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.
One of the bulkier items to pack is a hair dryer. It takes up a lot of room, is hard to squeeze in a carry-on bag, and can be unnecessary.
Why? Most hotels have them. So do most VRBO rentals. If you really don’t know, check the website or call the place where you’re staying. Maybe it isn’t exactly like the one you use in your own home, but chances are it will work fine.
Save the room in your bag for something else…like shoes!
Do you plan ahead of time what you’re going to wear on the plane? Does it change from a short hop to a trip to Europe?
Comfort is necessary, especially on long flights. But, that doesn’t mean you need to look like you just crawled out of bed. You might want to take a shawl to use as a cover up in case you get cold. Layers are also a good idea.
How about shoes? We’ve all seen someone in the security line trying to take off complicated shoes or laced up boots. Flats that slip on and off usually are best. You can toss some socks in your carry-on to keep your feet warm on the plane.
I have many ideas…what are some of your favorites?
Have you tried these travel apps?
Wayn…this one lets you search for new travel destinations based on the type of activity you’d like to do. If diving or skiing or mountain biking is your thing…this might be an app of interest to you.
HelloTel…apparently this one creates a social network around the location where you are staying. You can connect with other travelers in that area.
Trover…you can explore exciting world destinations through the photos of other travelers. Either look at these Instagram similar galleries or get ideas for your next trip.
Steller…create an online book of your photos.
Any others you’ve tried?
Have a joyous Easter…