6 Tips Carry-on Like a Professional

Do you ever see those travelers who have one bag – that’s not even bulging! – that look super put-together and get right off the plane and into a cab and you wish you could be more like them? So often I’m walking through a hotel lobby or past the check-in desks at the airport and watch families that seem to bring everything they own on vacation with them, and I wonder how much they paid in baggage fees and chiropractor visits. It was not all that long ago that I thought I couldn’t live without taking individual outfits and a dozen pairs of shoes either. Once I realized I never wore half of what I packed, I decided to downsize my packing. Then when airlines started charging for checked bags, I made the decision to downsize more.

When my husband and I went to Nassau and our checked bag was almost lost, we committed to carry-on-only travel. This not only saved us money, but also time and headaches. No more waiting at the baggage carousel forever wondering if our suitcase would be, yet again, the last one off the plane. No more worrying that we will have to vacation with just the few clothing items we packed in our carry-on. No more backbreaking trips up the stairs hauling our too-heavy bags behind us. And absolutely no more paying for our clothes to travel out of our eyesight.

Yes, it can be difficult at first to ditch the comfort of a large suitcase that can carry all your shoes and hair products and “what if” items. We now can pack by a set list of rules and go on vacation with everything we need and only a few things we might need. It is rare that we come back from a trip where we haven’t used everything we’ve taken. In fact, on our last trip, we each packed three bottoms and four tops, in addition to what we were wearing on the plane, and those clothes got us through 11 days. What’s more is that we packed it all into one carry-on bag and a bag that counts as a “personal item”. So, how did we pack so little and not go crazy? Here are the rules to travel by:

Mix and match everything you take. I used to go wild when I packed and took all my favorite things regardless if they went together or not. If you do this too, stop it. Pick a few things you love and want to take with you and then build a travel wardrobe around them. Make sure everything is in the same color palette. If you like bright tops, then bring neutral bottoms. That way, everything you take will match other things in your travel bag. Bringing mix-and-match separates is the perfect way to travel, because if you have four bottoms and five tops, you can make 20 different outfit combinations! It also helps with Rule #2.

Two pairs of shoes are all you need. When everything in your bag has a similar color scheme, it’s much easier to find shoes to coordinate. Almost everywhere I go calls for the same two kinds of shoes: general walking shoes and comfortable dress-up shoes. With ballet flats being so popular these days, it’s easy to find a great pair that will be comfortable to walk in all day and still look good with everything from shorts to dresses. Wear your heavier shoes on the plane and pack the smaller ones, so you have more room for clothes and other necessities.

There is an exception to this rule and that is for flip flops or similar sandals. They take up little space and are convenient for many things, so shove them into an empty space in your bag and pretend they aren’t shoes. You can wear them to the pool, to do laundry, get your continental breakfast, the beach and so much more.

Prepare to do laundry. I hear you groaning and whining, “But I’m on vacation!” I’m aware. I go on vacation, too. I also do laundry on my vacation. When you take so little, unless you want to walk around in dirty – and possibly stinky – clothes, you will want to throw them in the wash at some point. Most decent hotels and vacation rentals (my personal preference) have laundry facilities. You can pop your clothes in on your way to dinner or when you get back from sightseeing and just want to sit and rest your feet. It will take much less time than you think and then you smell fresh the next day.

If your accommodation doesn’t have on-site laundry, you will normally find a Laundromat nearby. I have hoofed it down the street for clean clothes. I take a book or game for my husband and I to play while we wait and then we take our freshly laundered duds back to the room and get on with our trip. If you are at a destination long enough to need to do laundry, you will have enough downtime to do it.

Don’t forget to layer. When traveling to cold weather destinations, or even preparing for chilly nights during your stay, don’t start dumping in bulky sweaters and jackets. You will get three of those in your bag before it’s full and you can’t pack anything else in it. Look for lightweight fabrics that pack well and can be layered with other pieces. When I travel, I always bring at least one cardigan and a pullover, like a hoodie. I get cold, but I don’t need to wear my winter coat to stay warm. These pieces work well over most of your normal clothing, like a t-shirt or tank top, and can be crammed into your day bag when not being used.

If you are traveling in the winter time, layering works just as well. Sweaters that are thin and lightweight fleece are great, because sometimes you think it’ll be cold and then it’s not as cold as expected. If it is, you can wear layers underneath these to stay warm. T-shirts and tanks work here, too, but if it’s going to be really cold, look to purchase base layers – thin, but super-warm separates that look like long underwear. They trap heat to your body, but also wick moisture, so you don’t sweat to death while trying to prevent hypothermia. You can pack several sets of these in your bag and they take up little room and are undetectable under your everyday clothing.

Downsize your toiletries. How long does it take you to go through a full-size bottle of shampoo? Two months? So why take that big thing with you on your vacation? TSA rules allow you to bring a one-quart plastic bag full of three-ounce bottles. If your problem is that you can’t find your same shampoo, conditioner, facial scrub, hairspray or whatever else in a travel-size container, make your own. Purchase small bottles, pumps, vials or jars and decant your favorite items into them. This gives you just the right amount you need for your trip and allows you to take them with you in your carry-on.

If you’re one that needs to carry beauty tools with you, like a flat iron or curling iron, purchase a mini version specifically for your travel bag. You can normally find the same brand you use at home that works just as well, only smaller. I love my mini flat iron so much, I almost want to use it instead of my full-size one at home. It takes up half the space in my bag too.

      Streamline your beauty routine. Don’t stuff your toiletry bag full. Your objective here is to pack as little as possible. Look for make-up palettes and multipurpose products that will enable you to pack less. I am a fan of tinted moisturizer that has SPF in it and pairs perfectly with a powder foundation for a flawless look. Cheek tint is often meant to be used as lip tint, plus it can be applied with your finger, so you don’t need to pack another brush.

There you have it. Six easy rules to pack by that will help you travel lighter and save you tons of hassle. If you can’t lift your bag to put in the overhead, you probably have too much in it. It’s really true what they say: Lay out all the clothes you want to pack and then put half back in your closet. I make packing even easier by creating a detailed packing list. This can help you see if you have way more than you really need, reminds you of the essentials – like underwear! – and helps you repack on the way home. When you travel with an organized carry-on, not only do you save money on baggage fees, but it helps your trips go smoother, so you only have to worry about what to do first when you get to your destination.

Need help with a packing list, make sure you are signed up for my newsletter, because you'll be getting downloads in the next one or two. These are the same ones I use and tweak for each trip I take. What are your packing light tips?

How to Have a Fantastic and Frugal Honeymoon

It's officially "wedding season" people. More people get married in July and August than any other months during the year. I can't even count how many summer weddings I have gone to in the past. If you are getting married this summer - or next - and need some ideas on here to head afterwards to celebrate your I Dos, without spending a ton of money, because when  you think about it, you realized you spent more than you could afford even on your wedding. Odds are, you are on a tight budget after paying to feed everyone and look pretty, so you don't have much leftover - or any - for your honeymoon. Don't forget that instead of registering for toasters and towels that you can register for your honeymoon on a lot of different websites. We did it and it worked out awesomely.

For those of you who are looking for a budget-friendly destination, even if you register, there are plenty of places to start planning for that aren't Hawaii or Fiji, but can be just as beautiful and romantic. Remember, you don't have to spend a lot to enjoy your new trip away as newlyweds. 

Get domestic right away

Instead of spending a ton of money on one of those luxurious hotels that really don't offer more than a traditional hotel except for nicer linens and snootier staff, go for a vacation rental instead. You'll have more space to call your own and a kitchen to cook up some quick meals or snacks. We never seem to want to get up early to go out for breakfast or want to make a big to-do about it anyway, so our first stop on our trips (including our honeymoon) is the grocery store to pick up morning staples like cereal, milk, eggs, bagels and fruit. You can save quite a bit by not going out for even just breakfast. You also have the fridge to bring back leftovers, too. 

If you're lucky, your rental will have a washer and dryer. I know laundry sounds decidedly unglamorous, but being able to pack light can save you money and also enable you to get to your trip that much faster by skipping the baggage carousel and being able to use the check-in kiosks. Bring a few nice pieces that mix and match with one or two fancier items for going out for those splurge-worthy evenings and you're good to go. You'll only remember the fun times you had, not look back and wish you brought more clothes.

Where to go for less

New Orleans has got something for every couple: voodoo, vampires, food, gators and jazz. With the awesome Cajun accents you might even feel like you’re in a foreign country. There is adventure of some kind and fun around every corner. For less than you might think, you can take a city walking tour to learn about vampires, the history of The Big Easy and more. New Orleans is also known for its swamps, and you can take a tour of those as well on an airboat. Gorge yourself on beignets and then visit the rum distillery or head over to Mardi Gras World to check out some of the amazing floats and parts of the famous parade.

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Iceland – For an environmental twist on romance, Reykjavik is an affordable getaway that includes alternative energy. Lots of couples enjoy going to a relaxing spa together. The capital city is full of geothermal vents that create steam and are used to heat swimming pools, homes and even cook meals in restaurants. A major draw is the large hot springs that are perfect for relaxation and easing joint pain. If you spend long days sightseeing, these can really help with achy feet and backs. Reykjavik also boasts beautiful landscapes, an active volcano, a thriving city center with plenty of seafood restaurants and belief in elves – you can see the tiny doors where they are reported to live. In the evenings, take in the breathtaking Northern Lights while you snuggle with your new spouse.

Ecuador – The best way to save money on your honeymoon is to choose a truly affordable destination. If you want to engross yourself in history, meet some of the friendliest people anywhere and eat fabulous (and cheap) food, Quito is for you. Stay in five-star hotels for the price of a two-star anywhere else, take cabs from one end of the city to the other for mere dollars and get your passport stamped at the Middle of the World. Shopping in Quito is amazingly inexpensive, even for fine jewelry and beautifully handmade goods. Just a few hours away will find you at the beach, the rainforest or on top of a volcano.

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Peru – Just like Ecuador, you can save a lot of money here. Aside from the historical aspect of the country, it’s one of the best places to go if you are a lover of hiking and ancient ruins. Machu Picchu draws tourists from around the world to experience the trek to the top and the spectacular view. Learn about the Inca and how the site was kept a secret from the Spanish conquest. Depending on how hard-core you are you can hike the whole way or only part of it.

Dublin – Almost everyone claims to have some Irish heritage and I don’t think you’ll meet anyone who doesn’t desire to visit the Emerald Isle, with its rolling hills, oceans teeming with easily viewable sea life, castles and, probably most important, Guinness. Dublin is where couples go to make friends out of strangers, listen to lively music and educate themselves on the Celtic traditions. The city is very walkable, which means you can save money on a rental car and public transportation, but it is easy to take day trips to other parts of Ireland if you want to sightsee at the Giant’s Causeway or the Cliffs of Moher.

Las Vegas – Live large for a few days in Sin City and do a bunch of free things and a few expensive things and still go home with some money in your bank account. Las Vegas has a lot to offer those who aren’t eloping or trying to “win it all back”. Here’s just a short list of freebies you can find there: The Mirage volcano is definitely hot, the conservatory and botanical gardens of Bellagio, the Hawaiian Marketplace, Fremont Street Experience and a stroll through the streets of Paris or New York. If you always wanted to hit the beach for your honeymoon, it is truth that Vegas is just one big beach without an ocean. Creative thinking!

Los Angeles – Sure, you could just plan a trip to Disneyland and be done with it, but there is so much more to do in the Los Angeles area. Experience old school glamour with a behind-the-scenes tour of movie studios or a bus tour of Hollywood hotspots and celebrity homes. Take a stroll down the Walk of Fame and see how many names you recognize. Compare your feet against those famous footprints in front of Mann’s Chinese Theater. As much as L.A. is known for its opulence, it can be fairly inexpensive when you take advantage of the many free and cheap things there are to do around the city. Rent a car and spend the day at Venice Beach – where you can meander along the canals – or window shop on Rodeo Drive in hopes of seeing a famous face or two. You’ll leave wishing you had more time to spend just enjoying the feel of the city.

The most important part of your honeymoon is that you're together. Pick a destination that speaks to you and then plan a great trip around it. If everyone went to the same place on their honeymoon, life would be very boring. Start your life together with a unique honeymoon that says something about who you are as a couple.

Beachin' Travel Tips

Got aspirations to go to the beach this summer? Well, you’re likely not the only one, especially since the kids are out of school and the sun is out and that makes people flock to beaches near and far. The problem with heading to the beach during the warmest months is that it is often quite expensive and crazy crowded. Considering most people are just lying on the beach on their trip, it makes no sense to spend a ton of money that you don’t have to. So, here are some tips on how to spend less than expected.

It’s summer, which means you don’t need to take much with you. Getting everything in a carry-on will save you checked bag fees and also get you on your vacation as soon as possible after your plane lands. Keep your travel wardrobe to a minimum by taking one nice outfit and then several tops and bottoms that mix and match. This way, even if you took only 3 tops and 3 bottoms, they could make two week’s worth of different outfits. I then suggest taking two pair of shoes that will work with your outfits as well. Normally, I take a nice pair of sandals that can also work with dress clothes and a good pair of walking shoes. This way, you will be prepared for anything. Throw in a pair of flip flops (which I don’t count as shoes, since they take up almost no space) and you’re set for bumming around on the beach or at the pool.

Trade in the ocean for a nice lakeside location. Not only will it be a fraction of the price of an oceanfront property (or even an ocean “view” one), but you can do almost the same things you can otherwise. You can lay out on the beach, make sandcastles, go snorkeling, fishing, swimming, jet skiing and almost everything else you can do at the beach by the ocean.

Look for an apartment/condo/house rental instead of a hotel. I keep saying this, but it really can save you a lot of money. Many times you can find something for $300-400 per week, when most hotels you find are going to be well over $75/night, and that’s only for two people. On top of the savings per night and per person, you’ll also be able to shop for your own food and make as many meals as you like. I tend to like to buy breakfast fixings, because I don’t usually like to go out for breakfast and I don’t like to rush in the morning. I can eat a bowl of cereal or a bagel while I’m getting ready for the day and I’ve saved at least $8/day just for me alone. A lot of restaurants charge more than that. Heck, you could easily spend that much at Starbucks for a muffin and a coffee. And if you come back in the middle of the day for a nap or to rest your feet, you can make yourself a sandwich for lunch, too!

Go on a cruise. There are tons of deals going on right now, which means you can hang by the pool on the ship and then check out different beaches when you reach port. You also have the option of trying cool cuisines, saving money on food and accommodations while at sea and having a lot of shopping and sightseeing options.

Head to South and Central America where even during the summer, rates for hotels are pretty affordable. Places like Ecuador and Belize have wonderful beaches and budget-friendly food and lodging. Stay at a more luxury resort for a fraction of the price, which will help you stay on track with your travel budget and also give you more for your money. The beaches are just as good, plus you get to brush up on your Spanish or Portuguese.

Head to less-popular locations like Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and other beachfront locations that have late summer travel deals. Many of these are located in the Southeast and in smaller towns, like Daytona Beach. While they may not seem very exciting at first, there are plenty of things to fill your spare time with, yummy fresh seafood and cool day trips as well.

So, if you’re hoping to work on your tan and enjoy some sand between your toes, don’t forget to pack your swimsuit, your sunglasses and a bunch of sunscreen and start booking your flights, which will not be cheap this time of year. Where will you be headed this summer?