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First Timers

Comprehensive Checklist: Travel Clothing For Women

Travel clothing for women

When it comes to packing clothing for your next big trip, you need to find the sweet spot for the amount of clothing you should bring. You definitely don’t want to underpack and find out that you'll run out of underwear, but you don’t want to overpack either.

Depending on your flight, a heavier bag will cost you more money. If you pack light enough, you might even be able to bring just a carry-on and avoid going to the baggage claim. Too many clothes will take up much-needed room in your suitcase, and who wants to lug around more than you need to?

One of the best things you can do for yourself is to make a checklist of all the clothing that you need. If you miss this vital step, it will be easy just to start grabbing things from your closet and drawers while you pack at the last minute and either forget some essential clothing items or take way more pairs of jeans than you actually need.

This article will serve as a guide to help you in forming your checklist on the necessary travel clothing for women. Obviously, where you are traveling to and what you will be doing will dictate what clothing you should bring with you. Use these lists to help get you started, and alter them as you need to.

A Few Essential Packing Tips

Here are some useful tips to consider when packing your clothing. While some of these might seem like common sense, they will help you in packing for your trip. It’s easy to forget details like these when you’re packing.

1. Build a Capsule Wardrobe Travel Style

If you don’t already know what a capsule wardrobe is, you’re missing out. Many women have started capsule wardrobes in their closets at home as a way of living a minimalist lifestyle. The idea behind a capsule wardrobe is to rid your closet of all the clothes you don’t like and never wear. Instead, you’ll have all the essential wardrobe items that you love and fit perfectly.

Capsule wardrobes require you to use the same pieces of clothing but worn in different ways or with various accessories to make them feel like a new outfit each time. Typically, people suggest that you limit your closet to 37 or 50 pieces of clothing.

When going on a trip, you can apply this same method, but aim for less than 10 pieces of clothing instead. Rather than packing 14 different outfits for a two-week trip, you can pack a couple of shirts and pairs of pants that you can mix and match with different shoes and accessories.

2. Choose Clothes That Are Good for Layering

Almost anywhere you travel to will have varying temperatures that will require you to alter what you’re wearing to keep comfortable. When choosing what clothing you are going to bring with you on your trip, you need to pack clothing that is thin and light enough to be layered.

There is no need to pack separate clothing for different temperatures or times of the day. This is how you end with up a giant suitcase full of clothes, of which you'll only wear half. Instead, you will want to choose clothes that can serve more than one purpose. A white blouse, for example, can be put on over a tank top, worn underneath a cardigan, or worn on its own.

3. Choose Colors That Match With Anything

Although your hot pink blouse with sequins on it might look like a fun shirt to add to your suitcase, you might want to pick up the simple beige top instead. You want to avoid picking a color that doesn’t typically mesh well with most other colors. Instead, go for neutral colors that are easy to mix and match. Try to pick clothing with colors that complement each other to reduce what you have to pack.

Travel clothing for women

4. Bring Some Accessories

Accessories like inexpensive jewelry, headbands, hats, a small purse, and scarves are often super light to pack and will help you change up your outfits a bit without having to pack extra clothes. The same white blouse will look very different when paired with a scarf versus a hat. Even a simple necklace or headband will give you a unique look that you need to reuse the same shirt for another day.

5. Avoid Flashy or Expensive Jewelry

As a good rule of thumb, you should avoid bringing expensive jewelry with you when you’re traveling. Although simple jewelry and accessories are fine, you don’t want to bring anything that you will have to worry about getting lost or stolen.

Consider the possibilities:

  • Your luggage can get lost with your jewelry inside it
  • You can easily lose small pieces of jewelry while moving from place to place
  • Your jewelry can make you stand out to people who might want to rob you

You’re better off bringing cheap jewelry with you that you won’t be too upset about if it happens to get lost. While your wedding ring might be the only acceptable exception to this rule, you might want to consider leaving your real wedding ring at home and getting a silicone one instead. You won’t need to worry about it getting lost or stolen, and it will be more comfortable, too.

6. Remember That You Can Always Wash Your Clothes

Often, people pack a lot of clothes assuming that they can’t reuse clothing they already wore. While some more casual trips may allow you to wear a lightly used shirt or a pair of jeans without washing them, a day at the beach or at an amusement park might make you turn your nose at the thought of wearing your clothes without cleaning them first.

If the place you are staying at has a washer, then you’re set. However, you can wash your clothes even if you don’t have access to a washing machine. Hand washing is a super easy, cheap way to clean your clothes so that you can quickly use them again. You will want to try to pick clothing that is easy to wash and can quickly hang dry.

While a sink and some detergent are all you really need for hand washing in most places, not all places will have a sink that you can use. In situations like this, especially when camping or hiking, there are travel wash bags you can buy to hand wash your clothes easily.

7. You Don’t Need Seven Different Pairs of Shoes

Unlike other pieces of clothing that you can condense easily into tightly packed cubes of fabric, shoes can be tricky to pack. It’s easy to get carried away packing shoes when you consider which shoes go best with each outfit or the different situations where you might need different types of shoes.

You should try to pack only two pairs of shoes, and never pack more than three. Having a good pair of walking or tennis shoes is essential for the days you are walking around town or possibly hiking. In warm weather, you will need a comfortable pair of sandals or flip-flops. You should only bring a third pair of shoes if you need dress shoes for nights spent at a fancy restaurant or at a show.

Anything over three pairs of shoes is excessive and will take up far too much room in your suitcase. To save even more space, you should wear your largest pair of shoes, like your tennis shoes, on the plane so that you don’t have to pack them in your bag. Then you will only have your flip-flops to pack, which will take up significantly less room.

8. Be Aware of Clothing Requirements in Different Countries

If you are traveling overseas, you need to familiarize yourself with different clothing requirements around the world. If you are traveling to a predominantly Muslim area or visiting any temples or churches, you will need to be especially mindful of what you wear. Here are some types of clothing you should avoid wearing when traveling internationally:

  • Clothing with vulgar or offensive text
  • Revealing clothing- especially clothing that exposes your cleavage and stomach
  • Super short skirts or shorts- some religious sites won’t allow any shorts at all
  • Patriotic or religious symbols

Travel Clothing for Women Lists

With those important tips in mind, you are now ready for these starter packing lists. There are several different lists fit for different climates or types of traveling. Although there are far many different types of trips you might need to prepare for, these are a few of the most basic ones.

Woman pulling suitcase

The General Packing List for Most Occasions

  • 3-5 long-sleeved or short-sleeved shirts and blouses
  • 1-2 cardigans or light sweaters
  • 2 pairs of shorts
  • 2 pairs of pants
  • 1 light rain jacket
  • 1-2 tank tops or sleeveless tops
  • 2 dresses or skirts
  • 2 pairs of shoes: One pair of walking shoes and one pair of sandals
  • 5 pairs of underwear
  • 2 bras: one regular bra and one sports bra
  • 3-5 pairs of socks
  • 1 swimsuit
  • 1 hat
  • 2-3 accessories like scarves or jewelry
  • 1-2 pajama sets

Packing for the Beach

When you’re packing for the beach, it can be much easier to pack light. If you’re strictly staying on the beach or at a resort, you will most likely be spending most of your day in your swimsuit. While you might want to bring a pair of pants and tennis shoes just to be safe, you can probably get by just wearing dresses and flip flops the whole time.

  • 3 tank tops or sleeveless tops
  • 3 short-sleeved tops or blouses
  • 2-3 pairs of shorts
  • 1 pair of light pants
  • 2-3 swimsuits
  • 2 dresses or skirts
  • 1 hat
  • 2 pairs of thin socks
  • 2 pairs of shoes: One pair of flip-flops and one pair of comfortable walking sandals

Packing for the Cold or Snow

When you’re packing for especially cold climates, you might as well leave all the short sleeves and flip-flops at home and opt for sweaters and boots. While thicker clothing understandably takes up more space, use layering to your advantage.

  • 3-4 long-sleeved shirts
  • 1-2 dressy sweaters
  • 2-3 super-warm sweaters
  • 2 pairs of thick jeans
  • 1-2 thermal sets
  • 2-3 pairs of leggings
  • 5-7 pairs of thick, long socks
  • 1 heavy coat with a hood
  • 1-2 scarves
  • 1 pair of gloves
  • 1 beanie
  • 1 pair of snow boots
  • 1 pair of casual boots or tennis shoes

Packing for Camping or Backpacking

Packing for long camping trips or backpacking trips can be tricky. Although you should expect a certain level of dirtiness being outside and sweating all day, you will have very little room for fresh, clean clothing. You may end up tying light sweaters or jackets around your waist to save room in your bag.

You’ll definitely want to have some way to wash your clothes to save on space. You will need to pay special attention to layering and the material of your clothing on these trips. If you are going in the cold weather, you can skip the shorts. In hot weather, you will not need heavy-duty jackets.

  • 2-3 pairs of underwear
  • 1-2 sports bras
  • 1 tank top
  • 1 pair of thermals or long underwear
  • 1-2 wool or synthetic short-sleeve tops
  • 1 UPF 50+ long-sleeve shirt
  • 1 pair of convertible or roll-up pants
  • 1 pair of light, stretchy running tights
  • 1 pair of active shorts
  • 1 fleece sweater
  • 1 heavy jacket, windbreaker or rain jacket, depending on the weather
  • 2 extra pairs of socks: one thin and one thick
  • 1 sun hat
  • 1 beanie
  • 1 pair of gloves
  • 1 headband or bandana for your hair.
  • 1 set of warm pajamas

Packing for an International Trip

When packing to go on an international trip, you won’t need to stray too far from the general packing list. However, there are a couple of clothing items you might want to consider bringing with you to help respect the clothing norms in the country you are visiting.

  • Capris: shorts might be inappropriate for some countries, but capris are more likely to be acceptable
  • Knee or ankle-length skirts and dresses: a short dress or skirt is unacceptable in many countries around the world
  • Sarong: a sarong is very useful when visiting temples, churches or other religious buildings since they can cover up your chest, stomach, and your legs if you are wearing a tank top or shorts
  • Old closed-toe shoes: Depending on where you’re traveling, some roads might be too muddy or dirty for sandals or nice shoes. Consider bringing a pair you can leave behind or use again for your next adventure

How to Pack Your Clothing

Now that you’ve reduced your clothing packing list to only the bare necessities, you shouldn’t waste all your hard work by packing them incorrectly. The way you pack your clothes, shoes and accessories will make a big difference in whether you can fit all your items into a carry-on or in a suitcase.

When packing your clothes, you need to begin by knowing how to fold them. Rather than just folding your clothes the way you normally would at home, you should learn to roll your clothing. Rolling your clothes will allow you to maximize the space in your bag by fitting your clothes in from edge-to-edge. Plus, your clothes will be kept mostly wrinkle-free, so you won’t need to worry about ironing your clothes while traveling. The best way to prevent wrinkling is to roll your clothes military-style.

Another good idea is to do a combination of folding and rolling clothing by putting your rolled items on one side and folded or flat items on the other side. Whether you should roll or fold depends on the type of clothing. You can roll light clothing like shirts and leggings, whereas you'd want to fold thick, bulkier items like jeans.

Rolling your clothes definitely is better than folding your clothes for maximizing space, but compression sacks or packing cubes will actually create more space. Compression sacks are like well-sealed plastic bags that have a vacuum seal to make its contents nice and compact. Compression sacks are best for large, bulky items like thick sweatshirts and jackets. They also keep your items waterproof and protect them from spills in your bag in case your shampoo decides to burst in your bag.

Packing cubes, on the other hand, compress your clothes a little bit and provide you with some much-needed organization. While most of your clothes might fit better in compression bags, packing cubes are great for holding your accessories, jewelry and any other items you might have floating around in your bag.

Keep in mind that although these methods help in reducing space, they do not reduce the weight of your bag. The only way to reduce weight is simply to pack less.

Conclusion

As you prepare for your next trip, hopefully, these checklists for travel clothing for women and other travel tips will help you pack with more efficiency. You’ll be a packing pro in no time.

Flying with an Infant: Travel Tips for Your Baby’s First Flight

Are you nervous about your baby’s first flight? Flying with a baby or toddler can be very demanding, indeed, unless you are enjoying the benefits of a TSA pre-check. That is why we are here to share a few essential tips for a smooth, safe, and stress-free trip with your baby on board. These guidelines will ensure both your peace of mind and your baby’s comfort.

young mom flying with a baby

Tips for Flying with an Infant: Baggage Checklist

Pack Smart

Handling the baggage your child requires is crucial. We have touched on this matter in our post about packing for overseas travel with children. To put it briefly, here are our ultimate pre-departure checklist ideas.

  • Food Supplies, Water & Plastic Feeding Set: along with baby food and breast milk bottles, don’t forget about other necessary utensils.
  • Extra Diapers & Diaper Bag: consider taking a diaper for each hour on the road, plus extras if there will be delays.
  • Rash Cream & Wipes
  • Pacifiers: keep a pacifier handy as it helps reducing ear pressure.
  • Extra Clothes: pack around two outfits per day, just in case. Consider extra shirts for you too.
  • Your Baby’s Fav Toys
  • Blankets: you also need a few blankets – one to lay your infant on, one to cover him or her during the flight, and one for you if you are nursing.
  • Small Bottles containing baby wash, hand gel, and anything else you generally use and consider will be of help.
  • Sling or Carrier: this will prove most useful as it keeps your hands free.
  • Pain Reliever & Medical Supplies: use small plastic bags
  • Energy Snacks for the Mom: yes, you need to take care of yourself too.
  • Portable Crib & Collapsible Stroller: these will be checked at the gate. You will be asked to drop them at the end of the jet-way, and pick them up at landing along with the rest of your checked baggage.
  • Car Seat for a safer flight.
  • Digital Camera: think ahead of all the memories you want to capture.
  • Books and clip-on reading light: if it’s a long flight ahead you may get a few moments of peace and enjoy doing something for yourself while your baby is sleeping.

Flying with a baby essentials checklist

Useful Tips for Flying with a Baby

1. Book the Best Seat

Prior to booking your seat, consider what the best option is both for you and your baby. Will you be flying with your infant on your lap or buy a ticket for your little one too?  Well, for newborns and even for infants aged 3 – 6 months, it is easier to travel with them as lap-carried kids. However, during turbulences, your baby can fall out your arms.

That is why, both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Federal Aviation Administration recommend using an FAA-approved car seat, or a child restraint device. Having a separate safety seat and seat belt meant for your baby ensures his or her safety during your flight.

About the location of your seat, consider reserving an aisle seat as close to the front of the aircraft as possible. This will allow you quicker access both when boarding and deplaning, as well as enhanced mobility during the flight.

2. Choose the Right Time of Departure

The time of departure is also important. Try to arrange a flight during nap time, or even during the night, so your baby will get some sleep.

3. Consider Required Documentation

Once you get to the airport, there are three essential documents the entitled personnel will ask for:

  • A valid passport: note that applying f for a first-time passport requires extra documentation, time, and patience.
  • A proof of age for all infants under age two: that would be the birth certificate.
  • A medical release for infants younger than 14 days.

4. Keep Calm & Positive

We know that minimizing the risks of injuries or infections is your main concern, but there are other aspects to consider as well. Here, we refer to the comfort of both your baby and other passengers.

Early infancy is a challenging time of transition both for you and your newborn. Now you establish feeding and sleep routines, and traveling may have an adverse impact on these two. As long as you make sure you will be able to feed your baby, and he or she gets a lot of rest, it should be safe and comfortable to travel.

Also, one of the most stressful things when flying with an infant is to maintain a pleasant experience for everybody around you. Most people will understand if your baby cries and expresses his or her discomfort while travelling by plane, but it is crucial for you to maintain calm and be as polite as possible to your fellow passengers, even those who may raise some complaints.

Whenever necessary, ask for help; a flight attendant should be able to assist you especially if you’re travelling alone with your baby.

5. Don’t Forget to Entertain Your Little One

Take your baby’s favorite toys and blanket to keep him quietly busy and entertained. Maybe he or she likes an interactive book or a bright colored plaything. Anything that works well at home to stimulate your kid and keep him or her quiet at the same time has excellent chances to work well while on the plane as well.

The goal is to keep them in their seats for as long and as behaved as necessary. Remember, you have your fellow passengers to take into consideration, so you don’t want your baby to get cranky during your flight.

Now that packing is done, and the required documentation arranged, there are just a few more things to clear up.

6.Flying with a Baby Rules, Airline Guidelines & Policies

Southwest Airlines, for instance, provide their customers with useful information about flying with children under two years of age. By checking their customer service page, you will learn more about how to enhance your baby’s safety on aircraft.

Here are some of the essential guidelines that will ease your efforts before getting on board:

Flying with an infant on your lap:

Babies under two years of age or lap infants, as they are commonly referred to, can be carried free of charge. This means you do not need to get a boarding pass for your little one. However, you will need to acquire a Boarding Verification Document. Also, note that only one lap child is allowed for every adult.

Although booking separate seats for your babies is optional, always take into consideration the benefits of doing so.

Flying with an infant in a car seat:

You can also reserve a seat for your baby and use an FAA- approved car seat. In such case, a boarding pass is required, but airline companies offer affordable infant fares that are typically discounted from a full adult fare. It is best to check their official page and applied rules. As regards the check-in, the age of the baby has to be verified.

Different airlines also have varying policies when it comes to offering baggage allowance or carry-on allowance for a baby car seat stroller, baby carrier, car seat, and diaper bag. So, you will have to talk to your airlines about these as well.

For example, bringing a stroller on the airplane may require you to secure it inside a stroller bag before you have them gate checked. You can bring your own or purchase from your airline if available. Also, while a baby carrier is not restricted on board, the general rule is always to remove your child from the baby carrier during takeoff and landing.

Flying with an infant on international flights:

When traveling with your baby on an international flight, the same rules apply if he or she does not occupy a seat. You will be required, though, to pay the taxes and fees for the international portion of your baby’s itinerary. Please note that you have to pay these before your travel. For more information on fees and required documentation, we recommend you to check the official website of the airlines of your choice. Specific details will be provided to you.

Also, for long-haul flights, it is strongly advised to contact your airlines about reserving a bassinet for your baby as they may be subject to availability and under a first-come-first-served policy.

7. Check Airport Facilities

Most airports will provide certain baby facilities. Before booking the flight, you can take a look at what the airport of your choice has to offer. These facilities may include:

  • Baby Changing Areas.
  • Baby Rest Areas.
  • Complimentary Strollers.

FAQs

What can you bring when flying with a baby?

Aside from those mentioned under our pre-departure checklist and required documentation sections, there are other things you can bring when flying with a baby.

  • Although bringing liquids on the plane generally comes with restrictions, the same does not apply to medically-required liquids, like breast milk or formula milk, even in large quantities. Makes sure to have them ready for inspection once at the airport security.
  • This may not apply to everyone, but if your traveling solo, you may be required to bring a letter of permission from the other parent whose not coming with you.

Flying with a sick baby?

If your child is not well on the day that you’re scheduled to fly, you need to take extra care to make the whole flight as comfortable as you can for you and your baby. But first, check on your pediatrician before traveling to ensure your baby’s safety. If your pediatrician approves, don’t forget to include your baby’s medication in your carry-on items.

Also, keep in mind that sick babies will have a harder time dealing with the pressurization inside the airplane, particularly during takeoff and landing. We all know how such pressurization can easily cause some discomfort in the ears. So, parents are advised to feed their babies during those times to reduce the pressure in their ears. The same principle applies if you have a young toddler with you.

What time is best to fly with a baby?

As previously mentioned, it would be ideal to book your flight that corresponds to your child’s sleeping time. Hence, this can greatly vary depending on the exact age of your child.

Most babies tend to wake up early, so with that in mind, you can strategically book a flight that will give you enough time to get ready, get to the airport, and takes off in time for your baby’s morning nap.

An 8 AM or 9 AM flight, for example, are some good choices when flying with babies as they are not too early and not too late in the day. Hence, there’s a good chance that during these hours, babies will be sleeping soundly on their seats or your lap.

What kind of ID does a child need to fly?

This will depend on your destination, airline of choice, and the age of your child. Domestic flights generally don’t require additional IDs for minors as mandated by the TSA; a boarding pass is good enough.

However, there might be instances when you need to provide a birth certificate as your child’s identification, like when you’re traveling with an infant or if your child is under two years old. Also, other airlines might require additional IDs especially if you want to avail of a discounted booking for children.

For international flights, passports are always mandatory. If you’re traveling to a country that requires a Visa and you’re flying with a baby, you may need to check that country’s specific requirements for your child’s identification and other documentation before even booking a flight.

Final Thoughts on Tips for Flying with a Baby

There is no denying the fact that traveling with a baby is both a struggle and a fun experience at the same time.

For one, there is that familiar set of diapers, baby food, baby carrier, milk bottles, toys and whatnot in your luggage, leaving very little space for your personal belongings. Next, you’ll have to go through the check-in counter and x-ray machine or scanner before you can head to your departure gate.

Flying with an infant is such an unpredictable experience. There are so many things that can get out of your hands from leaky diapers to endless crying sessions. But keep your enthusiasm high! Your baby’s first flight is an important event that will contribute to your parenting experience and will help you build your self-confidence. Safe flying!

Photo Credits: Seatmaestro.com, 7stonesboracay.com.

8 Costa Rica Travel Tips for a Smooth Trip

You’ve heard about the black sand beaches, the towering palm trees, and the lush cloud forests. If you picture yourself drinking out of a coconut somewhere in Costa Rica soon, you’re probably thrilled– you’re heading to an amazing, picturesque destination. You’re going to have a blast! Before you go, though, take the time to read through these Costa Rica travel tips to make your journey smooth and effortless.

1. Learn Basic Spanish

Costa Ricans do speak Spanish. You’ve probably heard that the English proficiency in Costa Rica is much higher than in neighboring countries, and while this is true, it can often be very frustrating to get around in Costa Rica if you know no Spanish at all.

The first of the Costa Rica travel tips is to consider downloading the Duolingo app a few months before you go. Learn some basic Spanish or brush up if you already know a little. You should know your Spanish numbers (not just 1-10 but also hundreds and thousands, for currency purposes), as well as basic phrases such as how to ask for the bathroom, how to order food, and how to ask how much something costs.

2. Get Cash in Colones

One US dollar currently equals about 570 Costa Rican colones (this is why you’ll want to know your Spanish hundreds and thousands, too). Although other Costa Rica travel tips have told you that US dollars are widely accepted, you’ll have a much smoother trip if you have colones on you, too. Some places won’t accept or give change in dollars. In addition, if you pay in dollars, you may end up paying a little bit more than you would have in colones– otherwise known as the “foreigner price”.

The cheapest way to get colones is to order them at your bank a few weeks before your trip. Or, you can always exchange at the airport, or bring a credit/debit card (ensuring it carries no foreign transaction fees) and withdraw colones at an ATM when you get to Costa Rica.

3. Pack the Toiletries You Need, Especially Sunscreen and Bug Repellent

Tolietries can be expensive in Costa Rica, especially sunscreen and insect repellent, which are probably two of the items you’ll need most in Central America. In the more humid, coastal cities, mosquitoes abound at night, especially in rainy season. To be safe, it’s a good idea to wear insect repellent every day and night. In addition, the sun in Costa Rica can be blazing, so cover yourself in SPF every day, even when you’re not going to the beach.

packing toiletries

4. Don’t Bring Flashy or Expensive Accessories

Costa Rica’s humid climate will cause any metal jewelry to rust. More importantly, you don’t want to make yourself a target, especially in crowded cities such as the capital of San Jose.

You’re not likely to be the victim of a crime, and these Costa Rica travel tips are not meant to scare you from the country, but theft does happen. If a local sees you wearing an expensive piece of jewelry, they may assume that you’re a wealthy foreigner, and they may be more likely to steal from you.

It’s safer to keep flashy jewelry such as engagement rings at home, or at least tucked away where nobody will see them.

5. Bring a Durable Pair of Hiking Boots

If you know you’re not going to be hiking at all, you may skip this step. However, in the spirit of Pura Vida, the best Costa Rica travel tips will prepare you for any activity you may end up doing.

If you end up hiking in the mountainous regions, you may wish you had brought hiking boots. These areas can get muddy, and you may have to walk through water, so regular non-waterproof sneakers won’t always be the best option. Sandals such as Chacos can work in a pinch, too, but Costa Rica is home to killer ants that may eat up your bare feet. Hiking boots are the best choice.

man running in hiking boots

6. Overestimate Your Budget

You may think that Costa Rica is cheap because it’s a less-developed country. Think again. Due to the high volume of tourists and foreign expats, Costa Rica is not cheap. You’ll probably end up paying just as much as you would in the US for meals in restaurants, coffee, and hotel rooms.
So, keep your estimated budget on the high end, because you’ll likely have expenses you didn’t foresee before leaving home.

7. Bring Tums and Anti-diarrheal Medication, just in Case

If you’re adventurous and you eat the local food (stopping at sodas, or local restaurants, for example), you may find yourself experiencing tummy aches. While this won’t kill you and certainly shouldn’t stop you from experiencing Costa Rica’s beautiful culture, you want to be prepared. The foreign bacteria, especially when eating fresh vegetables, may not agree with your stomach. Keep a bottle of Tums in your bag for this reason, and you’ll be fine.

pink pills

8. Keep Calm and Remember, Pura Vida

When in Costa Rica, act like the Costa Ricans. “Pura Vida” basically means life is good, or in other words, life happens. The buses are hardly ever on time, so don’t plan a tight schedule. Or, you may find yourself caught in the rain every day during “dry season” on the Caribbean coast.

When life happens, just remember to say Pura Vida. After all, the locals here are extremely friendly, and if you just smile, someone will always be happy to help you!

Bottom Line

Costa Rica is a culturally vibrant place with some of the most beautiful sights in the entire world, so chances are, you’re going to have a great time. If you’re doing your research before your trip, you’re already ahead of the game. Even if your journey throws a few surprises at you, you’ll be just fine; our Costa Rica travel tips will have you well-prepared. Wherever you end up, just remember, Pura Vida.

Image Source: 1, 2, 3

Backpacking Through Europe: Essential Planning Guide & Travel Tips

Backpacking through Europe

Backpacking through Europe for the first time? You’ve came to the right place! We’ve put together the ultimate travel tips for you to enjoy a fabulous journey. What you will learn from our post:

  • Choose the best time of the year for your Euro Trip.
  • Set up a travel itinerary with best places to visit in Europe.
  • Estimate backpacking through Europe trip costs.
  • Consider budget accommodation opportunities and low-cost airlines.
  • Find out how to efficiently pack everything you need.
  • Enjoy the experience.

Backpacking through Europe Time: Inform on the Best Season to Travel

Europe is known for its mild summers and cold winters. However, the climate is diverse especially if you compare a Mediterranean location with a mountainous one. As concerns the best time to backpack through Europe, it is essential to choose it according to the type of ‘Euro trip’ you’ve got in mind.

If you decide to travel during summer, make the most of your time and money by visiting the Eastern countries, the Balkan coastline or the cities by the Baltic Sea.

If you consider heading to the ‘big cities’, we advise you to book your tickets in late spring or early autumn. Summer is, of course, the high season in Europe, but from June to August you will spend more on accommodation, flight tickets, and practically on anything you can think of. Not to mention the heat! Temperatures can wear you down, especially if carrying your backpack for long distances.

If you choose traveling in spring or autumn, some attractions may be closed, but look at the bright side! You will have the chance to interact more with local people and immerse yourself into the cultural specificity of each place. Plus, less tourists around translates into less crowded hostels.

Backpacking through Europe Routes: Set up an Itinerary

We know, backpackers wandering the world are all free spirits and backpacking is all about wild adventures and unconventional traveling.

Also, setting up an itinerary for backpacking through Europe on a budget can be exhausting. But knowing exactly where you are heading to can really save you time, money, and energy. Just compare the amount of time needed to book a hostel online with the one spent in an unknown city trying to find one.

What we advise first it to establish the length of your trip and narrow down what you wish to see the most. Although you are traveling on a budget it doesn’t mean you cannot enjoy the luxury of visiting the most impressive European cities. Whether you choose the romantic Paris, the fairy tale Prague, or the vibrant Berlin, be sure to enjoy an unmissable experience.

Apart from these popular destinations, there are so many other corners of the continent to explore. Take a few days to visit quieter locations, blend in with the locals and enjoy the greatest gastronomic experiences Europe has to offer. Learn more about the language, food, culture, and history of the country you will visit prior to listing greatest opportunities.

So, after you’ve picked up the dates of your trip and established the type of trip you are about to start, write down the sights and events you don’t want to miss. Take a look at travel guides for more information and inspiration. Look out for free museums, free tours and other free fun things to do. Consider how many days you can spend in one place and what you can realistically cover from the above mentioned list. We would recommend spending at least 3 days in big cities and taking day trips to other destinations such as castles, heritage sites etc. Do not count the time you spend on the road. Be honest with yourself.

Backpacking through Europe Cost: Estimate Your Expenses Wisely

First things first, you will need to book flight tickets in advance. This requires researching the airports you will be flying through according to the already mentioned itinerary. Why do your homework? You would be amazed by what you can find in many European airports nowadays, from movie theater to sleep rooms and free coffee. Even if you are flying in economy, it doesn’t mean you cannot enjoy a few luxuries.

On the same page, have a look at other transportation costs. Depending on destination, you can buy a 3 or 7 day-pass for public transportation including trains, busses, subways etc. But not all cities offer you this opportunity. Are you going to take the train, rent a car, or take the city bus? Get an idea of how much it cost to get from one location to another and see it fits your plan.

Second, it is essential to consider the most affordable accommodation options. Finding a good hostel is easy and definitely one of the most convenient options. There are plenty of websites where travelers can rate the quality of the hostels they have booked and share the experience. Hostelworld.com, for instance, is a great resource.

If you enjoy nature, Europe has breathtaking outdoor locations where you can take hiking trips and even camp for free. You can look for camping sites with other facilities included too.

Third, being wise with your expenses implies doing a bit of research about the local currency and international exchange rates before exchanging money. Is it best to have it exchanged before traveling or once you arrive at your first destination? My all means, do not exchange money in airports! Always go to a bank or an authorized office.

Fourth, consider the money you will spend on food. What to do best? Eat like a local! Buy food from local stores, and from the marketplace. Ask people to recommend the best and most affordable places where you can have a nice lunch or dinner. Make sure you don’t skip breakfast as you will need a lot of energy to fulfill everything on your list.

Fifth, always put aside a little extra cash for souvenirs and unexpected expenses.

Backpacking through Europe: the Ultimate Packing List

how to backpack through Europe - a guide

To put it briefly, here’s what you should include in your backpack before heading to Europe:

  • Light and low maintenance clothing: a few shirts, T-shirts and sweaters, jeans and shorts.
  • A fleece jacket, rainwear and boots for hiking.
  • Smaller backpack for day trips.
  • Swimwear & towels.
  • Sleepwear and thermal underwear to keep you warm if you travel during the cold season or plan to camp.
  • Comfy shoes.
  • Essential accessories such as sunglasses, sarong.
  • Other useful stuff like flashlight, ear plugs, water bottle, notebook, padlock, Swiss-army knife, money belt, plastic utensils.
  • Basic toiletries: toothpaste, deodorant, sunscreen, wet wipes, hand sanitizer.
  • Medicines – make sure you have a prescription.

Don’t worry if you miss anything that is not important. Europe is a great place for shopping.

Backpacking through Europe: Essential Travel Tips

  • Make Sure You’ve Got Your Passport with You.
  • Make a Few Copies of Your Docs and Credit Cards.
  • Stay Safe and Buy a Travel Insurance.
  • Go by Foot as Much as You Can.
  • Learn to say ‘Hello’, ‘Please’ and ‘Thank You’ in Every Country You Visit.
  • Approach Locals. Be Polite.
  • Keep a Travel Journal: write down your contact details, reservation numbers, addresses, memories, and anything else that crosses your mind.
  • Buy Things at Local Stores
  • Take Your Camera with You and Capture Those Memorable Moments.

This brings to an end our ‘how to backpack through Europe guide’. Ready to pack? We hope our post will help you plan your first backpacking Euro trip. Have we missed anything important? For any questions, ideas or suggestions, please drop us a line in the comment section below. Feedback is always welcome. Cheers & happy packing!

Photo Credits: Allianceabroad.com, Bsatroop780.org.

My First Time Spending Time with a Finnish Native

first time spending time with a finnish native

A couple of years ago I was offered a trip to Finland. I took a deep breath, said goodbye to Dad, who greeted me with a ‘where to, this time?’ and off I went.

It was a warm November day, and there I was, with four other people, waiting to board on a plane to Amsterdam, and then another one to Finland. It sounded like a magical place as I had not done any research prior to my departure. All I knew was that Santa Claus was based somewhere in Finland (I later found out it was Lapland) and that it was cold. Really cold. Finland was a 5 hour flight away from home and I vividly remember the clapping when the plane landed. Was it relief? Was it excitement, or fear? I could not know, as I was preoccupied with finishing my sandwich. With my travelling experience, I was a bit less than excited. Boy, was I wrong!

first time spending time with a finnish nativeAs we walked out the airport, there they were, a massive crowd and what seemed to be the entire student body, eager to meet us. Thinking back, it was right there and then that I knew it was going to be something different. I was to be hosted by a family from Vantaa, a small municipality surrounding Helsinki. We landed at 4 in the afternoon and the sky had already turned pitch dark.

Let me throw in a little context. I was in my last year of High School when I was selected to be part of a student exchange program. Destination: Finland. I was going to be there for a couple of weeks, during which a Finnish family would host me. I would attend the same school as their children, do the same things they did, basically, getting a sense of what it is to be one with a Finnish native. For the next two weeks, my life was to be but a mirroring of theirs.

Finnish and cheers to them for speaking it

Finland is a beautiful Northern country, neighboring Sweden, Norway, Russia and Estonia, and so, the language is a mixture of these, with a dash of Hungarian. Yes, Hungarian. I met my host, Sini was her name, and when she started speaking I found myself in the middle of Budapest. It was a Hungarian-Russian sort of thing, which I could not decipher. Finns do know English, but to a smaller extent that other nations do.  At the beginning of my stay, everyone was more than excited to be showing off with their English knowledge, but as time went by it, Sini was the only one putting some effort into it.

My days went on like this. We would go to school, go out, hang out with her friends, and go back to the house. Normal, teenager stuff.  The first morning I had to wake up and go to school was more than miserable. I would sleep in a bunk bed with Sini, who was a tall 18 years old blond with tons of travelling experience The school was a half an hour drive on the highway away, so the alarm went off at 6.

first time spending time with a finnish native

The snoozing button was obsolete, anyway. I had been up since 5, when the rest of the family had woken up. Sini and I had breakfast, which was Nutella spread on a slice of bread and a cup o’ black tea. Okay, not so spectacular, I know, but if that is what she was having, then why not. We got ready for school, chatting nervously while choosing our outfits. I looked out the window: it was past 7 already, and there was no sign of the Sun. I figured it was almost winter so the Sun would make its grand entrance later on, at 8 tops.

Yes, I must admit it was chilly, but not as cold as I’d expected even though it had heavily snowed overnight .We got in the car, drove to school, and somehow, the sky was getting even darker.

Cultural differences

School is different. Different from movies, books, anything you could imagine. I had my own classes to attend along with special courses for us, the foreigners, so seeing Sini only happened during lunchtime. Lunchtime happened at  12, only one hour after the Sun has risen. I did not know that dark would come in less than three hours. But I digress. Lunchtime. Cafeteria, the land of terror.

I come from a country where school cafeterias are rare to nonexistent, so it was a bit of a shock to me to discover that everything I knew about cafeterias was partially true. Yes, people sat down according to their status quo, but that is only natural. The downsize was that all the foreigners were sat down at one long table in the middle of the cafeteria, so that everyone could gaze at us as if we had just been captured from our habitat and brought to a finish high school, where we were force-fed Nordic food.

The thing that struck me, though, was the way people my age perceived school. From where I come from, school is a place of horror. You go because you have to. But no, that is not the way Finns do it. The Finnish Educational System is known to be the best in the world. So it goes to figure that students actually enjoy going to school every morning. They seem significantly more happy and relaxed. Come to think of it, ‘relax’ is the key  word for describing the Finns.

first time spending time with a finnish native

With no care at all, overall happy with their academic or professional life, they find time for the simple pleasures in life, they take the luxury to spend time with their family, at least in the evening, sitting down for a nice dinner and heading for a sauna.

Because everything you heard about saunas is true. Most Finns have one in their backyard and they spare no occasion of using it. I went to saunas before, but I didn’t do it the Finn way.  What you do is nothing more than a back and forth running from the hot steamy sauna to neck deep in snow and then back to the sauna. The whole thing lasts for 20 minutes or even more, if you have what it takes. I did not. I could only take it for 1 trip in the snow until tears came rushing down.

Families are a big deal here. They are usually small, only immediate members included. This means that the relationships are more intimate, the amount of time you spend with your loved ones is substantially increased which leads to a better quality of life.

Sini’s friends were a bunch of photographers and adventurers so I had a taste of their life. In our free time, they took me to abandoned buildings or parks, hidden lakes in the woods and tiny restaurants with amazing food.  Things I would not have done, were I there on a family vacation. There was heavy partying, local music, obscure bars with fluorescent lights and blond Vikings. School time was school time. Vacation started at three in the afternoon, when it was already getting dark.

Traditions: How, why, when, where

 On my second day, Sini confessedly told me she regretted I hadn’t come during Summertime.

Anyway, there is this big event that celebrates the summer solstice, called juhannus, after John the Baptists, where people gather by the lakes or by the sea and throw enormous bonfire parties.. As you may already know, Finland is also called ‘ the Land of 10,000 Lakes’, most of Finland’s territory being covered with water .

Many of the rituals got lost on the way, as this has been around since 1316, but Finns sure know how to have fun. Another huge things I had missed on, Sini told me, was Vappu, the Finnish native equivalent for Mardi Gras. This holiday celebrates the coming of Spring, after a long, harsh Winter.

Vappu is one gigantic street festival, happening all over Finland, and it centers around the massive consumption of ‘sima’, a home-made low-alcohol beverage along with, of course, some stronger ones. Finns do enjoy a drink every now and then, mostly now, and they know how to party. Spending most of the year in pitch dark and knee high snow, once the Sun makes its appearance, it’s party time.

The two weeks ended and my time there felt like an extension of my life back home. Sini and I remained good friends and the experience as a whole was amazing. I never would have seen Finland the Finn way, was it not for Sini guiding me. She was there every step of the way, telling me what toppings to choose for my Finnish native sandwich and teaching me some basic Finn, mostly consisted of foul language.

first time spending time with a finnish native

Make friends wherever you go

My advice to you is to seize any travelling opportunity. Couch surfing? Staying at some friends’? Student exchange? Even better. Always choose small hotels over elegant, fancy, hotels. There is a special bond that exists between people crashing at the same hostel. Venture the streets and make friends. As good as a traveler you may be, you will never know the insights. Only a native will give you a true, legit experience, one you cannot get out of a travelling app.

first time spending time with a finnish native

Image Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

The 30 Essential Travel Items Checklist

One’s traveling style has a lot to do with one’s personality, if you ask me. However, no matter if you like to travel light, or to make sure you have all the comfort you need at your disposal, there are certain items you should always remember to pack and take along. If you’re an avid traveler like myself, I bet there are going to be some interesting items for you, on my ultimate checklist of essential travel items. Read on, and let me know what you think.

1. Speaker for iPhone

You will need a speaker for your iPhone when traveling, simply because the smart phone will work as a sort of headquarters to all your  Mini Portable Speaker with Rechargeable Battery and Enhanced Bass Resonatoroperations. I’m not going to get into what a hassle it is to lose or have your iPhone stolen (or to lose it) when traveling abroad – suffice to say that, without speakers listening to your favorite music, having long conversations over Skype or watching your favorite show from back home is far, far more tiring and less satisfactory.

You can take your media all over the world with you and turn any hotel room into your living room. It’s never just you who’s traveling, it’s all your friends, your songs, and your movies and shows. Remember that next time you start packing.  Travel speakers are quite small, and most often designed to able to live in your luggage.

2. Travel light -Luggage Scale

I can’t possibly stress how important this is. The best way to approach this is to check out baggage weight conditions on the website of each airline you’re going to be flying. They tend to differ greatly, especially across continents (that’s mostly because commercial airlines in Europe are smaller than in the U.S., so they have less room for luggage). It’s also a good idea to measure your luggage, since cabin baggage size also matters.

SONY DSC

What happens if you don’t pay attention to baggage weight? You essentially get two options: you can either leave some things behind at the airport, or you can pay extra, in order to be allowed to carry everything. Hint: those extra charges run high, especially on low-cost airlines. Think around $40-50. Sometimes, I have been known to pick up a souvenir or two along the way.  That changes the weight of my bags, and I need to make sure the weight is distributed to meet the airline’s requirements.  A small, light-weight luggage scale like the one to the left becomes essential for me, and I have also had the joy of sharing it with other travelers waiting in line, and madly repacking suitcases.  And it’s also a flashlight.

3.   Bottle stopper

Wine bottle stopper
Zyliss Bottle Stopper Image via finishlinestudios.com

One of the best parts about traveling is getting to experience the local cuisine and drinks. Now, if you take a trip across Europe, for instance, you’ll be amazed at all the different varieties of great wines they have in many countries there – and this also applies to parts of the United States, South America, and Africa. Now, as pleasurable as a good bottle of wine can be, at the end of a long day spent exploring, there are few things more infuriating than struggling to shove the cork back down the bottle’s neck. And it’s a shame to throw away perfectly good wine, in case you don’t manage to finish the bottle all in one evening. Since polishing whole bottles each night isn’t exactly a good idea either (at least not all the time…), a bottle stopper can turn into your best friend, for wine-infused evenings abroad. And make sure to get one that clicks securely shut.  Often you will want to put the partial bottle in the small refrigerator laying on its side.  PS: They tend to be small, so make sure you put them on a checklist in order not to forget them.

4.   iPad camera connector

Of course you’re going to take pictures when traveling – and you’re going to be taking lots of them, too. The iPad tends to produce a better quality viewing experience than most digital cameras, thanks to its ample screen size, which is why I usually prefer to employ the tablet. There’s just one tiny issue to take into consideration: the fact that, without an Apple camera connector, there’s no way I can download my pics and vids onto the tablet.

04 iPad camera connector

When I forget to pack the connector, I need to free up space on my camera’s memory card, or purchase more memory. So I try not to forget to pack the iPad camera connection kit. It’s tiny and makes it very easy to instantly download my travelogue photos and videos onto the tablet. I can then share them with family and friends back home and it’s far easier to keep up with the progress of my journey like this.

5. Listerine breath stripslisterine breath strips for travel

Fresh breath is never optional, no matter where I travel to, how outdoorsy the experience, or how remote the location. However, in some situations, it’s next to impossible to brush my teeth, which is why Listerine breath strips come in very handy. FYI, they’re available in four different flavors and dissolve instantly in your mouth – so you don’t have to ruin your stomach or keep chewing inelegantly, as is the case with chewing gum.

They also tend to last longer, in terms of effects, than mouthwash and most other dental hygiene solutions for when you’re on the go. Tip: they’re not available all over the world, since it seems most Listerine fans are U.S. or Australia based, so if you’re planning to leave the continent, remember to always pack a big batch in your luggage.

6. Soap box

Since we’re on the topic of hygiene, let’s consider it a little while longer. In some cases, you just need your own favorite brand of soap. Maybe you’ve got ultra-sensitive skin and want to avoid getting it even drier because of travel and using other types of toiletries. Maybe you’re camping or making your way from hostel to hostel, with limited access to toiletries in the first place.

soap box for travelers

A soap box will help you deal with all these issues without a snag. They’re compact and keep your soap dry, ready for use whenever you need it. They’re easier to pack along than shower gel bottles and safer, in terms of making sure they don’t spill or run in your luggage – and, no, you don’t want your clothes all sudsy because of an improperly closed bottle of shower gel. Finally, they help you avoid having to look for a supermarket and buying a new bar of soap in every location, allowing you to spend more time exploring the area.

PS.  Tide also makes a bar soap for clothes washing, but we have only found it overseas.  When we see it, we buy a couple bars.  And then the soap box becomes a way to transport your clothes washing bar – but try to get a different color box, so you don’t take a shower with your clothes washing bar.

7.   Reading lightreading light for books on the go, traveling

One of my favorite ways to catch some shuteye, be it in a hotel room, a tent, an airport lounge, or a plane, is by letting my magazines lull me to sleep with their words and stories. Reading never fails to transport me into an alternate reality – in a way, I love it because it’s very similar to traveling, only it allows you to take flights of fancy, instead of actual flights.

However, the light in hotel rooms is sometimes too bright. Airplanes can be pitch dark, when you fly at night and you’re the only one who wants to read, while everyone else is trying to sleep. Alternatively, maybe you want to explore a map in the dark and forgot to pack a flashlight (who does, these days, anyway?). A compact, yet powerful reading light will save you in each and every single one of these situations.

8.   Wine opener

Remember what I was saying earlier, about enjoying wine while traveling? I know I do, and that’s why I never leave home without a wine opener. Yes, a dedicated tool for opening bottles of wine, because sometimes your Swiss army knife won’t be able to handle the cork on some bottles. Since I don’t want to have to struggle with this process too much, nor do I want to risk breaking my Swiss knife, I simply take a wine opener along.

wine opener waiters corkscrew

It also saves me the trouble of having to go down to the hotel’s front desk in the middle of the night, asking them to lend me their own opener. And when it comes to enjoyment, believe me, it pays off to come prepared. I personally prefer a compact opener, which doesn’t take up too much space in my luggage.  And remember not to put it in your carry-on luggage, airline security frowns on such devices.

9.  Cardsdeck of playing cards for travel

It may seem old-fashioned for some, nowadays, in the day and age of apps, games, devices, tablets, and online gaming. However, I never forget to bring along a pack of good old playing cards. Why? Because they allow for actual in-person socialization. Because, no matter where I travel to, there’s always someone willing to join in on a card game I know, or teach me a game I’ve never heard of.

Cards are easy to pack along, don’t take up that much space and they provide the perfect opportunity for meeting people and making new friends across different cultures. They will strike up conversations, make entire evenings more animated and fun, and never require being recharged, like all your gadgets do. To boot, when you play cards, you actually save battery life on your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or whatever other electronic gizmo you’d decided to bring along.

10. Laundry line

I tend to travel for long spans of time, from one country to the next, from one exotic destination to the other. If I’m away for a few days only and expecting a major event, like a formal dinner, business meeting, or family affair (a wedding, for instance), I will take my formal attire to the dry cleaners. In other situations, however, I prefer to do my own laundry at a local laundromat. And then there are places I’ve visited, where there were no washing machines or dry cleaners to speak of.

laundry line outdoor drying for travelers

So, what was I supposed to do – toss out my dirty laundry and buy new, clean clothes? No, the solution is far simpler than that. I just remember to pack along a laundry line, whenever I travel. Like most other items on this list of essentials, it barely takes up any space in the luggage and it’s always easy to find a place to put it up and hang out my freshly washed clothes to dry. And, presto: I always have clean clothes in the morning

11. Scented candle

You may think that packing along a scented candle is optional, but for me, it’s actually an essential. There are many things with which this item helps. It creates a cozier, homier atmosphere, even in the most remote or impersonal hotel rooms. It freshens up the stodgy air in those rooms. It helps me relax and invites meditation. It’s great for creating a mood, if this should be the case on a particular evening.

Since scents create very powerful associations, bringing along a scented candle, no matter where I travel, is like packing a very important, ineffable part of home. I always remember to stock up on my favorite brand and scents when I return back home, then slip one into my bag as I head out the door to the airport. Bonus: scented candles also help ward off mosquitoes in the more pest-infested parts of the world.

  12. Overseas phoneoverseas travel phone

Since I can’t fathom traveling without a cell phone in my pocket, I’ve made it a point to invest in a calling device that I only use overseas. In most countries in the world today, it is relatively easy to buy pre-paid SIM cards for that particular country.  Depending on the country, on your pre-paid SIM you might get very good rates for calling back to your home country, but the main purpose is to be able to call locally and stay connected to your travel partner.  So, you want to make sure that the pre-paid SIM you buy in-country has SMS capabilities.  When you buy your travel cell phone, make sure you get a quad-band phone; that will insure that you can use it in most parts of the world.

13. iPhone telephoto lensiphone telephoto lens for travel photography

Indeed, I do travel with a special international phone for voice calls, but I also pack along my iPhone, because it makes connecting via Wi-Fi very easy – and also because I love taking pictures with it. And, speaking of picture taking, you haven’t lived (nor used its iPhone to the full extent of its picture taking capabilities) until you’ve tried the iPhone telephoto lens. Yes, professional photographers may sneer, but you’ll be laughing in their faces, too, when they see the results. The lens is easy to attach to your phone via an iPhone case, and the telephoto powers it lends to your device span the 8x-12x range. In terms of how easy it is to pocket, there’s no comparison between this iPhone lens and a typical telephoto lens – a 500m Sigma, for instance, is a monster compared to this tiny fellow. You will love what this lens is able to do with panoramic shots, taken off hills, roofs, or on the shores of the ocean.  And how easy it is living in your pocket, and easily attaching for that perfect long range shot.

14. Swiss army knife fork spoon

It might seem like the total traveler’s cliché, but I do like living up to it. I never leave home without my trusty Swiss army knife (again, packed in my checked luggage). However, since I prefer dedicated tools to those that promise to do a lot of things (and usually do them poorly), I keep my selection of Swiss army knife on the simple side. All I want mine to do is double as a spoon, a fork, and a knife. I really like wandering through grocery stores in foreign lands.

swiss army knife

With this handy little tool I never have to worry about how I’m going to consume my lunch, no matter how impromptu it may be, or how unlikely the location is for dining. My advice, in this respect, is to steer clear of those ads that promise to sell you a packed toolbox, in the form of a Swiss army knife. If you’re the kind who does need some hardware tools around, too, when traveling, check out the Multi-man tool below. For your choice of Swiss army knife, though, keep things stripped down to the bare essentials.

15. Multi-man toolmulti man tool

As I was saying above, I’m not the kind to oppose multipurpose tools out of principle – in fact, I’m partial to them, since my traveling often has me fixing things, adjusting them, or making them work on the go, right after they’ve broken down for some reason. Yet, instead of a Swiss army knife, I opt for a Multi-man tool, which packs all the essentials I need. In my case, these are pliers, a carabineer and a wire cutter. In your case, however, they might differ, so my advice is this: figure out what you usually need when traveling. Know your needs, then go browsing online. The selection of multi-man tools, currently available for sale online and off- is massive. It’s guaranteed to bring you to just the combo of tools you need, be they blades, bottle openers, screwdrivers, or whatever else. I did once forget my tool at home and had to deal with a broken zipper without it – but since that experience turned out to be far harder than I may have ever imagined, I’ve learned my lesson and made it a point to always check if I’ve packed the multi-man tool along.

16. Rubber bands rubber bands for travel

Some of the best inventions in the world are also the simplest: duct tape, Post-It notes, and, if you ask me, the same goes for rubber bands. They will work in just about any situation in which you want to make things stick together. Of course, they won’t hold as well as glue or sewing, but sometimes, when you’re out on the road a lot, there’s just no time or place to take care of things thoroughly. In such situations, keeping a bunch of simple rubber bands around is a great fix. I personally use them to separate different types of foreign currency, when traveling to many countries as part of the same itinerary, but I’ve also found myself tying and binding many other items together. In a sense, remembering to bring rubber bands along when traveling just goes to show how such experiences teach you a priceless lesson in resourcefulness.

17. Backup disk

I can’t possibly stress how important my electronic data is to me. When I travel, I’m basically packing along my entire life, all in one single laptop. Having that laptop mysteriously break down in some remote country or exotic location would be a hassle, to put it mildly. That’s why I’ve made a small investment (compared to how much peace of mind it brings), into an external hard-drive. I use this disk to back up all my information, before, during, and after traveling.

17 backup disk

It also helps with taking pictures, since particularly long and/or spectacular journeys often have me taking pictures or recording videos in the hundreds of GBs. I usually pack the backup disk in my cabin luggage and try to keep it on me as much as possible. However, for situations in which this is simply not feasible, I’ve also bought a shock-proof case for the drive. This helps put my mind at ease when flying overseas, since baggage handlers do tend to sometimes manhandle your bags. With the case, though, I know that, whatever happens, my data is completely safe.

Western Digital MyPassport- 500GB

18. Connecting cords

As you may have already noticed, I’m a big Apple fan: I own and use an iPhone, iPad, and Mac laptop. What all these devices have in common is the famous white Apple connecting cord, which I never leave home without. It’s essential for transferring data from one device to the next, but it can also help with restoring some battery life when traveling. For instance, there are occasions when I know there won’t be a plug available for a long time – and that’s when I whip out my laptop, connect the iPhone, the iPad, or both, to the laptop via the data transfer cable, and make sure I’m covered, in terms of battery life, at least for a little while longer.

connecting cords for phone and laptop

Battery life notwithstanding, though, I can think of few other things which are more important to me when traveling than this little cable. Without it (and without a Wi-Fi connection), I have no way of downloading data out of my mobile devices – and I prefer to avoid using the Bluetooth function. It also comes in handy for creating a hotspot, when I absolutely must use my laptop and have no Wi-Fi or cable Internet connection around.  And because they are very light and easy to pack, and I sometimes forget them in a hotel room, I also take a second cable in my luggage.

19. Backup power supply

And speaking of essential Apple products, I can pretty much say the same thing about my laptop’s backup power supply.

backup power supply for phone and laptop

It makes me feel more secure, in the event that I might lose the first one, or that it might get lost during lengthy and complex luggage transfers. Traveling without it might not seem like a big deal for many, but, as you may have already realized it, I like to travel prepared. In the case of the backup power supply, it stems from a particularly long journey across Europe, during which my power supply got, well… misplaced, and I had to spend serious money on a second one. I’ve learned my lesson and now know never to leave home without it.

20. Electric Travel Adapters and extension cordelectric travel adaptor

This one is almost a no-brainer: if you’re from North America or Australia and are planning to travel to just about any other place in the world (mostly to Europe and parts of Asia), you are going to be lost without electric travel adapters. I also add a handy extension cord, for cables that are simply too short – one such cable is the connection cable for my iPhone and iPad.  By adding the extension cord with multiple sockets on the one end, then I only need a single adapter, plug in the extension cord, and have 3 or 4 sockets to use for my various devices.

I use electric travel adapters purchased in a set, like the one pictured here, because they cover for absolutely all types of plugs I’ve come across in my journeys. There is literally no type of plug known to and made by man that this set won’t make usable for a North American. Of course, if you do happen to forget them, it’s likely that you can purchase a set on arrival in most urban locations. However, they are overpriced abroad and far more affordable if you simply remember to buy them back home and pack them into your suitcase.

21. Inflatable Hangers

inflatable hangers for travelWhen you do your laundry in your hotel room, you most often need to hang the laundry to dry.  If that laundry is a shirt or a top, and you hang it on a plastic hanger, you will most often end up with unseemly creases in the most unusual places.  And even worse, if all that is available are metal hangers, you might even end up with rust stains.  Inflatable hangers are an easy answer.  Light weight, easy to pack, and re-pack.  You inflate them when you need them, and remove the air to pack.  These were a later refinement to our packing list after about four years of travel.

 

22. Travel locktravel lock for personal belongings

You can be the most trusting person out there, but you will still need a travel lock when you are out on the road as much as I am. Think endless luggage transfers, countless hands that touch and handle your belongings, and missed connections. I want to make absolutely sure that my bags and their contents are safe, even if I always pack my most valuable possessions in my cabin luggage or carry-on. My travel lock of choice is a rather traditional one, with a numeric combination for a code.  But make sure to get one that is TSA approved, that way you won’t have the authorities cutting it off and leaving you lock-less.

If you’re more verbally inclined, you can opt for one that carries a combination of letters – but the most important thing you need to look at is just how safe and sturdy the lock is. As for mine, I tried picking it myself, when I thought I’d forgotten my code. Needless to say, I didn’t manage to, but, luckily, I was able to retrieve the code and open it the orthodox way.

23.Computer lock

computer lock for laptops Along those same lines, my computer lock is much more important than my travel lock. Though I always make sure to have all my information backed up in the cloud and on external hard drives before and during my trips, I still wouldn’t want my computer and all the priceless information on it to end up in the wrong hands.

The Internet is already filled with such stories, some of them alarming, some humorous, but I still wouldn’t want to chance such a fate. The protection I carry for my computer is three-fold: there’s a physical lock on it, a password to my hard-drive, and also an app installed that will track down the device no matter where it ends up in the world. I also periodically archive and encrypt the highly sensitive information on my machine, just to make absolutely sure it’s as safe as can be.

24. Socks to go over shoessocks to go over shoes for travel

When packing shoes in your luggage, especially when you may have other hard items, such as electronics, or gifts or anything else, you would prefer that your shoes don’t get scuffed.   And at the same time, you would prefer your clean clothes not be exposed to the the soles of your shoes.  So to protect your clothes from your shoes, and your shoes from other objects, simply cover your shoes with socks.  Since the socks you use are likely to get dirty from the shoes, we don’t use socks we plan to wear, but use socks we keep for this very purpose.  If you ever fly Business or First class, save those little footies, as they are very stretchy, and seem to be just the thing for this purpose.

25. Laundry Soap sheets

Perhaps one of the biggest inventions since bread came sliced, these laundry soap sheets make keeping your clothes clean a breeze when traveling. Not only are they biodegradable and entirely safe, but they’re also far easier to carry around when traveling than a bar of soap. They dissolve almost instantly when they come into contact with water and leave you with a handful of suds and bubbles.

laundry soap sheets for travel

I like to pack them along for more rugged trips, when I know access to conventional toiletries is going to be difficult. If you’re still not convinced, here’s a fun little anecdote for you: during a tour of France, there was a small mishap at one of the first hotels where I was staying. Long story short, all my clothes ended up reeking of smoke and had to be washed. A single soap sheet managed to clean a pair of pants, a t-shirt and two pairs of socks. Q.e.d.?

26. Kindlekindle for reading while traveling

As much as I love printed books, there’s also a lot to be said about the convenience of carrying a Kindle for reading when you travel. They’re small, light, and can literally pack all the world’s literary heritage inside. I particularly like the look and feel of my own Kindle, which allows me to look up words, is easy on the eyes and can be customized, too. For those which prefer not to carry too much technology with them when traveling, there’s also the option of downloading the Kindle app, which works on any computer, smartphone or tablet. However, if you’re a dedicated reader like myself, investing in a Kindle will do you a world of good. This is especially true since it rids you of any issues with getting a new book while traveling, in case you finished the one you’d packed along. With Kindle it’s incredibly easy to simply download any title you want, just about anywhere. I also have a few magazine subscriptions set up on mine, which allow me to remain up-to-speed with the goings-on in my fields of interest.  And the backlighting means never having to worry if there is a lamp on your side of the bed.

27. Bill Paying Service

There are plenty of options to making sure the bills are all taken care of when you travel. Personally, I like to manage mine as I go along, off my smartphone – especially since there’s a bunch of great apps, both from banks, as well as from utility providers.

bill paying service while you travel

However, you can also set up your card for automatic monthly withdrawals, straight from your account into those of your utility providers. Since I’m sometimes away for a whole month, this helps me make sure I never fall behind with any payments and am then forced to return to a house without Internet, or who knows what else.

28. Phone setups for overseas travelphone setups for overseas travel

Setting up your phone for traveling abroad largely depends on your needs, traveling style and duration of your stay. For instance, I choose to always reset my data counts when traveling, in order to keep my data transfer limits in check (those costs do tend to run somewhat high). I also make sure I have all my favorite travel apps installed on all devices: smartphone, tablet, and laptop. As I mentioned earlier, I have a permanent overseas voice call subscription, but you may only want to activate yours for specific durations of time, depending on where you’re traveling to, how long you plan on staying there, and the purpose of your voyage. Last but not least, I deactivate apps that I know will eat up battery life while traveling, if they’re not specifically useful for me during the course of that voyage.

29. GPS flash card for European maps

I don’t always rent cars for driving across Europe during my travels there, but when I do, I always take along my my personal GPS and flash card for the continent I will be in. In fact, of late I’ve included it on my checklist of essential travel items for each voyage, since these maps now also come in handy when I use local public transport systems, walk, or hike. They do tend to be somewhat expensive, but they’ll save you a fortune on traditional, printed maps, and, on the plus side, you rarely ever have to worry about the maps being outdated with a GPS flash card: some of the higher-end options even provide real-time traffic updates.

GPS flash drive for European travel

Alternatively, you can use a mobile app for the same purpose, with the same results. My only advice is to make sure you shop around and check out product reviews, because you definitely don’t want to end up in the middle of Europe with a map that has nothing to do with the reality of your surroundings.

 

30. Skype for calls back homeskype for calls back home

Believe me, the good people over at Skype aren’t paying me to tell you this, but there’s really no comparing their mobile application with any other VoIP service out there. It comes in extremely handy when trying to get in touch with someone calling you from back home. You can also use the PC application and call people for free, or make paid calls from your mobile device, at the lowest rates ever. They don’t cater to absolutely all the countries in the world, but their list of supported locations is ample and likely to satisfy even the most avid and active globetrotters. I know I’ve never had any complaints with the quality of their services, so I always make sure to update the app each time they come out with a new version.  Get it on your smartphone, tablet and computer.

Medical Insurance for Travel Abroad: Best Deals for UK Senior Holidaymakers

Whoever said that older people shouldn’t embark on international journeys has definitely never met a savvy senior traveler before. One of the major trends of today’s society is for seniors to buy plane tickets and explore the world. If you think about it for a second, it makes perfect sense to invest in something worthwhile when you have so much free time. As many senior travelers love to say, “Age matters only if you’re a cheese”, and apparently, travel is the fountain of youth.

travel insurance for elderly

Nevertheless, even with better health in old age and an increasing affluence, elderly people are still having problems with medical insurance for travel abroad. The truth is that it can be very complicated to buy travel health insurance if you are past your prime, or suffering from long-term illnesses (eg. heart-disease, diabetes).

 

The good news is that elderly people can also get affordable travel insurance, according to Express.co.uk. You probably already know that regular travel insurance includes travel interruption insurances, baggage, health, evacuation and flight insurance. Let’s see how you can make it happen even if you are older.

 

1. How Do Elderly Pay for Travel Insurance?

Everybody knows that elderly people pay more for any type of insurance, because they are most likely to actually need it. If you are in excellent physical health, it will be easier to get insurance, but chances are that you are already suffering from a minor long-term illness, that can add to the costs. Although most insurance companies are reluctant to give out policies to senior citizens, due to the misconception that they have worse health than younger people, however, a revolution has begun. First of all, companies which cannot provide with offline or online travel health insurance are obliged to redirect them to a capable specialist.

 

Recommended:  Ageism in Travel Insurance – Older People’s Stories

 

In addition to this, more and more insurance companies, like Staysure.co.uk understand that in the future, the population of senior citizens and old age pensioners will reach unprecedented numbers. It is actually predicted that over one third of the UK’s population will be older than 55. The dynamics of modern population has changed significantly: we live longer and healthier, have less children and remain active later in life. All of these things indicate to better insurance rates for elderly people.

 

2. Why Get Old-Age-Pensioners (OAP) Health Insurance?

Traveling may sound like a lot of fun, but nothing is without risks, especially for seniors. The stress of a 20 hour flight is a lot even for people in their thirties, so you can only imagine what sort of nightmare it will be for you. As much as we would like to block negative thoughts from our heads, there’s no need to be irresponsible. It’s always good to know that you are covered in case of complications while you are away. The OAP travel policy will do this for you.

OAP insurance

Not only is it not expensive, but it also has good coverage. It is a small investment that can prevent the worse from happening. You should make sure to add it to your travelers’ insurance policy before setting out on your trip. According to Sundaytimes the average cost of treating serious illnesses abroad costs, on average, 2,040 pounds, while an uninsured hospital visit in the United States is approximately 6,000 pounds.

 

3. Why are Some Premiums Expensive, and Are they Useful?

The generic answers that insurance companies give when they refuse to insure older people is that premiums reflect an increased risk. Sadly, age is one of the major factors when it comes to calculating premium rates. Basically, the older you are, the higher the chance that you will fall ill, or be involved in some sort of accident. The insurance company will set its price irrespective of the fact that many 70 or 80 year olds are healthier than 50 year olds. They have no interest in rewarding you for being fit, but they will definitely not spare you if you are suffering from a long-term illness, because their ultimate goal is to make more money.

things to consider

So should you buy travel insurance? The answer is a definite yes, especially since you are facing more risks, and can probably not afford out-of-pocket expenses. If you travel at least six-seven times per year, you could definitely consider the annual “multi-trip” policy that will have all of your trips covered. Keep in mind that upper age limits for this policy are a lot lower than regular covers.

 

4. What to Consider Before Purchasing a Plan

People over the age of 65 who are in search of medical insurance for travel abroad should take into account general health conditions, duration of the trip and activities required during it. This way, they will better understand how much coverage they need (and avoid additional costs).

 

  • General health condition: As we already mentioned, many people in their 60-70’s are a lot healthier than younger people. This matters not for the insurance companies, but it will help you determine how much coverage you should purchase: if you are susceptible to diseases and infections, you should go for a higher policy plan.

 

  • Duration of Trip: The longer you stay abroad, the higher the chances of falling sick or having an accident. Opt for a better policy in this situation.

 

  • Activities Required during the Trip: Do you have any idea what you will be doing during your vacation? We are not talking about beach volleyball or anything of the sort. For senior citizens something as trivial as a car drive can be strenuous and lead to sickness. Comprehensive coverage policy should be considered in this situation.

Medical Insurance Travel Abroad Advice: Do You Really Need it?

Traveling is not always fun and games. In order to have the best time of your life, you should plan well in advance and take care of the organizational and insurance issues. Whether you are traveling for business purposes, in connection with your studies or for leisure, there are certain steps that you should take to avoid health problems and accidents. Preparing for a trip is not only about choosing the destination, itinerary and packing your bags, it is also about taking necessary steps to avoid complications.

should you buy travel insurance

In addition to standard precautions, if you travel outside North America, Australia, or Europe, you might also require vaccinations or protection against exotic diseases like malaria. If you have no idea how to prepare, you needn’t panic, because not even the most seasoned traveler knows all there is to know about medical insurance for travel abroad. The question remains: Do You Really Need Travel insurance? We would like to share with you general information that you might find helpful before setting out on your new adventure.

 

1          First Things First: Should You Buy Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance can be extremely useful on certain occasions, or completely useless in others. It is important to weigh out the pros and cons before deciding should you buy travel health insurance or regular insurance or not. As a rule of thumb, travelers’ insurance policies can significantly minimize financial risks of illness, missed flights, lost baggage, theft, travel-company bankruptcies, emergency evacuation, getting your body home, death, accidents etc.

Travel insurance is an added cost, and it all boils down to how many risks you are willing to take. If you are traveling to a country that is known for violence, you might want to at least have some peace of mind. Each traveler’s potential loss is different, and it depends on how much they have paid for the trip in advance, their destination, the financial health of the company or airline that they use, already existing coverage (which include homeowner’s, credit card, and medical insurance) and refundability of the ticket. It’s up to you to understand your options and make a decision.

Tip: Don’t believe travel agents when they encourage you to purchase travel insurance, as they often do it simply to increase the costs of your trip.

 

2          Travel Insurance Basics: What you Should Know

There are basically five elements included in travel insurance. We are talking about travel interruption insurance (for trip cancellation or interruption), baggage, evacuation, medical and flight insurance. Obviously, you could supplement your policy with additional safety methods, like identity theft or political evacuation or specific insurances for a sporting endeavor, like rock climbing or SCUBA, but in most situations they are not needed. It is very difficult to only purchase one type of insurance. For example, if you are interested to buy travel health insurance (the medical risks of traveling abroad can be covered by your standard health insurance), it might only be possible to purchase it together with baggage or cancellation policies as well.

vaccinations and health insurance

Comprehensive insurance refers to the type of policy which includes the five elements presented above, as well as expenses incurred if the trip is delayed, or if your tour company decides to change the itinerary. This is an excellent insurance to have, because it will take care of all the costs, even if your policies over-lapse with others. For example, if you already have medical insurance separately, your travel insurer will pay for costs without having you worry about out-of-pocket expenses.

 

Please note that the trip-cancellation coverage works as a reimbursement-only policy. In other words, you will have to prepare for out-of-pocket expenses, and after submitting proper paperwork you will have your money restored. If you are ever in a dire situation, you should contact your insurance company straight away, and ask them how you should proceed.

 travel insurance

3          Vaccinations and Other Personal Safety Concerns

Personal safety is imperative when traveling abroad. If you have the feeling that you might be at risk, the costs of travel insurance don’t really matter. The truth is that many people don’t even bother thinking about it if they leave for a two-day London trip, but if you are planning on a longer one you should definitely research the Foreign Office web pages for recommendations on security risks as well as online travel health insurance information beforehand. Additionally, you should leave information about your travel arrangements, return date, emergency contact information and destination with your department or friends.

 

Should you purchase travel insurance for a lengthy journey? The answer is yes, if you care about your health and wish to avoid out-of-pocket expenses. We have already mentioned that vaccinations are a must when traveling to Europe, Australia or North America, and we urge you not to ignore them. Fit For Travel is an excellent resource for possible diseases in different regions. In most cases, the need for vaccination depends on the destination, period and the activities you will be doing. So if you are only leaving for a conference or meeting, checking into a high-class accommodation and eating in, the chances of catching a disease are slim. However, if you are exposing yourself to places and people with poor hygiene or sanitation, doctors strongly recommend that you get your vaccinations.

 

Assuming that you have a special situation, which forces you to expose yourself to natural disaster or population disturbance areas, there are additional counter-measures that you should take. Also, if you need two shots, you will probably have to take them a few weeks apart because immunity takes time to develop. Protection against Malaria can be secured through recommended tablets.

 

4          What is Already Covered By Home, Credit Card and Medical Insurance?

Many people ask themselves: Do you have to have travel insurance? Sometimes the answer is no, simply because the person in question already has excellent coverage from home, medical and credit card insurance. Medical insurance, for example, can cover possible injuries while traveling abroad, while home insurance will often include personal possessions when away from home (this can protect your baggage). Last but not least, your credit card or current account might already include travel insurance with certain limitations (travel insurance from credit cards are usually very basic).

 

Tips for Packing for Overseas Travel with Children

How does the old saying go? “A mother’s work is never done”. The same applies for either parent, really, when you’re planning and packing to travel overseas with one kid (or several…). It doesn’t even matter if we’re talking babies, toddlers, tweens, or teens here – chances are the situation is going to be complex either way. But before you start despairing, remember that your time abroad with the whole family is not supposed to be a source of this much stress. Quite the contrary: it should be memory-making time, lighthearted and fun. Which is why we’re going to point you in the direction of the mother of all packing checklists for busy parents. And we’re also going to dispense our wisdom on the subject, on the form of tips for packing for overseas travel with children.

Baby on board? Tips for packing for overseas travel with small kids

  • Start early. Very early.tips for packing for overseas travel with children

There’s no such thing as starting to pack too early, when traveling with a baby. A few days (more like three or four, rather than one or two) ought to cut it. There’s going to be a lot you have to remember to bring along and some of the bigger ticket items are harder to pack, so they need to be planned around – think car seat, for instance, or the collapsible stroller. The best way to approach the planning process is to start off with the list above, in printed form, then keep adding to it as you go along. Another, more intuitive, albeit less organized way is to put everything out where you can see it, as you progress and think of each item. Provided you’re not drowning in baby bottles and the like before you’re done, it’s a safe way to make sure everything’s in the bag.

  • The disaster issue

Depending on where you’re traveling to, you’re probably going to be purchasing nappies at your destination, too. However, it’s crucial to pack along a few extra diapers for the plane, just in case there are any delays and/or emergencies. Similarly, you should invest into a waterproof lined diaper bag, which you can carry on your shoulder. And, while this has less to do with diapers, and more with feeding the baby, you should probably also pack an extra clean shirt for yourself, just in case disaster strikes. Also, since medicine bottles and bottles of toiletries have been known to leak, it’s probably a good idea to pack them into a Ziploc bag, which you can reseal after each use.tips for packing for overseas travel with kids

 

  • Baby’s bag

Some parents think they’re better off not bringing along an extra suitcase just for the baby. However, should you need immediate access to baby’s outfits while traveling, you’re going to be stuck digging through the whole family’s wardrobe before you reach them. As such, though it may be cumbersome, the best idea is to pack the little one’s clothes in their own suitcase, which will allow you to find them as easily and quickly as you need to.

Traveling with older kids – without the drama

  • Remember the important things…

… but not just the ones that matter for you, such as documents, money, cards, chargers, medicine, etc. (whew, that sure is a lot of stuff to remember, isn’t it?). The point is that you know there are certain items your kid will sulk and whine without. Stuff like their blanky, their handheld console, iPod, cell phone, or whatever else. It’s usually the kind of items that are absolutely irreplaceable and, in the absence of which, you’d have a little bundle of drama on your hands. If your kid is old enough to read and write, have them make a checklist for these items themselves, but make sure it doesn’t get out of hand. And always, always double check when they’re done packing.

  • Getting resourceful with garbage bags

This is one of our favorite packing luggage tips for families: there is absolutely no reason a parent should not pack a roll of garbage bags in the family’s suitcase. They’re compact and easy to store and can serve a multitude of purposes. For seaside trips, they’ll help you carry wet clothes and bathing suits back to the hotel room. For longer stays, they’ll help you sort out the dirty laundry from the clean one. If you guys are outdoorsy and plan to spend a lot of time in nature, garbage bags will be there to teach the little tykes a lesson in responsibility and respect for the environment, by allowing you to collect your own trash and leave no debris behind. Last, but certainly not least, these big, cheap bags can be used by parents who are afraid the little one might have an accident at night, while sleeping in the hotel bed. Would you rather pay to have the mattress cleaned? We think not.

  • Long drive ahead?

Many families with older kids take vacations that involve a lot of stopovers, so here’s an essential piece of travel packing advice for them. If you don’t plan ahead for this, you’ll probably haul all your luggage into the hotel for a single night, only to haul it back to the car the following morning. This can all be avoided, if you pack a running bag, which you occasionally restock with the necessary clothes, toys, and toiletries. This way, you won’t have to rummage through suitcases late at night for the kids pajamas, nor will there be too much heavy lifting involved in your vacation.

  • Never, ever forget the entertainment

This one is among basic air travel packing tips, but it bears repeating. If there’s a long journey ahead do not expect your kid to sit silently in their seat and act like a perfect angel. They, much like yourself, will get bored, and they will require entertainment. It could be anything from a favorite video downloaded onto dad’s iPad, to a coloring book with their favorite cartoons, to a new, exciting toy. Whatever it is, don’t forget to bring it along – unless you are eager to hear some whining and see some sulking.

10 Essential Clothes Packing Tips for the Hopelessly Disorganized

The hopelessly disorganized seem to be a species all their own: on the one hand, much like anyone else, they do enjoy traveling; on the other, though, their chronic inability to get organized often causes them to freeze up and/or fly off into a panic. If you belong in this very special category, check out our list of twenty vital clothes packing tips, which are guaranteed to bring order even into the lives of the most desperately messy travelers out there.

Getting started: Method-focused clothes packing tips

1. Your luggage is your life

It may sound pretentious, but this is one of those packing luggage tips that comes from a trustworthy source: “When you figure out your suitcase, you figure out your life”, said acclaimed fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg. And she’s right. Want to turn your life around? You’re certainly not the only one: according to a Post Office poll, 37 per cent of British travelers say they’re disorganized. 55 per cent of women find it harder to pack than men – but, in earnest, about 30 per cent of women also pack the bags of their male companion.

2. Pack tight, not light clothes packing tips

Traveling light has been touted endlessly, as the best way to make a journey. And, as far as travel packing advice goes, it’s still sound advice – but the truth is that, when packing, you want to utilize as much of the space available to you as you possibly can. What’s your ultimate goal? To avoid creasing your clothes. How do you do that? There’s a wide range of methods, which include folding, bundling, rolling, plastic wrapping, etc.. Whatever you choose, make sure you get everything in there packed in tightly. Ziploc bags work particularly well, as does vacuuming up your wrapped clothing items.

3. Get help

No, we don’t mean professional psychotherapeutic aid. However, if you want a couple of tips, instructions, or tutorials on the best and quickest ways to fold up your shirts, you can either check out Butler Bureau, or the countless video tutorials on YouTube.

4. How much can I bring along?

Sky may be the limit for some, but the truth is most airlines have several strict rules about the type of cabin luggage you can bring along. Typically, in terms of air travel packing tips it’s one piece per person, weighing in at 44lbs (or 20 kg), and measuring about 22in in height. Such a suitcase is able to carry two pairs of long bottoms, five shirts or t-shirts, three sweatshirts, cardigans, or sweaters, and two dresses.

Down to business: The actual packing process

5. What do you need?

It all starts with rounding up all the clothes you expect you’re going to need on your journey. Try to categorize them as much as possible, either by function or by color. Then, mentally dress yourself up, from your toes all the way up to your ears. You are actually creating several distinct outfits for your stay – and the key is to bringing along more tops than bottoms, since they tend to get dirty quicker. Then, once you’ve got all your outfit elements down pat, subtract one of them and leave it behind. In most cases, you’re still not going to wear everything else that you’ve packed up. As for shoes, follow the rule of three: one comfortable shoe, loafer, or sandal, one running or track shoe, and a dressier shoe, if the occasion calls for it. Remember that heels are always complicated to pack, because of their shape and stiffness.

6. Wrinkles and creases

There are some items which inevitable crease, no matter how well you pack them – but there are also others which are better suited for traveling. Knitwear, wool, cotton, and some synthetics tend to fare better when packed up.

7. Roll or fold?

It’s actually advisable to do a bit of both, depending on the type of garment and fabric you’re working with. According to the clothes packing tipsacclaimed author of The Packing Book, Judy Gilford, you can safely (and tightly) roll up cotton pants, knitted items, underwear, jeans, and t-shirts, since they either don’t crease, or can also be worn a bit creasy. On the other hand, if you’re packing any rougher or stiffer fabrics, such as blazers, shirts that require starch, or any other clothes for special occasions (dresses, skirts, etc.), you need to fold them properly. And, you know what? If you live in London, you can actually pay a professional service to do this for you, as well as wash, dry clean, and iron all your clothes.

8. Layer it like a cake

Do you bake? Great! It’s going to come in very handy for brushing up on your traveling packing tips, since you’re essentially going to approach your suitcase like one big cream-filled cake. The bottom layer consists of the rolled up items, the filling will be the folded ones, while around the rolled items, you can stuff belts, shoes, and other accessories (hint: go easy on the expensive jewelry, watches, etc.). It’s also advisable to top everything off with a dry cleaning clothing bag, which will keep the clothes rolling around during the journey. This is a good thing, since they won’t settle in one place long enough as to develop creases.

On the road again: Using your clothes intelligently

9. Doubling up

Note that, if you’ve been following our clothes packing tips up to this point, you stand before a light, organized suitcase, full of essential items. Some of your clothes are actually versatile enough to be used for several purposes: leggings, for instance, can be paired up with a comfortable tunic shirt, but they can also be used for sleeping in them. Some pairs of pants can turn into capris or even shorts, and you can even use knitwear as pillows, either on the road, or at your destination.

10. Washing up, moving on

Ideally, you should ask if the hotel or hostel you’re staying at has laundry facilities, but make sure to also inquire about the price, since such services do tend to be on the pricey side. This is especially true on cruise ships, so come prepared. If you don’t want to pay for doing the laundry, pack soap sheets or a small pack of detergent, as well as a sink stopper and a laundry line. You’ll be good to go, in fresh new clothes, in a matter of days.

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