Don't forget to subscribe to my new website, quickwhittravel.com! The newest post is up to give you some road trip ideas!
http://quickwhittravel.com/2016/03/29/7-day-trips-from-dc/
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
Big News... We're Moving!
Hello, my faithful readers! I announced in yesterday's post that I had some big news to reveal today and here is it:
We're moving! To our own website!
I will no longer be posting here; when Steve, Mr. Peabody Pembroke, and I travel or share our traveling tips, we'll be posting to the new site!
http://quickwhittravel.com
Please check it out! If you are subscriber to quickwhit.blogspot.com, you can also subscribe to the new website! Just click "Subscribe" on the right side of the page, enter your e-mail address, and you'll be notified when I publish a new post!
Thanks for traveling the world with me over the years, and please continue to travel with us on quickwhittravel.com!
We're moving! To our own website!
I will no longer be posting here; when Steve, Mr. Peabody Pembroke, and I travel or share our traveling tips, we'll be posting to the new site!
http://quickwhittravel.com
Please check it out! If you are subscriber to quickwhit.blogspot.com, you can also subscribe to the new website! Just click "Subscribe" on the right side of the page, enter your e-mail address, and you'll be notified when I publish a new post!
Thanks for traveling the world with me over the years, and please continue to travel with us on quickwhittravel.com!
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
Packing Strategies VI: The Journey Home--and an Announcement!
Welcome to our last installment (for now!) of Packing Strategies. I hope you've enjoyed the series. I have some more fun posts queued up, so be sure to check back soon!
You made it! You packed your best bag, didn't have anything taken away at security, got to keep your luggage on that tiny regional jet, and you had a blast on your trip! But now you have to get home with all your stuff and your souvenirs, too!
You've come to the right place! I once brought home a 35-piece set of formal dishes from Switzerland. And I didn't have to throw away anything else I brought! I did have to borrow a small roller board from my friends there, but I got it all home, and nothing broke!
When you're packing to come home, there are a few things you may want to keep in mind. What tricks do you have for packing for the journey home?
1. Look Around
This one seems pretty obvious, but it's a basic point that I often disregard (and I've left things because of that--conditioner, earrings, and the like). So, take a last look! While I'm in a room, no matter how many nights, I try to keep everything I unpack pretty close together and in consolidated spaces. It has kept me from losing more things for sure! It's always good to stay organized, and always good to do just one more walk through to open all drawers and look in all closet spaces before you check out.
Oh, and do the same thing in the overhead bins on aircraft! Steve seems to always be losing things in flight! This includes, pullovers, earbuds, thumb drives, and even an expensive GPS watch! I know you're tired and ready to get off that plane as soon as you can, but you'll be sad when you realize your lucky earbuds were in the back corner of the bin, and you didn't take a second to look!
2. Use What You Have
This one goes for bringing home breakable souvenirs. Steve and I collect Starbucks mugs, and that's pretty much the only thing we bring home with us. Overall, that's a pretty inexpensive souvenir, and we never forget where we got it!
But even if it comes in a box (maybe it does, maybe it doesn't), sometimes that box is flimsy and not great for packing. So what do you do? I do one of two things: 1. Wrap breakables up in clothes and try to keep them either at the top or outer pocket of my luggage (so I can keep an eye on it); or 2. Wrap it up and rig it in the middle of my luggage, packed tightly so it won't move around. The real key is to make sure it doesn't move!
And that's exactly how I got 35 pieces of a formal dish set home in my luggage. I wrapped each piece individually and made sure they were tightly packed (and very padded with socks and such).
3. Make Room
This one may require a bit of pre-planning. An easy way to make room for souvenirs is to get rid of things you packed. I keep clothes that happen to be on their last threads and just plan on packing them for trips, then leave them there. It makes room and makes for a lighter pack on the journey homeward!
4. The Unclean
That's right, laundry. By all means, bring a separate bag for your dirty clothes. It can be a plastic grocery bag or a fabric bag, whatever you like. I usually prefer plastic in case something is wet, like a bathing suit or a shirt I needed to rinse out before going home. And it's best if you can fold or roll them like you did when you packed at home. I know it may sound silly to roll your dirty clothes, but they will pack up much better that way!
5. Pack Your Patience
Lastly, everyone's favorite--patience! Sure, you're rushing to get out before check out time, you're ready to get home, etc., but you'll do yourself a favor by slowing down and re-packing neatly instead of shoving things in willy-nilly. This piece of advice comes not from me, but from my husband! He is a packing shover, but he always regrets it. Things get lost, broken, or plain don't fit when you shove in a hurry instead of rolling and putting toiletries and other items away neatly.
Be sure to check back TOMORROW for a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT! This is pretty monumental, so get excited with me!
You made it! You packed your best bag, didn't have anything taken away at security, got to keep your luggage on that tiny regional jet, and you had a blast on your trip! But now you have to get home with all your stuff and your souvenirs, too!
You've come to the right place! I once brought home a 35-piece set of formal dishes from Switzerland. And I didn't have to throw away anything else I brought! I did have to borrow a small roller board from my friends there, but I got it all home, and nothing broke!
When you're packing to come home, there are a few things you may want to keep in mind. What tricks do you have for packing for the journey home?
1. Look Around
This one seems pretty obvious, but it's a basic point that I often disregard (and I've left things because of that--conditioner, earrings, and the like). So, take a last look! While I'm in a room, no matter how many nights, I try to keep everything I unpack pretty close together and in consolidated spaces. It has kept me from losing more things for sure! It's always good to stay organized, and always good to do just one more walk through to open all drawers and look in all closet spaces before you check out.
Oh, and do the same thing in the overhead bins on aircraft! Steve seems to always be losing things in flight! This includes, pullovers, earbuds, thumb drives, and even an expensive GPS watch! I know you're tired and ready to get off that plane as soon as you can, but you'll be sad when you realize your lucky earbuds were in the back corner of the bin, and you didn't take a second to look!
2. Use What You Have
This one goes for bringing home breakable souvenirs. Steve and I collect Starbucks mugs, and that's pretty much the only thing we bring home with us. Overall, that's a pretty inexpensive souvenir, and we never forget where we got it!
The collection! Safely transported with no breaks... yet!
But even if it comes in a box (maybe it does, maybe it doesn't), sometimes that box is flimsy and not great for packing. So what do you do? I do one of two things: 1. Wrap breakables up in clothes and try to keep them either at the top or outer pocket of my luggage (so I can keep an eye on it); or 2. Wrap it up and rig it in the middle of my luggage, packed tightly so it won't move around. The real key is to make sure it doesn't move!
And that's exactly how I got 35 pieces of a formal dish set home in my luggage. I wrapped each piece individually and made sure they were tightly packed (and very padded with socks and such).
3. Make Room
This one may require a bit of pre-planning. An easy way to make room for souvenirs is to get rid of things you packed. I keep clothes that happen to be on their last threads and just plan on packing them for trips, then leave them there. It makes room and makes for a lighter pack on the journey homeward!
4. The Unclean
That's right, laundry. By all means, bring a separate bag for your dirty clothes. It can be a plastic grocery bag or a fabric bag, whatever you like. I usually prefer plastic in case something is wet, like a bathing suit or a shirt I needed to rinse out before going home. And it's best if you can fold or roll them like you did when you packed at home. I know it may sound silly to roll your dirty clothes, but they will pack up much better that way!
5. Pack Your Patience
Lastly, everyone's favorite--patience! Sure, you're rushing to get out before check out time, you're ready to get home, etc., but you'll do yourself a favor by slowing down and re-packing neatly instead of shoving things in willy-nilly. This piece of advice comes not from me, but from my husband! He is a packing shover, but he always regrets it. Things get lost, broken, or plain don't fit when you shove in a hurry instead of rolling and putting toiletries and other items away neatly.
Be sure to check back TOMORROW for a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT! This is pretty monumental, so get excited with me!
For more packing strategies, check out:
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
Packing Strategy V: Luggage Minimization
Welcome to our next installment of Packing Strategies! This week we're addressing the fashion staple of the travel world... Luggage!
Now that we know how to pack, it's very important to choose the right vessel. You want one that's easy to pack, easy to access, easy to tote, and easy to heft into those overhead bins! Journey through time with me to the suitcases of yesteryear...
Who remembers these beauties?
Now that we know how to pack, it's very important to choose the right vessel. You want one that's easy to pack, easy to access, easy to tote, and easy to heft into those overhead bins! Journey through time with me to the suitcases of yesteryear...
Who remembers these beauties?
My grandparents got these suitcases to go on their honeymoon in January 1954!
And my parents got a set similar to this when they got married in 1980:
Totally cool, right?
Each of these sets of suitcases were the best of the best in their day. Today we think we have it all figured out, but just remember, so did your parents and grandparents! To be honest, it really depends on your preference. I like to travel light, and I do not like to drag stuff behind me. Other people prefer to roll their luggage instead. Here's a look at the things we use to lug our stuff from town to town, state to state, coast to coast, country to country, and continent to continent. What's best for you?
1. Backpacks
This is my preferred packing pal. Backpacks are usually flexible, stuffable, and expandable. You can also wear one on the front and one on the back, like Steve and I usually do when what we need can't fit into just one bag. You can move a lot faster than if you're dragging a roller bag, and your hands are free to juggle your passport, boarding passes, coffee, ID, phone, and whatever else you need to have in your hands.
The backpack in the picture below also has two straps that secure it to your waist (and keeps the weight on your hips), and around your chest as well. Once you figure out exactly how to adjust them for your body (which took me a year!), it's really helpful for your back. Stabilization is the key!
Samantha likes to participate for comparison's sake. This backpack is stuffed tight!
Best things about this backpack: front pockets, side pockets, padded against my back, laptop compartment inside, and several compartments for pens, books, and any other little things I need to have accessible. Oh, and it's been going strong since 2004!
2. Duffles
This is the next best thing to a backpack because you can still wear it on your back, even without the straps around your waist and chest. Again, you can put a duffle on your back, a backpack on your front, and you have use of your hands! It's also nice to be able to distribute the weight on both the front and the back. No one likes to fall backward!
Added bonus: duffles and backpacks can squeeze into some small overhead bins on planes, trains and automobiles. I've been permitted to keep my bags with me (always the goal) instead of surrendering them to many a flight crew! I'm not a fan of checking my bags, even plane side, because it slows me down! It's easier to be flexible if your luggage is with you.
Photo taken at our hotel in Prague 2012. I'd been exploring Europe this way for over two weeks!
3. Roller Boards
It is my own opinion that roller boards are the worst. I always kick them when I wheel them behind me, they are not flexible because of the hard case (and thus cannot fit into most overhead bins on planes), you have to be holding it with one hand at all times, and they are always heavier to begin with than a non-roller board. Some people need to be able to roll their bag instead of carry it, sure, but if you're physically able to carry your luggage, I recommend doing it!
That said, if you want to check a bag or have to check it because of unallowable items (like liquids more than 3 ounces or that Swiss army knife you picked up as a souvenir in Zurich), this is definitely your best bet. Because they are more solid that a backpack or duffle bag, they will keep your luggage safe and secure! Have you seen the way luggage gets man-handled going to and from the plane? And what if your bag gets stuck on the bottom of a stack of 10? The harder bag will keep your valuables from getting smushed!
Steve's old roller board, safely tucked away on the shelf in the closet!
So what are your luggage tips and tricks? What do you use to tote your stuff from one continent to the next? I want to hear from you!
For more packing strategies, check out:
Friday, March 11, 2016
What to Do When Your Flight is Cancelled
I'm sitting at an adorable coffee shop in the San Francisco airport as I type this. I didn't anticipate having time to blog today, but something happened that is giving me plenty of time... our flight was cancelled!
There we were, up above the world, flying for nearly six hours from Washington Dulles to San Francisco, reading and minding our own business. We landed pretty much on time, in the fog and rain, and planned to pick up a to-go lunch on our way to the next gate for our final flight to Burbank. We turned our phones back on, and--so exciting--we had many emails to check! But one such e-mail was less than delightful. While we flying along all relaxed and dandy, our flight to Burbank was "cancelled due to air traffic control conditions impacting our flight operations." We later speculated it was due to Nancy Reagan's funeral, which the airlines should have been aware of before the day of, but that's another beef.
So, what do we do? Here's the checklist:
1. Forget to Panic!
Seriously, if you travel much, you start to realize it happens a lot more often than you'd like to think, and there's always another flight or another series of flights to get you where you need to be. In the worst-case scenario, you'll have to wait 24 hours, but sometimes you get lucky and you can be put on an earlier flight, or even a non-stop flight allowing you to avoid an anticipated layover! I've yet to have to wait until the next day to fly out, but I have enjoyed the last two scenarios. The point being, it'll all work out! Don't sweat it, just forget to panic and continue on with this list.
2. Call your Airline
It may seem obvious when you're not in the moment, but it's probably the most important thing to do. As a proactive measure, put the airline's phone number in your phone, and have a hardcopy as well, just in case. If you're traveling internationally, calling may not be an option. But if you have a situation like Steve and I did trying to get out of Quito, don't be afraid to ask a nearby business (hotel, restaurant, etc.) if you can use their wi-fi and/or telephone to call the airline's local office.
Another tip: If you know someone who's loyal to the airline you're taking, ask if they have a special number you can call. For instance, Steve and I are loyal to United, which is part of the Star Alliance. We have a special "1K" phone number to call when we need assistance, and we can get through to a representative without going through a bunch of automated options. The secret is... anyone can use that number. ;)
3. Go to Customer Service
Double your chances! In addition to calling (not instead of calling), also get yourself to that customer service desk. Don't walk--run! Get there as quick as you can, especially if you were supposed to be on a large flight or if there are very few flights like yours per day. Talking to a live person can be very encouraging and helpful, but by all means, remember that they are just humans, and they are doing what they can. It may not seem like they're working as fast as possible, but they will surely be faster when helping a pleasant person as opposed to a jerk. Don't be the jerk. Be nice, and be part of the solution!
And be sure to STAY on the phone. Sometimes the customer service line doesn't move, so you might actually get through a long hold or a bunch of automated systems before you get to the front of the customer service line.
4. Find Your Own Options
If you're not a frequent traveler or you're flying on an unfamiliar airline, you're sort of at the mercy of whoever's on the other end of the phone or the other side of the counter. But if you do a little quick searching, you can find out what other airlines are partnered with yours (and thus what other airlines you could take), when the next flight is scheduled (so you can suggest that if you need to), and what other routes will get you to your destination (because sometimes you have to think out of the box!).
So, you're on the phone with someone, you're waiting in line to talk to someone, why would you need to do anything else? Well, because those people are just people. They have a computer system and special privileges to change your flight plans for you, so you need them, but more brain power is better than less. Steve and I have had to ask for specific routes and flights, suggest something other than what the representative can (or will) tell us, and even tell them a flight number a time or two. Sometimes they make mistakes, sometimes their system isn't showing everything it could be, and sometimes they just don't think of an option that we might think of on the spot. Do a little of your own dirty work, even while you're on the phone or with a customer service representative.
To be fair, this comes from a girl who, just this morning, forgot to push her carry-ons through the security machine. And got loudly reprimanded by one of the TSA agents on duty. And got the dirtiest looks imaginable from others in the TSA Pre-Check line. We all make mistakes!
5. Find Your New Gate
You did it! You have your new flight! Now, immediately go find your new gate. It might be really far from where your old gate was or where you are right then. Be sure you know how to get there and when your new flight leaves! I once almost missed a flight to Istanbul because I thought I knew where my gate was... but in reality it was much farther than I anticipated! I made it with minutes to spare. Do not cut it close!
6. Enjoy Your Downtime
If you have lots of time to fill (like Steve and I do in San Francisco today), make the most of it! If you're far from home and have several hours to fill (four or more hours), go out and explore your layover city! The only true regret I have from my travels is not exploring Amsterdam during a nine hour layover traveling from Switzerland to DC.
Today, Steve and I had a leisurely brunch at an airport eatery, walked every corridor to which we had access, and now I'm chillin' with my duck Mr. Peabody Pembroke and enjoying a latte and a cream puff while Steve gets more steps in. Oh, and I'm blogging, too.
There we were, up above the world, flying for nearly six hours from Washington Dulles to San Francisco, reading and minding our own business. We landed pretty much on time, in the fog and rain, and planned to pick up a to-go lunch on our way to the next gate for our final flight to Burbank. We turned our phones back on, and--so exciting--we had many emails to check! But one such e-mail was less than delightful. While we flying along all relaxed and dandy, our flight to Burbank was "cancelled due to air traffic control conditions impacting our flight operations." We later speculated it was due to Nancy Reagan's funeral, which the airlines should have been aware of before the day of, but that's another beef.
So, what do we do? Here's the checklist:
1. Forget to Panic!
Seriously, if you travel much, you start to realize it happens a lot more often than you'd like to think, and there's always another flight or another series of flights to get you where you need to be. In the worst-case scenario, you'll have to wait 24 hours, but sometimes you get lucky and you can be put on an earlier flight, or even a non-stop flight allowing you to avoid an anticipated layover! I've yet to have to wait until the next day to fly out, but I have enjoyed the last two scenarios. The point being, it'll all work out! Don't sweat it, just forget to panic and continue on with this list.
2. Call your Airline
It may seem obvious when you're not in the moment, but it's probably the most important thing to do. As a proactive measure, put the airline's phone number in your phone, and have a hardcopy as well, just in case. If you're traveling internationally, calling may not be an option. But if you have a situation like Steve and I did trying to get out of Quito, don't be afraid to ask a nearby business (hotel, restaurant, etc.) if you can use their wi-fi and/or telephone to call the airline's local office.
Another tip: If you know someone who's loyal to the airline you're taking, ask if they have a special number you can call. For instance, Steve and I are loyal to United, which is part of the Star Alliance. We have a special "1K" phone number to call when we need assistance, and we can get through to a representative without going through a bunch of automated options. The secret is... anyone can use that number. ;)
3. Go to Customer Service
Double your chances! In addition to calling (not instead of calling), also get yourself to that customer service desk. Don't walk--run! Get there as quick as you can, especially if you were supposed to be on a large flight or if there are very few flights like yours per day. Talking to a live person can be very encouraging and helpful, but by all means, remember that they are just humans, and they are doing what they can. It may not seem like they're working as fast as possible, but they will surely be faster when helping a pleasant person as opposed to a jerk. Don't be the jerk. Be nice, and be part of the solution!
And be sure to STAY on the phone. Sometimes the customer service line doesn't move, so you might actually get through a long hold or a bunch of automated systems before you get to the front of the customer service line.
4. Find Your Own Options
If you're not a frequent traveler or you're flying on an unfamiliar airline, you're sort of at the mercy of whoever's on the other end of the phone or the other side of the counter. But if you do a little quick searching, you can find out what other airlines are partnered with yours (and thus what other airlines you could take), when the next flight is scheduled (so you can suggest that if you need to), and what other routes will get you to your destination (because sometimes you have to think out of the box!).
So, you're on the phone with someone, you're waiting in line to talk to someone, why would you need to do anything else? Well, because those people are just people. They have a computer system and special privileges to change your flight plans for you, so you need them, but more brain power is better than less. Steve and I have had to ask for specific routes and flights, suggest something other than what the representative can (or will) tell us, and even tell them a flight number a time or two. Sometimes they make mistakes, sometimes their system isn't showing everything it could be, and sometimes they just don't think of an option that we might think of on the spot. Do a little of your own dirty work, even while you're on the phone or with a customer service representative.
To be fair, this comes from a girl who, just this morning, forgot to push her carry-ons through the security machine. And got loudly reprimanded by one of the TSA agents on duty. And got the dirtiest looks imaginable from others in the TSA Pre-Check line. We all make mistakes!
5. Find Your New Gate
You did it! You have your new flight! Now, immediately go find your new gate. It might be really far from where your old gate was or where you are right then. Be sure you know how to get there and when your new flight leaves! I once almost missed a flight to Istanbul because I thought I knew where my gate was... but in reality it was much farther than I anticipated! I made it with minutes to spare. Do not cut it close!
6. Enjoy Your Downtime
If you have lots of time to fill (like Steve and I do in San Francisco today), make the most of it! If you're far from home and have several hours to fill (four or more hours), go out and explore your layover city! The only true regret I have from my travels is not exploring Amsterdam during a nine hour layover traveling from Switzerland to DC.
Today, Steve and I had a leisurely brunch at an airport eatery, walked every corridor to which we had access, and now I'm chillin' with my duck Mr. Peabody Pembroke and enjoying a latte and a cream puff while Steve gets more steps in. Oh, and I'm blogging, too.
Yum!
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
Packing Strategy IV: Accessorize, Prioritize
Welcome to another installment of Packing Strategies!
This week we're looking at accessories. Gentlemen, for you that's mostly a watch and perhaps a wedding ring, but I have some tips for you, too! Ladies, there are quite a few more possibilities for us, and we'll get to those in a moment.
Men:
1. Watches
Leave the Rolex at home! And maybe the same for your nice, non-waterproof GPS watch, too. Some places you go are fine for that sort of thing (Monaco, for instance), but others are maybe not as safe for those things. In second- and third-world countries, or other countries with a high crime rate, wear a watch that is non-descript.
2. Rings
Hopefully your wedding ring won't be coming off at any time, but it may be a good idea to have a less expensive "decoy" ring that you wear while traveling, and leave your expensive ring at home. You can get inexpensive decoy rings on Amazon and the like. I actually bought a generic tungsten ring for $13, and it's the one I wear at the gym and when I travel to some countries.
Women:
1. Fine Jewelry
To piggy-back on that last point, ladies should also consider leaving those expensive pieces at home. Especially that flashy engagement ring for those diamond earrings you got for college graduation. Better safe than sorry!
2. Costume and Statement Jewelry
These are pieces that can change an entire outfit! I am tremendously in favor of re-wearing clothes when I travel because I like to travel light. A colorful necklace, earrings, or bracelet can make a black outfit look completely different than if you wore the black outfit on its own. Turquoise goes with almost everything, and so do pearls. Or if there's a color you particularly love or one that looks best on you, plan to wear a couple of outfits that are different from each other, but that both go with that color and piece of jewelry. Instead of two outfits, you now have four combinations!
3. Scarves
Scarves are so handy. A good scarf can be a cover-up for temples or other conservative places you may visit, a light blanket on a chilly plane, an accessory like the jewelry mentioned above, a wrap-around top, a bathing suit coverup, or perhaps for its intended purpose... a scarf! I almost never leave for a trip without a scarf, no matter what season or what the weather at my destination.
4. "Stuff" Carriers
In recent years, the travel industry has come up with stuff carriers that are leaps and bounds better than the fanny packs and money holders of yesteryear! Here's one that goes on your wrist and holds an iPhone 6 (they also make one big enough for the larger iPhone 6s). It also has a zipper pocket for cash or credit cards.
And here's one that goes around your waist. I mostly use it when I run to carry my ID, keys, and maybe cash or a credit card if I plan to stop for coffee somewhere. But it can also be used when you're just walking around a new city and want a little extra security for your money. It has a clip for your keys, and it fits well under your clothes.
What other accessories do you use when you travel? What other tips do you have?
For more packing strategies, check out these blog posts:
Packing Strategies I: Roll with It!
Packing Strategies II: Tetris Packing and an Element of Fun
Packing Strategies III: Adventures in Toiletries
This week we're looking at accessories. Gentlemen, for you that's mostly a watch and perhaps a wedding ring, but I have some tips for you, too! Ladies, there are quite a few more possibilities for us, and we'll get to those in a moment.
Men:
1. Watches
Leave the Rolex at home! And maybe the same for your nice, non-waterproof GPS watch, too. Some places you go are fine for that sort of thing (Monaco, for instance), but others are maybe not as safe for those things. In second- and third-world countries, or other countries with a high crime rate, wear a watch that is non-descript.
2. Rings
Hopefully your wedding ring won't be coming off at any time, but it may be a good idea to have a less expensive "decoy" ring that you wear while traveling, and leave your expensive ring at home. You can get inexpensive decoy rings on Amazon and the like. I actually bought a generic tungsten ring for $13, and it's the one I wear at the gym and when I travel to some countries.
$13 plain, boring, damage-proof tungsten ring for gym and travel
Women:
1. Fine Jewelry
To piggy-back on that last point, ladies should also consider leaving those expensive pieces at home. Especially that flashy engagement ring for those diamond earrings you got for college graduation. Better safe than sorry!
These lovely items stay safely at my home when we travel!
2. Costume and Statement Jewelry
These are pieces that can change an entire outfit! I am tremendously in favor of re-wearing clothes when I travel because I like to travel light. A colorful necklace, earrings, or bracelet can make a black outfit look completely different than if you wore the black outfit on its own. Turquoise goes with almost everything, and so do pearls. Or if there's a color you particularly love or one that looks best on you, plan to wear a couple of outfits that are different from each other, but that both go with that color and piece of jewelry. Instead of two outfits, you now have four combinations!
Chunky necklace, over-sized "pearl" earrings, and my favorite turquoise earrings. These items can take me from day to night, from basic and elegant black to fun and colorful!
3. Scarves
Scarves are so handy. A good scarf can be a cover-up for temples or other conservative places you may visit, a light blanket on a chilly plane, an accessory like the jewelry mentioned above, a wrap-around top, a bathing suit coverup, or perhaps for its intended purpose... a scarf! I almost never leave for a trip without a scarf, no matter what season or what the weather at my destination.
A few exciting scarves from my collection. I usually pick one per trip.
4. "Stuff" Carriers
In recent years, the travel industry has come up with stuff carriers that are leaps and bounds better than the fanny packs and money holders of yesteryear! Here's one that goes on your wrist and holds an iPhone 6 (they also make one big enough for the larger iPhone 6s). It also has a zipper pocket for cash or credit cards.
Cute wrist "purse."
And here's one that goes around your waist. I mostly use it when I run to carry my ID, keys, and maybe cash or a credit card if I plan to stop for coffee somewhere. But it can also be used when you're just walking around a new city and want a little extra security for your money. It has a clip for your keys, and it fits well under your clothes.
Handy dandy waist band with lot of pockets!
What other accessories do you use when you travel? What other tips do you have?
For more packing strategies, check out these blog posts:
Packing Strategies I: Roll with It!
Packing Strategies II: Tetris Packing and an Element of Fun
Packing Strategies III: Adventures in Toiletries
Monday, February 29, 2016
Packing Strategy III: Adventures in Toiletries!
This week's Packing Strategies post is all about... Toiletries!
There is nothing else in your carry-on or checked luggage that brings with it more rules and anxiety than your toiletries. How do I make sure they don't spill? Is this three or four ounces? Why can Europeans have 100 mL (3.38 oz), but Americans can only have three (88.72 mL)? Does my mousse count as a liquid? And what about dry shampoo? And I can only have a sandwich bag's worth of liquids? What's up with that?
Well, don't be baffled! Here are some tips and suggestions that might help you get the toiletries thing under control!
1. Solidify
The best way to eradicate the liquids problem is to use solid toiletries! That means solid bars of all kinds of things. They even make solid tablets of toothpaste these days! You won't have to worry about liquids spilling if they're not liquids to begin with! My friend Mellenie, creator of Truly-Life, makes natural soaps, lotions, and even bars that can be both body soap and shampoo! Check out her website: http://truly-life.com
Lotion Bar
Shampoo and Body Soap
2. Simplify
Forgot your toothbrush? They probably have an extra in your hotel lobby! Forgot your shampoo, soap, razor, lotion, and toothpaste? Most hotels and hostels have those, too. If you're really serious about packing lighter and simplifying your toiletries, you can just leave them at home! Check out the fine print on your hotel, hostel, or Air BnB website to see what they provide. You can also e-mail or call them if you want specifics. Some places even provide laundry facilities and detergent!
3. Coconut Oil
I've sung the praises of coconut oil before, but it's good enough to discuss again! It is solid at room temperature, but it can melt into a liquid at around 80 degrees, so I always follow the three-ounce rule with this one, but that's enough to get me through at least two weeks of travel because you don't have to use very much at a time. I use it for lotion, facial moisturizer, shaving lotion, hair masque (for what the beach, ocean water, and pool water do to my hair!), and even deodorant in a pinch!
4. "Travel Size" may not be the bargain you think it is!
And speaking of deodorant, regular sized deodorant is usually less than three ounces, so don't waste your money on "travel-size" when you can use what you already have in your own bathroom! I also make my own facial cleansing pads and take them with me, so I don't buy the facial wipes or liquid cleansers, then have to worry about how I'll transport the liquid in my carry-on. Take a look at your travel size items, then look at what you typically use and compare them. Is it worthwhile to get those travel-size items?
5. If All Else Fails
Keep in mind that if all else fails or you want to do away with packing toiletries altogether, you can buy what you need wherever you go! It may be a little different, the words on the packaging may be in a different language, but it'll get the job done! Don't be afraid to try something new or ask for help if you need it.
6. Last Tip
Keep in mind that if all else fails or you want to do away with packing toiletries altogether, you can buy what you need wherever you go! It may be a little different, the words on the packaging may be in a different language, but it'll get the job done! Don't be afraid to try something new or ask for help if you need it.
6. Last Tip
Just so you know... that regular-sized can of dry shampoo is a liquid! And it's more than three ounces. I've yet to see a travel-size dry shampoo container, but that doesn't mean they don't exist. Just be aware that many hair products do count as liquids, like mousse, gel, creams, waxes, etc. I once got pulled aside in the Vienna airport for my travel-size can of mousse because I didn't think to pull it out when going through the security screener!
Want more? Check out these past Packing Strategies posts!
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