Lisa Helmanis
Lisa specialises in style-orientated travel, interiors and trends.  She is currently Lifestyle Editor of She Magazine. Also a regular contributor to the Sunday Telegraph Travel Section, Elle Decoration Sweden, GQ and Elle Norway.  Lisa has also written for Vogue Entertaining, Living Etc, Brides, Sunday Times Style, amongst others. 

Lisa’s Top 5 Travel Tips

1. Be realistic. If you only have a week, package holidays can reduce your stress level by organising itinerary and transfers for you. And don't be a snob. All the major travel companies have high-end packages that are affordable but more discerning, offering quieter beaches and more refined hotels.
2. If it’s a shopping break you’re after, then do your research first. Try Dubai for Gold, Antwerp for Diamonds, Italy for discount Prada and Gucci.
3. Pack wisely. This is a girl law: you will wear less than a third of what you take, and buy far more than you can fit into your case on the way back. So, never pack casual clothes that only go with one thing, I make all my day clothes beige, white or khaki for coordinating purposes, and take an extra (fold away) bag.
4. A good way of breaking yourself into an exotic holiday is to do a stopover.  Hong Kong, Miami and Kuala Lumpa, are all major air traffic cities, but all have heaps to offer.  A two or three night stay will jolt you out of the everyday, giving you something to think about while your body unwinds, before you attempt full zone out.
5. Couples holidays are about compromise. Make sure your choice caters for you both - consider combining beach and city, (Like Lisbon or Barcelona), or sport and spa, look at Whistler or Tignes, where you can get great skiing and spa treatments.

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