Travel Tips For Mexico
August 18, 2011 by Scott Applebee · Leave a Comment
One of the best travel values currently available is our neighbor to the south, Mexico.
With its popular destinations including Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, Acapulco, Cancun and Cozumel, sun-loving tourists have no shortage of vacation options. Historic sites, beautiful beaches, opulent resorts and friendly people await the adventurous traveler.
Image via Wikipedia
As most people are aware, safety precautions are necessary when traveling to Mexico. The US State Department publishes the following tips:
- When you arrive at a major airport, find the taxi counter inside the airport and pre-pay your fare there. After paying, you will be directed to an authorized airport taxi area. Don’t get into a non-authorized cab (known as piratas).
- Order a taxi via phone from a sitio (radio taxicabs) instead of flagging one down on the street. When getting into a cab at a hotel, be sure that the driver displays his permit.
- Try to blend in and look less like a tourist. You might want to determine your route for the day in your hotel room, so you don’t have to pull out the map in the middle of the street, which definitely outs you as a non-local.
- When using an ATM, try to do so during the day, preferably at ATMs inside busy shopping centers.
- Make a copy of your passport and driver’s license and carry them with you for identification purposes. Leave your original documents in a safe place; preferably, in a safe inside your hotel room. Better yet, scan your documents and e-mail them to yourself at an address you can easily access from abroad.
- Use common sense and don’t carry too much cash or wear flashy jewelry. It’s best to leave your valuable jewelry — and jewelry that you are sentimentally attached to — at home.
- Before you leave, exchange sufficient dollars into pesos for the first days of your trip. This way, you will avoid having to carry around large amounts of cash.
Regarding food and water hygiene:
- To avoid any chance of illness on your hard-earned vacation, we recommend you drink bottled water. In restaurants, opt for bottled water instead of ice water.
- When drinking soft drinks (refrescos), your best bet is to drink them directly out of the can or bottle, hence skipping the glass with ice.
- Most produce is washed in possibly unpurified water, so it’s best to eat vegetables that have been boiled and fruits that have been peeled.
- Brush your teeth with bottled or purified water.
A Mexican vacation can be magical, but make sure to take the necessary precautions.
Related articles
- Despite violence, Mexico tourism remains strong (cnn.com)
- Free Filtered Water For Reusable Bottle Users – The Trend Grows (treehugger.com)
How To Pack For A Cruise
August 11, 2011 by Karen Amin · Leave a Comment
The good news: you’re going on a cruise. The bad news: you have to decide what to pack.
Admittedly, there are far worse problems to have. That said, what should a seafaring adventurer pack?
Mimi Franklin tackles this question on her delightful blog “Mimi Packs Light” at mimipackslight.com. Mimi — for whom packing light has become a life philosophy — writes about her “Cruise Challenge,” in which she takes a transatlantic cruise with only one small bag.
Image via Wikipedia
Her goal is to pack 35 outfits into a carry-on which meets both Spirit Airlines’ and Icelandair’s (the air carriers that will get her to and from the cruise ship) size restrictions. Mimi had used a Solo carry-on bag on a previous trip which exceeded Spirit’s size limits (incurring her a bag fee), and was determined not to repeat that mistake.
Mimi opted for a 13″ x 16″ x 8″ Travelpro Crew 8 Rolling Business Tote which met the size requirements, and impressed her with its lightweight construction and ease of maneuverability. She writes, “I finally decided on a Travelpro bag because it moves beautifully. I’m not kidding — it’s like the BMW of rolling bags.”
Mimi then set about packing her “lightweight, compact and versatile wardrobe, containing no less than 35 outfit changes” into the Crew 8 Tote. When one is embarking on a 12 day excursion from Ft. Lauderdale to Harwich, England aboard Royal Caribbean cruise lines, wardrobe versatility is a must.
So, how did Mimi manage to pack everything into her carry-on?
This bag, like most handle bags, has three crevices due to the handle poles. I fill the crevices first with slips socks and underwear. With the next layer I try to smooth out with dresses or skirts or any materials not requiring ironing. After that I alternate with folded slacks and bundled shirts. Shoes go in separate plastic bags, and I use the outside pockets for most of my cosmetics.
Mimi arrived at Harvich safely, only to discover that she hadn’t worn four of tops that she took. Yes, despite using only one rolling tote for her 12 day voyage, she had over-packed.
Another good problem to have.
If you’d like to read more about Mimi Franklin’s one bag-transatlantic adventures, visit her blog Mimi Packs Light.
Tips For Flying With Grandchildren
August 2, 2011 by Scott Applebee · 1 Comment
One of the great joys of being a grandparent is watching your grandchildren experience new things. And, there’s no better way to share in these experiences than by taking trips together.
Traveling to exciting new places with your grandkids enables you to broaden their horizons, enhance their education and deepen your bond with them. Plus, your adult son or daughter will appreciate both your relationship building efforts and the “time off” from parenting.
Image by Getty Images via @daylife
But, remember that these trips aren’t for the faint of heart. You’re not only assuming responsibility for the children’s well being during your travels, but you’ll need to match their energy levels as well.
To minimize stress, it’s important to think through beforehand what everyone in your party will need during the flight. By anticipating the challenges of navigating your grandkids through a busy airport terminal and frantic security checkpoint and onto a crowded plane, you can plan and pack accordingly.
Here are some tips that every inter-generational traveler should consider:
Create A Handy “Trip Case”: While shepherding young children through the airport, you shouldn’t have to hunt through multiple bags to locate airline confirmations, boarding passes or rental car reservations. Simply tuck a “trip case” containing all travel documents into your Travelpro Rollaboard’s ticket pocket, and relax. Everything you need in now in one place for quick and easy access.
Be Prepared: You’re the children’s guardian during the trip, so make sure you have their proper identification, health insurance, contact information and notarized authorization from their parents in case they need medical attention. Plus, it’s your job to know all their medications and dietary needs.
Let Your Grandkids Carry-On: Have your grandchildren pack a backpack that they’re responsible for. By involving them in the planning process, they’ll be less intimidated (and more agreeable) at the airport. You should limit the number and size of items they take, and encourage them to make a list of their belongings which they’ll keep in their backpack.
Pack A Surprise Bag: Bring along a “surprise bag” containing books, games, dolls and other visually stimulating toys that you can pull out when they get restless. Engaging your grandkids will not only make the trip more pleasant for you, but for surrounding passengers, as well
Load Up On “Apps”: Instead of weighing down your Travelpro® Rollaboard® with a bunch of books, why not load some stories and games onto your iPhone or iPad? There’s a wide array of whimsical and delightfully illustrated online books available for kids.
Finally, don’t bite off more than you can chew. If you have many grandchildren, consider traveling with no more than two at a time. You’ll not only be able to provide each the attention they deserve, but you have a ready-made excuse for future trips with the ones left behind.
Related articles
- What To Pack When Backpacking Europe (travelproluggageblog.com)
- Grandparenting in the Digital Age (education.com)
- Ways To Get Through Security Checkpoints Faster (travelproluggageblog.com)
Tips For Avoiding Packing Hassles
December 14, 2010 by Scott Applebee · Leave a Comment
Many travelers hate packing, and they often ask Travelpro for ways to reduce the drudgery. And weight.
Granted, packing luggage isn’t fun, but neither is arriving at your destination with wrinkled, damaged or missing belongings. So, instead of looking for shortcuts around packing, it might be best to find the easiest way to pack effectively.
First, there’s the folding vs. rolling debate — whether it’s faster and safer to fold or roll your clothing when packing your rollaboard. There are advantages and disadvantages to both, and each technique has a loyal following. We recommend trying each approach, and see which works best for you:
Fold Wardrobe:
- Place heavy objects, such as shoes and toiletry kits, on the bottom of the main storage compartment.
- Fold clothing like clothing stores do, then carefully arrange them in the storage compartment.
- To maintain crispness, wrap them in dry cleaning bags.
- Secure clothing with interior tie-down straps to prevent shifting and wrinkling in transit.
Roll Wardrobe:
- Roll all clothing very tightly and arranged it beside your carry-on from heaviest to lightest.
- Place your shoes in the rollaboard along the outside edges of the main storage compartment.
- Pack your rolled jeans and pants beside the shoes, lining the “perimeter” to form a layer of heavy items on the bottom of the bag.
- Place a second layer of lighter rolled garments on top of the bottom layer.
- Form a top layer by tightly packing your lightest rolled garments, then place your toiletry kit on top of the three layers of clothing.
Of course, the best case scenario for headache-free travel is fitting all your essentials into one bag that you carry on your plane. Here are some tips:
- Carefully consider each piece of clothing in your wardrobe and how important it is, or how frequently you will wear it. Can it be borrowed or bought at your destination?
- Select neutral colors (so your outfits are easier to match), “traveling silk” clothing (which is lighter and less bulky than cotton), and limit yourself to two pairs of shoes.
- On long trips and extended stays, take only the essentials with you on the plane and ship everything else to your final destination.
- Minimize the number of items that require electricity, as converters can be costly and space-consuming. Like shaving – do it by hand.
- Buy small-sized toiletries or transfer liquid contents like shampoo into miniature travel bottles. Good tip: Save hotel toiletries so you can pack them the next time you travel.
In the big scheme of things, packing is a pretty small price to pay for being able to see the world. Especially when you’re packing a lightweight, durable Travelpro rollaboard.
Top Five Features Of An Adventure Traveler’s Bag
August 19, 2010 by Scott Applebee · 1 Comment
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. What Jack needs is an adventure and Travelpro luggage for the trip. So, what five features should Jack look for in his adventure travel bag?
- Lightweight Construction: Jack needs lightweight luggage that he can carry on the plane, avoiding expensive “check-in” fees and lengthy bag retrieval delays. Travelpro’s rollaboards weigh as little as 8 lbs and will ensure that Jack can pack all the gear and clothing he will need for his adventure.
- Quality & Durability: One of the keys to successful adventuring is luggage survival. Luckily for Jack, Travelpro luggage is manufactured with strong honeycomb frames, and durable, easy-to-clean, nylon fabric reinforced with a water resistant coating. Double reinforced handles and straps along with sealed bearing wheels enhance durability. Plus, features like corner protection, kick plates and back skid guards, all add years of service to each bag’s life.
- Intelligent Design: Jack will need a lot of provisions for his adventure, and must be able to access them quickly. He’ll require large front pockets for maps and guidebooks, an intelligent pocket for electronic gear, an easily accessible ticket pocket and a convenient water bottle pocket. Plus, he’ll appreciate packing innovations like built-in suiters (to keep his Indiana Jones wardrobe wrinkle-free) which reduce the number of bags he’ll need, again saving him time and effort.
- Efficient Ergonomics: Jack can’t afford to waste energy wrestling bags into overhead storage bins. Fortunately, Travelpro rollaboards feature multiple carry handles for easy lifting, plus extension handles which enhance maneuverability and adjust to Jack’s height.
- Range of Choice: When planning his adventure, Jack’s sure to consider a wide range of travel bag options. Travelpro offers multiple carry-ons, totes, duffels, garment bags and backpacks. Numerous expandable models are available in case Jack needs to bring back more then he took. And, most feature a quick-loop strap for combining bags to simplify transport through airports.
And when his adventure finally ends, Jack can return to the workplace armed with his Travelpro ExecutiveFirst Deluxe Computer Brief.
A dull boy? Not anymore.
How To Pack for International Travel
August 17, 2010 by Scott Applebee · 1 Comment
You’ve updated your passport, booked your flights and hotels, and researched the sights you plan to see. Your overseas trip is drawing near!
Packing is probably the last thing on your mind.
Do yourself a favor, and plan this process too. You’ll save time, money and many headaches by following some basic guidelines.
Review the Transportation Security Administration’s website (www.tsa.gov) for a current list of goods allowed and not allowed in checked and carry-on luggage. There’s nothing more frustrating than having to turn over banned belongings to airport personnel.
You’ll need to account for voltage differences in order to avoid damaging any electrical items you bring. Dual voltage (110/125v) and (220/250v) appliances require an adapter plug, while non-dual voltage items require a converter or transformer. Research the voltage requirements for each country you plan to visit, and buy any adaptors, converters or transformers you need from Austin House.
The best way to streamline international travel is to check in a larger bag and carry on a smaller bag. Be sure to pack essential items (toiletries, medications and a change of clothing) in your carry-on, in case your checked bag is lost or delayed.
To avoid excessive wrinkling, roll your clothes tightly instead of folding them into squares. Better yet, use a Travelpro® Rollaboard® that features a built-in suiter or garment sleeve, in which you can place dresses and suits. When you arrive at the hotel, immediately hang all clothing in the closet.
Don’t pack more clothing than you need and be sure to take clothes that mix and match, so you have a variety of outfits. This will reduce the weight of your luggage (avoiding overweight bag fees), and help you conserve space for the souvenirs everyone at home is expecting.
If your travel will involve frequent moves from one hotel to another, pack only the true necessities. Personal items can be purchased on-site, minimizing the amount of belongings you must transport.
Now that you’ve taken the time to pack properly, you’re in for the time of your life. Bon Voyage!
Traveling Lighter Is Traveling Better
July 31, 2010 by Scott Applebee · 2 Comments
Have you ever been inconvenienced on a trip by not having packed something you need? And, have you ever sworn to take every possession you could possibly need on your next trip?
I’m afraid you’re just trading one inconvenience for another.
That’s because the hassles of checking and retrieving extra luggage, paying checked-baggage and overweight baggage fees, and dragging multiple bags through security checkpoints may far outweigh the problem of not having the perfect pair of shoes for every outfit.
The best case scenario for headache-free travel is fitting all your essentials into one bag that you carry on your plane. One-bag travel is both an art and a science that requires an appreciation for minimalism when packing, and intelligence when selecting your luggage. Here are some tips:
- Pack using the “bundle” method. Wrap clothes around large objects (such as bags of toiletries or pairs of shoes), rather than folding or rolling clothes. The bundle method can really save space and also prevents wrinkling.
- Leave the leather bags at home. They look, feel and smell nice, but are much heavier (and soak up moisture and mildew) than modern ballistic or high-denier nylon bags.
- On long trips and extended stays, take only the essentials with you on the plane, and ship everything else to your final destination.
- Limit yourself to two pairs of shoes, or, at most, two pairs of shoes and one pair of sandals or flip-flops.
- Buy small-sized toiletries or transfer liquid contents like shampoo into miniature travel bottles. Good tip: Save hotel toiletries so you can pack them the next time you travel.
- Select neutral colors so your outfits are easier to match.
- Always carefully consider each piece of clothing in your wardrobe and how important it is, or how frequently you will wear it. Can it be borrowed or bought at your destination instead?
- Minimize the number of items that require electricity, as converters can be costly and space-consuming. Activities like shaving can be done by hand.
A streamlined approach and a little planning go a long way in avoiding travel frustrations, as does the right kind of carry-on luggage. Travelpro has one of the largest selections of carry-on luggage in the world. Go to www.travelpro.com to see all your different options.
Why Should I Use A Rolling Garment Bag?
July 24, 2010 by Scott Applebee · 3 Comments
Travelpro has always encouraged a “less is more” approach to travel.
We constantly look for ways to reduce the size and weight of our Rollaboard® luggage, and continually educate our customers on how to travel lighter and smarter.
So where do Travelpro’s spacious garment bags and Rollaboard suiters fit within this philosophy?
They fit quite well, thank you. The way a finely tailored suit and a stylish evening gown fit into a removable suiter sleeve.
Though we encourage travelers to “pack light”, we recognize that certain destinations not only require formal wear, but may or may not have irons and ironing boards available. Enter Travelpro’s comprehensive line of garment bags and Rollaboard suiters.
The key to traveling with a large wardrobe is intelligent luggage design and capacity. Most of our products offer roomy main compartments which expand 2 1/2″, maximizing space and packing flexibility. Our check-in size expandable bags can easily accommodate a week’s worth of clothing and belongings. Some Travelpro® brand Rollaboards and garment bags also feature a removable suit sleeve and patented foam bar which minimizes the wrinkling of dresses, suits and other formal wear.
If your travel wear is more casual, the suit sleeve also accommodates shirts, pants and other outfits while keeping them wrinkle-free.
Travelpro Rollaboard luggage also features many side pockets. Use them to store small items, such as belts and portable electronics, that can wrinkle clothing. And don’t forget to utilize the top lid to store shirts and other folded garments.
As Travelpro CEO Rob Rankin demonstrates in this video (filmed on the red carpet at the Academy Awards), common sense plays a major role in effective packing. Place heavy objects, such as shoes and toiletry kits, on the bottom of the main storage compartment, then arrange your garments on top. Pack your formal wear properly in the suit sleeve (positioning your jackets with the lapels down), and secure your clothing with the interior tie-down straps to prevent shifting – and wrinkling – in transit.
Travelpro garment bags and rollaboard suiters will streamline your travel experience, regardless of the size of your travel wardrobe.
How To Pack: Rolling Your Clothes
July 22, 2010 by Scott Applebee · 1 Comment
It’s time to hit the road for an extended trip, and you want to pack your Travelpro® carry-on suitcase as efficiently as possible. What’s the best approach?
When you need to fit a lot of clothes in your Travelpro Rollaboard® luggage, you may want to consider rolling them. Rolled garments take up less space and, when properly rolled, are far less likely to wrinkle.
As reported in a May 6, 2010 New York Times article by David Ahntholz, Heather Poole, a Los Angeles flight attendant, rolled everything she needed for a 10 day trip in a single Travelpro FlightCrew 22” Rollaboard.
By rolling her garments and properly packing them, she was able to carry-on:
- Three pairs of shorts
- Three pairs of dress pants
- One skirt
- Three pairs of casual pants or jeans
- Three nightgowns
- Three bathing suits
- One sarong
- Three lightweight sweaters
- Four dresses
- Ten casual shirts
- Six dress shirts
- A clutch
- Toiletries
- Two pairs of shoes
How did she do it?
First Heather rolled all her clothing very tightly and arranged them beside her carry-on from heaviest to lightest. Then she placed her shoes in the Rollaboard along the outside edges of the main storage compartment.
Heather then packed her rolled jeans and pants beside the shoes lining the “perimeter” to form a layer of heavy items on the bottom of the bag. She then placed a second layer of lighter rolled garments on top of the bottom layer. By packing each layer tightly, wrinkling is further reduced.
Then, she formed a top layer by tightly packing her lightest rolled garments. Finally, she placed her clutch and toiletry kit on top of the three layers of clothing. Since the garments were rolled, the clutch and kit won’t wrinkle them (plus, they help balance out the bottom layer, simplifying her commute though the airport).
Rolling enables you to pack far more garments into a single carry-on than the traditional “folding” method does.
Besides, transporting rolled clothing in a Travelpro Rollaboard just seems natural, doesn’t it?
