D.C., Here's Your Ultimate Pre-Vacation Shopping Itinerary

By Adele Chapin Nov 12, 2013, 12:59pm EST

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By Adele Chapin Nov 12, 2013, 12:59pm EST

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Vacationers and travelers often fall into two camps. There are the folks who love planning every single aspect of a trip out to the nth degree before they leave. They gather maps, assemble first aid kits and snack packs, and leave their suitcases by the door a week in advance. Then there are the people who realize at 11 p.m. the night before their plane leaves that they should probably start packing.

If you are in the first camp, you will love this map, featuring 14 stores in the Washington area to visit to help you get ready for any trip, from trips home for Thanksgiving or jaunts abroad. There are luggage stores, bookstores, hostess gift stores, and places to score toiletries and new headphones. And maybe the rest of us can learn a thing or two from your example. Keep reading for stores to hit pre-trip for your best — and most organized — vacation ever.

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Bluemercury

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Pack light with travel-size goodies from brands like Fresh, Molton Brown, La Mer, and Trish McEvoy from beauty boutique Bluemercury, which has two locations in Bethesda, and additional stores in Georgetown, Dupont Circle, Farragut North, Clarendon, Alexandria, and Fairfax. [Photo]

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7105 Bethesda Ln, Bethesda, MD 20814

(301) 986-0070

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TW Luggage & Leather

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Since 1990, Washingtonians have visited local shop TW Luggage & Leather for carry-ons, briefcases, computer cases, and more. [Photo]

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5300 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20015

(202) 237-8949

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Politics & Prose Bookstore and Modern Times Coffeehouse

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For travel reading material, browse the staff picks section at Politics & Prose instead of settling for a bestseller at the airport book store. [Photo]

5015 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008

(202) 364-1919

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The Container Store

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Become the most organized traveler ever at The Container Store, which stocks spill-proof airplane shampoo bottles, jewelry organizers, digital luggage scales, and other things you never thought of but will clearly make your life better. Photo]

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4500 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016

(202) 478-4000

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Deja Vu Audio

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Upgrade from Apple earbuds with Grado Prestige earphones, sold at McLean's Deja Vu Audio. Designed for studio musicians and true audiophiles, the base SR60i model retails for $80 at Deja Vu. [Photo]

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1401 Chain Bridge Road, McLean, VA 22102

(703) 734-9391

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Target

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Going overseas? Target's travel section includes money belts and power adapters. [Photo]

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3100 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20010

(202) 777-3773

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Wise Owl Club

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Fill a Dopp kit with manly/hipster-y apothecary items from local brand Mutiny DC at Wise Owl Club barber shop. [Photo]

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2010 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

(202) 705-9425

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Tabletop

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At Tabletop, handmade $16 Wolfum luggage tags will prevent any baggage carousel mixups. While you're here, this is the perfect place for a hostess gift or a fancy glass Classic Cap water bottle for your travels. [Photo: Adele Chapin]

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1608 20th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

(202) 387-7117

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Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe

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The travel section at local favorite Kramerbooks is truly inspiring. [Photo]

1517 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036

(202) 387-1400

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Sterling & Burke Ltd

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In need of luggage that will really impress, as in a $2,015 Globe-Trotter trunk-inspired aqua suitcase? Sterling & Burke carries very pricey, very prestigious British brands. [Photo]

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2824 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC

(202) 333-2266

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The Tumi Store

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Tumi's been in the news as the first confirmed retailer at CityCenterDC. Until that shop opens, shop for high-end luggage at Tumi stores in Georgetown, Tysons Galleria, Montgomery Mall or the Fashion Centre At Pentagon City. [Photo: Adele Chapin]

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1246 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20007

(202) 298-6670

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CorePower Yoga

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Get cozy for a long trip with comfy loungewear from Alternative Apparel, available at Corepower Yoga's boutique in Georgetown. [Photo: Adele Chapin]

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1025 Thomas Jefferson St NW, Washington, DC 20007

(202) 338-9642

Steven Alan

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Really simple, really beautiful totes are in stock at Steven Alan in Georgetown, from Filson duffles for dudes and Baggu and Clare Vivier weekenders for ladies. [Photo: R. Lopez]