More luggage suggestions to think about when purchasing a new bag…
Since all overhead bins are not the same size, the piece you just purchased may not actually fit in the plane where you’re trying to stuff your bag. If that happens, you’ll have to gate check your bag. How did this happen?
You were positive the measurements were listed on the tag. Did those measurements include the wheels, or just the bag? Usually, they refer to the container…not the wheels or handles that happen to stick out.
When shopping for a new piece of luggage, weight matters. Why?
There are airline restrictions on weight. You have to lift the bag into the overhead compartment. You may even need to lug it up 70 stairs to your apartment rental in Venice. Weight matters.
When you’re looking at luggage in the store, be sure to lift it. Don’t just assume the tag that says it is “lightweight” really means it. Look for the actual weight printed on the tag. If it isn’t there, ask the salesclerk to weigh it for you. Seriously.
If you’re buying it online, check and double-check the weight listed. Make sure you can return it if necessary. When you receive it, weigh it.
Even though you probably need all the credit cards, the car wash reward card, your coffee upgrade card, and your work ID card in your wallet or purse when you’re at home…you won’t need all of those when you travel.
There are several reasons for emptying out your wallet and purse.
It will be lighter and easier to carry without the extra pieces. You won’t have to look through everything to find the one card you need. You won’t lose them if something accidentally falls out. If your wallet is stolen, you won’t lose everything.
Just make sure you have what you need…leave the rest at home.
Ever notice how many black bags there are on a baggage carousel?
If yours is one of those black ones, do you put some distinguishing mark or tag on it so you can recognize it easily? Just curious.
Next time you shop for luggage, look at all the colors available.
On many airlines, your checked bag can weigh up to 50 pounds. Some airlines, even less.
What that means for you…don’t pack your bag at 49.5 pounds. If your scale and the airport scale aren’t the same or if one is slightly inaccurate, you’ve got a problem.
Allow some room for error.
Have you ever locked your checked luggage? Did you find the lock broken when you picked it up off the baggage carousel?
If your luggage needs to be inspected, TSA can and will rip off the lock or break it. For that reason, pick a bag with a TSA approved lock. That means TSA can open it with a master key. The label will tell you if it’s TSA approved
If you’ve packed your bottle of shampoo in your checked bag, have you considered it may leak or explode if it’s too close to the edge and another bag gets dropped on it?
Or, what if your small bag of liquids is in your carry on bag and you have to gate check it? Is that little bag protected enough to withstand other luggage items tossed on to it?
You can read all sorts of tips about picking your hotel.
Is it cheaper to stay on the outskirts of the city? Might be. But, consider what you want to do and how much a taxi ride into the downtown area will cost. It might seem like a cheaper way to stay…but your other costs may end up higher than if you stayed closer to activities where you want to spend time.
Should you read reviews? Probably. When you do, make sure you read current ones. The ones from two years ago may not be accurate. Also, read more than just a couple. Two bad ones or two great ones might cancel out the rest of them. Pay attention to what the reviewers have to say. If most of them comment on the uncomfortable beds and the less than stellar customer service, it’s a good bet those are real issues.
Can you find it on a map? It would be a good idea. Make sure the address is accurate and that you could find it when walking through the city.
Should you book directly through the hotel? You might get a better rate. Not always, but often, calling the hotel directly will give you a better rate than a booking site. Plus, you can ask a live person if there are any specials available.
When traveling, do you really need to pack a coat? After all, it’s probably fairly bulky and takes up room in your luggage.
Think about where and when you are traveling. Summer in the Caribbean…I’d leave my coat at home.
Paris in the spring…I’d definitely take a coat of some type. You might want a couple of layers, using a lightweight, easy-to-pack jacket instead of a heavy coat. Or, you might want a blazer you can use over a long-sleeved sweater.
Instead of packing it, wear it. That might seem like a simple solution, but you might be surprised at how many people pack their coats instead of wearing them.
Rain jacket? Check the weather report. If rain isn’t in the forecast…and it does rain while you’re there, buy a cheap umbrella from a street vendor. Trust me, when rain starts falling…vendors selling umbrellas pop up all over the place.
Do you have a favorite type of tea which helps calm you and makes you rest? If so, why not pack a couple the next time you have a long flight and want to sleep?
Ask for a cup of hot water, toss in your tea bag, and relax.