Diglossos

It’s no news that travel has changed over the last ten years.  It used to be that you packed a suitcase went to the airport, passed through some basic security lane, got on the plane and took off.  However, the events of 2001 changed all of that, and the recent economic downturn didn’t make things any better.

Yet, not all is hopeless.  Yes, security regulations allow more intrusive behavior.  Yes, airlines are doing their best to charge for almost everything.  (Ryanair dropped the idea to charge for using the toilets, but they replaced it by removing 2-3 toilets from planes in order to add more seats and leave passengers with one lavatory.)  Regardless, there are ways to make travel pleasant.  You don’t have to suffer.

First, let’s consider why we are traveling.  This will get us in the right frame of mind.  We take vacations, go on adventures, visit family.  We have some great ideas or grand plans for when we arrive, and we look forward to getting there as soon as possible.  Why should the airport experience ruin all of that?  It shouldn’t.  Keep in mind your ultimate goal, and that will make the experience worth enduring, and it will make adjusting and making compromises a lot easier.

Travel light

Regardless of whether it’s a weekend jaunt, two-week trip or month-long excursion we aren’t talking a transatlantic move.  Eventually, you will return.  So, dress and pack accordingly.  You don’t need every item in your closet.  You certainly don’t need the rarely worn shoes and dress in case you go out to some fancy place one night.  Get into the habit of packing one bag only and not stuffing it to the point that the seams can burst.  Instead, pack mix-and match items that can give you a variety looks and outfits.  In fact, think business casual.  The beauty of that is that you always look polished, and you don’t stand out like a sore thumb when you go to Saks or at the nice restaurant at dinner.  Think of accessories as a way to extend the utility of garments and instantly change the look outfits.  (A scarf goes a long way to making an dressy or casual, and it’s a great hair accessory, too.)  Leave expensive jewelry at home.  You don’t want to risk losing it or having it stolen. Basically, think of how you dress every day, and pack clothes that fit that look.

Of course, if you’re planning a sports vacation, or you’ll be hiking the same rules still apply. Don’t bring stuff you won’t need.  Also, bring stuff that can be mixed with other things or that are easy for you to get washed.  Most hotels and spas offer overnight cleaning services.  Consider that as an option.  Unless they have same-day service turnaround, plan to give them your laundry two days before you’re scheduled to leave, especially if you have early check-out.  That way, you have time to pack your nicely cleaned and pressed clothes.  But do yourself a favor: wash any delicates or intimate items yourself and hang in the bathroom or in the closet (ask for extra hangers).

Plan to spend a little on necessities

Most of us travel to places that are pretty modern and cater to sophisticated tastes. So, you can probably get whatever you need once you land, at the hotel/resort, or at a nearby store.  This will cut down on how much you need to carry, and it gives you room for souvenirs or perhaps a new shirt or outfit.  Most hotels or spas carry luxury brands of shampoo, soap and the like.  If they don’t work for you, visit a Walgreens, department store or other shop where you can find your items in travel size.  Instead of packing those beach sandals, wait until you arrive and get something local. They’re cheap and disposable.

Be prepared to strip

We all know the drill:  In order to pass security checkpoints, you will have to remove jackets, shoes, hats, etc.  Well, if you don’t need a jacket, don’t wear one. Better yet: Don’t bring one at all if you don’t need it or can wait until you can get one at your destination. Wear shoes without laces so that you can remove them easily.  (They’re more comfortable most of the time anyway.) Ladies, this gives you a chance to wear some of the clothes you wanted to pack.  Think about it.  You can wear those slacks and blouse you bought to go along with those mules you just had to have.  You can look stylish and yet be ready to accommodate the security personnel, and you won’t waste any time.  If you don’t need the computer, or the point was to get away from all of that, don’t bring it with you.  It just takes up room, and it’s heavy anyway.

Parents: Consider another way to stroll

I have a friend who contacts hotels ahead of time before she takes a trip in order to learn a few things.  First off, what are the accommodations for people traveling with infants or toddlers?  Is there a store nearby where she can get supplies?  Does the hotel offer any items like strollers that people can borrow or rent?  These days so many families travel, and the landscape is so competitive that hotels are considering what parents need and making sure that they have them in stock in case someone forgets an item, something breaks or someone (like my friend) doesn’t want to bring them.  One year, my friend checked with a hotel that didn’t have extra strollers, but they did know where she could buy one.  The next year, they had a few in stock for guests.  It never hurts to ask.

At the airport, she’s willing to carry her child or use one of the luggage caddies that has a toddler seat (like those at the grocery).  The stroller and the pain of lugging it and folding it stay home.  Once she makes it to her hotel, she either takes the stroller the hotel provides or she makes a quick trip to store to get a cheap stroller.  She only needs something to allow mobility; so, she doesn’t need the Mercedes-level stroller she has at home.  Because she travels with a child, she packs his stuff among her items and shops for any special toiletries for her when she gets where she’s going.

Use your carry-ons (wisely)

Instead of checking in luggage which means a wait at baggage claim when you land, invest in and use a sturdy carry-on with wheels.  Going through security is much easier, when you land you can just exit the airport (unless you have to stop at Customs), and your back will love you.  These days carry-on luggage comes with a lot of cool features and pockets to accommodate frequent travelers, and you can get them with cool designs.  Do make sure to get one that stands out, too.  Companies make luggage in a variety of collors; so, don’t settle for black.  This way, if you have to check your bag because the flight’s overbooked or the plane is too small and has no overhead storage, you can find your bag quickly at baggage claim.  Also, you lessen the risk that someone will grab it by mistake.

These days you’re allowed one carry-on luggage bag and another item (usually a purse).  Take advantage and use a tote or the newer purses that double as laptop carriers (if you must bring the computer).  They’re large enough to carry a small purse inside, but they’ll also hold a book, magazine, maybe those toiletries.  That’s how I travel for overseas flights so I can freshen up after the overnight ride.

Invest in compact items

Most toiletry companies make towelets which you can pack in lieu of cleanser, and you don’t need water to activate them.  Just grab a towelet when you need to wash your face.  They actually clean well, and it’ll save you time and space in your bag.  Consider getting a tablet or e-reader instead of lugging around a laptop.  You can still access e-mail and other internet utilities, and you cut down on how much you’re carrying.  Preload them with movies and music, and you’re good to go.  (Don’t forget your headphones.)  Utilize that Balckberry or other smartphone in the same way.  If you can live without the movies or don’t mind the small screen, skip bringing the tablet altogether and use that smartphone. You’re traveling to Rio so that you can watch movies in your hotel; so, why bring equipment simply for that purpose?  Think of other simple ways that you can cut back on how much you have to carry.  Remember: the less you pack now, the more room you have for items you buy on vacation!

Consider shipping ahead

I have done this, and I have friends who travel this way in order to make the trip more enjoyable.  Basically, if you have to carry a lot of stuff, it’s a convenient option.  Call your hotel or wherever you’re staying and get their shipping address.  Make arrangements a few days before your trip to ship your luggage or boxes, and all you’ll need to carry are your purse, backpack or carry-on.  Peter Greenberg, a travel expert who works with CBS TV provides a convenient list of carriers and things to consider.  Do your homework.  UPS or FedEx can do the job, but with other companies you may have to fill out paperwork and provide some basic documentation – and it may be better to go with the other companies instead of UPS and FedEx.  It’s not necessarily cheap, either, but the convenience is a god-send.  When you consider that you pay at least $25 for each bag checked (latest airline baggage fees), and for a little more you can have someone else handle carrying it and bringing it to your hotel, it can be well worth it.

What are you waiting for?

So, you’ve packed (lightly) one carry-on bag for each of you.  You’re looking stylish in your travel outfit and slip-on shoes, and you have your tablet loaded with music, movies and games.  You even used your smartphone to hold that e-ticket for you, or you printed all your documents at home.  You’re ready to coast through the security lines, get to your hotel and relax.  You can shop later for any last-minute items.  It’s time to fly!

**Of course, there are many other shortcuts and ways to make the trip less stressful, and we’d love to hear your suggestions.  Feel free to leave your comments, and we’ll compile a list for our “Check It Out” section.