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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.

When planning for a trip, especially a big one, it’s fairly easy to know how much you’ll spend on airfare, hotels or apartments, car rental, and specific attractions. But, what about other charges? What about keeping track of your money while traveling? Do you know what to do?

You may encounter bank or ATM fees when  you get cash. You can check before you go.

What about taxis? Do you have plans to utilize public transportation or will you be taking taxis everywhere?

Do you plan on using your phone if you’re in Europe? Do you know what you will be charged?

What’s the local exchange rate? Is it better to get Euros before you leave home? Avoid exchanging at the airport.

Don’t bring traveler’s checks…no matter how cheap they appear to be. They’re not.

Do you know the local custom for tipping at restaurants, at hotels, for the maid?

Do you know how to keep your valuables safe when traveling?

Avoid using public Wi-Fi for financial transactions.

So much has been written about travel clubs, timeshares, or vacation clubs. Before you say ‘yes’, think about some of these things.

Are you already on vacation in a spot you love? Do you come back year after year? You’re having fun…right? You are offered the opportunity to come back here to your own place. Step back and think about it. It may be a good deal for you and it may not. Weigh all your options.

Before you sign anything, read the fine print. Does it list the exact time you will have the villa or condo? Can you rent it out if you’re not using it? Will that cost you extra money? What are the maintenance fees and do they go up?

Is the travel club legit? AAA has one that is. Check the one you’re looking at.

Shop around.

Check for scams.

Think about how you like to travel. Will it be worth it?

Regardless whether you are the go-it-alone type of traveler or one who likes to know exactly when and where to go, you may benefit from hiring a tour guide. When?

If you are short on time, the right guide can help you see exactly what you want to see, customizing it for your few hours of visiting a new city. Think 36 hours in New York City…

If you are visiting really popular locations for the first time, a tour guide can tell you the best time to visit certain attractions or when the prices are best. When are the most people visiting the Grand Canyon?

If you are visiting historic destinations or cultural attractions, an educated tour guide can offer history, stories, and facts you might not otherwise know about. What do those carvings mean?

If you are on an adventure trip, a tour guide who knows the local area, the laws, and the land will be of great help. Want to go white-water rafting? Hire a guide.

If you don’t want to drive, a tour guide can take you where you want to go without worrying about getting lost. Maybe you really don’t want to drive on the ‘wrong’ side of the road.

If you don’t speak the language or even read the signs, you might be better off hiring a local guide.

By now, most travelers know what they can and can’t put in their carry on bag. Having said that, there always seems to be one person in the security check line that hasn’t traveled for the last century and a half.

TSA clearly states each passenger may pack one quart sized, clear, zip topped plastic bag with their three ounce or smaller bottles in it.

Exceptions include medications…both prescription and over the counter products like saline solution and eye drops, and liquids needed for people with medical conditions. They don’t have to be in the bag but must be declared at the security checkpoints.

If you’re looking for a special occasion place, a place to relax, a place to enjoy San Francisco, or a fantastic lunch…head to the Palace Hotel in San Francisco.

I will be reviewing this hotel for a couple of magazines. Stay tuned.