Capsule Wardrobes & the Carry On Luggage Challenge!

I love the rush of finalizing travel plans!

Over the weekend I was able to confirm that May will be a hub of activity with two back-to-back adventures.  A little bit of West Coast, a little bit of East Coast – hell, a little bit of Western Europe to add to the mix would be fab… but I shouldn’t get ahead of myself. 

Once the initial excitement tones down, the daunting task of packing becomes a reality.  I love my pieces and my products, but for some reason I cringe at the thought of systematically weeding through everything.  I don’t know about you, but I hate packing.  I love planning, researching, booking, going, and documenting – but dread packing. 

So I’ve decided to challenge myself to not only stick to a capsule wardrobe, but… dare I say… only taking carry-on luggage.  I am open to tips & suggestions for those of you that are savvy travelers.  My most shinning moment is scaling things down to an overflowing tote bag and not exceeding 50 lbs at check-in! 

Product Review: Train Reaction (Travel Accessory)

Recently I was giving the opportunity to try out a new travel accessory called Train Reaction, or TR Device.

 

 

 

 

 

What It Does:

The ability to roll two pieces of luggage with one hand so that it frees up the other for on-the-go travel convenience. 

Facts:

• Plastic device weighs 3 oz
• Carry up to 100 lbs
• Price point $14.95
• Made in USA

The Difference Between Lost and Found – Create Accountability

I was just thumbing through the latest issue of Westways Magazine and spotted an article entitled, “Luggage Lessons” by Laura Daily. 

A few days ago I replied to a Tweet from Sarah Waxler (@TravelLeaderRDU), a travel agent from North Carolina, about never experiencing the horror of lost luggage.  When I spotted this article, I figured I should bone up incase my Irish luck runs out.

Frazzled Isn’t Glamorous! Trip Prep Series – Pt 1

Packing List Cheat Sheet

What’s a girl on-the-go to do!  Save yourself the drama and give yourself some piece of mind by packing with a cheat sheet of sorts.

It may not be for everyone, but I find it’s a great go-to when you’re pulling together everything from outfits to toiletries to jewelery.  OCD is up to you and I’m not listing every last item.  Really, what I’ve put together are a wide range of categories that would suit a variety of destinations.  When I haul out my suitcase and stare at my closet cursing under my breath about how much I hate packing, it’s a bit of a relief to know that I don’t have to reinvent the wheel.  Give yourself a break; this is a great way to organize your thoughts.

Packing List Cheat Sheet

Juggling your carry-on and saving $ on your check-in…but is it worth it?

We’ve all been there….up all night finishing your packing and trying to negotiate with your hand-held luggage scale trying to figure out where you can skimp and save on the extra pounds.

Several airlines have increased their check-in baggage fees and many other airlines may follow suit.  So many of us savvy travelers are trying to beat the system.  Is your carry-on brimming with personal effects?  Are you wearing all of your heaviest items (i.e., coat, boots, etc)?   There may be a principle to uphold here, and I’m all for saving money, but you know what….maybe it’s worth paying the extra $10 or $15.

Depending on how you pack, the extra juggle may not be a big deal.  But for most of us, it may be a small price to pay in the scheme of things so you don’t have to muscle all your stuff and keep an eye on it all throughout your journey.  Last time I checked, planes are crowded, narrow, and personal space is at a premium.