Newsletter- June- Far Far Away
IF YOU ARE GOING TO A FAR, FAR AWAY LAND THIS SUMMER CONSIDER THESE…..
FIRST: LUGGAGE
Wherever you’re planning to go, pick luggage that is versatile, lightweight and big enough to hold all your essentials. Quick look at the different styles:
Rolling Luggage -There’s no need to carry all your gear on your back or via a duffle bag if you know you’re going to be traveling in a city where there are paved roads and sidewalks.
4-Wheels -Consider 4-wheels to keep the weight off your wrist and effortlessly roll your bag by your side.
Duffel Bag – These are simple, lightweight, and Eagle Creek’s duffel bags are crazy durable.
Wheeled Backpack – If you’ll be going through different types of terrain, or switching from airports to cobblestones, having a bag with the option to roll it or carry it like a backpack or duffel is really handy.
Travel Backpack – Traveling with a travel pack is going to mean hands-free mobility and ultimate versatility.
Carry-On – Whenever possible, travel with a carry on luggage. It’ll just mean you can save time at the airport, save on check-in fees, guarantee the airlines won’t lose your bag and the list goes on ……
BEFORE PACKING — ORGANIZE YOUR STUFF
Keeping everything organized can be a challenge, if you have lots of different types of activities planned. One of the best things you can do is keep your suitcase organized with packing organizers means not only will you know exactly where everything is, but your clothing can be arranged and compressed so you can fit more in your bag.
Keep your clothing organized in compartments based on outfit type or activity type by using zippered organizers that will make it easy to keep your bag neat and provide quick access to all the different things you’ll need during your trip.
Use compression sacs to reduce the volume of your clothes. This is especially convenient for bulky items such as sweaters and jackets.
WHERE TO START–THE BASICS
Lightweight clothing that can be layered Long-sleeved shirts
Sweaters or fleece jacket
T-shirts and tank tops (be respectful of the culture you are visiting)
Pants and/or shorts
Belt – especially one with a ingenuitive money protection option
Socks – wool socks are best for hiking
Comfortable walking shoes
Rain jacket, windbreaker or umbrella
Pajamas/sleepwear
Sunglasses and glasses case
Dresses and/or skirts
Jewelry – organized in a mini cube or circlet
Hat, cap or sun visor
Scarf or bandana
Swimsuit or swim trunks – and a wet/dry organizer
Cell phone and charger
Travel pillow, eye mask and ear plugs
Electric converters and adapters
Travel apps that will help with language, directions, and money conversion
Learn more about choosing the right packing organizers to pack the variety of everyday basics you’ll want to pack.
TOILETRY BAG — WHAT AND HOW
Remember the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule if you’re carrying on. Liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less per container and they must be in a 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag. Click here for more info about TSA rules regarding what you can pack.
ESSENTIALS —
Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash
Hair brush or comb, hair ties, barrettes/bobby pins
Deodorant
Shampoo and conditioner
Sunscreen and face lotion with SPF
Makeup remover wipes and q-tips
Night time Moisturizer/Lotion
Lip balm with SPF and lipstick or lip gloss
Personal hygiene items
Glasses and prescription sunglasses/extra contacts, solution and contact case Prescription medication with the label/script so that you can refill if needed and not be questioned by TSA.
EXTRAS —
Cologne/perfume
Personal mini mirror
Hair products like hairspray, hair gel and beard oil
Clothesline and detergent
Shaving kit and extra razors
Sewing kit/clothing care kit, stain remover
Facial tissues and/or toilet paper
Scissors, nail clippers, and tweezers (must be in checked luggage)
TRAVEL HEALTH (NOTE THERE IS A HEALTH AND WELLNESS SEMINAR TOMORROW AT 6:30PM. FOR MORE DETAILS SEE THE END OF THIS PUBLICATION.)
As soon as you decide to travel internationally, check the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s website for comprehensive travel vaccines, medicines, and travel advice information. Whether you decide to get vaccinated or not is your decision, but many vaccinations require administration 2 months before travel begins. So get informed!
For more inspiration about what travel essentials to bring with you in your airplane personal item, read this post from travel writer Kelly O’Reilly .
PERSONAL — CARRY-ON
It’s always a good idea to make sure you have an outfit (or two) and a few essential toiletries in your personal item just in case your luggage is lost. If you’ll be traveling around to multiple destinations, make sure this bag has items to keep you cozy on any train, boat or bus rides. It’s always nice to have a bag that’s easy to access so you don’t have to get into your luggage each time you need your eye mask. But remember, you’ll be carrying all of this, so keep it light.
Recommend considerations using a small daypack or backpack as your personal carry- on item. Here are some good things to include in your carry-on bag packing list:
TECHNOLOGY
Mobile device and charger
Laptop, iPad, or E-reader and charger(s)
Headphones (consider noise-reducing headphones if you’re sensitive to sound) Camera and Go Pro/video camera, memory card, and chargers
Electrical converters and adapters
TRAVEL COMFORT, ENTERTAINMENT, AND INFORMATION
Travel pillow, blanket, eye mask, and ear plugs
Travel journal and pen (it’s awful when you forget your pen!)
Books and magazines
Deck of cards and travel games
Chapstick and lotion – it’s dry up there
Water bottle – you’ll need to fill it up once you get through TSA
Guide books, travel guides, maps, language guides, etc. (if you will need any of these upon arrival at your destination, put it in your carry-on)
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS, CASH, AND CREDIT CARDS
Start by collecting all of your important documents in a travel document organizer. A clear plastic closeable folder holds a passport, reservation documents, a boarding pass, and a pen!). This will help ensure you have everything you need to get from one place to the next. Not sure what you need? Here’s your international travel checklist, document-wise:
Passport/visa(s) – Not sure if you need a travel visa? Check here.
Personal ID/Student ID card – If you’re a student, some companies, like Sta Travel, offer discount cards to ensure you get good deals while on the road Frequent flyer card(s) and other loyalty program card numbers (ex: hotel chains and AAA)
Cash and credit card(s) – Call your credit card companies before you travel to inform them of your travel (otherwise they might turn them off to prevent perceived fraud)
Health insurance cards/document(s)
Travel insurance information
Reservations and itineraries – print them and save them electronically for easy access
Hotel and/or tour contact information
Transportation tickets (plane, train, bus, car, etc.)
Emergency contacts and important addresses
Copies of all these things in case you lose your wallet
Guide books and maps
As soon as you book a trip, it’s a good idea to double-check that your passports and IDs are up to date. If you need to get a Passport for your kids, learn more here. You’ll also want to inform your bank if you’re traveling abroad so they don’t assume fraudulent activity and freeze your credit card. Also consider emailing yourself a copy of your passport, driver’s license, medical cards and itinerary, so if anything happens to them you’ll be able to access them online.
SECURITY
In most large cities, travelers should always be on the lookout for pickpockets. The easiest way to keep your belongings safe is to keep them hidden and close to you. One way to do this is to stash your valuables underneath your clothing. Another way is by locking your bags closed and using reflective accents to help folks see you at nighttime. Consider these safety travel essentials:
Money belt or hidden pocket
Undercover Bra Stash for credit cards and cash only
Leg wallet
Incognito All Terrain Money Belt which looks like a real belt!
Luggage Travel Lock
Reflective clothing and luggage accessories
Bring a headlamp or mini flashlight, better to be safe than unprepared
You can learn more about RFID safety from Scott Shelter, freelance journalist and frequent traveler.
HOME
If you’re going an extended trip, it’s essential to get your home in order before you go. Here are some simply tasks to think through before you head to the airport. (And yes, this travel checklist also includes thinking through home care.)
Have the post office hold your mail
Stop newspaper delivery
Set up an email autoresponder (unless you plan to be connected)
Arrange for care of pets, lawn, and plants
Set your bills on Auto pay or Pre-pay
If necessary, prearrange school absences for children and get any home study assignments required
Empty refrigerator of this that will expire
Turn up or down heater/AC/ water heater
Turn off washing machine taps
Lock all doors and windows
Set up timed light system
Store valuables in a safe place
Leave house key and trip itinerary with a trusted friend
Leave flight and hotel itineraries with a relative
Reconfirm/check-in online with airline before you Uber, train, or shuttle to the airport
Think through your list of things….and remember respect the people and places you visit; their customs, tip accordingly, try and learn their language, and truly immerse yourself in the culture. Travel changes us to be better than we were by opening our eyes and giving us newfound respect.
Travel well — before your go – make certain you are healthy —
ATTEND the Health and Wellness Seminar – July 25th, 6:30 pm; at 5716 West Hwy 290, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78735. In the Oak Acres business center. Contact 512-431-8069 for more details.