So you are ready to go on that long awaited vacation, and you think you have everything figured out. Well before you do, have you thought about packing? If you haven’t, now will be a good time to start. Trust us; you don’t want to leave anything to chance. And while you don’t want to over pack for your journey, you don’t want to pack too lightly either. That’s why we thought it wise to run you through some amazing packing tips to make the process easy for you. Below are some packing tips you will find really helpful. MAKE SURE YOU ROLL AND DON’T FOLD If you are an ardent traveler, you’ll agree that rolling is more superior to folding and here is why. Rolling your shirts takes up less space when compared to neatly folding them. Interestingly, clothes that are rolled are less likely to get deep wrinkles that are common with folded shirts. ENDEAVOR TO MAKE A PACKING LIST While packing can be pretty daunting sometimes; having a packing list can make the process fun and less stressful. Hence, it would make a lot of sense to start packing days or weeks before your departure date. Doing this ensures you don’t leave anything behind. Also, you can purchase additional items you may need while you’re away. FIND OUT YOUR AIRLINE BAGGAGE FEE POLICY Are you planning a journey and you’re on a budget? Finding out your preferred airline baggage fee policy will help you save quite a bit. Although most airlines allow travelers to check one or two bags especially on international flights, most American airlines charge quite a bit for luggage checked on local flights. So, if you’re looking to at least reduce bag fees while traveling, you’ll find the below tips helpful. • Remember to check your preferred airline’s website to read about their baggage fee policy • Always book with airlines that allow you to check at least one free bag for domestic flights. STICK TO THE 3-1-1 RULE If you have been traveling for a while now, you’ll know that not following the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) 3-1-1 rule can lead to confiscation of your item’s while delaying your journey in the process. So, now will be a good time to get the hang of the agency’s rule. And if you don’t know already, all forms of liquid are expected to be stored in a 3.4-ounce bottle LEVERAGE ON YOUR PERSONAL ITEMS While airline policy allows each traveler to check one carry-on bag and one personal item, you’ll want to leverage on personal items like tote bags that give you extra room to store additional items. And since purses, backpacks and laptop bags are generally allowed on planes, you’ll want to use them to create extra space for some of your items. ALWAYS WASH YOUR CLOTHES ON THE GO I guess one of the best parts of staying in a vacation rental while traveling is the fact that you get to use their laundry facilities for free. This means you don’t have to pay for laundry while you’re traveling. This also means you’ll always have a handful of clean clothes to wear even if you pack lightly. CONCLUSION Packing shouldn’t be all that difficult, with the above tips, your vacation is definitely going to be a blast. If you want to read some of our other amazing travel related articles, you wouldn’t go wrong to read through our blog as we have amazing articles you’ll find absolutely intriguing.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW It’s one thing to plan for a journey and another to pay attention to details, so you don’t forget relevant documents. So, before you hit the road, you will want to double check to make sure you’re not forgetting any of your vital travel documents. Trust me, the last thing you’ll want to happen is not having a complete travel document or leaving relevant travel documents behind. Doing this may either delay your flight or expose you to “enhanced screening” which honestly isn’t always a pleasant experience. So, if you are thinking of taking that long awaited vacation or trip, below are a list of vital documents you’ll need and how to ensure they are current and up to date. ENSURE THAT YOUR IDs ARE CORRECT AND UP TO DATE Your driver’s license or ID card is very important especially when you’re traveling abroad. Leave it behind or fail to update it and you wouldn’t like the experience. To this end, you must ensure that it is accurate and consistent with every other of your travel documents. Again, you’ll want to make sure that you have your ID card or driver’s license is not about to expire. What’s worse? Traveling with an expired ID can result in you being held or quizzed at border crossings. The reality is, I have seen people subjected to severe scrutiny because their ID was either expired or close to expiring. So, if you intend to travel hassle free, now will be a good time to ensure your driver license or ID card is up to date. If they are not, visit the relevant agencies in your state, I’m sure you’ll get it fixed. GOING ABROAD? YOU’LL NEED YOUR PASSPORT If you intend to travel abroad, you’ll need an up to date passport or pass book. For people who have none, your best option is to apply for a pass book. It is internationally recognized for all types of travels and won’t expire until after 10 years. Nevertheless, if you have to apply for a new passport, you should endeavor to do that early, so that you’ll have it processed and mailed back to you before your journey. To do this, simply click this link and you’ll be redirected to a page where you’ll fill out an application form. Generally, the application takes 4-6 weeks before your passport is processed and ready. Notwithstanding you can pay $60 for expedited service if you want it ready in about 2-3 weeks.