Archive for the Category »Packing «

May
03rd		   Travel Tip Tuesday: How You Can Avoid Baggage Fees
Leave a Comment Category: Family Travel, frugal traveling, Packing, Travel Tags: , ,

The name of the game in travel these days is packing light to avoid checking bags and paying pesky fees. On most airlines, this can add hundreds of dollars to the cost of your trip if you are traveling with a family. It is easier to pack lightly in the summer, as most of us are going to warm weather places… but what if you are off to a trip where you need all kinds of clothes, and possibly gear?

One packing item that has worked well for many people – my friends included – are the air tight compression bags. After you pack your items you are able to squeeze out all the air through a valve system, and compress your clothes by 75% (a claim by the manufacturer.)

The bags are especially helpful for bulky items like jackets and sweaters.

Make sure you get the bags that don’t require a vacuum to suck the air out – that could be a problem on the way home if you don’t have a vacuum. Depending on the size, the bags cost anywhere from $12-$30… and many are reusable.

Warning: Don’t pack so much that although you avoid baggage check in fees, you go over the weight limit and are subjected to other fees.

Check out this YouTube video below on how to use them – it’s kinda cheesy but you get the point. You can find the bags on Amazon, among other places : www.amazon.com/Pack-Mate-Compression-Bag-Multi-Pack/dp/B000BQSI1Q

One last note: Please remain vigilant in your travels. Just because Osama bin Laden is gone, we haven’t ended terrorism. My reaction was a somber one at the news of his death, not only for the innocent lives he took, but because I have heard too many times that he will be viewed as a martyr, and inspire others to jihad. If the photos of his body are released, the evocative images could incite his followers.

 
Dec
06th		   Don’t Let The Bed Bugs Bite
Leave a Comment Category: health, Packing, Staying Safe, Travel Tags: ,

A busy travel season is upon us – kids out of school and taking family trips for the holidays. At the same time, hotels have been infested with bed bugs – Across the U.S. we’ve seen bedbugs in upscale hotels, movie theaters, churches, hospitals, even clothing stores. I don’t want to post photos of the bodily damage these bloodsuckers can create – certainly not pleasant – but you can find those all over the internet.

Not to frighten you – but just be aware. You don’t want to be meal for these annoying pests while you sleep. The LA Times had a good article yesterday on how to protect yourself from the little varmints while traveling. You don’t want to mess with them, or bring them into your own home – they can live one year without feeding. Gross.

The National Pest Management Association recommends:

–Take along large plastic bags to hold suitcases during hotel stays. (While leaving them in your room.)

–Vacuum suitcases after returning from a trip. These guys like to travel too!

–Check bed sheets in hotel rooms or at home for telltale brown or red spots of dried excrement.

–Never bring second hand furniture, especially mattresses into a home unless they have been thoroughly examined.

–Inspect areas where pets sleep.

For more – www.pestworld.org and http://www.latimes.com/health/la-me-bedbugs-20101204,0,3362775.story

Wishing you bug-free travels…

 
May
11th		   Tuesday Travel Tip: At airports, size does matter.
Leave a Comment Category: Airport Security, Packing, Travel Tags: , ,

Recently I traveled with some girl friends. As we were going through the layers of security lines, taking our shoes off and laptops out of their bags, one friend asked me about the TSA’s liquid restriction. Do you have to bring a 3.4 ounce bottle, or can you bring a bigger liquid container that is only half full? I’ve been asked that question before….

Since August of 2006 the TSA has curbed how much liquid we can pack in our carry on bags. When I say liquid, I am talking also gels, and aerosols. Each container has to be 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less… you CAN’T bring a 6 ounce container of shampoo that is almost finished –  unless you pack it in your checked baggage. Here size does matter. It is the size of the container, not how much liquid is in it.

And don’t forget – you are supposed to put them in a Ziploc bag, and take it out of your baggage as you go through security lines to speed up the process.

There are a few liquids that ARE allowed in greater quantities…Some I find rather interesting…..They are the following:

–Baby formula, breast milk, and juice if a baby or small child is traveling

–All prescription and over the counter medications including eye drops

–Liquids for a passenger with a disability or medical condition

–Life sustaining liquids like bone marrow or blood

–Items to augment the body for medical or cosmetic reasons including bras that contain liquid or gel, mastectomy products, or prosthetic breasts.

–Frozen items are allowed as long as they are frozen solid when presented for screening. If frozen items are partially melted, slushy, or have any liquid at the bottom of the container, they have to be less than 3.4 ounces and put in a Ziploc bag.

If you travel with any of the above items. you have to let security personnel know.

If anyone can give me an example of something frozen one might travel with that wouldn’t melt on the flight…I’d love to know. Talk about covering your bases…

www.tsa.gov/311/