I’ve talked…a lot…about packing lists. To me, they’re invaluable.
If you travel a fair amount, also keep your ‘go bag’ of toiletries packed and ready to go. I don’t care whether you jet off to Europe or go to Tahoe for the weekend. Having that already packed and ready saves a bunch of time when packing.
You also have less chance of forgetting to take something important…like an extra set of contact lenses, vitamins, or your favorite travel hair products.
When you’re in a new city and aren’t sure exactly where you’re going or where the museum is from the gelato shop, do you wander outside, get out the map, and look at it? If you do, guess what? Everyone knows you’re a tourist.
Maybe you don’t actually have a map but you’re using your phone or other device. Still, you’re trying to find out where to go. And, you’re letting everyone around you know…you’re a tourist.
So, what do you do? You could do several things…
Before you set out, take some time to look at where you’re going and where you want to go. Get a general idea, maybe even remember some street names.
Look at your map or phone while you’re having lunch or a drink…not the middle of the sidewalk.
Get lost…who knows what you might discover.
Check out more at this link…
https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0ByYWS2FVwiVtfnJqcU9XMWpiaDYyYVFqR2JLOF9GUVlvQmVzekNrLW9wUk5UQjZEYTN3UGM&usp=sharing
These don’t take up much room in your carry on bag or your checked luggage. Yet, they are useful in so many ways.
What are they?
Bags…resealable and reusable. Both kinds come in handy.
Keep the shampoo bottle from leaking, put the wet swimsuit in one, keep everything dry when at the beach, take shopping with you in the US or in Europe, put your dirty shoes in one to keep everything else around them clean, put some snacks in one, use a different one for each child when traveling to keep their things separate from the rest, keep your notes, place any postcard or business card souvenirs, toss the change in one, keep the seashells from getting sand all over everything, toss some tissues or toilet paper in one when going for a hike…the list goes on.
What do you use the bags for when you travel?
From the Monterey Bay Aquarium…enjoy
Okay, you’ve bought the right travel purse. Now, what do you put in it and what do you leave out?
Think about your wallet. Do you really need absolutely everything in it when you travel? The grocery store card, department store card, or your local museum pass are probably not necessary when going to Paris.
Take the essentials and leave the rest at home. Then, think about a lightweight wallet that will hold what you need, including your passport.
Do you have lotion or hand sanitizer in your purse? Make sure they’re travel size. How about aspirin or sunscreen? Again…travel size.
At the end of the day, take out all the things you won’t need the next day. Maps, brochures, postcards, used tickets, etc. can all be removed and put in your luggage.
Do you toss coins in the bottom of your purse throughout the day? If so, remove them at the end of the day and don’t let them accumulate for several days in a row. You can either put them in a coin purse so you know where they are or in your suitcase if you don’t think you’ll use them.
Happy Traveling…
For those of us that travel with purses, sometimes we feel like we’re carrying the weight of the world on our shoulders…literally.
So, how can you lighten the load and still have room for what you need when traveling?
First, start with the right purse. Think about these before you decide which purse to buy…
Some purses weigh a couple of pounds or more before you put anything in them. Look at lightweight travel purses, made specifically for traveling. Think about a cross-body purse that can also be carried. Maybe you need one with a panel that slips over your suitcase handle or one that folds down flat when you’re not using it. Do you need RFID blocking or a strap with a cable in it so it can’t be cut? What about a passport pocket or warranty?
Do you need one large enough to carry a camera or kid stuff?
Next…how to keep it from getting heavier.
