You’ll bring these bags with you onto the transportation you chose. These are small enough to store under a seat or in an overhead compartment, but the fact that you have them with you means they’re best for storing valuable or breakable gifts.  Check with your transportation to see how much you can carry. In 2017, for instance, many airlines allow you to have a carry-on bag sized 22x14x9 inches or 56x36x23x centimeters along with a personal item such as a laptop bag or purse.  For larger, sturdier gifts, bring a duffle bag. These can be stored under a seat or in a plane or bus compartment, but if they don’t fit they’ll be considered checked baggage by airlines and you will be charged accordingly. Most likely you already have a bag that, if you are flying, you checked in at the airline’s kiosk for storage in the cargo hold of the plane. It is an obvious place to store gifts, but one that is not without risks and potential costs. Read up on the policies of your transporter before you go.  Consider bringing extra packing material such as towels and bubble wrap in which to cushion breakable gifts. Some airlines allow for one or even two fee-free checked bags, but others charge even for the first one. As of 2017, United Airlines, for instance, charges $25 for the first checked bag.  You may also choose to bring a separate suitcase for gifts, but beware the costs. For example, As of 2017, United Airlines charges $35 for the second checked bag and possibly $200 for a third one on an international route. The size and weight of the bag also affect costs. As of 2017, United Airlines charges start at $100 for a bag 51-70 pounds and another $100 if it is oversized. These charges also double on some international routes. This can be handled by the merchant, or you can choose to pack and ship the goods yourself. Big, heavy gifts often have to be shipped by such alternate means, but you may find shipping by mail to be a more direct and simpler method in general.  If the local merchant can take care of shipping, get shipping insurance, an itemized receipt, and pay with a credit card so you can track how and when the gift will be shipped. For shipping by hand, seek out the office of a shipping service such as FedEx, UPS, or DSL, a local post office, or ask the hotel concierge for guidance. Shipping services may have online calculators to help you get a glimpse into how expensive this route can be. A standard box shipped from Japan to Australia, for instance, costs about $50 AUD in airmail. Size, weight, and customs charges are all factors. Airline shipping for large items tends to be expensive, so shipping by sea freighter may be a better option. Sea freight is cheaper but slower and is best for spacious items such as furniture, as they take up more volume.  An object shipped from America to Asia takes over a month to arrive. Anything shipped by freight still ends up costing several hundred dollars in transportation fees. Fees from customs may also play a part. This step depends upon the rules of your government, but they’re bound to have regulations on what you can bring into the country, how much you can bring, and how much it will cost you. As much as possible, prepare for this ahead of time and be aware of how duty charges impact your budget.  In the U.S., for example, gifts carried back on the plane must be declared and, in general, a combined value of less than $800 is duty-free.  In the U.S., mailed gifts have to be given clear labels such as “Personal Use Purchase,” “Unsolicited Gift” (gifts for others), and “Consolidated Gift Package.” In the U.S., a gift shipped to others that costs more than $100 is charged duty. The exemption before duty charges rises to $200 on packages shipped to oneself.

Summary: Gauge the room in your carry-on bags. Store gifts in luggage. Ship by delivery service. Ship by sea. Get through customs.


Most girls don’t get up every day and spend two hours dressing up. There are plenty of options for those casual days when you want to be comfortable but still look fresh and put together. Now’s the time to break out your layering skills and try out some of the trendy accessories you have in the back of your closet.  A great basic look for everyday wear is a dressier take on your classic jeans and a t-shirt look. Put on some dark wash skinny jeans, a well-made top, and a leather jacket or blazer. Slip on some wedges, bangles and dangly earrings. If it’s a windy day, accent the look with a scarf. In a cold day, try the New York girl outfit. Let your hair down or curl it, put on a stylish fitted jacket, and wear a skirt with some brown or black boots. For the days when you just want to look as girly as possible, nothing but pastel clothes and sparkly accessories will do. Pick out a dress or top in pastel tones, and accent with a pair of sparkly flats. Just remember not to go overboard by wearing all of the cute accessories you own at once. Choose a few items that will make you look feminine, but not babyish.  Try a simple flower print or pastel or bright colored dress that falls just above the knee. Wear it with flats and a sunhat. Wearing hair accessories is a great way to add some girliness to your look. Try a barrette in the shape of a bow, or a headband with a flower accent on top. If your style is sleek and urban, look for muted colors that create a streamlined look. Look for comfortable fabrics in interesting cuts, and pair your clothes with sunglasses and simple, understated accessories. This style is perfect for the office or just walking around town with your girlfriends.  You can’t go wrong with a little black dress, riding boots and a wool cardigan on chilly days that require an elegant look. A tunic over leggings is another great look that’s elegant but comfortable at the same time.  In the summer, try maxi dresses and skirts paired with wayfarer-style sunglasses and hoop earrings. Girls have more options than guys when it comes to dressing to the nines for a big event like a wedding or cocktail party. Now’s the time to break out that dress with sequins you’ve been waiting to wear, spend extra time on your hair and makeup, and wear your classiest accessories. Go for a look that’s stunning, yet appropriate for the event you’re attending.  For special occasions, you might consider getting your hair done at a salon. A classic updo is a nice touch for a wedding. In summertime, you might opt to decorate your hair with a flower as well. To accessorize for a special occasion, choose your best jewelry and make sure it matches. For example, you could wear diamond stud earrings and a diamond necklace.
Summary: Go for a casual but feminine look. Be girly and cute. Look modern and elegant. Dress up for a fancy event.