MEET NOELANI MEIROWSKY: Creator of La Vie On Grand

What is your favorite luggage?

I have used AWAY luggage forever, but then my husband stole my AWAY CARRY-ON for a business trip, and he never gave it back, so I decided to try Paravel luggage. It's a bit more chic looking, and because I am very aesthetically driven, I decided to stick with it!  I take the carry-on size with me on the plane, and it's usually full of a couple of handbags ( I never check my handbags) and my shoes. I know it sounds ridiculous to have a carry-on full of shoes and handbags, but that way I have more room in my checked suitcase!  I also use this Lo and Sons tote as well because it's lightweight and very spacious! 

Any travel essentials you are never without?

I always travel with my Sony noise canceling headphones, this AirFly adapterpacking cubes, and this toiletry bag is perfect for small bathrooms! On the plane, I always take a hand lotion, this Caudalíe face spray to refresh, and I carry my own toothbrush and toothpaste ALWAYS! Also, this portable charger has saved me on more than one occasion!  

Do you have a travel uniform?

I like to wear a cashmere sweater and either some pants like these from J.CREW , or I'll even wear jeans to travel. I don't mind wearing jeans even for a long flight. I know a lot of people prefer not to wear jeans, but I don't mind at all as long as they are comfortable. I just prefer to look put together when I am traveling, I don't need to look like I just rolled out of bed. I also take a scarf or wrap as well because I am always cold on the plane and usually wear sneakers

Any pro travel tips?

If you're traveling during the winter season, always wear your boots and coat on the plane. This way, you'll have more room in your suitcase! And, pack classic pieces you can easily mix and match, you don't need to pack your entire closet for any trip! I create monthly packing lists for Paris on my blog, but these lists can truly be applied to any travel destination. 

What is your favorite destination? I imagine it's Paris: when is your favorite time to go?  Are there parts of the city you haven't explored yet? Can't get enough of?

Yes, Paris is my favorite destination. There's no other city in the world like Paris. Sure, it can be chaotic and crowded, but there's a true beauty to Paris that my soul can't get enough of! My favorite time to go is during Spring when the flowers are all blooming and early Fall when the mornings are crisp and the leaves are starting to turn colors. I do prefer to go when the city isn't so busy, though.  This year, I made a very impromptu trip to Paris in February, one of the best trips. The city was quiet and relaxed and it was mostly locals. Yes, it was cold, but it felt so nice being there during that time when it wasn't as busy. There are lots of parts of the city I haven't explored yet! I always stay in Saint Germain as this is my absolute favorite area. 

Is there anything you collect on your travels?

In Paris, I love to collect coasters from different cafés with the café name written on them. I have a box full of coasters that I am going to frame and put in our dining room later this year. There are just a few more cafés I need to get. I also love to collect something special from that city, whether it's a specific food item (like mustard), or a bar of soap (what I bought in Marseille), or even a handmade scarf ( which I bought in Provence), something I can't find anywhere else but can treasure at home. 

What has been your most unforgettable trip so far?

Two years ago, my husband, daughter, and I rented an apartment in Paris for a month, which has since started an annual tradition.  It was truly the best experience for all of us. We immersed ourselves in the daily Parisian life, and it was incredible. I've always said travel is the best gift to give a child, and that summer experience proved it! Our daughter, who is 12, looks forward to returning to Paris each summer now, and she's learning to appreciate other cultures and traditions. She's also started taking French in school, which will certainly help her one day! Even though we have started doing this annually, there's nothing like that first summer we experienced a month in Paris that will live in our memories forever! 

Where are you dreaming of visiting that you haven't yet been to?

Italy! I've never been to Italy. I can't seem to get out of France :) I would love love to visit Italy one day! Maybe I'll have to join an Island Hopper retreat to Italy. 

Where are you off to next?

Ha! Paris, next week!  Paris is gorgeous in the spring. I am heading to Paris for the week, and then my retreat partner and I are heading to Provence to meet with vendors for our Provence Retreat.

Noelani and her Paris guests