Try these tips when traveling light

By Linda Jerkins

For the AJC

When it comes to travel, Delta flight attendant Gayle Meyer has a carry-on bag full of tricks.

Lightweight, wrinkle-free clothing is a must. So are items like Ramen noodles and protein bars, which help if she is stuck somewhere without food. To keep warm on the plane or to wear at her destination, Meyer won’t leave home without an easy-to-pack light jacket and down vest.

“The less you can take, the better,” said Meyer, who has happily worked domestic and international flights for more than 22 years.

Meyer has figured out how to pack smarter and lighter, but she still keeps an eye out for new products to make life in the air, or in another city, more comfortable.

A recent travel purchase has helped her feel more connected to home. Meyer bought an Asus net book and uses Skype for video chats with her husband and parents.

There are ways to make your next great escape more hassle-free. Slip-on shoes and beltless pants will help at the airport. So will some of these travel-smart solutions.

No fanny packs!

When you are traveling or running around town, leave your backpack or tote bag at home. Instead, stash your stuff in the Runnur, a wide strap worn across the body from shoulder to hip. The gender-neutral Velcro sash offers various pockets for your cell phone, credit card, iPod and glasses. You will also find an elastic water bottle holder and a carabineer to hold keys. Available in men and women sizes. Colors include black and canvas. In June, look for the Runnur in silver and plum. Available for $34 at www.gorunnur.com

In lockdown

Lost the key to your luggage? Forgot the combination? No worries as long as you have the TSA-70 No Fuss Key Card Lock to secure your travel bags. The TSA-approved lock opens with a coded key card that fits in your wallet like a credit card. Two cards come with each lock. Available for $9.95 from area Mori Luggage & Gifts.

Eco-animals

DVD player. Snacks. Activity books. Like you, preschoolers need some travel items of their own to keep them busy, quiet and entertained. Let them stash their stuff in a planet-friendly Ecogear bag. The travel bags are made of organic cotton, PVC-free materials and recycled plastics. The company’s Ecozoo line includes a frog, elephant, pig, puppy and panda. The Ecozoo rolling bag (with padded shoulder straps) is $45; backpacks are $29.99 at ecogear-products.com.

For women only

When you gotta go, and the bathroom is disgusting, distant or non-existent, take a stand with GoGirl. The female urination device (often called FUD) allows you to urinate while standing up. Made of flexible, medical-grade silicone, the portable device is neat and discreet. Dispose of it after use or clean and reuse. Since it fits easily into your purse or backpack, GoGirl is perfectly portable for travel, camping and other outdoor activities. For information about how to use it, check www.go-girl.com. GoGirl is available for $9.95 from Mori Luggage & Gifts.

Pocket power

Looking for a new way to carry your iPad and other gadgets? Try the newest vests and jackets from Scottevest. The 22-pocket vest can hold your cell phone, glasses, wallet, keys and an assortment of i-products, including a hidden, secure pocket big enough for your 1.5 pound iPad. Don’t worry about looking like the Michelin man. Smart and stylish, the slim-fit jackets and vests feature no-bulge pockets. Vests for men and women are available in red, black and desert sand for $100 at www.scottevest.com.

Plane Tips

Gayle Meyer, a veteran flight attendant for Delta Air Lines, offers these additional tips.

- Sturdy carry-on bag. Meyer likes Travelpro (no more than 22 inches). It fits in Delta’s overhead bins.

- Shoes you can wear for more than one occasion. Meyer wears her comfy Dr. Martens for work and sightseeing.

- Targus power adapter for traveling outside the U.S.

- Saltine crackers (air sickness) and items like aspirin.

- Travel-size hand sanitizer and baby wipes.

- Roll-up, zip-up nylon tote bag for excursions and shopping. Meyer likes her Baggallini bag.