I am writing this blog from an Indianapolis hotel lobby. A work opportunity arose yesterday afternoon that I would have to pack fast, and be flexible if I wanted to take advantage of it. I have traveled so much recently, I felt confident that I could do so. I have made many mistakes in the past while traveling, but I think I have also learned much from these mistakes, so I am a much more efficient traveler now. Since I have been thinking about the best ways to travel, I thought I would take this opportunity to share some tips with you!
Leave essential items packed
I always end up forgetting something at home. I've learned to buy travel versions of the very essentials so I know that I have those packed and ready to go, when I leave packing until the very last minute. I would suggest at the very least a toothbrush, hairbrush, and some travel medicine (advil, alka seltzer, etc). I have a whole separate set of makeup that I keep in a bag at all times. I will pull the eyeshadow out every now and then if I want that specific color, but make sure to put it back in my bag so it's there. I also have a travel razor, because that is one of my most-forgotten items. I have separate bags for medicine and liquids as well. I bought a clear plastic bag from target that fits airline standards and keep my travel shower stuff, lotion, and mascara in. Then I'm always airplane ready and do not have to scramble at the security gate or deal with ziplock bags falling apart after too much use. This also helps for non-airplane travel because if something spills, it is separated from the rest of my stuff. For medicines, I keep an extra baggie or bottle of all my OTC medicines in a bag as well, and just add my prescriptions the day of travel. One extra trip, check all the nooks and crannies of the hotel room before you leave, so you do not forget these little items. I have lost too many razors to count, because I left them in the shower and forgot to re-pack them!
Label everything
If you have things pre-packed, it might become more difficult to remember what it is exactly that you have packed if it's not already labeled. Some people like to buy reusable travel bottles and fill them with their shampoo/conditioner/body wash of choice, so make sure to label which one is which. I also try to separate my OTC meds if they are not in a small bottle, and label the bag.
Make a list for trip-specific packing
I love lists in general, but a few days before a trip, I especially like to get a list started. I will remember things here and there that I need to remember, so as I think of it, I will write it down. I prefer lists on my phone, since I always have it with me. Then, when I am scrambling to pack, I do not have to think of every thing I might possibly need, because I have already written it down.
Find the perfect bag
First, find a bag with many parts/containers. This is not something that I do well, actually. I love my Kate Spade, but its big pocket and small opening make my cell phone and wallet almost impossible to find. But when packing, try to keep in mind that you will not want to unpack and repack your entire bag to find one thing, and pick the bag that has easy access to the stuff you will want the soonest: your id, money, reading material, snacks, and tech stuff. My favorite carry on has a side pocket in which I can fit my computer and many smaller pockets up front, one of which I dedicate to my liquids so I can easily pull them out at security.
Second, look up airline regulations to find an appropriate-sized bag. Most airlines allow you one bag and one "personal item" like a purse or briefcase. Both have to fit within certain size requirements. I have a matching set of polka-dot (of course) luggage that I know which two will be appropriate as carry-ons, then I will pick a purse that will fit some reading material and/or my laptop or iPad. The small rolling bag I have will only fit in the overhead bin, and only on bigger flights. This means I can put my purse underneath the seat in front of me and quickly access my reading material. On smaller flights, to avoid embarrassment, I preemptively ask to gate-check my bag (which gate officials are usually happy to do) so it goes underneath the plane and I can retrieve it right after the flight near the plane. In short, know thy bag, particularly its size.
Third, make sure your bags are durable. There are few things worse than a bag breaking in the gate or when the airline officials are handling it. I had one of my bags break while I was flying home from my semester in Germany, and I had to buy another (very expensive) suitcase in the airport to make it home. As a final note: I always try to scale down my packing so I can fit all of my stuff into my carry-ons. That way, I do not risk the airline losing my bag and I can take all necessary precautions myself to prevent it breaking.
Dress appropriately for travel
I like to wear plenty of layers, because the temperature of airports/airplanes can vary drastically. I also try to pick long dresses or pants without much metal to get through the security more easily. If I am not wearing something with pockets, there is no chance I will forget to take something out of my pockets and have to go back through security. Finally, try to pick easily slipped-off shoes because you will have to take them off for security. It is difficult to balance clothes that are stylish enough to go somewhere when you land, comfortable enough for long travel, and security-friendly, but with practice, you will find a few go-to pieces that fit all three criteria. Also remember that if you are taking your normal purse/briefcase with you, rummage through it before you go to make sure that there are not any contraband items in it already. I have had numerous nail clippers and wine openers confiscated because I forgot they were in my bag. I even lost a monogrammed Swiss army knife one time!
Get to the gate on time
This seems like a no-brainer but it is worth repeating. Try to check the traffic a few hours before you leave for the airport so you can leave earlier if you need to, or pick a different route. For most trips, you need to be at the airport an hour before you are set to leave in order to get through security, but if it is a busy travel day (or you are traveling internationally), give yourself some more time. If you are leaving in the morning, set multiple alarms so you do not oversleep. Check in as early as possible (24 hours on U.S. Air) and print the ticket or download it to your phone so you do not have to wait for a kiosk or an airline employee to help you. When you get to the airport, double-check from which gate the flight is leaving. In Philly, the airline frequently changes the gate, so I have walked all the way down to the end of one corridor just to find out that the new one is at the very end of the other corridor. If you are early enough, this will not set you back, but check the monitors before you walk too far just to make sure.
Maximize your entertainment options
I have experienced many trips where I had to buy magazines or books at the airport, or have been bored on the plane, because the entertainment I had planned did not work for some reason. I now have to hedge my bets by bringing multiple analog or offline options. Many airlines offer wifi and some have plugs to charge your devices, but these are imperfect and not offered everywhere. It is best to make sure you have something to do for the whole trip, even if your phone/computer/tablet did not work the entire time. If I do not have specific work to do, I will bring lawyer magazines and then leave them in the plane seat back when I am done so my load gets progressively lighter. Usually I will tear out the articles that interest me and tear off my name and address before I totally ditch the magazine. If your best options are digital, make sure that you charge at every opportunity. Start the trip fully charged, then at every gate, seek out the closest outlet. This may seem excessive, but there will be times when you will not be able to find an outlet, or a delayed flight leaves you no time in between connections to charge. I have found it to be necessary to be diligent about charging if I want to enjoy whatever it is that I have on my technology.
Figure out what to do with long layovers
Just a quick (unpaid) plug for the U.S. Air club here. I have some day passes that I have been hoarding and if I have a couple-hour layover, it is definitely worth it to get out from the crowds and get some free coffee/wifi/snacks.
Tips for celiacs
As someone who has much fewer eating options, traveling is just that much harder for me. I've figured out a few things to help: 1. I pack extra drink mixes and things that make me feel better, then I can just find a cup and some water to make a little pick me up. I currently have packed accelerade for post-workouts, magnesium for easier sleep, and l-glutamine for gut repair. I also pack my probiotics to take every day, and gas relief pills and alka seltzer for slip ups. Figure out what your go-to is when you get glutened, and make sure you have extra of that packed at all times. 2. Research ahead of time what might be celiac safe. If you are meeting up with friends, they might appreciate the suggestion of what you can eat, or you might want to know where you can go in the airport to pick something up. Knowledge is power, and the internet has lots of reviews by your fellow celiacs (even some by me!). 3. Pack more snacks than you think you'll need. I like to bring a bunch of protein bars (I eat think thin, because they are heavy on the protein and certified gf) and some kind of snack food, like almonds. Even though I usually end up buying something at the airport more substantial, it is nice to know I have a fallback for the whole trip. 4. Hit up the smoothie joint (but research beforehand): if I am feeling really blah and unhealthy, I will try to find any version of a smoothie chain to get some quick fruit and vegetable sustenance. Many places have vitamin or other nutrient "boosts" that they can add to the smoothie. Be wary though, on one trip, I went to three different smoothie places and none of the employees at any of them knew which boosts were gluten-free so it is best to research before you get there to avoid a frustrating Q and A.
What are your favorite travel tips?
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