Air Travel Made Easy and Painless
With the crunch on airlines, traveling is not as much the pleasure it once was. For some it can cause their aortic blood vessel to pop. Now discount oakley sunglasses, I am not a world traveler... well, maybe I am. I have traveled to about 20 countries in my life time, and I have gone from hitch hiking with a back pack and staying in youth hostels to going First Class and staying in Blue Ribbon Resorts (higher than 5-Star). I have traveled with 2 outfits to last me 4 months to 3 full suitcases carrying 2 outfits per day. So, as we got ready to take this 3 week trip to Arizona and Mexico, I was faced with the dilemma of packing again.
The last vacation we took discount oakley sunglasses, I definitely over packed. I don't regret it, that was the nature of the trip. We were celebrating our 25th Anniversary and decided to go full tilt. But I decided as we were rolling our train of luggage around the airport that I was not going to over pack anymore. I nailed it this time! I did not over pack, and I did not forget anything.
1. Pack Light and Pack Versatile
We live in a cold climate, and will be returning to snow. So I had to have closed shoes and a jacket for the travel day. With that exception, everything else is very versatile and can be worn with anything. My favorite piece that I would not do without is my Pashmina scarf. It acted as a pillow on the plane, as a blanket when I was cool, or as a shawl when we went out in the evening. It is small and rolls up taking hardly any space in my purse. It can be sweltering hot out, but walk into an air-conditioned restaurant and you will soon be shivering. Not anymore with a pashmina!
2. Pre-Travel Preparation
With Google at your fingertips, there is no reason not to be prepared for travel. I Googled and printed off a map to the hotel, map of the area, directions of places were wanted to travel to, addresses and phone numbers. This was so helpful because we landed late at night when it was pitch black. I already had a good idea of where we were staying and had no trouble finding my way.
Call your hotel or check online to find out what amenities they supply. Many provide shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and a blow dryer. That way you do not have to bring things unnecessarily. Also, purchase travel sized containers to reduce the weight and space.
3. Pack A Spare Suitcase
This tip falls under "better safe than sorry," for 2 reasons. Even when you don't plan on shopping, we have always ended up with bulging suitcases on the trip home and then are trying to purchase an extra suitcase at the last minute. Bring one and you will have it if you need it.
The other reason, is simply because it is a money-saving tactic. If you are over weight, the fine is usually astronomical! Better to pay for an extra piece of luggage which is about $25 or $35, much cheaper! The one you bring doesn't have to be large, it could be a soft-sided duffel bag you lay in the bottom of your suitcase, or pack a suitcase within a suitcase.
4. Organize Your Bags With Baggies
Pick up some small craft baggies. I just love these babies. I used them to pack my daily vitamins which took up less space than the bottles. They are convenient too as you can throw one into your purse or pocket each day.
I also used these bags to organize my electronic cords for my iPod, Camera, iPhone, laptop, etc. Then I put all those items into a zippered pouch. It was wonderful having everything organized and easy to grab whatever I needed for the day.
5. Have a Notebook
No matter how digital you are, keep a notebook and pen handy. Sometimes your organizer may die or you don't have batteries, but you will always have what you need with your notebook & pen. I used this to keep track of so many things and my To-Do lists that I could write a book on it. A "must" for traveling.
6. Some Packing Essentials
Back Pack - ours has a smaller pouch that can be used as well, so it is a 2-in-1 Pack
Small Umbrella - for rain or sun
Small Sewing Kit - with safety pins, which I was so grateful when a strap broke
Nail Kit -
First Aid Kit
Multi-Tool - such as a Swiss Army Knife and a Multi-Plier
Just remember to pack these in your luggage and not your carry on.
7. Wonder File
One of the frustrations when you travel is knowing where to keep things, and then when you want them, you can't remember where they are? This is my new Favorite Thing! I "wonder" how I got along without it! It folds up small like a laptop case. You unfold it and it becomes your office. I can work on the hotel bed, and it has pockets and tucks for everything. All my papers and receipts have a home and all in one place. When you are done recording your receipts, planning your lists or excursions, just close it up. It holds a small laptop, calculator, pens, everything you need. You can take it with you anywhere. Also, by keeping track of your expenditures as you go is one thing that reduces post-travel stress.
8. 3-In-1 Laundry Sheets
If you are packing light and need to do laundry along the way discount oakley sunglasses, this is another favorite thing I discovered, 3-in-1 Laundry Sheets. They are sheets the size of a dryer sheet, but they are the detergent, fabric softener and anti-static all in one. So convenient and handy. But after I did my laundry, I noticed some stains remained.... so I have added one more thing to my list for future trips.... a small pretreatment stain stick.
9. Be Prepared For Medical Emergencies
We have visited so many hospitals on various trips, I have learned to be prepared and carry a list of medical information. I have an article on my website about what you should include in your list.
10. Ask The Locals
We have dined in some wonderful restaurants that are off the beaten track that the locals frequent. I would have walked right by making a judgement by the building, but because it was recommended by the locals, we went in... and we were not disappointed.
11. Negotiate
Since we were staying longer than a week, we inquired if we could get a better rate - and we did! We saved about $300. It never hurts to try to negotiate or inquire for better rates, the worst thing they can say is "No."
12. Money Saving Tips
We found some great ways to save money with our dining-out budget. Our hotel supplied a continental breakfast, so that was a savings. Many times lunch was a simple salad or nuts and fruit we picked up at a grocery store. Then we would enjoy a nice supper out. Even at that, the portions are so large that we soon started sharing an entree. If we were really hungry, we would order a salad or appetizer, or save room to share a dessert.
Also check into the "off" time for things you may want to do. We tried 10-Pin Bowling for the first time in our life. By going before 6:00, the rates were less than half. Or take advantage of Early Bird Specials, weekend rates, or check coupons online.
Whether you are traveling for pleasure, medical or for business, I hope these tips will be useful to make your next trip fun and relaxing.Related：
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