What About the Hungries?

April 30, 2009 What about the Hungries?
I have learned to take prepackaged, travel friendly foods. I have had times when no food is available and I was glad to have food to eat. I take an extra look around the store on my last trip before travel for foods that would like to go with me on an adventure. I look for:
1. Delicious finger foods that can be packed in small amounts for munching.
2. Choices strong on calming hunger and lower in salts and sugars. I can buy salt-ies and sugars of my choice along the way. Raw nuts are compact to pack.
3. Fruit and veggies in my fridge that can be put in small packages and won’t still be desirable on my return. Blueberries are a choice I like.
Few things are worse that sitting on the tarmac for hours Starving! hungry. I can think of worse things of course, but hunger is a hard one. When you have good snacks packed, you have choices.

Which Bag Do You Choose To Carry-On?

April 29, 2009 Which Bag Do You Choose to Carry-on?
When you have one main bag to bring as a carry-on how do you choose the Bag? A carry-on for many airlines defines one carry on that is 40 total linear inches or smaller when the lengths of the sides are totaled. Criteria to help narrow the choices would include:
1. What is the weight of the bag you are considering? Some bags can weigh over 12 pounds. I like to keep my total bag weight close to 12 lbs.
2. Is the bag you are considering sturdy enough to be a checked bag on an air plane if the need arises. A checked bag would need to be sturdy enough to protect the contents while being tossed about in handling and possibly crushed by other bags.
3. Do you want to roll or carry a bag? Which is easier for you to walk with? What bag motion is easier for you to get on and off the air plane? What about getting Up and Down the cramped isles? Or In and Out of the over head?
4. Is organization of the bag while traveling, packing and unpacking important to you? Does your bag choice allow you to reach in to it in dark cramped conditions and pull out the one item you seek?
The choice of the best carry on for you is worth consideration when you have your travel “Stuff” in one bag. Thinking through the process of what will make you the most comfortable traveling can lead to a very satisfying and relaxing experience.

What to Wear on Travel Day?

Post 4/28/2009: What to Wear on Travel Day?
Frequently the first day of travel is an air plane flight. An important step in the process of packing light is identifying what to wear to start travel. Consider:
1. Is it comfortable?
2. Does it stay crisp and clean?
3. Will it freshen up quickly when you are tired?
4. Does the outfit keep the “stuff” you need handy with pockets?
5. Do you want to take the item but it is bulky to pack?
What goes on your person can be a big chunk of what actually goes on your adventure when paying attention to traveling light. The items chosen to be worn can stay neat and crisp, even chosen for comfort and quick clean ups. A vest with zippered pockets can keep travel items handy in a tight “sardine can” of an airplane.

Travel Light, Pack Light

One of the joys of our lives is the freedom of travel. A fun part of travel is not being weighted down by stuff. I invision the goal for my stuff to be a moving part of the travel experience.

Being able to find and use the stuff you have with you is a blast. Using everything you take with you is an expereince.