Escape Artist: the Best Summer Road Trips & Bags to Match
Whether it’s been a long week at work or you’re just itching for a break from your mundane routine, sometimes an escape is in order. But for those of us who don’t have enough vacation days to jet off to Europe, a weekend getaway will have to suffice. From relaxing seaside escapes to exhilarating outdoor excursions, everyone has a different idea of what the perfect weekend away entails. Whatever your preference, choosing the right bag can make packing seem a little less tedious. Here are some great ideas for weekend getaways, and the luggage to take with you.
Montauk, New York
Photo credit: The Surf Lodge
Who: The high-strung businesswoman desperate to unwind
The Vibe: Escape the chaos of corporate NYC and head to Montauk, New York, a laid-back seaside village located just three hours outside of New York City. Stay at The Surf Lodge, a beachfront property that boasts beautiful views of the water and an on-site restaurant called The Deck specializing in seafood fresh off the local boats. With white walls and wooden floors, complemented with driftwood furniture and shades of blue, every room has a coastal feel, some with private balconies equipped with hammocks overlooking the water. Trade your laptop for a surfboard and test out the East Coast waves, or take advantage of the free bicycle rental offered by the lodge and explore the quaint town. From sunset hikes to horseback riding on the beach, Montauk has plenty of outdoor activities for you to unwind.
Photo credit: The Surf Lodge
Don’t miss: Your stay at Montauk wouldn’t be complete without a visit to local dive bar and restaurant Montauket to watch the sunset. Perched above Fort Pond Bay, the cozy outdoor seating offers spectacular views of the sun melting into the ocean, which you can enjoy while sipping a cold beer. The family-owned establishment has been open since 1959, and the no-frills menu and laid-back atmosphere offer visitors a glimpse of authentic local life.
What To Carry: Dragging a wheelie bag through beach sand is nobody’s idea of relaxation, so opt for a duffel with a shoulder strap like the Goyard Goyardine Boeing 55. For a lazy day on the beach, take this Sensi Studio Woven Straw Maxi Tote, perfect for holding your summer read and suntan lotion. And for a night out, channel your inner surfer girl with this Chanel Flap bag, printed with a Beach Surf motif from the house’s iconic SS02 collection.
Sensi Studio Woven Straw Maxi Tote; Goyard Goyardine Boeing 55; Chanel Beach Surf Flap Bag
Expert Authenticity Tip: “When examining the interior brand stamp of the Goyard, look for a wide and a round O. The Y will have a one slimmer arm.” – Nhu Duong, Authentication & Brand Compliance Manager
Newport, Rhode Island
Photo credit: The Chanler
Who: The history-buff searching for a unique way to learn about the past
The Vibe: Transport yourself to a different century and head to Newport, Rhode Island, a city that treats its visitors to its intricate history. Stay at The Chanler at Cliff Walk, an estate with themed rooms reflecting different historical periods, including the Regency, Louis XVI, Renaissance and English Tudor eras. Immerse yourself in Gilded Age splendor by taking a tour of the Newport Mansions, opulent summer homes once owned by America’s wealthiest families. Each house has its own rich history, from The Elms, a French-style chateau which was one of the first houses to be fully electrified, to Rosecliff, a Versaillles-inspired mansion which served as the shooting location of The Great Gatsby, among other films. A must for all history-buffs, examine the house’s extravagant gardens, ornate interiors and unique antiques, while appreciating the variety of architectural styles on display, from Victorian to Baroque.
Photo credit: The Chanler
Don’t miss: If you long for the days when dressing up for dinner was a tradition, then head to the Skybar Dining Room. Their smart-casual dress code forbids guests to wear jeans or athletic wear, so it’s the perfect excuse to get dressed up and experience the sophisticated Newport fine dining scene. Located on the second floor of the Clarke Cooke House, you can enjoy beautiful views of the harbor over dinner or drinks, and see why this place is frequented by locals.
What To Carry: Time travel in style and trade your modern-day roller bag for a vintage-style trunk that channels 1920s sophistication, like the Louis Vuitton Monogram Alzer 60 Trunk. For an elegant finish to your look, try this Saint Laurent Kate Monogram Wallet On Chain, and to add a touch of glamor to your evening ensemble, accessorize with this embellished tassel clutch by The Row.
The Row Embellished Tassel Clutch; Louis Vuitton Monogram Alzer 60 Trunk; Saint Laurent Kate Monogram Wallet On Chain
Our Experts Say: “Louis Vuitton trunks are iconic as that is where the brand began. The Alzer is a more portable version of its steamer trunks. Instead of a date code, look for an individualized serial number that gives clues as to when it was produced.” – Kiara Cooper, Valuation Manager
Yosemite National Park
Photo credit: Tenaya Lodge
Who: The office worker looking to reconnect with nature
The Vibe: You’re probably sick of spending all day staring at your computer screen and the walls of your office cubicle. Luckily an escape from the concrete jungle is only a drive away: Yosemite National Park. Located in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, Yosemite is known for its granite cliffs, waterfalls, giant sequoia trees, mountains and lakes. Experience the natural beauty of Yosemite without roughing it in a traditional campground; stay at Tenaya Lodge instead. Choose between a luxurious suite with access to all the resort’s amenities or opt for a rustic cabin in the heart of the forest for more privacy and tranquility. From hiking to fishing, kayaking to biking, rock climbing to star gazing, there is a plethora of outdoor activities to partake in at Yosemite that will make you feel far removed from stiff office life.
Photo credit: Tenaya Lodge
Don’t miss: Vernal Falls. Hike along the famous Mist Trail to get to the beautiful viewpoint, which features a 600-step granite staircase. A gruelling but exhilarating hike, the Mist Trail gets its name for the way hikers are soaked by the mist from the waterfall.
What To Carry: A trip into the wilderness doesn’t mean you have to leave your style at home. Try this Burberry Vintage Horseferry Check Duffle Bag, big enough to fit your hiking shoes but small enough to make lugging it around the forest a simple task. Invest in this deep green Pantagonia Nylon Sling Backpack to hold all your essentials during your outdoor activities, or if you prefer to travel more lightly, try this Gucci Ophidia GG Supreme iPhone Belt Bag, just big enough to hold the bare necessities.
Gucci Ophidia GG Supreme iPhone Belt Bag; Burberry Vintage Horseferry Check Duffle Bag; Pantagonia Nylon Sling Backpack
Our Experts Say: “Fun fact – the Horseferry check print is named after the street name where Burberry’s headquarters are located in London.” – Nhu Duong, Authentication & Brand Compliance Manager
Napa Valley, California
Photo credit: Solage
Who: The wine-enthusiast who wants to feel at home
The Vibe: If a typical work day entails counting down the minutes until happy hour, then head to Napa Valley, where drinking wine will be your only job. Stay at Solage, coveted for its close proximity to Calisotga’s legendary natural hot springs and wineries. The loft-style rooms boast high ceilings, pebbled showers and outdoor patios that lead to Solage’s secret gardens, and the property has an onsite spa and outdoor pool perfect for relaxing after a taxing day of drinking.
Photo credit: Solage
Don’t miss: The Napa Art Walk, a biennial rotating exhibition of public art installations. The theme of the 2019-2021 exhibition is “Sense of Place,” exploring the symbolic and physical relationship between humans and the environment through sculptures created by eight artists.
What To Carry: You’re probably going to be a little tipsy off Chardonnay, so choose a bag with wheels that will allow you to transport your luggage with ease, like the Fendi x Rimowa 2017 Cabin Suitcase. A trip to a vineyard wouldn’t be complete without a snap for the ‘gram, so put on your favorite sundress and complement it with this Rachel Comey Wicker Baan Crossbody Bag. And don’t forget this Staud Leather Bucket Bag, perfect for transporting that bottle (or three) of wine you purchased from the winery you just visited.
Rachel Comey Wicker Baan Crossbody Bag; Fendi x Rimowa 2017 Cabin Suitcase; Staud Leather Bucket Bag
