Guide: Travel Advice

Travel Advice

Before the Airport
1. Make a checklist of things you "need" to take on your trip rather then "want"
2. Coordinate outfits for mixing, matching, and layering.
3. Label your luggage outside with a colored tag
4. Use plastic bottles for liquids and only fill them 3/4 full to avoid any sqeeze or spill mess.
5. Use dry cleaning bags to cover all hung garments to prevent wrinkling.
6. Take a handful of freezer storage bags for wet soap.
7. Buy appropriate luggage for your kind of travel. Ask yourself- How often will this bag travel? How many days each trip? Carry-on or check? Check with the professional so they can help direct you to the right luggage for you and your needs.
8. Weigh your bag full at home so you don't have unpleasant surprises at the airport. Leave enough space in one of your bags in case you hit the weight restriction and have to shuffle your things.
9. Check with your local luggage store about usage of your personal appliances in foreign countries. They can advise you about your specific needs, or click here to see our foreign electricity guide
10. Pack your checked luggage full and firm but not overstuffed (keeps your clothes from moving and wrinkling). Overstuffing can damage the consttuction of your case.
11. Use only TSA approved locks (TSA needs to be able to get into your luggage without breaking the lock and/or zipper)
12. Before trip check on size and weight with the airlines along with their restrictions.
13. Buy your airline tickets 2-3 months in advance of your trip and save a lot of time and money on your travels.
14. Have an extra days worth of clothing in your carry-on in case your check bag gets lost in the airport shuffle.
15. Carry extra copies of your passport, drivers license, and any other form of valid ID in a separate place other then on your person. And, if possible, give copies to someone who can mail them to you in an emergency.

Checking In
1. Take all shoulder and Add-a-bag straps off prior to checking bags.
2. Anything of value to you monetarily or otherwise should be with you as carry-on or on you.
3. Keep sliders up top and in the middle in order to avoid damage.
4. Use a TSA approved lock to avoid damage to your bag.

Getting through the airline gate without hassle. (1-6, from wired.com)

1.Do recon online. Security delays vary widely by concourse and terminal. Go to tsa.gov to find average wait times. If you're not checking bags, print your boarding pass at home and head to the fastest line. (Be sure your gate is accessible from that security checkpoint.)
2. Carry a messenger bag. The topside flap gives easy access to your laptop and Ziploc of liquids and gels while the pockets provide plenty of storage for alarm-trippers. As soon as you get in line, tuck your belt, wallet, keys, watch, and phone into the sack.
3. Wear laceless shoes. And holeless socks. Just think of all the foot fungi of travelers past. Or don't.
4. Go! After you pass ID screening, make a beeline to the shortest x-ray queue. Don't wait to be directed, and don't hesitate to bypass dawdlers. Not only will you get there faster, you'll keep the whole line moving.
5. Use only two bins. Place shoes, coat, and toiletries in the first bin; laptop in the second; followed by the messenger bag. Keep the roller on the floor, where it's easy to manage, until the last minute.
6. Dress strategically. Don your coat and shoes while waiting for your bags. Put on your belt and watch at the gate.
7. Carry medications in original bottles with labels to avoid security problems.

On your trip
1. When overseas always wear a security pouch either around your neck, at your waist, or on your leg. Your passport, ticket, extra money, extra credit cards, and sometimes jewelry may need to be carried safely on you under your clothes.
2. Buy bottled water overseas or use a portable filtration system. Most countries have a different filtration system in their water (if any) and the bacteria could make you ill.
3. Take some pepto or other over the counter med to ease the stomach. New foods have a tendency to react in odd ways.
4. Take a digital camera; if not get a disposable they are readily available at most airports. Even business trips have sites to see.
5. Taking a cell phone overseas? Make certain to check with your phone company about rates, or if the phone will even work in that particular country. Best to take some calling cards in case reception is not too good there.

TRAVEL GUIDE

Airline Baggage Regulations Foreign Electricity Laptop Bag Finder Leather Guide Luggage Guide Travel Advice TSA Security Your Guide To Bags

BROWSE PRODUCTS

Luggage Duffles & Totes Backpacks Travel Accessories Briefcases Laptop Cases Wallets Gift Ideas