Travel Secrets - We have put together a few secrets of efficient travel for you. Even the smallest helpful tip can change an entire trip.
Make sure that your luggage can be completely identified. Include your name and a contact number on the luggage ID card that comes with your suitcase.
The tags provided by the airport can easily get lost in the shuffle. Keep a copy of your itinerary on the inside of your suitcase.
Pack a bag that is easy to carry, with large pockets for storage. Do not over pack this bag because you will need room to bring items back.
Bring a smaller pouch, wallet, or card holder that you keep separate from your purse. Store a credit/debit card and identification in it.
You can keep this on your person while shopping or site seeing, but keep it in your room or rental car any other time. This will ensure that you have the important stuff if your purse is lost or stolen.
Know where you are going at all times. Map all of your destinations prior to leaving, so you will not get lost.
Even if you are lost, be aware of your surroundings and act like you know where you are going until you get to a safe place to ask directions.
Travel Safety tips
Safe travel is an important factor for everyone, but is especially an important issue for women. Many individuals have habits that make them vulnerable for theft, attack, and being taken advantage of. Here are some tips to make you travel as safe as it can be:
For drivers, you should start your trip by checking the air pressure levels in your tires and your spare (even in a rental). Also make sure that you have the proper equipment to change a spare if needed. If you have roadside assistance, make sure all of your information can be found easily.
Whether you drive, ride, or fly, you should arrive at your destination in daylight. This will ensure you can find where you are going, and be able to enter all buildings safely. Be careful talking on the phone when you are walking to or from your car. This distraction can make you a prime target for theft or abduction.
Always make sure your keys are in your hand. If your purse is snatched with your keys in it, you can't get in your car or home. When you are on vacation, only bring a small handbag that you can keep close to your body.
Only carry a minimal amount of valuables with you on a trip. It is not necessary to bring all of your jewelry, electronics, etc. If you do have valuables, store them in the hotel safe that is provided.
What to wear travelling
Traveling on business or leisure requires different wardrobe choices. Here are a few tips on how to dress for both types of trips.
Only take the number of clothing items you need for each day of travel. Since you want options, pack one or two extra outfits, not two options for each day. Pick outfits that you can wear with the same pair of shoes. This will reduce the shoe room needed.
Wear a suit for your meetings and conferences during the weekday, with low heels. On the weekend, wear comfortable linen dresses, linen pants or long linen skirts. For site seeing, or shopping, wear the most comfortable ensemble for the weather. This is usually a short sleeved shirt and jeans with flat shoes. Don't forget to bring a hat for those windy or sunny days.
Only bring sleepwear for half of the number of nights you will be there. Also pack some loungewear or sweats, a pair of tennis shoes, and comfortable walking shoes. When traveling, you want to carry a small handbag versus your big hobo bag.
Nightlife options should be comfortable but classy. Many nightclubs and lounges have a dress code, so don't forget the little black dress, you can get in anywhere with that. Make sure all of your outfits are versatile. You can always wear your dress suit without the jacket to have cocktails after dinner.
what to pack when traveling
I know we hear all of the time that packing light is the key to efficient travel. As a woman, that is the hardest task anyone could ever give us. Here are a few things that you can do to make packing more efficient:
Use one suitcase. It is typical for women to pack a suitcase with clothes, then a bag with cosmetics, and a bag of shoes, etc.
Contrary to popular belief, all of these things can be packed together. Your one suitcase should be large, but not too large to tote comfortably.
Purchase a suitcase that has more depth than width or height, and large pockets on the front. Large pockets can store your cosmetics, styling tools, jewelry and more.
Pack sleepwear, as well as loungewear, comfortable walking shoes, and tennis shoes. Make sure you pack for the predicted weather, but bring a few alternatives for extreme cold or heat.
Don't forget to pack the toiletries you cannot live without. If you have sensitive skin, pack your own body wash and sponges. Also pack your own shampoo and conditioner, and alarm clock.
Do not pack glass bottles. If you cannot avoid doing this, store glass bottles on the inside of shoes, secured by a pair of socks. Pack your shoes at the bottom of the suitcase, and place clothes over them.
Don't Shop A Lot
Traveling to a new place is exciting and fun, so it is natural to want to shop at every mall and shopping center in town. Here are a few things to think about before you do that:
You have to carry all of that stuff home. We recommend that you leave room in your suitcase for a few new items, but don't over do it. You should not have to buy a new travel bag just to carry all of your new items home.
Airports are cracking down on what can be checked in at baggage claim. Locations are starting to charge by weight for checking in luggage. It may cost you more to get those items home than it did to buy it.
There are also regulations on the number of personal items you can take on the plane with you. If you purchase fragile items you may have to ship them home, versus counting on the airport to keep them safe.
Traveling by train overseas, you have to carry all of your new purchases with you. This can be a hassle when you are trying to board.
Depending on where you are, the dollar value may not be worth the purchase. You should wait and buy these items back home.