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Pack right & light
As our world gets back to normal, you may be among those ready to plan a getaway. It's easy to over pack for a trip, but to save money and time, ditch the checked luggage and pack everything you need in a carry-on bag. Going this route will also ease fears of losing your luggage or valuables.
Check with your airline on size requirements, but in general, carry-on bags can’t be bigger than 22 x 14 x 9 inches. Typically, there are no weight restrictions for carry-on luggage, but be sure you can lift your bag to fit in the overhead bin. Keep in mind, you can board the plane with one personal item, which can be a large purse or weekender bag to fit under your seat.
Follow these tips to fit everything for a seven-day trip in one bag:
- Research your destination – Check the weather ahead of time. Confirm if where you’re staying provides a hairdryer. There may be laundry facilities or services.
- Plan your outfits – Bring pieces you can mix and match. Keep in mind what’s on your itinerary. Consider what shoes can work with the most looks. Ideally, pack one pair of casual shoes and one pair of dressy.
- Roll your clothes – Tuck away sleeves, fold in half and then roll your pieces. This method will save space and prevent wrinkles.
- Use packing cubes and compression bags – Packing cubes help keep clothes separated and organized. You’ll avoid digging around in your suitcase to find items. When you arrive, just lift the cubes out of your bag and put them in drawers. Compression bags remove excess air and save space.
- Wear or carry heavier clothing – If you’re traveling with a coat or sweatshirt, wear it on the plane. The same goes for your bulkiest shoes.
- Consolidate beauty products and toiletries – Place all of these items in one bag to make it easier to get through airport security. Buy travel-sized products, be sure liquids are 3.4 ounces or less, and pack them a quart-sized re-sealable bag. With hotels supplying many items, you don’t need much.
With these tips to pack light, you’ll save money, time, and reduce stress. Safe travels!
Traveling with kiddos
It’s amazing to experience new places and make memories together as a family. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer road trip, keep your babies and toddlers safe and happy while on the go. Use this helpful checklist to stay organized, relieve stress, and be sure you don’t forget anything.
- Make frequent stops if you’re traveling by car. You may want to research rest stops before your trip
- Pack a cooler bag of healthy snacks like crackers, apple sauce or yogurt pouches, fruits, granola bars, and cheese sticks. A bag that’s collapsible won’t take up space in your trunk later.
- Comfortable car seats appropriate for your child’s age and size.
- Stocked diaper bag with portable changing pad, diapers/pull-ups, wipes, bibs, bottles/sippy cup, medicines, water, food, pacifier, and sunblock.
- First-aid kit with Band-Aids, cold pack, disinfectant, pain medicine, bug spray, and sunscreen.
- Plastic bags and extra clothes for unexpected accidents.
- Sling or front carrier is nice if you want to be hands-free and in places where a stroller may be hard to navigate hills or stairs.
- Activities to entertain are a must. Pack toys, coloring books, and a tablet or DVD player for shows, movies, and games. Limit screen time to one-hour increments. Headphones for your toddler will help keep noise levels down for parents.
- Comfort items like blankets and stuffed animals will help when it’s naptime.
