Month: January 2015

The Budweiser Clydesdales visit from time to time at breweries around the country. This week I had the opportunity to see them in Fairfield, CA. We’ve probably all seen them on commercials. I know I can’t wait to see the new ones each year during the Super Bowl…in fact these are often the most awaited commercials.

On screen they are beautiful. Up close, they are magnificent. Their handlers were eager to give us facts and the horses were patient while we petted them and took their photos. Did you know that to qualify as one of the traveling horses in the hitch they must be at least four years old, a gelding, 72 inches at the shoulder when mature, weigh between 1,800 and 2,300 pounds, have a bay coat, four white legs, white blaze, and black mane and tail?

And, those furry feet…all with special horseshoes. The shoes weigh about five pounds each and are about 20 inches from end to end. Big shoes…for big feet.

Located in stables in three places around the US, they travel and perform in events about 250 days a year. How do they get to those places? In comfort, in three 50 foot semis with air suspension and cushioned floors. Cameras are mounted inside so the drivers can see what the horses are doing and each night they stop at stables so the horses can rest. 

If you ever have the chance to visit them…go for it. Each one is stunning and can be a bit of a prankster…as they try to grab the handler’s jacket or whatever else is handy.

Tight connections that can’t be helped? Reserve your seat near the front of the airplane. If those seats are already taken, check in at the counter and explain your situation. 

Does your suitcase expand? If you’re shopping for a new bag to use as checked luggage, you may want to look at ones that expand.

Have you used packing folders? Similar in concept to packing cubes, these folders come with boards to help fold your clothes. How about space saving bags? These allow you to shrink bulky items like sweaters into smaller bags. Plus, they tend to keep out the wrinkles.

Pack things inside of other packed items. Shoes can hold socks or underwear.

Baby shampoo can be used as laundry detergent and to defog your scuba or ski goggles.

Dental floss can be used as thread or when you need some extra string. 

Choose your travel days to get the most out of your fares. Most times Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are the least popular travel days for domestic flights. This may work in your favor when booking your next flight.

Fly in the morning, if you can. There is less chance of a flight delay in most places. One notable exception is San Francisco where the fog often delays early morning flights. It burns off by late morning or early afternoon.

Get to the airport early. Check before you leave home if your flight is delayed or on time.

Allow at least 45 to 60 minutes for a connecting flight when booking your flight. This will vary by airline and by airport. At any rate, allow enough time to not be stressed out by missing your flight.

If you don’t travel with a lint brush, use your baggage tag.

Have a long layover in an airport? Here are a couple of things you can do to pass the time. Buy a day lounge pass in the airport lounge. The chairs are more comfortable, often there are free snacks, Wi-Fi is available, and many have customer service counters. Take a free tour of the airport

Pay attention to germs on the airplane…on the bathroom handles, arm rests, tray tables, seat pockets, and hand held remotes. Wash your hands often and remember to pack some hand sanitizer and wipes.

If your flight is a long one, roll up a blanket or scarf for added lumbar support.

Drape a folded scarf or sweater over your armrest to add some padding. 

Bring your own tasty and better snacks.

Traveling in 2015? Do you have your packing list ready? Want some more tips to help pack everything you’ll need? Check out these tips:

Pack a scarf. I know I’ve mentioned this one before, but it makes so much sense to pack a lightweight scarf. Use it for everything from a pillow (wad it up on the plane) to a cover up in churches (remember to keep your shoulders covered) to a sarong or skirt when you forgot to pack one.

Pack lip balm. Dry airplane air, walking around in the sun, cold weather, eating salty foods…it helps with all of these and more. Need to tame some frizzy hair ends or unstick a zipper? Try lip balm.

Pack sunscreen stick. Since it’s not a liquid you can pack it in your carry on. And, there’s no chance it will leak onto the rest of your items.

Next time your hotel has a disposable shower cap, take it and pack it. Use it as a shoe cover to keep your good shoes from getting scuffed and use it to cover your sandy or dirty shoes to keep them from getting everything else sandy or dirty.

Use the hair conditioner in hotels as shaving cream.

Pack clothing items that do double duty.

Use compression sacks to pack more items in your suitcase, as long as you stay within the weight limit.

Duct tape is a traveler’s friend. Cover blisters, repair a backpack, remove lint, make a simple handle…so, so much more.