Prepping, Yes Prepping, for Carry-On Packing

So, as I anticipate my next trip - this time Vacation! - I have started the prepping part of my packing routine.  Now, make no mistakes, I am not actually packing.  I have found, though, that to make my packing routine smooth and seamless, I need to do a bit of prep-work.

I made a decision a long time ago that barring something crazy, I would only pack in a carry-on for any of my travels by plane.  There is absolutely nothing like having your checked luggage lost in a foreign country on a business trip and no business clothes. For. Two. Days.  That is definitely a situation that will push you to working with a carry-on.

Just deciding, though, to go to using a carry-on is only the first step.  Next, you need to make sure you have the right carry-on!  The bag needs to be the correct size to fit based upon your air carrier as well as any countries you are, or plan, to travel to. You don't have to go super expensive when it comes to luggage but I do recommend you get something that is durable and super mobile.  

I love a carry-on with the spinner wheels as it makes it easier to navigate down the isles of the planes.  I also like a bag that is made with ballistic material for the durability.  I flex between hard and soft-sided as I have both and they have their merits.

Next, I like a bag that - in itself - helps in the organization process.  A bag that has integrated pouches and pockets - as well as a suit hanger and the buckles to snug down clothing is essential in fitting in as much as possible.

Now, I am in no way possible compensated for my opinions here in my blog - and not provided with any freebies - but my favorite bags are Tumi Bags.  My current love is theTumi Continental Expandable Carry-On.  I picked mine up at the Tumi Outlet Store which saved on cost and it was probably a previous season but that honestly does not matter.  It is sized just a hint above EU carry-on standards but from a visual standpoint, would be hard to tell.  Plus it fits in the overhead perfectly.

What do I like about it?  All those pockets, straps, and segments!  This helps me stay as organized as possible and pack smartly.  The side with the straps, that is the clothing side.  The zippered side?  That is for shoes, makeup, and other essentials.  No more clothing that what will fit on the strap side (besides socks and undies - more on those later) get to come on a trip! 

The rest of my prepping time is dedicated to making sure I have enough of things like makeup remover, hair products, socks (they seem to disappear), Tide Sink-washing packs (more on that later as well) and all the other travel essentials!  

Finally, I also make sure that the clothing I want to wear (and, again, more on that later) is clean and pressed so ready to be packed.

Want to see how I pack?  Stay tuned as I will do a whole blog - with pics! - of the process! P

Proper prepping before packing keeps me from forgetting essentials and from over packing, making my life much easier.  Also?  The actual time it takes to pack is quick and stress-free!  

Catch ya'll later!

Shelley

So it is an Introduction....

So, starting a new blog...third in my lifecycle of blogs and this one is totally dedicated to Travel...the industry I love and the wanderlust that lives in my blood.  And not just travel...but single girls travel.  I travel about 90% of the time by myself on planes, trains, and autos.  So many females out there are reticent to travel by themselves for business or personal. 

To this I say DON'T BE AFRAID! You can meet the most interesting people on the road...or not.  That is the beauty of traveling by yourself!  You can do what you want, when you want, wherever you want to do it.

Let me share....a couple of years ago, I was on a business trip to Amsterdam but tacked on London in advance as we have an office in the area.  As I was sitting on the rooftop bar at a hotel in the heart of some of the most interesting portions of London, I met two gentlemen who shared their bottle of red wine with me.  Come to find out, they were some of the original programmers for Atari and they, while goofily drunk, took me back to my youth in the 80's.  So fun and so free wine!

On the other side, recently I had a meeting in the Burgh...Pittsburgh...that is after I had spent the previous 8 days in my hometown of Dallas.  Rather than taking the train, I opted to drive from the DC suburbs - where I live now - and saw the most amazing countryside.  Imagine rolling hills, trees starting to change colors, farmsteads, and all the amazing things about rural America while being blessedly away from all technology - phone calls and emails.  Was only an overnight trip and a 4 1/2 hour drive each way but the alone time is precious.

I have traveled around the world as a single girl by myself or meeting up with a select few friends or colleagues.  What I have learned over 20 years of travel is that every experience is unique and every trip, whether frustrating or fun, is an experience.

What do I do to make the travel experience more tolerable and the destination more fun?  Well, that is what the rest of this blog is for.  Stay tuned to travel experiences, packing tips (because I only carry on - event for two weeks), shopping experiences because I am that kind of girl, and all things fun and unique.  I am hoping to keep up with this blog more than others but if you are also in DIY, come visit me on my Mann on the Move blog for all things home improvement and chaos....

Party on and here is a pic - just for pic sake - from one of my experiences....

Love you all and hope you join me on the experience!

Shelley