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Post by scrapsotime on Feb 13, 2017 19:31:27 GMT
I don't really have anything to add, but I travel with my 84 year old mother frequently. We always ask her if she has the 3MC packed - Money, Meds, (Glucose) Monitor and clothes. Somehow she has forgotten all of those things on trips.
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Post by MichyM on Feb 13, 2017 20:05:50 GMT
Throw away your used boarding passes as soon as possible. You don't want to present the old one to TSA for the wrong flight. Then dig through your purse not able to find the correct one. And hope you didn't throw it away instead. Go to the back of the line and panic. Not every airline will accept on your phone... not that this all just happened to me! If you use a airline's mileage plan, do not do this. If they neglect to credit you the miles, they need a copy of your boarding pass(es) to put them in your account. At least KLM/Delta/and the small carrier I used from Casablanca to Barcelona when I flew both to and from Morocco a few years ago and I got none of the miles. Flying from Seattle, with layovers in European cities, I lost a lot of miles. By the time I realized a couple months later, the boarding passes were long gone. Now I put them in that trip's file folder. |
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christinec68
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,124 
Location: New York, NY
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Post by christinec68 on Feb 13, 2017 20:34:11 GMT
If you are taking a long trip and checking bags, divide your stuff and your DH's stuff and put half in each bag. We learned this when DH's bag was lost and he had nothing! We do this. It's kind of a pain to always pay for two checked bags (if we are checking) but if one ever gets lost, it will be worth the extra $25. |
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Post by keesha on Feb 13, 2017 21:40:49 GMT
Throw away your used boarding passes as soon as possible. You don't want to present the old one to TSA for the wrong flight. Then dig through your purse not able to find the correct one. And hope you didn't throw it away instead. Go to the back of the line and panic. Not every airline will accept on your phone... not that this all just happened to me! If you use a airline's mileage plan, do not do this. If they neglect to credit you the miles, they need a copy of your boarding pass(es) to put them in your account. At least KLM/Delta/and the small carrier I used from Casablanca to Barcelona when I flew both to and from Morocco a few years ago and I got none of the miles. Flying from Seattle, with layovers in European cities, I lost a lot of miles. By the time I realized a couple months later, the boarding passes were long gone. Now I put them in that trip's file folder. Good to know! I will change my tip to "find a special spot" for them  |
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Post by 950nancy on Feb 13, 2017 21:41:47 GMT
I do this as well. Then I put several outfits into a large ziploc bag. Day to day at home, I try to avoid using too many disposable items like that, but when packing, I use a ton of ziplocs. If they remain clean, I leave them in one of our suitcases to reuse another time. My purpose for putting the outfits in the bags is that if I roll them and place them in the case, by the end of day 1 the kids have already unrolled half of the clothing and left them in a wrinkled heap. By keeping them in the bags, they stay rolled, all together, and close to wrinkle free. If the kids want to unload their cases into drawers, they can just put the bagged outfits right in the drawers like that so that everything stays together. Also, this way, if anything spills in the case or on the case, the outfits are kept dry & clean. SaveLove this. I have rolled mine for a while, but without zip locks. This would be perfect for the kids because they end up dumping their whole suitcase out on the floor, looking for socks or something and don't put it back and everything, dirty and clean ends up all together on the floors! My kids learned to pack for themselves in second grade. We had done it together a few times, so they knew the process. They also had a list to follow. We rolled them and that was good for them. We also packed all of the dirty clothes in three of the bags and the clean clothes in the fourth piece of luggage. That way when we got home, the dirty clothes were already sorted and in piles for the washing machine and a load was started before we even got upstairs. |
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Grom Pea
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,944
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Post by Grom Pea on Feb 13, 2017 22:06:38 GMT
If you use a airline's mileage plan, do not do this. If they neglect to credit you the miles, they need a copy of your boarding pass(es) to put them in your account. At least KLM/Delta/and the small carrier I used from Casablanca to Barcelona when I flew both to and from Morocco a few years ago and I got none of the miles. Flying from Seattle, with layovers in European cities, I lost a lot of miles. By the time I realized a couple months later, the boarding passes were long gone. Now I put them in that trip's file folder. Good to know! I will change my tip to "find a special spot" for them I have a clear zip folder that I got taking a tour once, it's perfect to hold passports and important documents like boarding passes or the hotel itinerary. I don't store the new boarding passes in there so they don't get confused but I do keep them in case I need a record of a flight for reasons above. Also if you ever want to get a clearance they want to know every country you've visited and the dates for the past 7 or 10 years or something so it's easier to keep the stubs just in case, bit that I think I'll need it again, but it was a pain reverse engineering my calendar and photos for dates when I could have just kept my ticket stubs, plus scrapbooking :-) |
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scrappinmama
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,866
Jun 26, 2014 12:54:09 GMT
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Post by scrappinmama on Feb 13, 2017 22:13:57 GMT
I always try to keep track of what is in each bag. Then I keep it with our travel documents. This prevents me from looking through all the bags trying to find something.
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Dalai Mama
Drama Llama
La Pea Boheme
Posts: 6,985
Jun 26, 2014 0:31:31 GMT
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Post by Dalai Mama on Feb 14, 2017 2:38:08 GMT
I don't use paper boarding passes any more. I keep everything on my phone with backups in Evernote that I can access from any wifi connection.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 5, 2024 12:07:06 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Feb 14, 2017 2:55:11 GMT
Limit the number of pairs of shoes you are taking to 2 or 3 at most, then pack as few bottoms as possible, pack tops that go with your shoes and bottoms. I can go for 7 days with two pair of shoes three bottoms and 7 tops in a carry on.
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Post by maryland on Feb 14, 2017 5:01:15 GMT
Great list! We go on average 16 trips a year, all between 5-9 hrs. long. And I am the type that gets so stressed about packing, getting the house ready, checking the house, arranging pet care, etc. So you would think I would be an expert at packing, but I love the tips here. I am the type that has to start packing a week or two early. I try to have extra of everything I need, so some stuff just stays in my suitcase in the attic all year. I don't enjoy going on trips where you don't know whether to pack for warm or cold weather. I don't like to have to pack twice as much because it may be warm or it may be cold. And my family way overpacks. My husband takes a small suitcase even for an overnight, and so do I. The kids pack three times as many clothes as they will actually wear. And my husband and I pack a ton of "to do" stuff, magazines, books, etc. even though we know we won't need them all. I have a big fear of not being prepared! But when we get home, and while at relatives house/hotel, it's stressful with all the crap I bring! We look like a family from hoarders when you see our van packed for the beach. And our van should be condemned with all the food and junk that they girls leave in the car. Can you tell I do not enjoy travel! haha! It's the getting ready/unpacking that's a pain. |
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Post by maryland on Feb 14, 2017 5:04:04 GMT
I forgot to add above, that I get cheap drugstore makeup and hair stuff for travel so I just keep it in my travel bag so I don't have to worry about packing the good stuff I use everyday. Our trips are just visiting relatives or going to the beach, so it doesn't really matter what I look like (at the beach, it's impossible for me to look decent, so I gave up trying.  |
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Post by maryland on Feb 14, 2017 5:05:29 GMT
I always try to keep track of what is in each bag. Then I keep it with our travel documents. This prevents me from looking through all the bags trying to find something. Great idea! I have been taking pictures of the contents of my suitcase, etc., it's so much easier than unpacking to see if you have something in your suitcase. |
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Post by maryland on Feb 14, 2017 5:11:59 GMT
A few more things that I have found work for me: I have a travel makeup bag that I always keep packed with duplicates of: all my makeup, nail clippers, emery board, lotion, and other things I use to get ready all the time (tweezers, eyelash curler, tooth care stuff, q-tips, mini mirror, comb, hair clip, shower cap, other hair stuff, etc.). I keep a tiny travel sewing kit, a tiny pair of scissors, and a couple of disposable gloves in the outside pocket. If I'm flying I take the liquids out before packing the rest. Once home I refill the shampoo or anything else so it's ready to go. As a bonus, if I ever run out of my home stuff, I have always have a backup on hand. I have a small flat zip pouch that I travel with that has things I keep by the bedside in a hotel. It includes: travel alarm clock, small flashlight and extra batteries, ear plugs, eye mask, a couple of throat lozenges (I tend to get a sore throat in dry hotel rooms), etc. When I get to the room it has everything together and it's easy to repack. I have a small zip pouch that has a mini first aid kit in it that I usually carry in my purse and always carry when travelling. You would be surprised at how many little things you can get in there if you buy the medication in the blister packs or tiny travel packs, a few band-aids, tube of antibiotic ointment/hydrocortisone, benedryl tablets, piece of moleskin (for blisters), tiny fold up scissors, dental floss (can be used as string) nail clippers, etc. It has saved the day many times! If you have kids in car seats and travel a lot, look into getting car seat bags. They will save your child's seat from lots of wear and tear if checked and they have handles and/or shoulder straps to carry them with. Some even have wheels so you can drag them. As a bonus, if you check them you can put things like beach towels in around the seats for padding and to save space in your luggage. I always put a towel in the car seat bag to put under the carseat so the kids would not ruin the rental car or our relative's car seats with footprints and food crumbs. I haven't needed these for years so don't know who carries them these days, but did see someone carrying one in an airport not too long ago. We used our for years and loaned them out to friends several times. I read through all your lists and you are very thorough! I pack a lot of the stuff that you pack, but I get overwhelmed that I have so much packed. So my crazy question, is do you have a big suitcase that you use for all your stuff? I started putting stuff that I want to have, but probably won't use, in one toiletry bag that I just keep in the car. That way it's less I have to carry up to the hotel room or house(and I don't take elevators, so it's hard taking a heavy suitcase up the stairs). I also started putting a smaller toiletry bag with just the stuff I take at night (tylenol pm, heartburn medicine, sleep mask, etc.) Makes it easier for me too. |
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katie10
Junior Member
Posts: 73
Jun 26, 2014 10:20:04 GMT
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Post by katie10 on Feb 14, 2017 10:18:29 GMT
Packing cubes Get a tile: www.thetileapp.com. Put it in any checked bags, so when the airline says they're lost, you can tell them where they are Email all your bookings, scan of passport, etc to yourself Buy insurance when you book flights - don't wait Take old clothes and throw them out as you wear them. No laundry fees, and room in your bags for shopping. |
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Post by malibou on Feb 14, 2017 10:36:49 GMT
Take pictures of your passport in case it gets lost. When we do a long trip with a lot of moving about, I also bring a spare passport photo.
I typically start my packing by selecting my shoes first. This way I know I will have shoes that will be appropriate for the type of trip and can build outfits from that point.
Contact lens cases rock. Eye cream, face serums, foundation. They hold quite a bit and so many cosmetic products require just a tiny amount.
Understand the electrical requirements for every country you visit, so you bring the right adapters.
I use washi tape to mark each person's charging cables.
When traveling in Europe in particular, I find that hotels often have no available outlets, so we always pack a small power strip so everyone can charge devices, and still have a light on in the hotel.
Planes and hotels dry me out. So I pack a small bag for moisture comfort: I like Ayr nasal gel, eye drops, lip balm, hand cream, and a gel moisturizer.
Huge fan of packing cubes. I usually do one that has everybody's pyjamas to make that process easier.
I always pack a fold up grocery bag, especially with so many places not giving out bags anymore.
You guys have some great tips.
J
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Post by peasapie on Feb 14, 2017 11:35:25 GMT
Thank you so much for starting this post. I consider myself organized, but I see that I'm way behind in this area. I'm taking notes  For those who use the travel cubes, how many on average would I need for a single carry-on suitcase, one week of travel? I was thinking three: small, med and large. Does that sound right? Is there a preferred packing app? I see some are free and some charge and wondering if it's worth buying one. Thanks for all the tips so far. |
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Post by Scrapbrat on Feb 14, 2017 12:37:26 GMT
My BEST travel tip is one that I read somewhere years ago. Buy inexpensive toothbrushes when they are on sale, and take a new, packaged brush for each family member when you go on vacation. On the last day of vacation, throw them in the trash.
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mallie
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,253
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Post by mallie on Feb 14, 2017 12:53:02 GMT
I always have a scarf around my neck. Multiple uses including covering my mouth and nose when the person next to m e on the plane was hacking up a lung.
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Dalai Mama
Drama Llama
La Pea Boheme
Posts: 6,985
Jun 26, 2014 0:31:31 GMT
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Post by Dalai Mama on Feb 14, 2017 13:16:45 GMT
I always have a scarf around my neck. Multiple uses including covering my mouth and nose when the person next to m e on the plane was hacking up a lung. I have a Buff for this. It's my version of the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy towel. |
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Dalai Mama
Drama Llama
La Pea Boheme
Posts: 6,985
Jun 26, 2014 0:31:31 GMT
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Post by Dalai Mama on Feb 14, 2017 13:29:42 GMT
Thank you so much for starting this post. I consider myself organized, but I see that I'm way behind in this area. I'm taking notes For those who use the travel cubes, how many on average would I need for a single carry-on suitcase, one week of travel? I was thinking three: small, med and large. Does that sound right? Is there a preferred packing app? I see some are free and some charge and wondering if it's worth buying one. Thanks for all the tips so far. I used three cubes for 15 days in Europe this past summer - these ones which compress, and this one.
I use Packing Pro for a packing app. I have 4-5 different master lists that I use as templates based on what type of trip I'm taking. I will update the templates after every trip.
Another app that I find indispensable for travel is Tripit. It scans your email for confirmations and keeps track of them all in one place. So, for that Europe trip, it kept track of the confirmation numbers for my airline reservations, , hotel reservations, train tickets, attraction tickets, restaurant reservations, etc. It also provides maps for surrounding areas.
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Post by peasapie on Feb 14, 2017 13:32:21 GMT
Thank you so much for starting this post. I consider myself organized, but I see that I'm way behind in this area. I'm taking notes For those who use the travel cubes, how many on average would I need for a single carry-on suitcase, one week of travel? I was thinking three: small, med and large. Does that sound right? Is there a preferred packing app? I see some are free and some charge and wondering if it's worth buying one. Thanks for all the tips so far. I used three cubes for 15 days in Europe this past summer - these ones which compress, and this one.
I use Packing Pro for a packing app. I have 4-5 different master lists that I use as templates based on what type of trip I'm taking. I will update the templates after every trip.
Another app that I find indispensable for travel is Tripit. It scans your email for confirmations and keeps track of them all in one place. So, for that Europe trip, it kept track of the confirmation numbers for my airline reservations, , hotel reservations, train tickets, attraction tickets, restaurant reservations, etc. It also provides maps for surrounding areas.
Thanks so much. |
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Post by idahopea on Feb 14, 2017 20:45:39 GMT
I read through all your lists and you are very thorough! I pack a lot of the stuff that you pack, but I get overwhelmed that I have so much packed. So my crazy question, is do you have a big suitcase that you use for all your stuff? I started putting stuff that I want to have, but probably won't use, in one toiletry bag that I just keep in the car. That way it's less I have to carry up to the hotel room or house(and I don't take elevators, so it's hard taking a heavy suitcase up the stairs). I also started putting a smaller toiletry bag with just the stuff I take at night (tylenol pm, heartburn medicine, sleep mask, etc.) Makes it easier for me too.
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Regarding the suitcase, it depends on the trip. If I am going by car rather than plane, I sometimes take more. By plane, especially to Europe where I would have to get on and off trains, carry the bag up flights of stairs, etc., I take less stuff, especially clothes. I do not take all the things on the lists for every trip and I might only take a small amount of those that I do take (one blister pack of a kind of medicine, rather than a whole box or bottle). If I am staying in the US and we have a rental car I don't worry as much because you can usually find a store or pharmacy nearby to run to, but if on a busy sightseeing trip, it is a lot more inconvenient to have to stop to find something for a blister for example so I take moleskin with me.
My favorite checked bag is a 26 inch drop bottom duffle bag. It has a main compartment on top that is soft sided, but a hard sided bottom compartment. We have managed to get some very fragile souvenirs home in the bottom of those bags. They have straps you can tighten if the top part is not full. Unfortunately the ones we have are not available any longer and ours are starting to get worn after being used for 17 years. I would not recommend a 30 inch drop bottom bag which are often available because they are just too big. My dh often travels for work to places where laundry is not available and he can go for 2 weeks with enough clothes to get him through with the 26 inch bag and no hand washing of underwear or other clothes. Hope that helps!
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Post by maryland on Feb 15, 2017 3:25:33 GMT
Idahopea (I don't know how to tag and it wouldn't let me quote, so I hope you see this!), I love your list because it includes anything that I may need to pack for a trip. You motivated me to go through my travel toiletry bag and keep what I need and keep things I want to take, but may not need in a separate cosmetic bag that stays in the car (we travel by car, I am afraid to fly). I like to keep a cosmetic bag in the car with trial size things just in case we need it even just out locally.
Thanks for starting this thread!
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Post by scrappinsportzmom on Feb 16, 2017 6:50:02 GMT
We travel a lot for dog shows. So we have dog stuff AND people stuff to pack.
My favorite thing I like to take an over the door shoe organizer hanging thingie for the bathroom. It's so nice to have a place to put hair spray and stuff like that and not have the tiny bathroom cluttered with all different products. They are inexpensive and on the rare occasions that we fly I will even buy one to us band throw away.
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Post by lemondrop on Feb 16, 2017 15:29:10 GMT
I travel with 3 young children.... We always "roll" their complete outfits (top, bottom, undies, socks... laid out and then rolled so that the socks hold it all together). That was a total game changer. The other thing we figured out when they were old enough to have a say in packing their carry on bag was to set a very specific limit on what toys they could bring. Each kid gets a gallon zip lock bag and can only pick 5 toys that have to fit inside (doesn't apply to books, crayons, etc for the plane or their sleeping items). Once they pick the five things, I lay them out and snap a pic with my phone. When it is time to pack for the return trip, no worries about finding a dozen toys or forgetting something they brought. When my kids were little, I packed an outfit in each Ziploc bag. It was particularly useful when camping so that all the clothes didn't get dumped out.
My tip is to bring a fold-up laundry hamper to help corral laundry whilst away. If we are flying, I throw all the dirty clothes in one case, but if we are driving, I'll just put the whole laundry basket in the back. Makes unpacking/doing laundry a lot more pleasant when getting home.
Thanks for all the great tips!
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