Advice

Don’t overpack! It is hard to find anything in a suitcase that you have to sit on to close.  If you are going to multiple places you won’t have time to unpack your suitcase each time.

 Use compression cubes they give you more room and also keep you organized.  I travel usually with 4-5 cubes I do different colored cubes.  I know what is in each cube so when I need underwear I am reaching for just one cube.

Keep all your medications with your carry on in case your suitcase is lost.   Put one change of clothes in,  I  always put in a pair of flip flops to wear on the plane.

Bring a small medical kit.  bandaids, first aid cream, motion sickness pills, antihistamine, nausea, diarrhea pills.

Check the CDC website they have information on every country in the world and what vaccines are needed and what to beware of.  You can also register where you are going with smart traveler enrollment program (STEP).  The nearest US embassy will be notified that you are in their country.

If you are in a country where they tell you not to drink the water.  Then DO NOT USE ICE CUBES.  I know this sounds like common sense but when I was in Egypt two women asked for ice cubes at a local restaurant. They told them it was safe  to use their ice.  I said to them probably not a good idea.  Needless to say they were sick for two days.

Bring a packable raincoat, so when you are out and about you don’t get caught in a downpour.

When I am going more than 10 hours away by plane, I always book an extra night.  The first trip I went on my plane was delayed 24 hours and I missed a night in South Africa. I like getting to a destination a day early to acclimate myself before the tour begins.

Make copies of your passport, your covid vaccination card, visa’s if needed.  Take pictures so you have them on your phone.  Take copies of all with you.  Leave a copy of all important documents with someone from home.  

Check to see if your credit card charges foreign fee’s .  They can add up.  Also make sure to call your cell phone carrier if you plan on making any calls, texts or use the internet to see what they have to offer.  I have AT&T they have what they call a day pass.  I am only charged $15/day if I use my phone on a day that I am away.

I learned from my very first trip not to bring the biggest suitcase. My rule is if you cannot lift it yourself don’t bring it.  I know most of you travel with a companion or spouse if they are fit enough great.  I needed help and never brought my 30″ again. 

I travel with a 26″ x 18.5 x 11 suitcase.  It’s a medium size and is expandable by 1.75″.  I try not to expand it on my way someplace so I have room for things I want to buy.  I also always bring an extra bag that is packable and so small but large when you take it out.

I have different travel sites I buy  my luggage from.  Tumi, Away, (the medium suitcase I use now) and Biaggi.

Biaggi has great stow away bags that I can store in my dresser and they take up no room, some have wheels, most expand.  My back pack I generally take is from them. Away I bought my 26″ bag blue so I know my bag when it comes out in the airport.  Everyone’s bag is black. Hard to find sometimes. Tumi also has great bags that you can take and they fold up to nothing.

I also put an air tag a small tracking device from apple in my suitcase.  I know then if my bag actually made it on the plane. I also put one in my bag that I bring on the plane. That bag generally goes with during the day on tours.