Travel and organization

Travel and organization

by | May 8, 2021 | 0 comments

For the savvy traveler, planning and organizing a trip is an absolute must for a great travel experience.  Numerous things can go wrong and are not in your control when you’re traveling.  However, there are ways to make your travel experience less stressful, and organization is critical. Here are a few things to think about before your next trip and why it’s essential to keep all your travel organized.

Reservation numbers and ticket numbers, although similar, can be crucial information if you’ve purchased your tickets through a third party.  Not all airlines use the same system, and while knowing your reservation number, which is a six-digit alphanumeric number, is helpful.  Some airlines require a ticket number that usually is at least ten numerical digits or more. Travelers can find both numbers on their itinerary, but many often overlook the actual ticket number.

Before you pack, think about your travel plans and what you will need on your travels rather than what you may want to carry.  Many travelers equate tropical destinations with all warm-weather clothing.  In reality, evenings can get cool, and while beaches are warm during the day, some can get rather breezy and cold at night.  Packing lists can be beneficial to remind you to pack what you need for a trip and handy in not forgetting your items when packing to return.

There are many methods of packing. Some travelers prefer folding or rolling their clothing, while others insist on using packing cubes to get the best use of luggage space.  Each method is as good as the next, but familiarizing yourself with the different packing styles can be helpful when organizing your packing for a trip.

Planning and knowing your essentials can make traveling a much more pleasant experience.  Having a travel first aid kit can be handy if you feel unwell during a trip.  Unplanned issues like having a headache or stomachache often occur, so having pain relievers convenient can be essential.  For some, a change of clothes is helpful, especially if you’ve ever arrived at your destination and find your luggage missing. Thinking ahead of what’s important during your trip will help you plan and pack your carry-on items with the essentials.

Other things to consider are books, magazines, or games to entertain yourself. A light jacket or travel blanket is helpful as many airlines no longer offer blankets as amenities on many flights.  Additionally, pilots usually make aircraft temperature adjustments, and individual body temperatures are always different. Another excellent organization tool is a travel wallet with your passport, ID, and copies of your airline, hotel, or car rental itineraries, and travel and credit cards.  Having one can be another great way to have your travel plans organized and accessible.

Have you used any of these organizing ideas?  Are there any others you have used? I’d like to know.

Choosing the right carry-on for you.

Choosing the right carry-on for you.

by | Apr 7, 2021 | 0 comments

Choosing the right travel bag is different for every traveler.  Some people are natural over packers and will try to carry everything in their carry-on. Others might be traveling with simply a carry-on, even if they are traveling for a week.  I encourage all travelers to choose the bag they choose based on their needs and circumstances. However, here are five things you might want to consider when making your choice.

One of my primary considerations is how the bag closes.  Does it zip-up, or is it a carry-all with no closure?  If you’ve ever traveled and had your items all scattered either on takeoff or landing, then this will be a priority for you as well.  If things get scattered under your seat, you never know where they will end up, maybe a few rows behind you or maybe in front of you.  If things get scattered in the overhead bin, then chances are you are not tall enough to see into it to make sure you have all your items.

The size of your bag is essential.  From airline to class of travel, what is allowed as carry-on differs on different flights.  Besides, you want to make sure it can carry your essential items but not be too big to make it not fit in the overhead bin or too restrictive to your feet if placed under the seat in front of you.

Just like your choice of luggage, the weight of your carry-on is a critical consideration.  I would suggest a lightweight bag that can fit all your carry-on needs. It would be best to consider that you will carry this bag on your shoulder or attached to your roll-aboard for some distance.  If you have to take a heavy bag, it can undoubtedly lead to more back pain than usual for confined aircraft seating.

While it might look fashionable to carry designer luggage, know that you will be using shared space.  If another passenger spills something in the overhead bin, it will get over your bag.  Should a passenger get violently sick close to you, those bodily fluids can spill to your carry-on stowed on the floor.  Not to mention that you have no idea if someone hasn’t already been sick in the area.  Know that not everyone will treasure your bag as you do and travel accordingly.

An often-overlooked area in choosing carry-on bags is the organization it may offer.  Bucket bags by design hold everything as they are named.  It can be challenging to find items in your bag if you have no idea where in your bag they are.  A bag with different compartments makes it easier to find your passport or boarding pass, or toiletries if you keep them in separate areas.

Do you have a go-to inflight bag?  Having been a flight attendant for many years, I am conditioned to have my bag organized and ready at all times. How about you? I’d like to know.

Five tips from a seasoned traveler.

Five tips from a seasoned traveler.

by | Feb 17, 2021 | 0 comments

After twenty-three years as an international flight attendant and having lived and traveled on my own for many years, traveling has become second nature. However, it is not the same for many travelers, and it’s best to remember that airplanes are modes of transportation. Not all travelers have similar reasons for travel, so here are five of my tips to keep you grounded while traveling.

1. Unless you are traveling on a private jet, chances are the people around you aren’t traveling for the same reason. Your exuberance on your travel plans may be a bit annoying to your fellow traveler who may be going to a loved one’s funeral. Be mindful of others and pay attention to those around you.

2. Airline agents and flight attendants are people too. They are not there to serve you literally; their primary purpose is customer service and your safety. Everything else in between is simply a service provided by the airline or the flight attendant or gate agent’s kindness. Be respectful, and they will respect you in turn.

3. There is a saying, “you catch more flies with honey.” Flying often is a stressful time, and many people may act in ways that they usually would not. Offer grace to those who you may find annoying or intrusive. Many times, they are simply nervous and trying to find commonality with you. Remember that you probably will never see this person again, or they may live in your neighborhood.

4. Say thank you. It seems simple but showing appreciation can give you the most pleasant experience. I walk with Starbucks gift cards loaded with five or ten dollars. If an agent, flight attendant, or airport worker does something to be appreciated, show your appreciation. Remember that although you may do this a few times a year, airport workers do this every day and enjoy the recognition.

5. Be kind; it is merely the most gracious and inexpensive way to be a good human and an excellent traveler.

These ideas are not unique, but I know they are impactful after spending years in the travel industry. Do you have any tips? I’d love to hear them.

5 must have items that stay in my carry-on.

5 must have items that stay in my carry-on.

by | Dec 10, 2020 | 0 comments

As an avid world traveler who has done this both professionally and personally, my carry-on is always semi-packed. Here are my tips and advice on the 5 items I consider must-haves and should always be in my carry on.

1. A lingerie organizer bag (details on another blog post). The one I use has two sides, one for clean underwear and the other for dirty. You never want to get them confused!

2. An electronic organizer bag (blog post coming). With people being so connected it is so inconvenient to lose connectivity and most hotels do not provide enough power outlets for the technology we use in our daily lives.

3. A toothbrush which in my opinion is even more needed than the electronic organizer. Many people pack this in their suitcase but with the chances of your luggage being lost, I like to always have this at hand.

4. A medicine bag with items like Tums, ibuprofen, cold medicine, etc. I tend to also have eye masks, face masks, prescription medications, band-aids, Neosporin, alcohol pads, and such (more on another post).

5. Finally I always have a small makeup bag with the basics like mascara, lip moisturizer, lipstick, makeup remover cloths, toner, and face moisturizer. These are always found at beauty supply stores and pharmacies in travel sizes.

You make have other priorities for your carry-on. If so, what are they? I’d love to find out.

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