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10 Tips to Stress-Free Travel
By Anne McAlpin, author of Pack It Up: The Essential Guide & DVD To Organized Travel
After years of travel, I’ve come to one conclusion: Most people pack too much. However, by taking some time to organize and plan, you’ll make your next trip your most enjoyable one yet.
- Avoid Panic Packing
Start in advance by organizing your items in a spare bedroom with a checklist to help eliminate what you don’t need. Remember, you can buy almost anything anywhere if needed. - Decide What Luggage You’ll Need
Don’t pull out lots of bags and just start filling them. If you’re flying to your destination, decide if you want to travel with just a carry-on or if you want to check a bag. For an updated list of restricted items: go to www.tsa.gov. - Valuables: Never let go of them!
Keep your valuables with you at all times. This includes: medication, cameras, film, laptops, etc. I keep all these items organized in my favorite rolling tote, which not only takes the weight off my shoulders, but fits under the seat in front of me and makes a great footstool! - Packing Organizers
There are lots of packing organizers you can buy, but some of my favorite ways to organize things are free: How to pack a necklace so it doesn’t get a kink in it? Thread it through a drinking straw and then place it inside a toothbrush holder so it won’t get crushed. Remember: Never travel with expensive jewelry. - Plastic Bags to the Rescue
Organize your luggage with lots of plastic bags. It’s easy to see what’s inside and always pack toiletries inside them just in case something leaks. I pack all my underwear individually into quart sized bags before I pack them in my suitcase. This way, if security checks my bag, they can see what’s in the bag. I also use lots of travel compression bags since you can pack three times the amount of clothing as they “compress” the air out the one-way air valves. Perfect for laundry on the way home, since they “seal in” odors! - Pack Around Two Basic Colors
To cut down on packing too many clothes and shoes, pack around two basic colors so everything can mix and match. This also cuts down on accessories. - Healthy Travel Food
We’re always happiest when we’re eating, so pack lots of food. Some of my favorite travel food: Deluxe Nuts—so I can pretend I’m traveling in 1st class, and Jr. Mints—chocolate is always good and they freshen your breath! Don’t forget your water bottle, so you don’t have to rely on in-flight service. - Comfort Items
Most airlines no longer provide pillows and blankets, so travel with your own (and then you know when they’ve been washed last!). - Be Prepared
Make two copies of all your travel documents, take one copy with you and leave a copy with a relative or friend. This way, it’s fast and easy to replace items if lost. - And remember, always pack your patience and sense of humor. No matter how organized you are, some things just happen. Be sure to pack a smile just in case!