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DEL.ICIO.USAlmost time to start packing
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I don’t know about you, but I’m finding it hard to believe Thanksgiving is almost here. Where did the past year go? With the holidays nearly upon us, I thought it might be fun to share our best packing/airport tips for those of us who have to hop an airplane to see our families.
Packing light, really light is the secret to keeping your sanity with airport crowds. Here’s my tip: build your travel wardrobe around one color; for me it’s usually black slacks, skirt and jacket, then blouses to add color. Black is easy to dress up or down with jewelry or a scarf. For a weeklong trip, I’d take no more than three pairs of slacks, a skirt, a jacket, four blouses, a pair of walking shoes and a pair of dress shoes, in a rolling carry-on bag. And another tip: If you’re taking gifts for the holidays, ship them ahead; why hassle with getting them through security or packing them in checked luggage where they might get damaged or lost? And a final tip that’s probably too late for most people for this holiday season: Book your trip for early in the day; you’re less likely to experience delays.
What’s your best tip, especially for people who don’t do much plane travel? What’s your pet peeve with holiday travel? Any tips for parents traveling with children?
Permalink | Comments (2) | Categories: Travel during a holiday
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By Clara Bosonetto Maerz
November 10, 2006 8:54 AM | Link to this
I deserve a “Worst Packer In the World” award and trophy! But on my most recent trip I made a list upfront and discovered a few handy pack tips. First, no matter where I end up - a hotel or a friend or family’s guest room or sofa, I never really unpack my things in a drawer or closet but live out of my bag(s). So I am now a giant fan of large zip-top bags for everything - socks, undergarments, blouses/tops, hats/gloves, pj’s. Jeans and skirts stay loose, but rolled in dry cleaning plastic and shoes go in shoe bags. This method keeps items from wrinkeling while making items easy to find or re-pack. They are not easy to find, but I like sturdier clear plastic cosmetic bags for toiletries. I make one up for must-have-now items such as toothbrush/make-up and a separate with shower items. Its also an extra protection from spills inside of bags with clothing since we can’t carry-on large quantities of liquids, gels, creams, make-up.
Items I must have with me are: - A pashmina. It lends a little elegance even to a jeans outfit and doubles for a generous winter scarf/hood. - My own alarm clock. - Earplugs and eye mask. They are invaluable to get a deeper rest on airplanes and in city hotels.
Should your luggage go missing, remember that airlines DO NOT reimburse you for items other than clothing in checked bags. That means you should never pack money, jewelry, electronics, medicines, gifts, or any item you consider valuable. Either pack them in your carry-on bag - or as Amanda wisely suggests - send them on ahead of yourself (insured). Place your name, email address and phone contact info inside of your checked bags in case it goes in another direction.
One more tip: Pack lots of patience and remember to smile to those you meet along your journey (starting from airport personnel). We’re supposed to be having fun, right?
By Lisa Stauffer
November 10, 2006 12:08 PM | Link to this
A few years ago I spent 2 weeks in Italy and carried only one reasonably-sized duffel bag. The trick was to pack only sandals, one pair of pants, one pair of walking shorts, one skirt, and a few shirts that could be layered for the weather (ie, a tank top and a blouse). (Of course I brought undergarments and socks, too.) On the plane I wore the bulkier stuff like pants and tennis shoes and a sweater. Since we were there purely for vacation, there was no need for dressier attire — and no need to dress to impress anyone. My one skirt, sandals, and sweater worked well for those cool evenings at nice restaurants, while the shorts and tennis shoes kept me comfortable while hiking on the Isle of Capri. Yes, I wore the same things a lot, and, yes, I did a lot of washing things out in the sink. But those inconveniences were more than made up for by the freedom of traveling so lightly. Ever since then it’s a challenge to see how little I can take!