Before leaving, before packing for your trip, do you check the weather at your destination?
You can check it a week or so prior and then again the day before. Will it be exactly as the forecast? Probably not…but at least you’ll have some idea of what to pack.
Then, pack accordingly. You can almost always pick up an umbrella from a street vendor in case of unexpected showers. If you plan to dress in layers, you’ll probably be ready for most weather changes.
If you’re going to be gone for an extended period of time, you’ll probably have bills that come due during that time.
You could make advance payments before you leave. Check the due dates and schedule or make those payments in advance.
Before traveling, check your wallet. It’s a good idea to have cash so you don’t have to use an ATM right away. Avoid those ATM fees, if you can.
And, if you’ve made that trip to the ATM, you probably received $20 bills. This is great…until you want to leave a tip for the taxi driver, the maid, or the doorman.
Make sure you have some smaller bills as well.
Before leaving on your trip, make sure you have charged all your devices. Also, make sure you have the correct adapters for Europe or Asia or wherever you are going in order to charge those devices.
Recently, I purchased a new piece of luggage. Choices…there were so, so many.
One decision I had to make…did I want two wheels or four wheels?
Some travelers prefer the standard two wheels, as they feel those bags are easier to drag behind you on cobblestone streets or uneven paths.
Others prefer four wheels, as the bag is narrower and easier to bring down the aisle of the airplane.
Check out both…let me know what you think.
Before leaving for a trip, I make lists. Plural…
I make a “To Do” list, I make a “Pack” list, I make a “To Do On The Day I Leave” list…you get the idea.
Why?
It keeps me organized and by writing it down, I don’t have to try to remember exactly what I was going to do when.
How about you?
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.