Traveling Made Easy

We are all aware of the new travel regulations.  You read about them in every travel magazine and newspaper article.  Although the rules have changed, travel is still quite easy and very enjoyable if you plan ahead.  Many of us don't like to wait for luggage so the carryon is the perfect choice for shorter trips.  One carryon bag and one personal bag is the maximum usually allowed by domestic and international airlines.  Always check with the airline prior to your trip to make sure the rules have not changed or been amended.  Personal bags or briefcases can carry a computer, a camera, or any of your personal belongings.  The easiest way to accomplish this is to use one of the "attachable" bags that slide on top of your wheeled carryon.  This makes moving through airports or train stations fast and easy.  While the wheeled carryon will be placed in the overhead compartment, the attachable piece will slide under your seat. Since one sits on top of the other, you can pull or push both cases with one hand. This is the most efficient way to maneuver through airports, train and bus depots, and any busy area.  It is especially handy at taxi stands, and waiting in line to rent a car.  Some brands that feature this are Mosaic Travel Gear and Prolite. Since two cases are the usual maximum you can take, you'll want to be sure your personal bag has a pocket to carry your leathergoods and passport, ticket and photo identification.  There are travel accessories designed to carry these items that can easily slip into a handy pocket.  This way you will not have to fumble at checkpoints, and you will not become an easy target for pickpockets. Be sure you check the maximum airline measurements prior to your luggage purchase so there will not be a problem.

Generally, clothing should be packed in your lightweight luggage, along with shoes and other bulky items.  Individual packing cubes make packing more organized.  If security goes through your bag, everything can be removed without wrinkling, and can easily be placed back into your bag.  It's especially helpful to pack your underwear in these packing cubes.  They are available in fabric or plastic and zip closed.  Shoe covers or socks are useful to slide your shoes into before packing them.  They will keep your clothing clean when stuffing things into a small bag.  The smaller attachable piece of luggage which rides on top can hold your jewelry, medication if any, reading material and a snack.  Just remember that liquids and gels must be placed in containers no larger than 3 ounces, and must fit inside a quart sized Ziploc bag.  Medication should have the prescription attached, and have your doctor prescribe liquids in 3-ounce size if possible.  You can also send your favorite shampoo or other liquids ahead of time to your destination if you cannot exist on less than 3 ounces.  Be aware that some hotels charge a handling or storage charge for this service.

There are many companies making clear plastic containers that are stronger and nicer to travel with than the Ziploc style bag.  They are available in a quart size designed especially for carryon regulations.  Small jewelry rolls or puffs make traveling with jewelry easier when going through security.  These also make ideal corporate gifts. This keeps everything together, and insures you will not lose or misplace items in case your bag needs to be searched. These jewelry cases will generally fit into the hotel safes for further safekeeping.  Laptops must be given separately to security along with your liquids and gels.  It's helpful to keep your laptop in a sleeve for the protection of your laptop.  An outside pocket on your carryon makes removing your laptop easier.  You'll also need to remove your shoes and any belts with metal.  Loose change and keys, along with metal pens must also be removed from pockets. Leave your watch in your carryon along with any bulky jewelry, at least until you go through security. Try to dress with this in mind on the day you're traveling.  A small travel umbrella is also a welcome necessity in your personal bag.  If you think you'll need a bulky coat or sweater, plan to wear it on to the plane rather than try to pack it. Now that we've shown you how easy travel can be, plan your trip and have a great time.

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