Let's Travel Again! Vera Bradley Luggage Review.

      I've shared this before on the blog, but 2020 was supposed to be my big year of travel. I had tons of plans last year- from two international trips with my parents to tons of weekend trips all over the US. Obviously most of that didn't end up happening, but now it's finally time for all of us to have missed plans to be rescheduled or new plans to happen! It's finally time to welcome back travel into our lives!

Today's blog post is written in partnership with Vera Bradley and contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Southern Belle in Training!

      I think investing in some new luggage or travel accessories is the perfect way to celebrate hitting the road and the skies again! I don't know if it's the same for you, but luggage and travel accessories are things I tend to hold onto for a very long time. While it's definitely good to get your money's worth out of these items and have them last for years, there also comes to be a point when you've had something for too long, you know what I mean? Exhibit A: I recently got rid of an overnight bag that I'd had for so many years that the original hot pink color had completely faded off of the straps and sides. Yikes! 

     Vera Bradley, one of my favorite accessories companies that I've loved since middle school, happens to have an incredible selection of high quality and trendy luggage and travel accessories. There seriously couldn't be a better time to refresh what's currently in your closet and treat yourself to something new for upcoming travel! Keep on reading until the end for a special discount code and giveaway as well!

     The Vera Bradley team kindly gifted me with two new pieces of luggage, a duffle bag and a travel organizer to review and share with you. You know that I always share my 100% honest reviews on this blog- sponsored content or not. I can honestly say that I am obsessed with all four of these pieces!! I can't wait to share more about each of them.

     First up is this Hanging Organizer! These are so handy and make organizing toiletry and beauty items a breeze when traveling. I always travel with a good amount of makeup products so I use a separate makeup bag for those items and brushes, and then would use the hanging travel organizer for things like shampoo and conditioner, skincare items, hair brush and hair accessories, etc. I also think one of the side pockets on the outside would be perfect for a shower cap. 

      Next up is the Medium Travel Duffle Bag in a gorgeous new print called Butterfly By! I've previously had one of the Large sized duffles (which you can see in this blog post!), but I really like the Medium size too as it's perfect for a quick overnight or weekend trip. All Vera Bradley duffle bags are durable, lightweight, and have a fun pattern different from the outside design on the inside fabric! They're also incredibly roomy (even more than they look) and have tons of pockets throughout. I just used mine last weekend as my day-of bag for my friend Cara's wedding day! It was easy to stuff my wedding shoes, makeup, getting ready pajamas and everything else I needed for bridesmaid duties in here. Now that I am vaccinated and weekend trips are so much more simple again, I'm hoping this bag will get lots of use for the rest of 2021!

      And finally... luggage!! If you're going on any sort of trip, especially a lengthy one, good luggage is a necessity. Out of all the Vera Bradley items I've had over the years, I had never tried their luggage before. I was blown away by the quality and design of their Hardside Spinner Luggage Set! These come in a few color options, but I love the color Enchanting Rose, which is a lovely light pink. (Also: this color and the black set are both currently on sale to buy a bundle of both luggage pieces!) Both of these suitcases come with a built-in lock feature for added security while travel, and they're both expandable for extra space. The small sized one is the perfect carry-on suitcase, while the larger one is great for longer travel. Just like the duffle bags, the inside of these suitcases has a different pattern, which is a fun little twist. 

      My new luggage set is getting me so excited for resuming travel! I'm excited to see the adventures that the second half of the year holds. So far the only definite plans that I have are to visit my college best friend, Ciera, in Texas in September. The last time I visited her was in November 2018...crazy that it'll have been almost three years ago! Hopefully I'll have more plans on the calendar soon too.

     Now a couple special things!! 1.) Stay tuned TONIGHT (6/24/21) for a special giveaway with Vera Bradley on my Instagram HERE!! Can't wait to share that. 2.) If you'd like to purchase something from Vera Bradley (doesn't just have to be travel related), you can use my ambassador code MISS_ALK for 10% off your purchase!! How awesome right?!

     God Bless,

     xoxo Annaliese