Hope Wissel

Pack Like a Pro

Happy HUMP DAY!  For some, this may be a day off and the start of a LONG week-end  on one of the busiest travel weeks of the year.  Can you believe more people travel on Thanksgiving weekend then any other time of the year?  Whether you are flying or driving to your destination, packing can be a chore…  When you are driving, you can pack what you want and even over pack, right?  But what about when you are flying?  Carry on versus checked luggage?  Roll on or tote?  It is enough to make your head spin.If you are flying this holiday week, here are some quick and easy packing tips to lighten your load.

1. Mix and Match

Do you really need a different outfit every single day?  The truth is you don’t.  I have always been of the mindset to take  “just in case” clothes.   I have learned when I fly, less is more.  I use the mix and match theory.  Pack neutral colors and colors which go together, nobody will notice your wearing the same pants two days in a row.

2. Light Clothing

The best thing about denim is you can wear it day after, day, after day, and it is perfect for traveling. The problem is denim is heavy.  I never really thought about this BUT it is so true.  So why not wear it on the plane so it’s not in your luggage.  Have a shirt or two in your bag to go with your jeans and some lighter pants if you must carry extra clothes.

3. Digital Entertainment

Let’s be honest, will you actually read the book you are carrying or will you be trolling the internet, listening to music or playing a game?  Don’t over pack with books and reading materials. Use a Kindle or an app on a iPhone or iPad.  I love this idea if you must have an actual book: buy one at the airport, then return it to the same bookstore at a different airport. You’ll get 50% back.

While you are sitting at the airport, do some people watching for some great travel tips.  The expert travelers travel very light while the novice is loaded down with lots of bags and struggling.  By using these lug-less luggage tips on your next trip, you’ll look like a pro, just like them!

Here are some of my favorite Thirty One products for traveling…  The Glamour Case is great for traveling or to organize your bathroom space at home.  It has four brush holders and a clear PVC zip pocket which keeps your cosmetics, toiletries and other beauty needs at your fingertips. The zip closure and top handle strap ensure transporting it is neat and easy

The Fold Up Family Organizer (#1) hangs up wherever you need it – in closets, the garage, the kids’ rooms, the bathroom (shower rack when traveling) — anywhere there’s a bar or a hook. It has four separate zip-close clear pockets, so you can sort anything from your craft supplies, to beauty products.  This is a great way to travel with activities for the kids – fold it up, snap it closed and carry it easily with a top handle strap. OR let them carry their own.

As for suitcases, the All Packed Duffle (#3) and the Retro Metro Weekender (#2) are my all time favorites.  I usually use the weekender and hubby travels with the duffle bag.  The weekender is the perfect with an adjustable, detachable strap, you can turn it into a shoulder bag or crossbody bag with ease. It has an interior zipper pocket and exterior flat pocket so you can keep valuables separate and secure. I love the fact this bag will fit under the seat of the plane or it is durable enough to withstand the baggage handlers.  If it gets a little dirty, toss it into the wash.  Yes, it is machine washable.  The All Packed Duffle is perfect for the gym, weekends away, sports, camping, overnight or whenever you need a fabulous carryall. The exterior compartment keeps your shoes separate from the rest of your clothes, while two interior mesh pockets keep things in place during transport. Carry it by hand or sling it over your shoulder.

So whether you are flying or driving this holiday weekend, be safe.  Enjoy the moments with family and give thanks for the many blessings you have had during the year.

What is your best travel tip when flying?  Share it with us.

Have a ThirtyOne-deful day!

Travel Tips

Product Spotlight: Fold Over Weekender

 

Today’s product spotlight is one of my favorite travel bags – especially a road trip – the Fold Over Weekender.  Flying I need something with wheels so if the fold over weekender had a baby with the Away We Go Roller – I would be in heaven!

I asked my customers what they loved about this AWESOME product and here is what they had to say:

  • I love this! Perfect size! I just used mine this weekend. I went it a wedding up north!
  • I love mine! It has so many usages from a weekend getaway to wedding to a busy day with my daughter !
  • Got this last year for my daughter for Christmas and she loves it and so do I!!! She just used it 2 weeks ago on our weekend trip, and its the perfect weekend/overnight bag. Or whatever you want to use it for.
  • I love it! So much room, not bulky when full, and fits everything.

This versatile travel bag can be worn as either a shoulder bag or crossbody bag using the removable shoulder strap which comes with it. The top fold-over flap covers the zip closure and can be folded down with a lobster claw closure. An exterior flat pocket allows you easy access to your phone, keys or whatever else you put inside. The interior zipper pocket provides a safe storage space.

It can be used as a carry-on. Whether on the plane or in the car, it’s the perfect size to carry all your essentials like makeup, toiletries, phone, tablet, batteries, etc. If someone saw you unpack they’d think it’s a Mary Poppins bag because it holds so much. The dimensions are approximately 19.25” H (unfolded) x 18.75” L (top opening width) x 9.5”D which means it’s also a great size to stow in an overhead bin or even at your feet in the car.

For those of us who used duffels in high school (I know, I am showing my age)…. this is even better!

Another idea… headed out on a cruise – bring it with you! Fill it with towels, bathing suits, sunglasses, flip flops, and sunscreen, and enjoy the ship’s pool while you wait for your room! The detachable shoulder strap makes it super easy to carry.  Because this bag folds flat, you can also bring it with you empty and bring it home full. It’s a great way to tote your souvenirs, extra clothes, incidentals, or even a batch of homemade chocolate chip cookies mom sends you home with when you go to visit.

The only downside for me, is the fact it can get heavy when it is filled so it is hard for me to carry.  I can’t think of another one and neither could my customers.

Guess what??? If you spend $35 this month, you can get a Thirty One Fold Over Weekender for $31 (retail price $80).  So you can get TWO bags for less than the cost of just the weekender!  Pretty AWESOME, right?

So where are you traveling to and will your suitcase get lost in the sea of look alike bags?  Stop by www.partywithHope.com and get yours.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!