Travel  Tips Every Traveler Should Know

1. Roll Before You Go

Many travel experts agree that rolling is superior to folding. Tightly rolled clothes take up less space than folded ones. Plus, they're less prone to getting deep wrinkles from fold creases. Start your packing process days or even weeks ahead of your departure date; this is a fail-safe way to ensure that you never, ever forget to bring something important.

 

Mix and match your packing. By this I mean if your traveling with your family or significant other put some of your clothes in a different suitcase and put theirs in a different suitcase. This is good if a piece of luggage gets lost, at least you will have some clothes.

2. Know Your Airline's

Before you begin packing, take a peek at your airline's website and read its baggage policy. While most airlines permit travelers to check at least one bag on international flights, the majority of U.S. carriers charge big bucks for bags checked on domestic flights. Some Airlines are charging a fee for anything over 50 pounds, also some are charging for carry on luggage. Check with airlines, it might be less expensive to pay on line.

 

Checked and carry-on bags are randomly opened and searched. For this reason you may want to pack undergarments and small items in clear zip lock bags to avoid excessive handling.

 

Put your name and address on all luggage tags & inside your entire luggage, to aid ID if luggage is lost. Also photocopy of your traveling itinerary in your checked luggage.

 

Allow 2 ½  hours on all international flights and 1 ½ to 2 hours for domestic flights. Always call Airlines to confirm flights or any concerns you might have.

 

3. Follow the 3-1-1 Rule

What happens if you don't follow the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) 3-1-1 rule for carry-on luggage?  The TSA will likely confiscate your stuff. So get familiar with the agency's rules: All liquids brought onto planes must be in 3.4-ounce bottles or smaller and inside a single, clear, quart-size zip-top bag. If your not sure call your airlines or check on the link above for the Department of United States.

 

4. Your Passport and Travel Documents

Passports are required for all travels outside the United States. Domestic flights Driver’s License is required, make sure you are compliant with your state. Make a photocopy of the first two pages of your Passport & a copy of travel documents. Carry these separate with you. This will speed replacement if lost. Also it’s good to keep a copy of your passport and travel documents at home. Give copies to your family or friends, for emergency use.

 

5. Personal Items and Prescription Drugs

It's terribly important to keep your valuable and essential belongings in your carry-on bag, not in your checked luggage. Your passport, identification, money, credit cards, jewelry, electronics, and other valuables should always be brought onto the plane with you. We probably don't need to tell you why. If the airline loses your luggage (or if a TSA agent gets sticky fingers), you'll regret stowing your expensive watch in a checked bag.

 

Never pack your prescription drugs in your checked luggage, pack them in your carry on. Take medication in its actual prescription bottle, to avoid possible confiscation. Medical equipment that must be taken with you will require a doctor’s note.

 

6. Know Before You Go

Using a credit/debit card while away? Call your Credit Card Company or bank to alert them that you will be traveling. This will eliminate any problems using the card while away with excessive use.

 

Check with your cell phone company to see what kind of international plan you have, it could be costly. You don't want sticker shock when you arrive home.