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Prepping For Our First Family Vacation

1/26/2022

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I don't like to brag, but I have become a sort of well-oiled machine in advance of my travels with my husband. A list-making, organized, well-prepared traveler I am, but all of that is going out the window as we count down the days until our first family vacation.  ​

I don't feel like travel agent, seasoned traveler, or champion packer. I just feel like an overwhelmed mom of a preschooler who is joining us on her first vacation. In one of my many (MANY) texts to a frequent-client-and-fellow-mom-turned-friend, I confessed that I don't even feel like I do this for a living. I was looking to her for advice. We had a good laugh over that, and I am hoping she still trusts me with her travel arrangements. (Kidding!)

I started packing about a month in advance (I normally pack about 2 days before travel), started shopping about three weeks in advance for small necessities, made about 15 lists, and then hounded my husband to just get done too (he normally is packing 8 hours before departure). I was a ball of stress, basically.

Part of this is because we booked our DIsney cruise about six weeks from departure, and it was a whirlwind from then on - between planning for and making Fish Extenders and FE gifts (that will be a whole 'nother post), buying new wardrobes for everyone in the house (next size up for the 3yo, clothing that isn't from my husband's high school days, and a few sizes down for this weightloss mama), procuring all of the little odds and ends needed for travel, and dealing with the multiple components of this vacation (transfers, airfare, baggage, the cruise, Port Adventures, our night post-cruise) it has been a real juggling act.  ​
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We are checking luggage (2 bags) for this vacation. We are normally carry-on travelers, even for 8 night vacations like this one. We pack lighter and do laundry on the ship halfway through, which is always our preference. BUT, checked bags cost less with our carrier than carry-on bags, and we need a whole section of a bag for nighttime Pull-Ups, so larger luggage it is. Even the needs of a little tiny 3yo take up real estate, and we're not even packing formal gear or costumes. ​
I have picked up some "vacation surprises" for our daughter. Dollar Tree trips have been in the rotation in the days leading up to departure, and I have found so many fun surprises for our daughter - between goodies for her airplane backpack and throughout the cruise, I was able to indulge on extra magical touches without spending much money. Some of my favorite finds? A magnetic drawing board, Fancy Nancy markers, a Doc McStuffins magic towel, Mickey Mouse bathtime color-changing tablets, glow bracelets, and Disney-themed workbooks. ​
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An entire medicine cabinet is coming along. I normally pack an abundance of medicines and first aid items when we travel, but now with our daughter coming along, I need to make sure she also has anything she might need. This includes Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Zarbee's, and Dramamine. (She has never shown signs of motion sickness, but she has also never been on a ship, so I am being cautious here.) 
We are staying one night in Orlando post-cruise. Yes, I love the idea of getting home and having both Saturday and Sunday to grocery shop, unpack, do laundry, and decompress; however, there are no flights that work for our family on this day. We need a late enough flight to allow us time to travel from Port Canaveral to Orlando International Airport (and allow plenty of time for security!), and nonstop flights are always our preference, especially from Florida. We searched for a hotel with an included airport shuttle to make this easier on our family. 
I am trying to keep my expectations in check. My husband and I have anxiously awaited traveling with our daughter for the first time, and we have long desired to make travel an important part of our family...but we waited until she was 3.5 to start taking her along with us so she can really begin to enjoy our time away.

That being said, going into this I have some concerns about our 3yo - she tends to be on the quieter side and is sometimes cautious about joining in, she likes routine, she prefers organized activities to just running amok and making her own fun, we are facing an extremely long travel and embarkation day, and overall I just fear she will get overwhelmed. I plan on taking each day in stride, and will try to keep her meal times, rest time, and bedtime on a similar schedule to her regular day-to-day.
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Surprises in the Sky - Packing My Preschooler's Personal Item

4/16/2019

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My daughter selected the backpack she would like to take on vacation with us, and mama got to work packing it up for her...she won't see its contents until we are up in the air. I am not concerned about her first flying experience*, as she is a rather sedentary and relaxed sort of kid, but I do want to make it enjoyable and special. 
 Mom tip: The Dollar Tree is an amazing place to find great treats for the airplane, or vacation in general. With a bevvy of DIsney licensed products (yes, still at $1 each!) I was able to create a fun goody bag for the kiddo. Some of these items are going into her backpack, and others will be saved as surprises for once we are on the ship. 

necessities in her backpack
2 pull-ups, wipes, Kleenex package
(new) Frozen water bottle from WalMart (98 cents) to add water after TSA
small packed breakfast (PB&J, fruit, cookies and we bought a Silk soy milk box near our gate)

new, fun goodies in her backpack
Fancy Nancy markers
Frozen crayons
notebook
small magnetic doodle board
Disney characters surprise packs (found CHEAP at PTA sale)
Fancy Nancy stickers
Disney-themed workbooks


cheap finds for on-board fun
glow sticks and bracelets from Dollar Tree 
Mickey Mouse bubble bath
"magic" washcloth
mini sand toys for Castaway Cay
In a nutshell, very little cost can equal a whole lot of fun surprises. Go explore your local Dollar Tree and see what goodies you can find for your next Disney vacation. 
*Update post-travel - the kid wanted off the plane in about an hour, but we managed to keep her (mostly) occupied for the duration of the flight.
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Our First Family Vacation - Preparations

4/16/2019

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I don't like to brag, but I have become a sort of well-oiled machine in advance of my travels with my husband. A list-making, organized, well-prepared traveler I am, but all of that is going out the window as we count down the days until our first family vacation.  ​

I don't feel like travel agent, seasoned traveler, or champion packer. I just feel like an overwhelmed mom of a preschooler who is joining us on her first vacation. In one of my many (MANY) texts to a frequent-client-and-fellow-mom-turned-friend, I confessed that I don't even feel like I do this for a living. I was looking to her for advice. We had a good laugh over that, and I am hoping she still trusts me with her travel arrangements. (Kidding!)

I started packing about a month in advance (I normally pack about 2 days before travel), started shopping about three weeks in advance for small necessities, made about 15 lists, and then hounded my husband to just get done too (he normally is packing 8 hours before departure). I was a ball of stress, basically.

Part of this is because we booked our DIsney cruise about six weeks from departure, and it was a whirlwind from then on - between planning for and making Fish Extenders and FE gifts (that will be a whole 'nother post), buying new wardrobes for everyone in the house (next size up for the 3yo, clothing that isn't from my husband's high school days, and a few sizes down for this weightloss mama), procuring all of the little odds and ends needed for travel, and dealing with the multiple components of this vacation (transfers, airfare, baggage, the cruise, Port Adventures, our night post-cruise) it has been a real juggling act.  ​
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We are checking luggage (2 bags) for this vacation. We are normally carry-on travelers, even for 8 night vacations like this one. We pack lighter and do laundry on the ship halfway through, which is always our preference. BUT, checked bags cost less with our carrier than carry-on bags, and we need a whole section of a bag for nighttime Pull-Ups, so larger luggage it is. Even the needs of a little tiny 3yo take up real estate, and we're not even packing formal gear or costumes.   ​
Picture
I have picked up some "vacation surprises" for our daughter. Dollar Tree trips have been in the rotation in the days leading up to departure, and I have found so many fun surprises for our daughter - between goodies for her airplane backpack and throughout the cruise, I was able to indulge on extra magical touches without spending much money. Some of my favorite finds? A magnetic drawing board, Fancy Nancy markers, a Doc McStuffins magic towel, Mickey Mouse bath-time color-changing tablets, glow bracelets, and Disney-themed workbooks. ​
Picture
An entire medicine cabinet is coming along. I normally pack an abundance of medicines and first aid items when we travel, but now with our daughter coming along, I need to make sure she also has anything she might need. This includes Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Zarbee's, and Dramamine. (She has never shown signs of motion sickness, but she has also never been on a ship, so I am being cautious here.) 
We are staying one night in Orlando post-cruise. Yes, I love the idea of getting home and having both Saturday and Sunday to grocery shop, unpack, do laundry, and decompress; however, there are no flights that work for our family on this day. We need a late enough flight to allow us time to travel from Port Canaveral to Orlando International Airport (and allow plenty of time for security!), and nonstop flights are always our preference, especially from Florida. We searched for a hotel with an included airport shuttle to make this easier on our family. 
I am trying to keep my expectations in check. My husband and I have anxiously awaited traveling with our daughter for the first time, and we have long desired to make travel an important part of our family...but we waited until she was 3.5 to start taking her along with us so she can really begin to enjoy our time away.

That being said, going into this I have some concerns about our 3yo - she tends to be on the quieter side and is sometimes cautious about joining in, she likes routine, she prefers organized activities to just running amok and making her own fun, we are facing an extremely long travel and embarkation day, and overall I just fear she will get overwhelmed. I plan on taking each day in stride, and will try to keep her meal times, rest time, and bedtime on a similar schedule to her regular day-to-day.

I will be writing a follow-up post to this detailing our experience traveling with our daughter for the first time. 
​
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Review: eBags TLS Hybrid Spinner Carry-On

5/29/2018

1 Comment

 

Disclaimer: I received this product in exchange for an honest review.

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color: heathered graphite

TLS Hybrid Spinner Carry-On
click here to view the eBags product page

 So, we've taken a look at the wonder that is The Packing Cube​ (see product review here) and have decided that they are great for packing organization, but finding the perfect bag to use as a carry-on can be a nightmare of a necessary task. I have been through my share of carry-on luggage, and all have been grossly flawed and near tantrum-inducing. From unstable bottoms to poor handle design to just plain awkwardness, I have carted it all through CLE. My initial reaction to opening my eBags TLS Hybrid Spinner Carry-On? Picture the cartoon character with hearts in place of eyes. That was me. 

The love continued as I began exploring the bag's features and experimenting with packing it for our 8-night vacation (a stay in San Francisco coupled with a cruise). Upon first inspection, this bag appeared to have everything I could possibly want in a carry-on, but before I begin composing a love song to its features, let's check out the details direct from eBags: 


The stats:
Exterior Dimensions: 22" x 14" x 9"
Interior Dimensions: 20" x 14" x 8"
Linear Inches: 45"
Weight: 7 lbs, 4 oz
Capacity: 2389 cu. in.


From the eBags website: 
  • Two webbing push-button cross straps to secure packed contents. Generous webbing length accommodates a fully packed expanded load. Anchor rings move with the expansion gusset so that your straps are always at the top edge, even when expanded
  • This case expands an additional 1.25", to pack in last minute items
  • Orange lining makes finding your items easy
  • Interior mesh door allows visibility in packing organization, or has small buckle to roll-up and secure the door in order to use the full volume of the case and access through the front door
  • Main and Pocket zippers are able to lock in place with anchor D-rings sewn directly onto the bag
  • Volume pocket on top to store small items accessibly during flight and a flat pocket on the front lid to store magazines, papers or other low-profile items like a thin jacket
  • Flat, retractable carry handles do not intrude on your overall dimension so that you can board without issue
  • Trolley handle adjusts to 3 heights for optimum maneuverability – no more heel-kicking your bag. 45.5, 42.5, 40.5 inches
  • Compression-molded Polycarbonate bottom/back provides rigid support platform for extra protection for your stored items, all with less weight
  • 8" Dual spinner wheels​


My favorite features of this bag: 

It is lightweight - 7lbs 4oz, per the eBags site.

The handle extends to a height that is perfect for most travelers.

The wheels spin and glide exactly as they should. If you have not experienced luggage with spinner wheels, this alone is a massive upgrade over whatever you're currently using. 

The pockets are nicely designed and allow easy access to your items. 

Two different handles for lifting the bag make it accessible from several positions. 

The bright orange interior is cheerful and makes your items stand out. 

​The heathered graphite color 
(bag is also available in black, sinful red, and brushed indigo) is absolutely gorgeous and perfectly matches my Kayla Town Square 2.0, which nestles right on top. (A review on this bag to come.) 

I was able to fit a LOT of clothing into this bag, including two pairs of shoes. (Don't fear! A detailed packing post is to come!) 


The bottom line: 

This is an easy bag to recommend. 

While I have only used it for one vacation thus far, I absolutely love it and hope it will last with use. It was easy to pack, and pack well, and made for gliding through the airports with ease. Between my packing cubes, this TLS Spinner Hyrbid, and my Kayla Town Square 2.0 I think I have found packing paradise. I will take this combo for another go-round later this year for a resort stay, and share an updated review at that time. Right now, I am a very happy traveler.
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eBags Ultralight Packing Cubes Super Packer 5-pc Set - REVIEW

5/24/2018

2 Comments

 

Disclaimer: I received this product in exchange for an honest review.

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As mentioned in this recent post showcasing my lack of packing skills (even with years in the travel industry and a variety of trips made) my ability to pack for vacation has been less than stellar. Lack of proper gear has been partly to blame, for sure, but I could also use some lessons in strategic vacation prep.

All of that changes now.

I have been arming myself with new and improved travel gear in 2018, so that this travel mom can more easily prepare everyone for vacation. My goal is to eliminate checked bags from our repertoire, so we can both avoid airline fees and move through airports with greater efficiency and ease. Proper gear is essential to this transition, I have learned, as is practice and list-making.  

My first bit of advice is to start from the inside out and invest in packing cubes - highlighted here, this set from eBags. Available in four colors (black, blue, green, and grey) these packing cubes come in a variety of sizes to allow you to pack more, and pack better. This set includes two large, one slim (medium), and two small packing cubes, and they all nestle perfectly into a variety of the eBags carry-on luggage. (More on this later.) 

Product features for the eBags Ultralight Packing Cubes Super Packer 5-pc Set
(from the eBags website)
​
  • Set contains 1 Slim (13x6.5x3.5in), 2 Small (6.5x6.5x3.5in) and 2 Large (13x13x3.5in) Ultralight Packing Cubes
  • Patent-pending spring-loaded mini framed design helps the cube hold its shape while filling
  • 30D siliconized Cordura brand nylon for the optimum combination of durability and light weight
  • YKK coil zipper with color-matched corded zipper pullers
  • Silicon coating on the interior surface makes it easy to fill. Polyurethane coating on the exterior surface reduces shifting of cubes inside your luggage
  • Hypalon tug-tabs give you something to grip when closing the zipper
  • Total weight for the set is 8.3 ounces, 235.3 grams
  • Webbing grab handle with low-profile logo

What Can You Fit in a Packing Cube?

I did some experimenting before officially packing with my new cubes because I wanted to see how I could pack most efficiently while still including everything I thought I would need.

Here is an idea of a few combinations that the cubes held, for size small/medium/4-6 female. 

​Large: 
#1 four pairs of jeans, one pair of dress pants
#2 three long-sleeved shirts, two thin sweatshirts, two tank tops, pajama pants
#3 one pair of jeans, one pair of leggings, one lightweight cardigan, one long-sleeved shirt, two heavier long-sleeved shirts
#4 three dresses (two that are maxi length), three tank tops, swimsuit, cover up

Slim (Medium)
#1 six short-sleeved shirts
​#2 seven tank tops


Small 
#1 eleven pairs of narrow rolled underwear
#2 twelve pairs of wide rolled underwear
#3 twelve pairs of underwear folded in half, one bra, one pair of no-show socks
#4 pajama set (pants and tank top) 



Pros and Cons 

Pros: 
Easily organize your items, especially if this is something you struggle with when packing.
 
Help prevent overpacking, which has been my biggest issue when travelling. 

Color-code your family when traveling together by selecting a set for each member of the group.

View the contents of each bag without opening, thanks to the mesh cover.
​
Feel very lightweight and durable.

Repurpose for other tasks and storage needs when not travelling. 
Cons:
Pricey, even when on sale. 

When filled, the cubes lose their shape (can bulge) so this can create other packing issues. (But if you were to make these a harder-shell product, they would be heavy and bulky thus defeating their original purpose.) I found I was still able to nicely fit even bulging cubes into my carry-on, but I still want to note this. 

Cannot compress clothing like some packing cubes on the market.

All in all, I am very happy with my first packing cubes experience and I would recommend them to others. If your vacation needs require a wide variety of clothing options, I encourage experimenting beforehand to see what you might be able to take with you. My type-A personality loved the organization of the cubes, and it was so nice to not have items directly placed inside the luggage.

I will definitely be purchasing another set for my toddler before she begins travelling with us next spring. 
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Confessions of a Bad Packer

4/7/2018

1 Comment

 
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My days of travelling with a poorly designed, oddly "organized" carry-on piece of luggage are over. See ya later, rolling-duffle-that-refuses-to-stand-upright-unless-I-pack-a-physics textbook-in-the-bottom-to-give-it-a-substantial-surface-for-balance. You see, carry-on luggage is not all created equal. I repeat: even at the same-ish dimensions, carry on luggage is not created equal. Some bags are just better - FAR BETTER - than others. 

Unfortunately, my current checked-bag piece of luggage is made by the same company of the aforementioned crummy carry-on and suffers the same issues. I am ready to kick this bag to the curb as well. To be honest, my goal is to be done with checked luggage altogether. Like all of you, I am sick of paying baggage fees to the airlines.

Confession:
I am a travel agent years into her career who has spent too much time poorly packing for vacation. I do my best to advise my clients in their techniques, but it is difficult to do when my packing skills have suffered for so long. Packing is not my strength. 

I am organized, sometimes overly so, in my personal life. I can procure just about any "lost" item my husband inquires about. My planner looks like a fanciful dream of stickers and color-coded events and activities. My kitchen, bathroom, and office are all neat and tidy. 

But packing is not my strength. I tend to overpack. I tend to pack the wrong things. My type-A personality wants to plan for any possible scenario or weather event we might encounter. (I live in Cleveland. This week we had a day in the 60s and accumulating snow two days later, so I feel my living environment is partly to blame.) 


I am getting better though. 

I have mastered the art of all-inclusive packing. We do this style of vacation more than any other, and after many trips, I feel confident in how to go about this. (Read one of my posts here, regarding a four-night resort stay.) Cruise packing, not so much. There are so many scenarios here, my brain hurts trying to plan for them: pool time, lounging, excursions, smart casual dinners, formal dinners, the ships being cool inside and in the evenings...ugh. 

I am on the road to packing mastery though, and this is largely due to recently acquiring my dream carry-on. eBags (check out their products here) has graciously provided me with a new piece of carry-on luggage and packing cubes, and I am already in love after experimenting with some packing test runs.

As a new proud owner of the TLS Spinner Hybrid Carry-On (in heathered graphite) and the Ultralight Packing Cubes, (in black) I can already see I am well on my way to better packing, and in turn, less stressful traveling. I can't wait to share my full reviews and packing tips with you throughout the spring and this summer. 



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Packing: 4 Nights at an All-Inclusive Resort

8/9/2014

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Fact: Packing for travel is stressful and most people loathe the process.
Fact: Packing for travel is especially stressful if it is a new-to-you sort of vacation or destination.
Clients often ask me about how to pack and what to include for their various trips, and I am always happy to pass along bits of wisdom, although the internet also has a wealth of information, and seriously, what did any of us do prior to Pinterest?
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my carry-on bag
In the past year, I have stayed at six all-inclusive resorts, so I have had some decent recent practice in the area of suitcase/carry-on packing, and I have learned that packing for an all-inclusive resort vacation is, in fact, the easiest sort of packing there is to do. For my most recent vacation, I consulted my coworker Ruth Ann - the queen of carry-ons - and decided one bag would be my new path to stress-free vacation preparations. (For my agent trip in the fall I checked a bag, and for my May vacation my husband and I shared one checked bag.) I still slightly overpacked (but only by very little) and I thought I would share with the ladies what exactly I used and needed while in paradise for four nights. Spoiler alert: not much.

In addition to my carry-on bag, I carted along my beloved tote from Bath and Body Works (circa 2008?) as my personal item. It was my first time taking it on my travels, and it proved to be an excellent item for the plane. With its many storage pockets and removable compartments, I was able to pack quite a bit in a small amount of space.

4 nights of stuff...
(what I used from my packed items...not a comprehensive list of my bag's contents!)
1 bikini
1 cover-up
suncreen
bug spray
bikini wet-bag

4 sundresses

yoga capri pants
workout top
tennis shoes
2 pairs of socks

flip flops
nicer sandals

pajama pants and tank top for sleeping

casual tank top (wore with yoga capri pants one afternoon to relax on the property)
vegan snacks
Nook eReader
journal, pen
camera, phone, chargers

leggings, short-sleeved shirt to wear home on plane

toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, small soap, lotion, deodorant, mini perfume, razor, toothbrush, toothpaste, floss)
medicine bag, full of various items
hair straightening iron
comb

3 pairs of small earrings
set of bracelets
watch
Tips for Making a Carry-On Only Work at an All-Inclusive:

1.) Wear your sundress to dinner in the evening and then recycle it for breakfast/lunch time/day wear the following day...then, to the laundry bag it goes. This has become my ultimate packing strategy for resort vacations. Since I am not a fan of shorts, I am quite content in sundresses and I find they pack easily when rolled.

2.) Pack one pair of sandals that work with all of your dresses.

3.) Be sure to have one pair of shoes/sandals that are okay around water.

4.) Don't skimp on the sunscreen. Mexico is hot, closer to the equator, and therefore has a stronger sun. I can't tell you how many red (miserable) bodies I see when I am visiting. We pour our larger bottle of sunscreen into a few smaller travel-sized containers so they make it through security.

5.) If you don't care to exercise on vacation or you don't plan excursions off-property, you might not need workout wear or tennis shoes...especially if you are staying at a smaller resort. On the flip side, if you plan on being active or participating in excursions, you might need to pack more of this sort of thing. Remember to consider the Mexico "sweat factor," especially if you're traveling June-August.

6.) One thing I wished I would have had was a second cover-up for the pool and beach. By day four, my simple white cover-up was a disgusting, sweaty mess that I never wanted to put on. I wish I had a second so I could have alternated them throughout our stay. On our last trip, I took a bikini and a one-piece, but I was fine with just the bikini on this trip. If you're a fan of two swimsuits, go for it! You'll always have a dry one to put on.
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"Hey Stephanie! What's in Your Carry-On?"

7/12/2013

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In Stephanie's carry-on...
(a sampling)

- guilty pleasure magazines: I am partial to celebrity tabloids like US Weekly, but since I am a subscriber to Entertainment Weekly, that always ends up in my bag as well. I don’t feel  embarrassed about pulling that one out in public.

- Nook: I am still a fan of reading traditional print books; however, when traveling it just makes more sense to pack the Nook so I have many selections on hand. I still pack one print book to take to the pool or beach.

- book of puzzles: I am a junkie for puzzles (mostly word puzzles), and this helps restore the brain cells lost while reading US Weekly.

- travel journal and pen: I really like to create scrapbooks for our vacations, but the journal is the first step for that. It is small and portable, so I am able to keep track of where we go and what we do. If I remember or I am not too tired at the end of the day.

- medicine bag: Always together; never apart.

- snacks, vegan of course: Being vegan means doing some planning ahead, and I like to visit one of our local specialty stores to stock up on some tasty snacks for the plane.

- at least one change of clothes and underwear: In the event of lost luggage, at least there is something else to wear. In the event of a mealtime disaster or your baby’s projectile spit-up, at least you have clean alternatives.

- toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant: Do yourself and everyone around you a favor.

- important documents: Check, recheck, and check again. Passports, boarding passes, online tickets for tours and shows, etc...don’t leave home without them.

- chargers, adapters, iPhone and camera: This little bag has gotten out of hand over the years. I like technology as much as the next guy, but I get tired of schlepping all of my cables and adapters around with me on trips.

- scarf: I have one of those big pashminas that is great for snuggling with on a cool plane. On my flight to Vienna in May, it was nowhere near enough protection from the Arctic temperatures of the exit row, but it was a start.

- pair of socks or slippers (for overnight flights): I was SO glad I had packed my slippers for our overnight flight to Vienna. Yes, I changed into shoes before using the bathroom. I was completely repulsed by the passengers who visited the bathroom in bare feet or socks. Seriously, people. That is disgusting. Those bathrooms were not getting any cleaners as the hours ticked by.

- Ernesto the Sock Monkey: We have a miniature sock monkey that travels with us everywhere we go so we can photograph him seeing the sights. It has become a fun tradition for us, and one we know we will especially have fun with when we have children.

What do you pack in your carry-on? Anything fun?

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What to Pack: The How-to-Pack-It Edition 

7/7/2013

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Love it or loathe it, packing for vacation is an inevitable part of the travel experience. Over the years I have become more savvy in both the contents of my luggage and the method of packing my carry-on and checked bags, but even I will admit to a few stumbles along the way. (For example, our first cruise - talk about way too many items of clothing for one week! Or a more recent example - our trip to Europe in May 2013 - talk about not having the proper gear for sudden winter weather in late spring! More on both of those in upcoming posts...) 

Everyone has their favorite tips for maximizing luggage space and how to best plan for overall packing, and these are some of mine:

- Luggage tags can get caught and come off in the machines (especially the buckle ones) so I recommend adhering a sticker with your contact information to the inside of your luggage. An alternative to this would be putting this information on a piece of paper in an interior zipper pocket.

- If you are traveling with a companion and checking more than one bag, divide your items between both bags. If the airline were to misplace your luggage, it probably wouldn’t be both bags, so you would at least have some of your belongings.

- If you are only checking one bag (whether traveling alone or with a companion), pack some clothing into your carry-on bag. I always recommend packing some basics into your carry-on, but when checking only one bag, I would go the extra mile and include a couple of outfits in addition to my standard under things, warm clothes, and socks.

- Be sure to keep all medications with you, and make sure all prescription medications are in their original pharmacy containers.

- Try rolling your clothing instead of folding it – this will help with wrinkles and will allow you to pack more items. Not too many more items though! Save room for souvenirs!

- Pack items that can be mixed and matched easily, and include various accessories to change the look of your outfits. Ladies, go easy on the shoes! (This is always my biggest packing obstacle!)

- If you’re packing necklaces, try rolling them in Bubble Wrap and securing the little package with tape. For necklaces with thin chains, try fastening them through a straw first.

- Always pack a few plastic bags that seal – you just never know when these might come in handy!

- Include a folder or portfolio so that you can save tickets, maps, brochures, and postcards without worrying about them bending and getting ruined.


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What to Pack: The Medicine Cabinet Edition 

7/1/2013

0 Comments

 
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My family and friends know that whether I am on a jaunt down the street to Target or an eight-hour flight to Austria, I always have my medicine bag with me and can be counted on at a moment’s notice to assist them with their upset stomachs, mosquito bites, or headaches. I am good like that. When I travel, I am almost obsessive about making sure I have the medications I might need while I am away from home. For many years, a cute little zipper pouch from Bath and Body Works has been my traveling medicine cabinet, and it has been all over the world and back. The following items are my staples, but sometimes I throw in a few additional products depending on destination and time of year.

IMPORTANT!

Always keep your medications in your carry-on bag in the event (ugh) that your luggage vanishes. Prescription medications should be transported in their original drug-store containers.


What to include:

1.) A stomach soother like Pepto Bismol will slow the growth of bacteria while helping with symptoms such as diarrhea, heartburn, nausea, and an upset stomach. I would also pack an anti-diarrheal such as Immodium AD; even though it is a one-trick pony, it is powerful and starts working quickly.

2.) An antihistamine like Benedryl will ease allergy issues, but taking one before flying or at bedtime will also help you fall asleep.

3.) Aloe Vera will soothe sunburn, calm bug bites and blisters, and even help eliminate blemishes. Look for a travel size, or buy the big bottle and pack your own.

4.) A pain reliever like Ibuprofen helps pain, soreness, and inflammation.

5.) A nasal decongestant like Sudafed popped before flying can prevent discomfort due to congestion and help with the pain and pressure in the ears and sinuses. This is my R.N. mother’s favorite travel trick. If you’re on a red-eye, go for the nighttime version.

6.) Saline nasal spray helps keep mucus membranes moist in dry airplane cabin air, making them less hospitable to germs.

7.) Badger Balm Sore Joint Ointment is a personal favorite of mine when traveling because it is excellent for naturally easing aches and pains in the joints and muscles. A little goes a long way, and when rubbed in with long strokes, the relief is almost immediate. It also has a pleasant scent!

8.) Bandage strips are good for cuts and the painful spots on your feet when your shoes are rubbing after a long day of sightseeing.

*Note that I am not a health care professional – please see your medical provider about any questions or concerns you have about your health while traveling.



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