Traveling... Seems like a great time to let your guard down, enter full relax mode, and completely ignore all those responsibilities. Sure, to some extent. But going too far can be disasterous. Below is a list of travel tips we compiled through the years. Take note, apply them when relevant. We're not saying you can't have fun, were just saying, "be alert, be aware, and be prepared."
#1 - When it comes to packing, question your intentions. Do you really need that shirt that you haven’t worn in over a year? Chances are you aren’t going to wear it while traveling either-- probably for the same reasons it became dormant to begin with. Lay out everything you are packing and ask yourself if you are absolutely going to wear/use it. If not, keep it in your closet. This will help save on space and luggage fees.
#2 - Be mindful of what you check at the gate when flying. Be sure to always have the necessary toiletries, such as a toothbrush and deodorant, an extra change of clothes, any prescribed medications, and all valuables that you would not want to part with if packed in your checked luggage. This way, in the unfortunate case of lost or misplaced luggage, this will tide you over until you are able to get what you need or until your luggage is (hopefully) found.
#3 - Packing your socks inside your shoes will not only save room in your bag, but it also helps your shoes retain their shape when traveling.
#4 - Forget your shoe horn? Don't worry, grab a belt. Use the tip of your belt, just as you would a shoe horn by placing the rough side facing the heal of your shoe and the smooth (or finished side) facing the heal of your foot. What you do next is obvious. Works like a charm!
#5 - An important travel tip from us to you is, always be aware of your surroundings! Check out the below article posted by Forbes. It's a few years old, but we think it's one of the more thorough reads when it comes to protecting yourself from theft. Traveling domestically? Probably less of a concern. But that doesn't mean you should let your guard down. Make it a best practice to always be aware of your surroundings! Now, if your destination is someplace overseas, you better be on the offense. This article tells you how to be vigilant, how to spot the characteristics of a pick pocket, and even the rules to protect yourself from becoming a victim. It's well worth the time to read.
How to Protect Yourself Form Pickpockets and Thieves When You Travel
#6 - There are a million uses for Duct Tape (luggage repair, makeshift lint roller, etc). So why not bring some along while traveling? Since a roll of duct tape is large and heavy, try this instead: wrap a couple feet around a pencil or marker. Then, undo exactly as you would if it were still on the roll. It just might save your trip, or, prevent another trip... as in a trip to Walmart.
#7 - Take Notes! Sounds laborious, we know. But you're bound to forget certain aspects of your adventure. Whether the names of people you meet, certain tour guides you liked, favorite restaurants, random discoveries, that new favorite brand of Tequila, or captions for those images you plan to post to social media. Get a 3 pack of Field Notes. They are small and easy to carry (as in they fit comfortably in your back pocket).
#8 - Never pack something for your trip that you haven't worn before. You may have tried it on and all seems good, but you won't know for sure how it will perform when wearing it for the duration. Shoes are the most obvious example. You can't predict how they will perform on your feet, and it's never fun when your trip takes a detour to blister city.
#9 - Refrain from packing things you haven't worn for a long time. If you don't wear it at home, you won't wear it on your trip! Leave it at home. Luckily our weekender bags are large enough to pack plenty of options, but we're confident you'll find a way to fill that leftover space.
#10 - Use your belt to help maintain the stiffness and integrity of the collar on your button up shirt while it's packed in your suitcase or weekender bag. First, make sure the shirt is properly folded and buttoned up entirely (top button included). Take the belt you plan to pack and roll it up in such a way that it fits perfectly within the neck hole of your button up shirt. Once in place, allow the belt to un-coil naturally, allowing a small amount of outward pressure on the collar of your shirt which will help maintain collar stiffness. Having the belt in place will also help prevent the collar from being flattened if pressed between the other items in your suitcase, thus reducing wrinkles.
#11 - If you're traveling to a place that speaks a different language, take some time to learn a few everyday key phrases and words. Hello, goodbye, thank you, I'm sorry, hospital, police, bus station, taxi, etc. Not only will you be better equipped to navigate your vacation, but the locals will appreciate the fact that you've taken the time to familiarize yourself with their culture. Personally, we never go anywhere without knowing how to say "beer" and "bathroom." You get the idea.
#12 - Randomly stash some cash throughout your belongings. If you lose your wallet, you'll at least have a means to get by while you figure out your next best course of action. We recommend at least $150. Maybe put $50 in your duffel, $50 in your dopp kit, and $50 in your phone case. If you lose your wallet, you'll have quick access to the stash in your phone case. If you lose your luggage, you'll still have your wallet along with the cash in your phone case. Cash is king when traveling the world! Be prepared and make sure you have multiple sources of it... just in case!
#13 - ALWAYS pack an extra pair of underwear when traveling! Trust us. Just do it!