Today’s questions comes from Hayley, who just can’t seem to believe that I can pack minimally.  Believe me, it comes with practice, and there are trips where it’s a real challenge.  Here’s Hayley’s question:
Q.  I can’t believe you can pack so light.  What do you take in your carry on?
A.  This varies based on whether I’m traveling for work or pleasure.  If it’s work, there are some additional things that I have to carry, and when I’m in uniform, I’m exempt from the no liquids rule.  Since most of you will need to be in compliance with the no …read more

Although I check my bags on occasion, I’m very vigilant in not packing certain types of things.  Some things go in your checked luggage, some go in your carry ons, and depending on space, some things can go either way.
It doesn’t seem like I should have to spell this out, but most every day that I fly someone mentions packing one of these items in their checked bagged.  Usually, it doesn’t present a problem, but DON’T PACK THESE ITEMS IN YOUR CHECKED LUGGAGE!

Itinerary.  Keep a copy of your itinerary in your checked bag, but make sure that you have …read more

I was staying at a hotel in Chicago a couple weeks ago, and thoroughly enjoyed the spaciousness of the room, the good-sized desk and work space, the upscale bathroom amenities, the robe in the closet, the wonderful bed and pillows, and the FREE gourmet coffee that I could make in the morning.  In other words, this hotel ranked in the upper middle of the hotel spectrum.
But the one thing that I hated about this hotel.  The one thing that should never happen in a business hotel at any point along the price spectrum.  There was only one plug in on …read more

Q.  If I told you that there was a pre-paid ticket for you at the airport to anywhere in the world that you’d like to go, but the flight leaves soon, how long would it take you to pack and be out the door?  Seriously now, you have to pack – how long would it take you to pack?  And what would you take?
 
A.  I need to make sure that YOU have MY phone number, because if you ever want to put this to a real test, I’m game!
Since I keep a bag partially packed, all my toiletries and …read more

Q.  Do you have some packing tips, and ways to keep from taking too much stuff with you?
A.  For many people, packing is the worst part of the trip! 
Although I pack differently for a pleasure trip than I do for work, I generally use the same pieces of luggage.  I have one roller bag with the majority of my clothing in it, and also a tote that contains some toiletries, computer and electronic gear and items that I need to keep close at hand. 
Here are a few basic “rules” I keep in mind.
The first thing I think …read more