Now that travel is in full swing again, I thought it would be a great time to share some packing and travel tips. 
When I am preparing document packets for my clients, I always include a ‘Know Before You Go’ information sheet. The information on my cheat sheet contains tips and tricks from fellow Travel Advisors as well as things I have learned over my years of traveling. I hope you find this information educational, inspiring and most of all – useful.

My number 1 recommendation….

Invest in Packing Cubes!

These are game changers! Trust me on this. The set shown here (I have 2 sets of them plus additional sizes…) is more than enough to pack for a week long vacation. Seriously. And with extra room left in your luggage. I promise you, they are #AMAZING! I will be packing in a few weeks for a 2 week trip to Europe and I will show you all of my clothes laid out to pack and what the packing cubes look like when I am done packing. It will blow your mind! I think the biggest thing I have to worry about when I use packing cubes is that I don’t over pack. Because once they are filled they take up so little space it is easy to pack too much. And that becomes a over weight bag just waiting to happen. So make note of the next couple of tips so there is no luggage bloat.

Pack Light

  • Check the weather at your destination
  • Plan for mix and match layers
  • Make a list of what is essential

Knowing what to expect when reaching your destination is a must. But things change. Always plan for the unexpected and think in layers. Mix and match tops and bottoms so you pack less but have more choices. Don’t pack shoes to go with every outfit. Bring comfortable walking shoes and 1 or 2 other pairs. Plan to wear the bulkiest items on the plane – including a light jacket. Roll your clothes and place them in neat rows in the packing cubes. They will wrinkle less and take up way less room. I start by making a list of what I will need on my vacation. Then I refine the list by putting together outfits and everything I need to complete the outfit. As I am planning, I use the mix and match method to maximize my room as well as make sure I have everything. 1 pair of walking shoes, flip flops or sandals and 1 pair of dress shoes.

Your Carry-On

  • Use a Day or Back Pack as your carry-on
  • Keeps ALL your important items safe
  • In destination it’s great for carrying stuff

Everyone is allowed a small carry-on and a personal item. The following items should ALWAYS be in your carry-on. NEVER pack them in your checked luggage. All of your travel documents such as your itinerary, confirmations, travel vouchers, important contact information. Your passport/photo ID, Travel Insurance policy number, credit cards, cash, jewelry and medications. Your laptop or tablet, cell phone, camera and all the charging cables, as well as a electrical converter if traveling abroad. A change of clothes in case your checked luggage is lost. At the very least, clean undies! Once you reach your destination, you have a tote for the beach, a bag for shopping expeditions or a place to store your camera, tripod, gimble or other photographic paraphernalia while you are out exploring.

Personal Care

  • Pack small travel sizes of your favs
  • Place them in sealable bags
  • If needed, pack insect repellent wipes

If you are only doing carry-on, remember that liquids and gels MUST not be over 4oz in size and they MUST be placed in a clear, sealable quart size bag. These are TSA rules. NO sharp objects, no firearms and no aerosols. CLICK HERE for more up-to-date information. If doing a checked bag, I still use travel sizes in sealable baggies, but I put all my toiletries in one of the long, narrow packing cubes. Keeps them neat and tidy and I can squeeze them in a tight place. Most hotels and cruise ships have shampoo, shower gel and body lotion, but if you’re picky like me, bring your own, along with your favorite styling products. I have discovered when traveling to destinations that recommend bringing insect repellent to get the wipe on kind. It is great and no leaks in my luggage! Bonus!

To wrap this all up, the most important thing is to be prepared. Contact your bank a week before you travel overseas to let them know you will be traveling out of the country and will be making charges on your credit card that are legit. Get some local currency  for tips and food, but keep the amount small. I usually travel with about $300 local. All cities have ATMs if you need more cash. Traveler’s checks are really a thing of the past. Using your credit card will generally get you the best rate of exchange and most now days don’t have foreign transaction fees. Remember to take enough of your medication for a few extra days in case your trip home is delayed. Make photocopies of all of your credit cards and passport and keep them separate from everything else. Leave a copy at home with a loved one as well. ALWAYS lock your valuables up in your hotel or cruise ship personal safe. Not a packing tip, but good information when you are in destination. And remember to have fun and make wonderful memories! Travel is something that can be life changing, so enjoy every experience to the fullest. The possibilities are endless…