Rollaboard Travel - Tips on Traveling Light

With travel conditions horrendous this time of year we are all reminded of the difficulties of winter weather.

Whether you get stuck in a stopover destination for an extended period of time or your luggage does not make it on time you will want to be prepared. While lost or delayed luggage is not going to ruin every trip it does happen quite frequently.

The easiest solution would be to pack extremely light in an aircraft approved roller bag or duffle so you do not have to check luggage. However, when you travel with your snow boots and more bulky clothing you will need a large suitcase. To make sure you do not have to live without, here are ten items you don’t want to forget in your carryon.

Charger / Batteries

When traveling with electronics it is important to bring them on board. Checking cameras, laptops and cell phones just does not seem smart with the way the bags are thrown around and inspected. So the rule of thumb is, if you take the electronic with you then make sure you pack the charger or extra batteries in your carryon as well. This way if your luggage gets lost or delayed you still can take photos, check email and keep in touch with family or friends.

Medication & Eye Care

This is a really important thing to remember as many people think to pack their medication with their larger toiletries in the checked luggage. Do not ever put your medication in your checked luggage as it could get lost and you would be without if that happened. Also the weather conditions could be too hot or too cold for the medication outside. Make sure you pack your eye drops, contacts and travel size contact solution in the carryon as well.

Toothbrush & Toothpaste

Whether your luggage gets delayed or you have a long layover it is nice to be able to brush your teeth. This is especially true if you take a red eye flight and want to brush your teeth before and after you go to sleep. It helps to wake up and splash water on your face along with brushing your teeth after long periods of travel. Pack a travel size toothpaste with your toothbrush so it can go everywhere with you on your trip.

Extra Outfit

It is especially important to pack and extra outfit if you are going on a trip to a warm climate from a cold climate in case your luggage is lost or delayed. When you arrive somewhere tropical the first thing you will want to do is put on a pair of shorts or a sun dress to avoid overheating. Also if you are going on a trip to the same climate it is nice to have a clean pair of clothes for the next day if the luggage has to be delivered to your hotel when it arrives.

Underwear & Deodorant

To avoid being the smelly traveler you will want to have an emergency pair or two of underwear and travel size deodorant in your carryon. This way you can change your underwear and keep your armpits from smelling when you shower at your destination. It is also nice in case you want to wash the other underwear and have something to wear in the mean time.

Swimsuit & Flip Flops

When traveling to either warm or cold climates it is nice to have your swimsuit and flip flops along in your carryon. In cold climates there may be a pool or hot tub at the hotel you are staying or if it is a warm climate then you will defiantly want them. The flip flops are also great if you travel somewhere warm so you can take your socks and shoes off when you arrive at your destination.

Dried Snack Foods

Make sure you pack some dried snack foods like nuts, dried fruit and crackers. Also snacks like protein bars and fruit leather are wonderful to have along for between meals and on long flights. The nice thing about dried snack foods is they do not take up much room but they fill you up when you need something to eat.

Water Bottle

Bring an empty reusable water bottle with you to the airport and once you are through security you can fill it up at a water bubbler. This will save you the three dollars or more per bottle they charge at convenient stands and make sure you can stay hydrated in your travels.

Travel Pillow & Blanket

As a luxury on the airplane and in case you get stuck in an airport along the way it is nice to have a travel pillow and blanket along. They have some that inflate and others made of memory foam which is really comfortable. When choosing a blanket to take along try and find a nice single layer fleece one because they are both warm and compact.

Book / Magazines

For long trips and layovers it is always nice to have some reading materials along to keep you busy when you cannot sleep. Bring a book you have been waiting to read or purchase a few magazines on the way to the airport. Whichever you prefer it is nice to have some relaxing entertainment when you have to sit for long periods of time.

While it may seem like a lot you can actually fit all of these items in an airline approved carryon bag for the trip. Then all you need is a personal item like a purse or laptop bag and you are good to go. Make sure your carryon is comfortable to carry or is on wheels to make your travel experience more enjoyable.