The Mysteries of The 3-1-1 11.17.10

Some people are hassled by this post 9-11 TSA rule. If you ask me, it’s quite a blessing in disguise, as it is just step one in not overpacking. You see that little bag and wonder how much you can fit in it. Then you see your carry-on and think the same thing! The bigger suitcases collect dust in the closet, because as great as they are, you already paid money for them, so why pay MORE money to check them when you fly. I would rather invest in a rockin’ $300 carry-on bag than spend half that on a suitcase that needs to travel under the plane at $15-40 each flight. You’ll never pay more for that carry-on, but you’ll pay EVERY time you use your suitcase, just because you want to take a couple extra pairs of shoes and full-size toiletries. Keep in mind that just because it is convenient to have someone whisk your bag away and swipe your credit card, you could have used that money elsewhere on your trip and you still have to lug that monster around when you get off at your destination. Think about what fun that’ll be on the off-chance the lift is out of order.

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What IS a 3-1-1 bag? Due to liquid regulations on all flights, you must contain all your liquid, gels and pastes to 3oz each in a 1-quart bag and only one is allowed per traveler. ALL your liquids must be able to fit in this bag, including shampoo, hairspray, toothpaste, hand cream, mascara, lip gloss and anything else that isn’t solid. If it doesn’t fit, you can’t take it. And if it’s over 3oz, you also can’t take it. Anything that doesn’t fit in or conform to 3-1-1 regulations will be confiscated by security.

If you look in the travel products aisles of stores, you can find a pack of 10 “airplane” zip-top bags. These are nice and handy to have extras, just in case.  I recommend investing in a Zipper pouch that conforms to rules and also is heavy-duty, like the Travelon toiletry bag that comes with travel-sized toiletry bottles and jars for your makeup and hair care products. While I don’t really use those, the price of the bag itself is reasonable and will last you several vacations…or more if you don’t overstuff it. It features a flat bottom, which makes it easier to pack more bottles into and to use when you get to your destination, because it stands upright. The nice zipper is a good deterrent for spills. Several times I’ve had something gush out into the bag to find everything in it covered in goo, but never has it come out of the bag to glop up any of my other stuff.

In the travel products aisle, and also in your Travelon bag, you can find reusable plastic bottles and containers for travel. Since they are specifically for travel, they are capped at 3oz and come in different colors and styles to suit your needs. They are great for hairspray, gel, shampoo and conditioner.

Like FREE STUFF? “Like” Shereen Travels Cheap on Facebook and be entered to win free travel bags, courtesy of Travelon, when our page reaches 500 members. Since we need YOUR help to get us there, if you don’t win, but a friend you recommended joins and wins, you’ll receive a fun referral gift that will be awesome and travel-related. That’s twice the chances to win and even more if you refer more friends! Winners don’t have to be U.S. residents to be eligible, so suggest Shereen Travels Cheap to ALL your Facebook buddies.

If you’d rather just buy travel sizes of your favorite products, most stores carry them. If they don’t, you can check one of my favorite resources: Minimus.biz. They are one-stop shopping for all things travel-size. You can pick up toothpaste, shampoos and conditioners (including salon brands), cold medication, travel blankets, drink mixes, condiments, snacks and more! And you can get free shipping with a minimum order of $25. If you can’t find it on Minimus, you either don’t need it or you can’t find it anywhere. They have many spa-worthy beauty products now, too, like face masks and foot scrub.

Be prepared for security…please. No one wants to stand behind you with their stuff, ready to zip through the line, when they see you’re wearing your jacket and shoes and no 3-1-1 bag and no bin. They know it’s still in your carry-on and you will take an extra 10 minutes and hold up the whole line. We’re all in this together, so please try to be as prepared as possible when you get through security. Everyone already hates it, so don’t make them hate you, too. Here are some simple rules to follow to be as efficient as possible through security.

• Have your 3-1-1 bag packed BEFORE you get into the security line.  Also, don’t start digging for it when you get to the front of the line. Make sure it’s accessible, so you can just pull it out and pop it in a bin.
• Take a bin and put your purse (or wallet, keys and other pocket gems you carry around), shoes, 3-1-1 bag and jacket in it, if you’re carrying one. If you can wear slip-on shoes, this goes much faster when you’re through security. 
• If you’re traveling with a laptop, it needs its own bin, and you need to send that through separately.
• Push your carry-on, wheels or bottom first, onto the conveyor belt either before or after your bin(s). People don’t want to touch your stuff, so make sure it gets on the belt to be pulled through before you walk through the metal detector.
• Wait for your bin(s) and bag and take them to the end of the line to pack up and put your shoes back on. Don’t hold up the line right outside of the x-ray machine while you’re lacing up your knee-high boots.

Looking for a deal this week? Well, you’re in luck. There are many to be had out there, especially if you can book last-minute.  

• Book a 1-bedroom villa in the Williamsburg area of Virginia by November 24 and get the amazing rate of just $59/night. With prices like that, you can totally afford a visit to Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens. Rates good through February 2011 and includes weekends! Each villa has a full/partial kitchen, which can save you even more on your vacation. For just $20 more, you can upgrade to a 2-bedroom/2-bath villa...in case you are traveling as a family.
• Cruise Alaska in the Spring from just $1,199 per person. 7-night cruise, plus 3 hotel nights, a scenic rail trip and a tour of Denali National Park. You'll sail from Anchorage on the Celebrity Millennium and visit ports in Ketchikan, Icy Straight, Juneau, Skagway and Hubbard Glacier. Book by November 22.
• Spend 10 nights in Amazing Egypt! From $1,699 per person, your trip includes international round-trip airfare to Cairo, intra-Egypt flights, 6 nights in 4- and 5-star accommodations, 4-night cruise down the Nile, many meals and an English-speaking tour guide. Book by December 1 to get this rate and save $600 off competitive packages.
• Is Vegas calling? Save 50% off rates at Treasure Island and spend just $40 per night! Book by November 24 for stays through January 3 and enjoy everything that Las Vegas and Treasure Island has to offer, including Pan-Asian restaurant Khotan.
• What about wine? Spend some time in Northern California's Sonoma County for just $99/night at the Sheraton in Petaluma. Spend your extra money on a wine tour and some bottles to take home with you. Book by December 8 for travel through March 15 and get these rates, plus a room upgrade to a deluxe marina view room, including weekends AND holidays! 

Our Twitter following is growing every day! Follow shereentrvlschp on Twitter, too! Same fun tips and deals, but in “carry-on” size! I’m working on a giveaway for one lucky follower when we reach 2,000. Until then, stay tuned or join us on Facebook, too! Better odds, with more prizes and less members.

You can find even more budget-travel tips from me on my guest posts on the following blogs:

And soon: 

My Itchy Travel Feet

Do you want to see more of something on Shereen Travels Cheap...or a specific topic? Well, if you don't tell me, I won't know. Leave a comment on this post, on Facebook or take this super-quick survey! 

It’s Warm In The Southern Hemisphere 11.13.10

That’s right. Fall and winter for us “Northerners” is spring and summer for those below the Equator. That means now is the ideal time to escape the chilly weather and pack shorts and other warm-weather clothes for a trip to somewhere where the sun shining is not an optical illusion. There’s nothing I hate more than having to go outside with a knit cap on and sunglasses. Good thing we don’t have many cold, sunny days in Oregon, but they still happen. Let’s talk about some of your winter choices for summer weather. Just think: the smaller the clothes you need, the less packing space you use!

The Caribbean is always beautiful. Let Carnival take you on a cruise from $169 and up. Book by November 14 for onboard credits. Other incentives include: 20% off with early booking, stateroom upgrade, reduced airfare from Europe, 10% off shore excursions (though you can usually book these yourself and save much more) and percent off for military personnel and family. Look at these amazing deals and book quickly to take advantage of them.

Princess Cruises also has a wonderful Caribbean sale. 7 nights from Ft. Lauderdale, you’ll dock in Princess Cays (Bahamas), St. Maarten, St. Thomas and Grand Turk. For only $519 per person aboard the Ruby Princess for an inside cabin, $619 for an outside cabin and $739 for a balcony cabin. Enjoy fine dining, nightly shows, daily entertainment and more.  Sale ends Monday at midnight. (Voyage Prive is invitation only. If you're not a member, become one HERE.)

I challenge all my readers to help us to make it to 500 page members by December 15! Join me on Facebook and get even more travel deals and money-saving tips! We even have a great giveaway going, which every member is eligible to win. “Like” Shereen Travels Cheap and get entered instantly! You do not have to be a US resident to win, so sign up and tell all your friends. See the Promos tab on the page for more details.

Princess Cruises would like to take you to Brazil, too! Take a 14-night cruise down the Amazon for less than $100 a day per person! Spend Christmas and New Years in South America. You’ll depart from Ft. Lauderdale and stop at nine ports of call, including St. Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, Santarem and Manaus. With 10 dining options, a casino, caberet lounge and multiple bars, you’ll never be bored. (If you aren't a member of Voyage Prive, click HERE for an invitation.)

Looking for a bit more adventure? How about a Kenyan Safari? Save 34% off regular prices and take a 10 night safari inKenya from as little as $4,579 per person. There are prices for both east coast and west coast travelers. Visit amazing locations like Nairobi, Masai Mara and Amboseli National Park and stay in breathtaking accommodations, many of which are situated in the heart of wildlife. This is truly one to cross off your “bucket-list”. (Not a member of Voyage Prive? Click HERE.)

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Take a 6-night escorted tour of Machu Picchu in Peru from just $999 per person, including RT international aifare, intra-Peru flights, 3-star accommodations, daily breakfast, transfers, tours and more. You’ll spend 3 nights in Cuzco and another 3 nights in Lima, with a full-day tour of Machu Picchu and a guided tour of Lima. Book by November 23.

For something a little less expensive, I recommend Ecuador. It’s on the Equator, which means the weather is nice all year. While it’s not always super cheap to get there, it’s amazingly affordable to stay, eat and play there. We went several years ago and stayed in Quito for 5 nights, another 2 nights in Otavalo in a mountain lodge and 1 night in Mindo in an eco-lodge in the cloud forest. While the lodges were a bit spendy, the cost for all of our accommodations were still about the cost of a mid-range hotel anywhere in America. We would have saved $300, if we had spent the whole time in Quito, and still spent less than $300 on those accommodations.

Food was delicious and super cheap compared to anywhere we’ve ever traveled. In fact, we saved so much on our trip that we bought Christmas presents for everyone back home and also treated ourselves to a set of matching wedding bands. If you’re looking for jewelry of any kind, you’ll find a gazillion shops in Quito and the perfect piece just for you. Prices are probably ¼ of what you would find elsewhere and everything is stamped if it’s authentic. On top of that, the shop owners are super nice, even if you are not so good with your Spanish. Most do not accept credit cards though, so you might have to make a trip to the ATM.

Follow shereentrvlschp on Twitter for a bite-size version of my travel deals, updates and budget tips! We have almost 1,400 followers and counting! I’m thinking of something special to do when we hit 2,000. In the meantime, be eligible for my current giveaway by also joining me on Facebook.

• So, you have your winter escape planned out and need to start packing? Don’t forget that even though it’s warm where you’re going, it’ll still be cold at home. Wear a pair of jeans or warm pants and a fleece or sweater over a t-shirt to the airport, so you have something to wear on the way home that won’t cause you to ask  “OMG, what was I thinking!?” when the pilot tells you it’s 38 degrees in your hometown. This happened to me on a trip to Arizona. I came back to 58 degree weather and was wearing a halter top and shorts, because in Phoenix it was 113.
• Aside from flip-flops, which pack anywhere and I don’t consider shoes, take two pair of shoes per person. I like to wear my walking shoes on the plane, because they are heavier and take up more room. Then I throw in a pair of nicer shoes that I can wear out to dinner, but are still comfortable should I want to sightsee in them or go out dancing.
• Pack neutrals! I tend to like neutral bottoms and then I can wear almost anything on top, but if you’d rather pack neutral tops, go for it! Make sure all your neutrals are in the same color palette, like tans/browns or grays/blacks, that way you can pack shoes that match with everything and eliminate unnecessary overpacking.
• Make a packing list. Seriously, this is the most important part of packing. It keeps you from adding extra items you don’t really need and then keeping track of everything you take with you. Once it’s all checked off and packed, put your list in with your other important travel papers. That way, when you’re headed back home, you know you have everything with you. (Adding anything you bought along the way to it is also really helpful with filling out those customs forms.)

Feel like you’re not getting enough out of Shereen Travels Cheap? Fill out the following survey, so I know what kind of entries you’re most interested in and can write what my readers what to know about!

For more packing help, see my article on the CRAVE blog: Pack Lighter. Look Great. Save Money. 

You can find more travel advice on the Shereen Travels Cheap blog’s previous entries and also on my guest posts elsewhere:

TheSavalots – The Little (Hotel Search) Engines That Could [Hotel search engines that can save you money and offer incentives for current and   future travel.]

DoHop – What’s For Dinner? [Saving money on your food budget      anywhere you travel.]

Jetsetera – London For Less (So You Can Buy More Shoes!) [You can travel to London and not spend an arm and a leg.]

CheapLikeMeBlog - How to Be A Frugal Foodie on Vacation [More ways to save on your food budget while traveling.]

And soon on: My Itchy Travel Feet and Ebates

I found a great article on Gadling for those of you looking for a suitable, inexpensive extra bag for when you need some extra room for your vacation purchases.

Harry Potter and The Journey Around The World 11.10.10

With the excitement of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows coming out next week, I wanted to dedicate my blog to the many wonders and sites of the Harry Potter world. Of course, this does not mean my whole blog will be about London, especially since many people may not have the funds to visit there, even if they want to go. If you are new here, take a minute to subscribe to my blog on the right, for instant updates!

Join me on Facebook. The more members we get, the faster we can give away some great travel prizes. Help us make our goal by clicking “Like” on Shereen Travels Cheap and then suggesting us to all your friends. You can find more about our prizes on the Promos tab of the page. Good luck!

What’s your favorite Harry Potter memory? Well, I have several, but one of my favorite things is the Knight Bus. Invisible to muggle eyes, the triple-decker bus weaves through traffic and crosses the English countryside super fast. While it doesn’t exist and we can’t actually ride on it – not to mention that there is no such thing as a triple-decker bus – you can take a double-decker bus tour almost anywhere you live. (Just Google: double-decker bus tour and the city you are interested in.) Most are hop-on, hop-off tours, where they have multiple stops and you can get off and get back on at your leisure. These can be as little as only $20 per person.

Another awesome thing going around the country (and probably to other countries soon) is Harry Potter: The Exhibition. Now at the Pacific Science Center in Seattle until the end of January, it will be making its way to other locations. Sign up for their newsletter to get information. The Exhibition brings real props from the movies, including Hagrid’s hut, wardrobe and the Hogwart’s Express. People who have seen it say that it’s amazing and shouldn’t be missed by a true Harry Potter fan, which if you can’t tell, I am. I’ll be heading up in January to set my eyes on this amazing exhibit and get all giddy over being so close to a part of the last decade of movie history.

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Too excited to wait to see the Harry Potter Exhibit? Why not make a trip to Orlando? Visit Universal Islands of Adventure and experience The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Stroll the town of Hogsmeade, visit Hogwarts on your way to the front of the line on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, meet Buckbeak on Flight of the Hippogriff, have a wand choose you with a visit to Ollivander’s, stop for a pumpkin juice and Cornish pasties in the Three Broomsticks and grab a frozen butterbeer (so much better than the cold butterbeer, in my opinion) on your way to the Triwizard Tournament’s Dueling Dragons. Sadly, there are only three rides, a few very short shows and only a handful of shops, but if you love Harry Potter, it is worth the trip to immerse yourself in all things magical. Get yourself a wand and practice your spells on other park patrons when you wait in line for other rides, like The Hulk and Spiderman.

Now’s the time to visit Orlando, because tourism is down with the kids in school. If you travel over the Winter break, try to hit up Islands of Adventure on a weekday. The lines will be much shorter and you’ll be able to get to everything without needing to spend money on a front of the line pass (which doesn’t work on HP and the Forbidden Journey anyway, the new most popular ride in the whole park).

Purchase the Eatandplaycard for Orlando and get discounts off car rentals (which is a must), dining and shopping.

Stay at the amazing Quality Inn Royale Parc Suites for as little as $62/night. All rooms are suites and have a lot of space. The bedroom is far from the sitting room, so if someone is still awake, they won’t disturb anyone trying to sleep, free park shuttles (though they don’t run all day, like you would expect…and this is true for all Orlando hotels in the area.), flat-screen TVs, free breakfast, rooms have a nice dining area and kitchen to help save some on your food budget, and are close to restaurants and other things, like Walgreens and miniature golf! The pool is beautiful, they have “cocktail” hour, a convenient store and BBQ grills available for guest use. Book by 11/14 for travel through May 2011.

Fall and Winter is also a great time to make a trip to Europe. Hermione went on a ski vacation with her parents over Christmas vacation there and you can find the Beauxbaton School of Witchcraft somewhere in France. While you probably won’t encounter any Veela, you will encounter breathtaking scenery and amazing food. If you are going to visit Paris, make sure you purchase a Paris Pass. It’s the best sightseeing card out there and can save you a bundle on Parisian attractions like museums, river cruises and wine tasting. It comes with a fantastic guidebook, lets you skip box office lines and includes unlimited Metro, RER and bus travel within the city.

Ron and the rest of the Weasley clan live on the outskirts of a wizarding town called Ottery St. Catchpole. Sad as I am to find out this town doesn’t really exist, I did find that Devon (the county in which the non-existent town supposedly resides) is an amazing place to visit. It’s the only place in England to have two coasts. Many famous names have come from Devon, including Sir Walter Raleigh, Agatha Christie, Chris Martin of Coldplay and Joss Stone. You can visit to see the Jurassic Coast, which consists of Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous cliffs. There are also lovely beaches to visit, where you can surf, dive, kitesurf and boat. There’s hiking, tour Darthmouth Castle right on the water, visit Pennywell Farm with their miniature pigs and, of course, there’s always shopping.

There are many places to stay in Devon, including a wide selection of apartments and vacation homes where you can cook your own meals and come and go as you please. Check out affordable options like the Atlantis Holiday Apartments, Garway Lodge Guest House and Barramore Holiday Apartments HERE. There are also amazingly affordable options on Superbreak…starting at less than $15/per person per night.


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Viktor Krum, world famous Quidditch player, and the rest of the Durmstrang students can be found in Russia…maybe. Though it’s not quite clear, because they like to keep their school secrets, well, secret. Have a great time tromping through Moscow and St. Petersburg and watching the sky for any escaping Romanian dragons on this 6 night vacation that includes RT airfare, hotel accommodations, flight between Moscow and St. Petersburg, daily breakfast and taxes. From only $1126 per person, this a must for anyone hoping to make it to Russia soon. This price is good for travel in February 2011, but other dates are available.

Hermione modified her parents’ memories in between Half Blood Prince and Deathly Hallows, so they would go into hiding in Australia without knowing what they were doing and not remember they had a daughter in case something happened while she was hunting horcruxes to defeat You-Know-Who with Harry and Ron. Luckily, you are safe from the Dark Lord, but if your lifelong ambition is also to go to Australia, you can do so a lot less expensively than before! Find round-trip flights for as little as $750 on Virgin Atlantic or bid on Australia vacation packages through SkyAuction for huge discounts!

This month is British Appreciation Month. For those hoping to get some insight into London, please view my guest post on Jetsetera.net on how to save money traveling to and around the city. Soon, you will also be able to catch a similar, but completely different, article on My Itchy Travel Feet. Stay tuned for news on that. You can also see my other guest posting ventures on the following sites:

    

              

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For those of you still waiting for my budget travel book to hit shelves, please don’t be discouraged. I am still trying to find just the right publisher/agent to take my work and give it the final push to publishing. I’ve got some good responses, but no takers yet. I’ll keep you updated!