://www.thecasualluxury.com/girls-weekend-in-chicago-the-ultimate-guide/

A girls weekend in Chicago is the best way to spend a weekend in the city, especially in the summer. With picture perfect restaurants, drinks with a view and endless outdoor activities, let's start planning your next girls trip to Chicago.

16/07/2020

There are countless reasons to visit Dubai and make it your next vacation abroad (or maybe even your FIRST vacation abroad after this long hiatus). Whether you are a foodie, architecture obsessed or just enjoy a very luxurious hotel, Dubai has everything to offer.

http://www.thecasualluxury.com/reasons-to-visit-dubai/

There are countless reasons to visit Dubai and make it your next vacation abroad. Whether you are a foodie, architecture obsessed or just enjoy a very luxurious hotel, Dubai has everything to offer.

25/06/2020

As we were planning our trip to Dubai, there was ONE thing that continued to stump me: what do I need to pack?!

I worried whether I needed to dress conservatively (and if so, how conservatively), would I be too hot during the day or too cold indoors, and exactly how dressed up do people get for dinners and shows.

http://www.thecasualluxury.com/dubai-packing-list/

As we were planning our trip to Dubai, there was ONE thing that continued to stump me: what do I need to pack?! To make your trip planning seamless (and a lot less stressful), here is a quick guide for what to pack for Dubai.

17/06/2020

This summer our planning methods have changed and we are looking at travel differently. Drive-able locations, remote accommodations or innovative ways to spruce up a normal weekend are on our radar.

http://www.thecasualluxury.com/five-trips-to-take-this-summer/

This summer our planning methods have changed and we are looking at travel differently. Drive-able locations, remote accommodations or innovative ways to spruce up a normal weekend are on our radar.

10/06/2020

You may find that Dubai receives the majority of the spotlight when it comes to visiting the UAE, however, I propose that you carve out some time for the largest of the emirates. From the Sheikh Zayed Mosque to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, there are numerous ways to spend a day in Abu Dhabi.

It is also a great city to plan a stopover if you are flying on Etihad airlines!

http://www.thecasualluxury.com/abu-dhabi-one-day-itinerary/

I propose that you carve out some time for the largest of the emirates, Abu Dhabi. From the Sheikh Zayed Mosque to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, there are numerous ways to spend a day in Abu Dhabi.

03/06/2020

For being a small country (in land mass), the amount of variety in the landscapes and personalities of the cities was unexpected. Tokyo is endless, Kyoto absolutely peaceful, and Osaka lands somewhere in the middle (but gets bonus points for it’s street food).

http://www.thecasualluxury.com/18-reasons-to-visit-japan-in-photos/

Looking for reasons to visit Japan on your next trip? It's a destination filled with unique culture, beautiful scenery and friendly people.

27/05/2020

I have come to love a good trip in early spring. We found ourselves, like a lot of travelers, cancelling our spring trips abroad because of COVID-19.

Our original plan had us traveling to London and the northern part of France (Champagne, anyone?) over a period of seven days in late March. As soon as our flights were booked, I was already planning out my outfits and creating an edited packing list.

Although the trip has been indefinitely postponed, I look forward to using this as a reference in the future.

http://www.thecasualluxury.com/packing-light-what-to-pack-for-england/

If you have recently booked a flight to England, this guide will save you the headache of wondering what to pack for England in the Spring / Fall.

15/05/2020

Here are some perfect movie and recipes that can keep you entertained throughout quarantine (and maybe even after):

(P.S. the blog has been revamped to make it more searchable by location and more shop-able for your packing lists!)

http://www.thecasualluxury.com/quarantine-travel-perfect-movie-recipe-pairings/

Looking for a fun way to spend your nights at home? Here are some perfect movie and recipe pairings to help you travel virtually.

02/05/2019

It’s nearly impossible to put the opulence of this hotel into words. The entire lobby is made of marble. THE ENTIRE LOBBY. The moment you step out of the car, your bags are being sent to your room and you’ll find yourself with a fresh cup of Arabic coffee in hand.

http://www.thecasualluxury.com/check-in-habtoor-palace-dubai/

I’m probably not telling you anything you don’t already know when I say Dubai is the most lavish place in the world. It’s even less of a surprise that we found ourselves staying at one of the most lavish hotels I had ever seen: Habtoor Palace, Dubai (formerly the St. Regis Dubai). If there’s...

24/04/2019

We recently wrapped up a 10 day trip to Japan. An actual dream adventure. . And as much as I do not want to admit it – I over packed. I mean OVERPACKED. I cringe just thinking about it. Eight pairs of shoes for ten days, c’mon Erin.

http://www.thecasualluxury.com/packing-list-spring-in-japan/

While this packing list particularly pertains to our trip to Japan at the end of March/early April, with a little tweaking, it could work for a large majority of the year.

01/02/2019

I found myself in the land of lush rolling hills, Guinness, and the birthplace of the greatest girl band in history – B*witched – a few months ago and I am already ready to go back.

Being in Ireland feels like being in your favorite hometown bar. You’re surrounded by people you “know”, the drinks are flowing, the live music never ends, and the bartender suddenly becomes a close friend.

http://www.thecasualluxury.com/5-quick-tips-for-ireland/

Being in Ireland feels like being in your favorite hometown bar. You're surrounded by people you "know", the drinks are flowing, the live music never ends, and the bartender suddenly becomes a close friend.

18/01/2019

It’s ironic that one of my favorite hotels I’ve ever stayed at, is probably one of the hotels I’ve shared the least about. Maybe it’s because I wanted to keep it a secret, or maybe it’s because I spent entirely too much time in my room, enjoying the amenities (read: extremely over-sized & fluffy bed), then actually documenting my experience.

Enter the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest. When Travel and Leisure named it “One of the Best Hotels in the World,” I knew I had to get my own opinion.

http://www.thecasualluxury.com/gresham-palace-budapest/

11/01/2019

While in Chicago, I am 100 percent a creature of habit. I have my favorite workout classes, favorite lunch spots, and I even stop at the same coffee shop for my iced cold brew every morning. However, when on the road, I always find myself going wayyyy outside my comfort zone. Exhibit A: Hot Air Ballooning in Dubai.

http://www.thecasualluxury.com/dubai-hot-air-balloon-adventures/

From day one of trip planning, my dad insisted on a hot air balloon adventure. He also might have stretched the truth “a little” with statements like “Oh, they don’t go much higher than 1,000 feet.” So I blindly agreed.

08/01/2019

“My airline ticket has been booked. I’m good to go.” Is the mindset that most of us have after our itinerary has been ticketed. But are you?

http://www.thecasualluxury.com/international-flight-checklist/

Taking your first international trip can 100 percent be overwhelming. Here are 8 Things I Check Before Boarding an International Flight:

24/07/2018

That's going to be a no...

12/06/2018

For any and all my friends who are making the hop across the pond this summer

Packing Light. For some, it’s the most dreaded part of the trip. We’ve all been there. Hauling an *almost* overweight bag up a few flights of stairs and still having “nothing to wear” while on your trip. I’m sharing my go-to formula for summer trips. With a few personal touches of your own...

01/03/2018

Waking up in the middle of the Arabian Desert always seemed like more of a scene out of Aladdin, than an real-life experience I would have myself. Flash forward to the Al Maha Resort & Spa outside Dubai, UAE.

http://www.thecasualluxury.com/check-al-maha-luxury-collection-desert-resort-spa/

Waking up in the middle of the Arabian Desert always seemed like more of a scene out of Aladdin, than an real-life experience I would have myself. Flash forward to the Al Maha Resort & Spa outside Dubai, UAE. While traveling, I do try to find hotels with incredible experiences (or stories) like the....

14/12/2017

Want to have your own Dubai adventure? I just found this incredibly deal. Take a look

A good sale to Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Here are some practical travel tips to Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Sample Travel Date: Sample from New York Janu

03/11/2017

From spending time with family & close friends, hosting our annual Holiday party and layering on the sweaters: November & December put me in the best mood.

This month, I'm sharing our favorite bar, as well as the ONE restaurant we make sure to frequent every year!

http://www.thecasualluxury.com/goodbye-october/

And just like that, it’s the Holiday season! I absolutely love this time of year. From spending time with family & close friends, hosting our annual Holiday party and layering on the sweaters: November & December put me in the best mood. This Thanksgiving will be a little different than years past,…

01/11/2017

I recently upgraded my suitcase, and it honestly has been the biggest game changer while traveling. After a couple long layovers and some trips on the train, my shoulder was wearing out my patience. With a gate change or a long commute to the gate (thank you, ORD), I knew I needed a more efficient suitcase. Enter: The Away Suitcase

Plus, I've included my $20 off coupon :)

http://www.thecasualluxury.com/get-upgrade-suitcase/

25/10/2017

With the craziness of the holidays approaching (and one too many trips planned), it’s nice to have a few nights laid out with my husband and our friends. To be honest, winter is my favorite time of year in Chicago. Reservations are easy to snag, lines are short, and one of my favorite festivals comes to town (see #1).

http://www.thecasualluxury.com/chicago-winter-bucket-list-2-0/

Last year, I created a short Winter Bucket List (read more here) on the blog and to my surprise, it’s now become my most read, saved, and shared post OF ALL TIME. I found myself creating a short list on my phone of upcoming activities and thought, why not share with all of you! With the craziness of...

20/10/2017

I don’t need to explain how much I love the city of New York. I would move there in a heartbeat if I could. So when my husband asked me to join him for a quick 36 hours in the city, I jumped on it.

http://www.thecasualluxury.com/36-hours-new-york-city/

I don’t need to explain how much I love the city of New York. I would move there in a heartbeat if I could. So when my husband asked me to join him for a quick 36 hours in the city, I jumped on it. People have this misconception that Chicago is a smaller version of NYC. I understand where this might...

19/10/2017

If you are planning a trip to Chicago for the fall/winter (obviously, you should), then you can get a look at some of my favorite places to frequent.

http://www.thecasualluxury.com/where-did-september-go/

If you’re anything like me, you’re currently thinking “Where the hell did September go??” For a relaxed and calm month, it sure went by fast. After a crazy first half of 2017, it has been nice taking the last couple of months off to enjoy Chicago and do some of the things we love most. For my husban...

17/10/2017

Enter Instagram. Not only is it a great way to receive recommendations or create ideas, it gives you a fresh perspective on a destination from a guest’s point of view.

http://www.thecasualluxury.com/use-instagram-book-travel/

A picture is worth a thousand words. So cliche, I know. But no matter how many guidebooks or online forums you read when booking a trip, getting a visual always makes the process a little smoother, and the decision, A LOT easier. Enter Instagram. No only is it a great way to receive recommendations…

01/09/2017

Over the last year, I have really pared down my wardrobe to a neutral palette of classic pieces, making my morning a lot smoother, as well as my last minute packing habits.

In some way I’ve created a “capsule carry-on.”

http://www.thecasualluxury.com/fall-capsule-carry/

Whether it’s a weekend traveling to meet my husband, visit family back home in Nebraska, or spending time with our friends (who have managed to spread themselves across the U.S.), we are constantly on the go. Over the last year, I have really pared down my wardrobe to a neutral palette of classic pi...

29/08/2017

Ace Hotel Chicago. The hotel brand is known for reinventing the old, bringing an upbeat vibe to the city, and most of all: making the hotel more than a hotel.

http://www.thecasualluxury.com/check-ace-hotel-chicago/

A hotel that is dog-friendly, has delicious eats, and a rooftop bar, sign me up. Situated across from the new Google office and blocks from Restaurant Row, the Ace Hotel is located in what some would say is the up-and-coming neighborhood of Chicago. With new restaurants and bars popping up around th...

02/08/2017

This could not be more accurate 😂

28/07/2017

Earlier this week I celebrated my 25th birthday. To be honest, three years ago when I moved to Chicago, I had no idea where I would be at 25. Instead of focusing on where I “should be,” I’ve really focused on where I “have been."

http://www.thecasualluxury.com/25-bucket-list-memories-ive-created/

I go back and forth between loving the idea of a bucket list. As an sometimes overly organized person, I love crossing individual items off of the list and planning. I swear I’m always planning. However, the argument of enjoying life as it comes, not just by a list, strikes a chord with me. What I’v...

14/07/2017

I had never been to Boston up until four months ago, now I’ve managed to visit the city four separate times. Guess I can’t get enough?

http://www.thecasualluxury.com/where-to-stay-boston/

I had never been to Boston up until four months ago, now I’ve managed to visit the city four separate times. Guess I can’t get enough? But really, I am so elated that Boston has become part of my travel rotation. Even though Boston is a large city, there is something about it that makes it feel smal...