So, I'm not the world's most frequent traveler but I can honestly say that this is one of the best hotels I've stayed in. Ranked #1 of 56 hotels in Zihuatanejo, it is the ideal location for a relaxed read-by-the-pool kind of vacation. With 24 suites and two pools (one freshwater, one salt), this hotel features excellent service and privacy...which means it's actually quiet. Maybe it's geared more towards a romantic getaway type of place than go-crazy-and-socialize-with-other-guests, but man, I have to say it was so freaking nice just to have a beautiful view and really good Mexican food...plus anytime you want anything there's someone there to get it for you.

La Casa Que Canta is part of Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

$335.00 and up, Book it here.
(Also: It's always a good idea to check out reviews on tripadvisor before you plunk down money on a hotel somewhere. For this hotel's review on tripadvisor go here.)

[posted by katie]

Right in the middle of San Francisco's thriving Japantown, you'll find Hotel Tomo which has been recently renovated and inspired by Japanese pop-culture. And yes, you read that right- it is apart of Best Western Hotel chain...somehow makes the future seem more promising, doesn't it?

From the wall of televisions in our lobby to anime murals and glow-in-the-dark desk blotters in each guest room, this is a San Francisco experience like no other. The Best Western Hotel Tomo has 125 guestrooms in an eight-story building. Guestrooms at the Best Western Hotel Tomo are not only roomy, cheerful and comfortable; they are J-pop works of art. Each room has its own identity through anime-style wall paintings and views of the city.

anime murals by Heisuke Kitazawa
[via Been-Seen.com]

[posted by katie]

Check it out- this toothbrush flicks open like a switchblade and has a nice leather carrying case so you can travel in style.

A journey by plane, train or automobile might not be the swift and sexy ride it once was, but that doesn't mean we can't at least make a stylish effort. The Brillo toothbrush by Chaki Murata for Metaphys in Japan is the perfect antidote. The ergonomically compact form acts like a switchblade, the brush head flipping out of the body with just a flick. When not in use, slip it into the well-constructed leather case. Ready for gifting, each black box comes equipped with three replacement brushes. The black brush holder comes with a white case; the white holder's case is natural.

$56.00, Buy it here.

[posted by katie]

Holy. These pictures look more like an excellent luxury home than hotel suites, but I guess that's the point. The top suites (pictured above) are each inspired by four different "illustrious" guests, which hints at some serious airs of extravagance. So, if somehow you still have some money to burn, you can keep this on your short list of places to stay in Zurich.

The Dolder Grand: After a construction phase lasting four years, Zurich celebrates the return of one of its most prominent landmarks. The original "Curhaus" (health spa), built in 1899, has been transformed into a luxury-class city resort. In the process, the hotel's glittering past and vibrant future have been fused together, as reflected in the architecture by Foster and Partners, the interior design by United Designers and the spa concept by Sylvia Sepielli.

Rooms start at around €333.33 (for Single Room Superior, not the Top Suites pictured above).
[via thecoolhunter]

[posted by katie]

These have me itching to organize all sorts of important papers and documents.

Designers at the Japanese graphic firm Billet originally designed these stylish French-inspired folders for their own personal use. Now they are available to you for containing correspondence and other essential papers while traveling, at the office or in the home. The small folder is just the right size to store 4x6 photos, receipts, recipe cards or passports; the medium folder makes a handy extension to a wallet for safekeeping long items like theater tickets; the large size organizes important 8" x 10" documents and oversized photographs. Each paper folder is handcrafted in Japan.

Small, $10.00
Medium, $10.00
Large, $15.00
Buy it here.

[posted by katie]

I swear by shoe bags. That sounds funny, but I mean it.

"This handsome shoe bag is great for protecting clothes from getting soiled in a suitcase and so much nicer than carrying shoes in a plastic bag from the supermarket. . The bag is made from a sturdy cotton with a heavy duty cotton cord drawstring. One bag will hold a pair of shoes. Machine wash and dry."

Measures 16" L x 11 ¼” W.

Golf Shoe Bag, $13.95, Buy it here.
Gentleman's Travel Shoe Bag, $13.95 Buy it here.

[posted by katie]

Here's an excellent case for you to keep your liquids, gels and creams right where you want them.

A modern take on the on the go-anywhere dopp kit. Large compartment, lined with plastic to keep liquid safely stored inside away from the items in your bag. Features a handy pull out pocket insert, which can be unsnapped to take a few necessities along when you head out for the day or night.

Dimensions: 8” x 8 x 3.2
Materials: Nylon, Polyurethane
100% vegetarian
Color: Black or Silver

[posted by katie]

Danielle over at the style files has a great design guide on Amsterdam. She has put together lists of where to stay, eat, shop, and other things to see while you're there. I love it when people take the time to do nice stuff like that.

[posted by katie]

If you're planning any road trips this summer, you might consider checking to see if any of these beaches are on the way to your destination.

From wejetset magazine:

Dr. Stephen Leatherman, coastal expert with Florida International University’s Laboratory for Coastal Research, has recently published his 18th Annual Top 10 American Beaches ranking. Click Read More to view the ranking and our tips for turning a beach visit into a healthy excursion.

top ten american beaches
1. Caladesi Island State Park, Dunedin/Clearwater, FL
2. Hanalei Beach, Kauai, HI
3. Siesta Beach, Sarasota, FL
4. Coopers Beach, Southampton, NY
5. Coronado Beach, San Diego, CA
6. Main Beach, East Hampton, NY
7. Hamoa Beach, Maui, HI
8. Cape Hatteras, Outer Banks, NC
9. Cape Florida State Park, Key Biscayne, FL
10. Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island, SC

Fifty criteria were used to evaluate the beaches, including water and sand quality, facilities and environmental management. The top spot went to Caladesi Island State Park. According to Dr. Leatherman, “Caladesi’s real attraction is its powder white sand, warm, crystal clear water and beautiful nature, all making it the number one beach to enjoy and decompress”. -wejetset magazine

[posted by katie]

Some nice bright travel accessories for your summer holidays...

Reed Space x Head Porter collaborate to bring you the PRISM Collection. Inspired by the color spectrum and Reed Space’s diverse curation of works from different brands, designers and cultures – this line of accessories brings together highly useful products for the modern day globetrotter. The collection includes a Daypack, Device Pouch, Laptop Case (13” & 15”), Memo Case, Pencil Case and Travel Organizer. Each piece sold separately.

$36.00-$425.00, Buy it here.

[posted by katie]