WOOHOO! Today is the day I am headed to North Carolina to see my kid! Thank you Thirty One for the additional money (as a result of the cancelled cruise) so I could make this trip. This is the first time in a few years I will actually get to spend Belinda’s birthday with her. An afternoon flight on United will get to Asheville in just 2 hours. I’m really excited.
No, this will not be me looking for my suitcase. In the past, I would have traveled with a black one non-Thirty One bag but not this time. I am traveling with a carry on and my purse. Here is what I am taking:
Yes, these are both hostess exclusives. I usually pack way too many clothes so I wanted to see if I could consolidate everything for a 5 day trip. Was it easy? NO! It meant really thinking about what I wanted to wear. Now hubby had a suggestion…. why not get some extra clothes to leave there this way I wouldn’t have to take so much when I fly down. Interesting thought???
Here are some travel tips I am going to use this time around:
1. Make three copies of your itinerary & identification.
No matter where you are traveling to, make sure your emergency contacts (or next of kin) have a copy of your itinerary. Pack one copy in your suitcase as well as the one in your purse. Even though I am carrying everything on, you never know when the plane will be full and they will check your bag at the gate. You can even take a picture of it with your phone, this way you will never lose it!
2. Ensure you have more than one source of funds.
Okay, so I am guilty of this! It is suggested you don’t rely on a single credit card (or debit card). If you begin charging things out of your normal pattern, you could very well be blocked because the bank will think the card has been stolen. Another suggestion is to notify the bank you will be traveling so they are not surprised by unusual charges.
3. Consider your arrival time in a city you have not been to before
Will it be after dark? How far out of the city centre is the airport? Make sure you arrange an airport pickup through your hotel or a local contact whenever possible. So excited because Belinda will actually be picking me up at the airport.
4. Pack an extra pair of glasses and medications.
This tip is perfect for someone who is traveling longer than 2 weeks BUT not bad for anyone. The truth is you should be prepared for emergencies when it comes to your health. If you are carrying medications, keep a copy of your prescription with you and the generic names for the drugs. You never know when you will lose a bag or the airline will lose a bag. Keep medicines in their original, labelled containers. I tend to put them in a pill container to make travel easier when we are going for 1 week or less. Any longer, I always carry the bottles. It’s alway a good idea to take enough medication for the duration of your trip plus 7 days (for emergencies). Wear prescription glasses or contacts, keep a copy of your script with you, you never know when you may need to get an emergency pair.
5. Take a photo of your luggage with your mobile phone camera
How often have you been at baggage claim only to find a zillion black suitcases. Of course using a Thirty One week-ender could solve the problem BUT if it isn’t an option, take a picture of your luggage. If it goes missing you can show the picture to the baggage desk staff at the airport, making it easier to find it for you.
What is your best travel tip? Share it with us….
Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!