Pre-Packing = Less Stress

When it comes to packing for a trip, there tend to be two different groups of people. Those who are packed and ready to go weeks before their departure, and then those who are scrambling to get their bags packed at the last moment. Recently, CNN.com ran an article regarding tips on how one can prepare for their next trip.

A Week Before

• Air out your luggage before you pack

• Stock up on storage bags

• Make sure you have little containers that comply with the 3-1-1  rule

Three Days Before

• Get all your technological devices ready. Make sure you have extra batteries, memory cards, charges, etc. 

• Make sure all your medication is up to date, and fill any necessary perceptions

• Make photocopies of important documents such as passports, visa, itineraries, etc.

• Give a friend or relative your itinerary

One Day Before

• Record the contents of your suitcase and take a picture. This way you'll have a record of what your bringing with you, in case your luggage gets lost.

Always Leaving on Short Notice?

Traveling for business can be stressful and something that can make it even more stressful is if you are always having to leave at a moment's notice. There are some helpful hints and tips that can make even the short notice business traveler fell less stressed. 

• Keep a pre-packed toiletry bag or kit

• Have a place where you keep all your chargers, adapters, and technological accessories this way you can just grab them and go

• Have a section in your closest where you are able to quickly grab outfits that go well together in a little amount of time
  

• Keep some cash handy in your carry-on bag, this way you have cash on hand even if you were unable to stop at an ATM

• If you are always departing from the same airport, take time to explore so in the future you'll know where there shortest security lines are

• Pack what you need and if the trip is for a long period of time, make sure you have clothing that can pull double duty

Of course if you know that you are going to be leaving for a business trip in advanced you'll have more time to prepare for the trip, but following these tips will help make your travel and business experience more bearable. 

Airport Security Approved Laptop Bags

The Transportation Security Administration, (TSA) just announced that they would be allowing passengers to keep their laptops in specialty designed laptop bags when they go through x-ray machines. The TSA has given design guidelines to manufactures such as Skooba and Targus who will be taking the first stab at designing these new bags. These new laptop bags will allow passengers to keep their laptops secure while stilling letting security officials x-ray your laptop and the bag.

The TSA is hoping that these new bags will make the screening time quicker, since passengers will no longer have to remove their laptops. Unfortunately, some passengers may try and sneak their laptops in bags that do not meet these guidelines. This will in fact make the screening time longer since security personnel will have to remove the laptop and thoroughly check the bag and laptop.

Until the TSA has approved these new bags, the best thing to do would be to be prepared to take your laptop out of your bag. If you have your laptop ready for screening you will be able to get through security a bit quicker since you are already prepared.

Tips For Packing

Given the new fees that are being implemented by a select number of airlines, one does not want to over pack their bags. Packing for a trip can be stressful. There are some things that you can do before your trip that can make the experience of packing less hectic.



The best way to start packing is to make a list of items you will need to take with you. When writing your list, take into account the activities and or events that you will be attending. It is also a good idea to check what the weather will be like at your destination so you can plan accordingly. If you are traveling internationally, make sure you know the local traditions and culture and what types of clothing styles are considered taboo.

Before actually packing your suitcase, double-check your list to make sure you have everything. Also, see if you can eliminate an item or two. It is best to pack layers and items that can be used for more than one occasion. After selecting your clothes, double-checking your list, and eliminating an item or two, you can think about packing your toiletries. It is best to make a list for these items, as well.

The easiest way to pack toiletries would be in a toiletry kit. Remember, you do not need to pack your big bottles of shampoo or lotion. Many of the products you would need to bring with you can be bought at a trial/travel size. In case you forget to pack your toothpaste or toothbrush, you can always run to the drug store or to the hotel’s gift shop.

For your return trip, remember to take into account that you will probably be bringing back more items that you departed with. You should follow the same steps as you did when you first packed; that list you initially made will come in handy. You can use that list to determine if you have lost any of your items during your trip.

When packing for your return trip, do not take your dirty clothes and ball them up. This will take up more room. Fold them as you would your clean clothes. To keep your clean clothes separate from your dirty clothes put tissue paper or regular paper between them. This way you will know which clothes are dirty and which are clean and still have enough room for the extra clothes or souvenirs that were bought.