Travel Tips

Welcome to my page of awesome travel tips!

Whether you're going on vacation, a business trip, a weekend adventure or a two week excursion, an organized trip in which things run smoothly always leaves more room for leisure. Who doesn't want that?!

Would you rather be basking in the sun by the pool at your hotel or battling with the concierge about whether or not you had reservations after a tiring day of travel?

This page provides resourceful information on prepping, packing, products and more, so you can better plan your journeys and have more fun. The following travel information will help you get started.

Travel Tips: BEFORE YOU LEAVE A Few Weeks Prior • make arrangements for child care • make arrangements for pet care • make arrangements for plant care A Few Days Prior • confirm all reservations (click here to make a master itinerary!) • wash clothes • store valuable things in safe places • clean out wallet (only take what's necessary) • make copies of important documents (passports, etc.) • if you have a home security system, let them know the dates you will be gone & who to contact in case of emergency • pay rent & other bills that will be due while you're away • check out local hospitals covered by your health insurance • install/recharge batteries • forward/hold mail (click here to do it online) A Few Hours Prior • clean out fridge/pantry • empty trash cans & take out the trash • turn off the lights (put the lights on a timer, if possible, so the house appears lived in) • wash the dishes • unplug electrical items • turn down the temperature in your home • lock all doors and windows

Be sure to check the weather before you leave. Type your destination in the box below and click go. 20815 (Chevy Chase Weather Forecast, MD)

Travel Tips: PACKING

Transform packing into a quick, easy activity with the following general guidelines. Below is an example of how to apply these...

• Use your bed to lay everything out in front of you.

• Pick out an outfit for each day's activities to ensure you have enough clothing and put it on your bed.

• Gather the miscellaneous materials such as toiletries, cameras, backpacks, purses, books, sunglasses, and so on.

• Now all you need to do is put everything in a suitcase! Remember, to do this strategically. Put the items you'll need first or most often in an accessible section or pocket.


The following example demonstrates how to apply the above general packing tips to a specific vacation...

Let's say you are going to the beach for the weekend. Laid out on your bed should be -

• Saturday At The Beach: bathing suit, bathing suit cover, flip flops, shorts, t-shirt

• Saturday Night Dinner: jeans, a light top, casual shoes, small purse

• Sunday's Trip Home: comfortable pants/shorts, t-shirt

• Accessories & Other Items: hat, beach towels, book, sunscreen, toiletries, sunglasses, chapstick, beach bag, belt, socks, underwear, bras, bandanas, phone chargers, music, airline tickets

For more assistance, check out this online universal packing list!

**TRAVELING ON AN AIRPLANE? WORRIED ABOUT LOST LUGGAGE? Divide your families belongings among each bag. If one bag doesn't arrive at the destination, everyone still has what they need.**

Travel Tips: PRODUCTS

Grid-It Organizer

This product rocks! Use it in the car, in your luggage, in your backpack, purse, anywhere it will fit!


Thirty-One Bags

Thirty-One has awesome bags, luggage and more. For the full catalog, click here!


Travel Jewelry Roll
Store your jewelry in the different compartments of this travel organizer and arrive at your destination without the usual tangled mess!


Flat/Curling Iron Storage Bag



Clear Vinyl Travel Case
Utilize these great clear bags to store and locate your items easily.


Document Travel Organizer
Keep your travel papers, identification documents and more in this zipper travel organizer.


Packing Cubes



Lift N Find Clothing Storage Solutions
These clothing trays are fantastic! They keep the clothing in your drawers and/or suitcase organized, so you can find what you need in a snap without unfolding anything. It's also an eco-friendly product. Check it out!

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by Nealey Stapleton

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