Airlines be cheatin’ us so bad we all but have to sell a section of our liver for ticket. Here on Steem, it’s always travel season, so I thought I’d offer some sage like wisdom for how you can save money and travel like a boss.
The Achilles heel of traveling—is answering the question, “What do I need?” as well as the myriad of “What if…?” Unfortunately, us ladies have some nasty stereotypes hovering around us—you’ve heard of them they follow you in everyday life. We are often typed as being unpragmatic queens who cannot function without amenities (and as result try to pack every beauty item we own). LIES! Women are adaptable as fuck and most of us aren’t afraid to rough it now and then.
So, whether you're a veteran international nomad—or a gearing up for your first road trip—I got you!
TIP #1: Ditch the hard-shell rolling cases
Airfare cost enough and the last thing you want to do is get bitch-slapped with extra fees or worse—they make you check your carryon because of size/weight issues…and the bag gets lost!
Dust off your old school backpack or tell Junior you need to borrow his or hers for the week. Backpacks only!
Also, remember that most airlines allow one carry-on bag for overhead storage, and one “personal” bag (purse, laptop bag, etc.). Take advantage of this.
TIP #2: Keep the Cosmetics to a minimum & stick to bare essentials
Yes, the travel sized bottles are super cute! However, they are an unnecessary expense since literally every hotel on the planet has their own toiletries available for free (I have only encountered one hotel that charged extra).
Unless you have special needs (yes, I hear my curl-friends yelling at me), like skin allergies just skip this part. For example, I always bring my own leave-conditioners to help tame the fiendish beast that is my 3b/3c hair; but rely on hotel shampoo/conditioner.
Bare essentials include things like insect repellent, a sunscreen stick, oral hygiene products, insect bite relief, First-Aid kit, anti-diarrhea medicine, ibruprophen, tissue packs and hand sanitizer.
Everything else can be purchased at your destination.
TIP #3 Research the local climate for the time you are traveling
This seems like a no-brainer. Having a basic idea of the weather will help you figure out what to bring and how much.
I always bring an abundance of undergarments (panties, socks, bras) I typically take a set for each day I’ll be gone plus three more (I Google whether my hotel has a laundry room for guests).
The key to packing light and for the unknown is versatility. Round up enough clothes to create at least 5-6 mix and match outfits. You want to be able to dress things up or down depending on the situation. Tunics, leggings/yoga pants and pashminas are your friend!
Oh yeah… and don’t forget to bring a towel—preferably a compact microfiber one that resists mildew.
TIP#4 Invest in a tiny digital luggage scale & tape measure
Never give an airline the opportunity to mess with you. Check online for weight and size restrictions and then check your bag twenty times then go the airport with confidence.
AND HERE IS MY FAVORITE TIP OF THEM ALL—BRING SNACKS!
Fun fact you can bring food on the plane in most cases as long as the food it sealed in a secure clear container. So if you have a vacuum sealer at home, load up some nibbles! I without fail fly with one pocket of dedicated treats. Granola, fruit leather, candy bars, gummy bears, dried fruit and soft-baked cookies. Bring your comfort foods! Just be polite as to not bring funky smelling food… bad enough you have to smell your neighbor’s feet for 20 hours while being crushed by the seat in front of you.
I hope I have shed some light on how to make the agonizing process of packing easier. If you have any cool tips I missed feel free to add them in the comments.
Fly now Clarice! Fly, fly, fly…fly, fly, fly…
Check out some of my other posts:
[101 Crazy Uses for Pantyhose] https://steemit.com/lifehack/@puddinpaws/faym8q53
[Millionaire for a day (Part One)] https://steemit.com/travel/@puddinpaws/millionaire-for-a-day-part-one
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