Looking to make an Escape??

There's a new e-Zine (eco-friendly, all-digital magazine) in town called Hip Compass Escapes.

The spring issue has launched and its chock-full of travel tips, deals and great stories on romantic escapes, girl's getaways, adventure trips (volcano climbing anyone?) and much, much more.


Best of all, I'm a contributor so you can read all about my latest journeys. Thinking about a Mexican honeymoon? Scroll to page 49 to see my Romance in Mexico's Riviera story.

Bon voyage!

Honeymoon packing tip #5 - Pack wine like a pro

One of the best mementos to bring back from a special trip or honeymoon is a bottle or two of local wine. Since airline restrictions require that any liquid over 3 ounces go in your checked luggage, you'll want to bring a BottleWise bag on your next trip.

I like the BottleWise Duo above since it can pack two bottles of wine and can also be used as an on-the-go carrier for bringing wine to picnics or parties. Inside you'll find two padded liquid-tight Bot'lPacks (each holds one 750 ml bottle) that feature a patent-pending protection system. It's designed for the culinary traveler and can also be used for transporting olive oils, balsamic vinegar, vanilla, etc.

We tested it out in Mexico and it worked like a charm! I should add that the Globetrotting Groom was very impressed with its durable and well constructed pouches that snap into the outer bag.

There are also picnic basket coolers and elegant wine carriers with glasses and corkscrew. Check them out quickly while they're still on sale. I think they're a really great present for a newly engaged couple or really anyone who likes to travel.

On a side note, if you're buying alcohol at Duty Free, you'll need to check it in your luggage if you have a connecting flight home. I learned this the hard way last year...

When you gotta go, you gotta go...

In public restrooms, which toilet is most often the cleanest?

1. The first (closest to entrance)
2. The second
3. The last (furthest from entrance)

Correct answer: The first (closest to entrance)

Here's a handy discovery I read about on HipCompass. If you're honeymooning in Europe or the USA, this will definitely be of interest.

MizPee.com (MizPee.eu in Europe) is a website dedicated to helping people find clean bathrooms. Just type in where you are and a list of nearby restrooms appears with cleanliness ratings, hours of operations and reviews from fellow-toilet seekers.

It's fairly new in the states so not all U.S. cities are listed but more are being added ever day. European cities include Berlin, Brussels, Parma, Udine, Treviso, Verona, Pisa, Florence, Genoa, Trieste, Palermo, Naples, Bologna, Venice, Milan, Rome, Barcelona, London and Paris.

I tested it out and it gave me many fine New York City options in addition to the expected Starbucks and McDonald's.

Want more bathroom trivia?

Which European people use the most toilet paper per person?

1. The English
2. The Germans
3. The Swedes

Correct answer: The Swedes

Which city calls itself the Toilet Paper Capital of the World?

1. Seattle, WA, USA
2. Newark, NJ, USA
3. Green Bay, WI, USA

Correct answer: Green Bay, WI, USA

The average person spends how much of their life on the toilet?

1. 1 year
2. 2 years
3. 3 years

Correct answer: 3 years

Which country used flat sticks before the introduction of toilet paper?

1. China
2. Japan
3. India

Correct answer: Japan

If the Bridal Flip-Flop Fits...

Packing light is always easier said than done. LIke Imelda, what always weighs me down are my many, many, many shoes. If you are heading off on a warm weather honeymoon, bachelorette party or beach vacation, here's a great way to have all your shoes and fit them in your luggage too.

Switchflops are an ingenious product that instantly expands your wardrobe. Choose your Switchflop base (flat or wedge) and just mix and match your favorite velcro-backed straps (more than 50 to choose) to instantly change your look. You can go casual by day and blingy by night with just a few straps. Best of all, you will have plenty of luggage space for your sneakers and stilettos.

I gave these a test drive and they are truly comfortable - think plush, cushy foam and comfortable fabric thong strap. Available starting at $32 online and at select boutiques nationwide.

Want a pair? One lucky winner will score a new bridal-themed edition of the classic Switchflop paired with a white strap featuring silver polka dots and a pearl. They are even dressy enough to wear under a wedding dress should you be craving comfy back-up shoes. Just visit Swichflops and comment below with your favorite strap choice by midnight on Wednesday.

Photo credit goes to the Globetrotting Groom and his new camera.