Travel Light, Travel Smart, Travel Happy, Part 1: Before You Go

The suitcase that accompanied me to Italy.

By now, kids, you know we love to travel. But whether you're a frequent flyer or a once-a-year wanderer, there are ways to make your trips easier and more efficient - which means more time to enjoy whatever you're doing in whatever place you go! So, let's take a look at some tips for making you a lighter, smarter, happier traveler!

Part 1:  Things to Know Before You Go

So, you're getting ready to set out on whatever adventure lies ahead of you.  Here are some things to keep in mind before you head out:

• Pack light, pack smart.  It's not the size that matters.  It's how you use it!  You can work wonders with a carry-on if you know how to use it. A few years ago, I traveled to Italy for 10 days.  I took one carry-on sized suitcase, which never left my side throughout the trip.  Because I was traveling for business, the suitcase held a suit and several dress shirts, as well as the rest of my gear.  How did I do it, you ask?

• Roll your clothes!  Underwear, socks, undershirts, and even most dress clothes can be
  
  neatly and compactly rolled.  You'll double your storage capacity.  Be conscious of what you might want to iron, but know that you'll probably have to end up ironing anyway.  So save the space!
• Don't take too much!  Do you wet the bed?  Neither do I.  Accidents happen, of course, but there's no reason to take 7 outfits when you'll be gone for 5 days.  Pants can be worn 2-3 times, and shirts 1-2, unless you anticipate sweating a lot!  So, be smart about how much you take.  Plan outfits in advance and stick to them.  And if you do have an emergency, there are stores almost everywhere!  Besides, how will you ever bring home all your new fashion purchases if you take too much along!  Sometimes, I even pack things that I leave behind.  The possibilities are...endless.
• If you don't have to check a bag, then don't!  This brings together the previous two points.  Checking a bag adds time and effort to your trip and could lead to lost luggage.  When I went to Italy, that wasn't a risk I was able to take.  If you pack lighter, you can carry your suitcase on.  Sure, you have to watch it in the airport, but there's no check-in and no baggage claim on arrival, and if you have wheels, you're all set!
• Make sure you've lined up your transportation to the airport in advance.  Before you wake up for that red-eye flight, know if you're taking a cab or bus or train or car ride with your wonderful husband, and make sure you've allowed ample time to get to the airport and make it through security.  Delays are a source of stress, so set your transportation up in advance and make sure you're ready when you need to be ready!  Use Google Maps or another similar platform to estimate travel time, so you can leave at an appropriate time - not too early (which leaves you waiting around the airport) and not too late (which leaves you sprinting for the gate).

• 

  The American Airlines online check-in page.

  Speaking of check-in, check in online the day before you go. These days, there's absolutely no need to wait in a line the morning of your flight.  Checking in by computer and printing your boarding pass can easily save you an hour or more at the airport.  Even better, if you have an smart phone, use a boarding pass app to save the sheet of paper!  You'll avoid all the lines except the one for security, and you won't have to deal with cranky airline agents, either!

• Be aware of guidelines for when to arrive at the airport.  I tend to push it a little in terms of my airport arrival time, but I've never missed a flight.  If you follow the advice above, you can arrive at the airport around 45 minutes before your scheduled departure and be just fine - assuming you know your bag is carry-on friendly and it's not a major holiday!  An hour will always be sufficient if you've prepared.  But if you're flying internationally, give it an hour and a half (minimum) to two hours (what I'd recommend).

So there's Part 1!  Next, we'll look at how to make the airport experience - and in particular the security screening process - easy. as. pie.  Mmm, pie!