7 Travel Tips I Live By

Now that travel season is in full swing and given the crowds, it seems like people are making up for lost time after being cooped up for the last two years. I have traveled extensively over the past 20 years and wanted to share a few travel tips I live by. What’s your best travel tip? Let me know by leaving a comment on the website.

1. Invest in a good carry-on suitcase. I look for the lightest possible while maintaining quality so I can save the weight for the items I pack. Four wheels are a must and good ones that roll easily in every direction. Pulling a suitcase with only two wheels is hard on the shoulders and as people age, it helps to vary pushing or pulling the suitcase. A sturdy handle makes it easier when pushing a suitcase on all four wheels or nesting another small bag on top. I recently purchased a Bagalini Suitcase from an ad on Facebook. It’s very lightweight and has lots of compartments which are very handy. The wheels are ok and the handle is a bit flimsy; next time I’d choose something sturdier.
2. Pack light and either hand wash or find a laundry service. I rarely ever check bags except when embarking on a scuba diving trip. That way, no lost luggage and it’s quicker to make international transfers not to mention easier to get around once I arrive.
3. Use packing cubes and roll clothes so they have less wrinkles. Better yet, bring clothes that don’t wrinkle and dry quickly. Packing cubes are great because they keep everything organized and separated by type.
4. Use a money belt to keep valuables hidden. Or for women, invest in PurseSuitz, a undergarment tank top with big pockets. PurseSuitz was invented by a woman who wanted to make travel safer for women. You can purchase them through my website, and I receive a small commission, but it doesn’t cost you anymore.
5. I use RFID wallets and purses to protect my identity and credit cards.
6. Pack lightweight backpacks or bags that fold into a pouch. It can double as a pillow and a carryon for the return flight if I want to check my suitcase. That way, I can collect souvenirs and not worry about having room.
7. Take small size cosmetics, there are usually plenty of places to purchase more and it saves so much room and weight.

The bottom line is, the more stuff I bring, the harder it is to pack it around. I strive to take half as much as I think I’ll need but twice as much money. I also worked with Elisabeth White of Rediscover your Closet to help me create outfits with my existing wardrobe in different combinations. It’s great for packing and travel. I have several outfits from one base and photos I refer to when packing. It has made packing a synch.