Travel Tips: Packing Everything in Your Carry-On

When experienced travelers offer travel tips, packing everything into your carry-on is one of the first tips on the list. This is because tightened airline security and higher prices for checked baggage have rendered it impractical for most people to check luggage when they fly. Managing to fit everything into a small bag is a skill that can be learned, with a little practice and a few tricks.

  • Know your measurements. Check the airline’s website ahead of time to find out the measurements of allowed carry-ons. Bear in mind, you are often allowed “extras,” like a laptop bag or a purse. Make the most of these items to maximize your allotted space.
  • Roll it! One of the best ways to fit a good number of articles of clothing into a small space is to roll them. Fold items in half, lengthwise, and then roll them tightly from the top down. You will be amazed at how much will fit into a small space.
  • Dress for success. Wear your heaviest clothes to the airport. This may sound silly, but it can mean the difference between making your carry-on weight limit or exceeding it. Do you need a sweater and a coat? Wear them both, to avoid packing them. Consider carrying things in your pockets, as well, to reduce what goes in your bag.
  • Purchase when you arrive. Some things, like liquid toiletries, can no longer be carried onto a flight. Fortunately, most of those items will be available at your destination. Save yourself some space, and buy them when you get there.

Traveling without checking any baggage can be a breeze, once you get used to strategic packing! You will want to spend more time vacationing, traveling to exciting destinations. For help planning your next trip, visit Best Vacations Ever for more travel tips and expert insights.

Must-Pack Items for a Family Fun Vacation

Family fun vacations are as varied as the families who enjoy them. Your family may be a beachy bunch, or they may prefer the natural splendor of the mountains, or the rugged beauty of the desert. One thing that every vacation has in common, though, is that packing the right items is very important. Here are some must-pack items, no matter where you are headed:

  • A good camera. Do not miss a moment of the fun! Make sure you have a record that will be enjoyed for years to come.
  • Effective sunscreen. Not all sunscreens are created equal, but protecting your family from UV rays is crucial. Do your research ahead of time, and bring the correct sunblock.
  • Sunglasses and hats. Another important way to block harmful sun exposure is by using glasses and hats. Whether you are in the car, on the trail, at the pool, on the beach, or at a baseball game, remember to protect your skin and eyes.
  • Extra swimsuits. Chances are, no matter where you are headed, you will be spending some time in the water. Few things are more uncomfortable than squishing back into a cold, wet swimsuit, so make sure to bring an extra suit for each member of the family.
  • Good reads. Whether old or young, everyone in your group should have some quality books to devour during downtime.
  • Maps and travel guides. You cannot arrive if you do not know where you are going! Be sure to research your location ahead of time, and bring along some helpful guides.
  • Hand sanitizer. This is the parents’ best friend. Whether you prefer wipes or gel, make sure you have some tucked in a few places, so that you never end up with a germ situation that you cannot handle.
  • An extra bag. Most people find that the contents of the suitcase seem to expand during vacation. Make sure you have an extra bag, so that you can get it all home.
  • Needed medicines. In addition to any prescriptions, make sure you have pain and allergy medication.  Vacations can be unpredictable, and you never know when someone is going to fall, get stung, or have some other minor crisis.
  • Comfortable clothes.  It is imperative to have clothes in which to go out to dinner, or meet someone important. However, the clothes for traveling should be as soft and cozy as pajamas. In fact, for small children, pjs are the perfect travel wear!
  • Entertainment. For some families, this may mean a portable DVD player. For others, travel-sized board games. Whatever it means to your family, smart parents know that even top family vacations can sometimes be sullied by children whining about boredom. Plan ahead, and you will have a ready answer.

Vacation is the perfect time to bond with your family and take a break from your everyday surroundings. No matter where you choose to travel, it is important for people to have time to relax and recharge their batteries. Be sure to plan your packing lists carefully, so that you have less to worry about while you are away.

Best Outfits for Traveling Comfortably to the Best U.S. Vacation Spots

The part of vacationing that can sometimes be puzzling is the traveling part.  Whether you are planning a road trip or flying across the country, you want to feel as comfortable as possible during your travels to the best U.S. vacation spots.  Here are some top travel tips for packing to help you select the right clothes to travel in.

Make comfort and function more important than fashion

While you may not choose to sport sweatpants and a baggy T-shirt, you shouldn’t feel like you have to dress up to travel, either.  A comfortable in-between might be modern, cute loungewear.  For examples, sleek but comfy lounge pants and a snug cardigan could be the perfect way to avoid the pajama look while still being very comfortable.

Keep your final destination in mind

Who will be greeting you upon arrival, friends or colleagues?  Will you have a chance to get freshened up in a hotel, or will you be headed straight to your first activity?  Keeping this final destination and the company you will keep upon arriving will help you decide what’s appropriate to wear.

Consider bringing an easily accessible change of clothes

If a comfortable travel outfit simply won’t cut the expectations of your immediate destination, you can bring a change of clothes and make the switch in an airport bathroom.  This is also important if you’re traveling to a different climate.  You may need to leave Colorado in a long-sleeved shirt during the winter and change into shorts and a T-shirt when you arrive in Florida.

Wear layers

You can’t control the temperature on a plane and you never know what kind of weather you might run into on your road trip, so layering is a great option when traveling.  This makes changing clothes to match a different climate easier as well.

Consider wrinkles

A crisp white shirt may end up wrinkled after a multiple-hour flight or drive, so make note to avoid wearing linen on travel day.  Another fabric that tends to wrinkle is untreated cotton.  Choose clothes from your wardrobe that are resilient to avoid wrinkled clothing that displays you have been traveling all day.

The bottom line is traveling in comfortable clothing is important for your trip. Then, if your destination calls for it, bring a change of clothes.  Ensuring that you are completely comfortable is the best way to start your trip to one of the best U.S. vacation spots.

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