Family Trip Deals

Let’s start at the airport.

1. Do not bring ‘Prohibited Items’ to the airport (common sense items like Swiss army knives, lighters, etc)

2. Use carry-on luggage for valuables such as cash, a laptop, jewelry, cameras and undeveloped film (The X-Ray will not damage film under 800 speed).

3. Tape your personal contact info or business card to the bottom area of the laptop and any other valuable you deem necessary.

4. Avoid wearing clothing containing metal/foil, and minimize accessories. To make it quickly through security, try placing items such as coins, money clips, cell phone, keys, medicine, batteries, coins and keys, in a specified bag so it’s easier to take them out and put them back in later.

5. Avoid wearing shoes that contain metal and/or have thick soles. Shoes do not have to trip off the alarm in order to have their own specific search procedures applied.

6. If it’s holiday season, wrap gifts when you get to your destination, or ship them.

7. Arrive one to two hours before your scheduled departure. You will be searched no matter if you plane leaves in 5 minutes or 5 hours. Better to be relaxed as opposed to hurried.

How-to Pack and Travel Light

Another thing that makes family trips easier is streamlined packing, especially if you’re traveling by air. Most airlines now charge an additional fee for checked So in order to reduce the extra fee and cut out an extra thirty to forty minutes at the airport, start with smart packing. Since carry-ons can not exceed a linear dimension of 45 inches, you can escape the fiasco of the baggage terminal by basically packing and traveling light. Read more to learn how to pack all your needs in one or two suitcases.

• Make a list. Be sure to coordinate shirts and blouses with pants and or skirts. To maximize your traveling wardrobe fashion savoir faire, stick with solids and versatile basics. Rule-out any clothes that do not match other items.
• Make an awe-inspiring impression out of a basic or mundane outfit. For the most glam appeal, accessorize with a vibrant tie (for him) or a snazzy scarf (for her). Multihued accessories can liven up just about any attire.
• Roll ‘em up please. The best way to fit all your clothes is by rolling pants and shirts. First fold each item in half. Then basically roll. To maintain any creases, start on the bulkiest end of clothing.
• Be smart about shoes. For men, any leather rubber-soled shoes can make the day and night transition, easy. For woman, a pair of flip-flops, strappy sandals and comfy wedges can serve all casual - chic dressing needs. Ladies do you really need three pairs of stilettos?
• Minimize bulk. After you check for space, edit outfits - ruthlessly. Try to pack microfibers with wrinkle and stain free comfort. And try to stay in the same color scheme - in case you have to layer up for warmth.
• To reduce the embarrassment of under garments becoming the side show attraction of the open luggage scan, place all panties in a plastic bag free of any clippers, lighters or other questionable paraphernalia. Place the transparent bag on top of your other items so security can access the bag without ruining your streamlined packing.
• Lose Extra Baggage. Leave the heavy travel guide at home. Also, most hotels and resorts provide irons and blow-dryers –leave yours at home.

This one must be repeated. Leave restricted items at home. If you want to make it through security quickly, avoid any firearms, weapons, box-cutters, scissors, razors, lighters and any other item that may be on the no-no. In light of the recent world events, increased airport security (and beyond) measures are a fact of life with no signs of easing up anytime soon. Make the process as simple and hassle free as possible.