Whether your next journey is a 3-week business trip to Asia or a 3-hour car ride to visit an old friend, there are some things you can do to make it a more pleasurable experience.
Realize the journey ahead and how long it will take. Leave plenty of time to get to the airport and to get through security. Accept that there will be things that will happen and are beyond your control. Understand how long a trip will be before you make reservations. ( Australia is a great place to visit, but some people aren't cut out for the long flight.) Even if your journey is relatively short, prepare for it by bringing something to read, music to listen to, etc.
Don't set unrealistic expectations for a road trip so that you're speeding or skipping rest stops to make up time. If it's a 6-hour drive, don't expect to make it in 6 hours. You'll need to allow time for traffic problems, breaks, eating, and things unforeseen. This takes the pressure off, making your journey safer and more enjoyable.
If you wait until the last minute to pack, you'll inevitably forget something. Making a list of things to do before you leave, and things to take with you can help reduce the "I-know-I'm-forgetting-something" stress. If you're not big on list making, at least make a short list of the things essential to your happiness. For example, that special, hard-to-find conditioner that is the only one that works on your hair. Or, the only travel alarm you've ever had with enough gusto to actually blast you out of bed.
Yes, there are porters and bell hops and all sorts of wonderful folks who can help lug your luggage, but unless you have a personal assistant (or strong and cheerful companion) with you at all times, you're going to end up managing your own baggage at some point. What may have seemed essential when you were packing, will become resented the more you or your companion has to carry it. Traveling with the smallest amount of luggage is the way to go!
Ways you can lighten the load:
Check with your hotel to see if they supply your room with robes, hair dryers, or toiletries so you won't have to travel with these items. (Many hotels also have a full-size iron/ironing board they can bring to your room, if requested.)
If you're going to be a houseguest, chances are there are items your host would be willing to share, loan, or donate to your cause. Wouldn't it be great not to have to pack your hairdryer or shaving cream? Check with your host about the possibilities.
Similarly, if you'll be sharing a hotel room with a companion, think-through things you could share. and are willing to. For example, one brings the travel alarm and the other brings the electrical adapter.
Take sample or travel sizes of toiletries that have just enough contents for your trip, rather than traveling will large-sized quantities.
Take older clothes that you wouldn't mind leaving behind. Then you can leave them and use the space for any new purchases/souvenirs.
Coordinate your outfits around a central color so you'll be able to mix-and-match items to achieve a multitude of looks.
If you're going somewhere with cooler weather, work with the layered-look rather than taking a couple of bulky coats.
Take a sweater or blazer in a neutral color that can be worn with several items.
Do not pack any sharp or dangerous items in your carry-ons. This includes scissors and metal nail files, as well as any type of knife or weapon. They will not be allowed on board.
Don't pack valuable, perishable, fragile items, or anything that is sensitive to the heat and cold in your checked baggage. Try to avoid transporting these types of items. If you have to take them, remember they will be better off in your carry-on bag.
Carry medication in original bottles to help avoid security issues. Do not check it, as your luggage could be lost and/or you could do harm to any medication that may be temperature sensitive.
Put liquids in plastic bottles. Only fill bottles ¾ full incase they are crushed or the contents freeze and expand (which may happen if you're flying or have put them in the trunk of the car in cold weather). You also may want to zip them in a plastic bag for extra insurance against accidents.
Check the weather, so you can bring the appropriate items. Remember to account for seasonal and daily temperature fluctuations and also keep in mind that increases in altitude will decrease temperatures.
Dress in layers that can be added or removed when needed. A comfortable trip is far more pleasurable for everyone.
Traveling is not the time to try new things, like shoes or skin care products. Your new shoes may leave you with blisters and that new moisturizer you brought because it was in the cute, travel-sized bottle may cause a break out. Only pack items that are tried-and-true!
Put the heaviest items in your suitcase first, placing them along the bottom to balance the weight of the case and to prevent the heavy items from crushing lighter more delicate items.
Pack socks or rolled-up belts inside your shoes to save space. (This will also help your shoes retain their shape in transit.)
Use plastic dry cleaner bags between clothing items to help reduce wrinkles by minimizing friction. Make sure the dry cleaner bags don't have advertising printed on them. (The ink can rub off on your clothes.)
Bring along a plastic trash bag or pillowcase to keep your dirty items separate from your other clothes.
Pack your shoes in shoe bags or old socks to keep their dirty soles from touching your clean clothes.
Bring a few scented fabric softener sheets with you and place them in your suitcases to keep clothes smelling fresh.
When you arrive, unpack as soon as possible, and hang wrinkled items in the bathroom when you shower to help steam out the wrinkles.
Leave room for items to be collected or purchased along the way. Expandable luggage is ideal for this purpose. Another option is to bring one or two soft totes or satchels that can be filled during your trip.
Losing your luggage is a miserable experience that none of us wish to have. Yes, it happens, and may have actually happened to you. Of course, most of this is beyond any individual's control, but here are some tips to reduce the chances of it happening to you, and to help you if it does:
Find out the airport code to your destination and make sure the label that is put on your checked luggage is correct.
Clearly label your luggage inside and outside with your contact information. You may even want to place your trip itinerary in your luggage so your bags can be easily returned to you.
Place a unique and/or bright marking on your bags so you can easily identify it and others will realize it isn't theirs.
If an airline loses your bags be sure to make a claim before you leave the airport. Some airlines will not honor claims made after you have left the airport.
The best advice here is to do things that will not increase your chances of becoming a statistic. Meaning, if someone REALLY wants something you have, they can probably get it. However, much of not becoming a victim of crime is simply not providing criminals the opportunity.
Awareness is key. Be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye (or two) on your belongings. There are a multitude of distractions when traveling and it's easy to let your eyes and your mind wander. It can be helpful to use your sense of touch, as you may feel something your eyes could miss. For example, while you're waiting in terminals keep your carry-on in your lap, and/or your suitcase touching your leg or under your feet.
Travel with as few valuables as possible and do not put anything you treasure in the luggage you check. If your luggage has locks-use them. It's also a good idea to purchase an extra luggage lock that didn't come from the manufacturer, as many people will have the same locks/keys as you do.
You may want to consider purchasing trip insurance that offers protection for your property.
Cover your hands when you are entering ATM or phone card numbers so others can't use them.
Let everyone have his own bag(s). This makes for room for personal items and allows everyone to have responsibility and accountability for his own stuff.
Include all group members in the trip planning, the itinerary, and any options. Let everyone know what to expect, how long the trip will be, where you will be staying, and other important details.
Within reasonable limits, let each child choose his wardrobe and items to bring.
Be sure to make a packing list, by person, and check it twice. Take the list with you in your luggage to ensure you don't forget anything.
Mark younger children's clothing and belongings for identification. However, do not put a child's name on the outside of his clothing or luggage. Children will frequently trust strangers who address them by name.
Bring snacks, water bottles, reading and activities for each and every traveler.
Be sure to pack extra essentials such as adhesive bandages, film and batteries, cleansing wipes, tissues, pain relievers, and hats.
Pack as little as you can, as you can always purchase last minute items on the road. The exception is to pack lots of extras when you travel with babies or young children. Avoid toys and activities with small parts or those that are heavy.
Meal service is now extremely limited. If your family has any preferences we suggest you bring them with you. Decent familiar meals make traveling more enjoyable.
Traveling while Pregnant
Always consult with your doctor regarding the details of your trip, and ask for a referral from your doctor for obstetricians at your destinations. Also check that good quality medical care is available en-route. It is also a good idea to make sure you know how to reach your doctor while you are traveling.
Plan for lots of rest stops, and make your travel plans and itinerary as flexible as possible. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes and shoes. Be sure to get up and walk around regularly. Request an aisle seat when traveling by air.
Don't forget to pack nutritious snacks and lots of water.
Traveling with a Baby
Always use a child's safety seat, and follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper use. Bring extra food, beverages, diapers, and toys. A larger number of smaller packages is better, they can be opened as needed, serve as frequent surprises, and can be properly disposed of while traveling.
Remember that babies have a harder time than adults in adjusting to changes in air pressure during take-off and landings. Have a bottle with a nipple, or a sucking nipple available.
Attempt to travel during your baby's "best" and happiest periods.
Be sensitive to other traveler's needs and comfort.
Traveling with Kids
Let children have their own bag on wheels for easy portability. Wheeled duffels are great for casual travel, and can usually be compacted for easy storage.
Within reasonable limits, let each child choose his wardrobe and items to bring.
Bring snacks, water bottles and reading and activities for each and every traveler. We recommend that you pack a few "surprises" for young children that they do not expect; coloring books and other quiet activities are good ideas.
Be sensitive to other travelers. If you bring electronic toys or music, be sure the sound can not be heard by others.
Be sure to speak with your children about any feelings or fears they may have regarding your trip. Be honest and direct with them, yet don't add your own anxieties to theirs.
Traveling with Teens
Inclusion is the key. Include your teenager in your trip planning, your packing, your time management and your passions. Teens, as with other travel companions, do best when they know what to expect, their input is heard and used, and at least some of their needs are met. They have their own agendas; their own music, food, and time requirements; but they also need to respect and share yours.
