Imagine this...
You did it - you took the leap to a surprise vacation! The date of your trip is getting closer, where are you going to go?!?
You get your Tranquil Travelers itinerary and packing list, HERE. WE. GO!
Remember, packing is a pivotal part of the trip. Forget an important item and you're left upset and frantically searching for the nearest store in your destination. If you pack too much you end up disorganized, hauling heavy bags, and surprisingly paying money pricey airline baggage fees. Here are 5 fundamental packing strategies for when you book a surprise vacation.
1. Review your packing list
Tranquil Travelers receive their itinerary and packing list, at least 7 days before departure. This gives you time to craft a complete list, plus purchase any additional items you might need for your trip. Creating a packing list is a great way to ensure that you never, ever forget to bring something needed.
2. Roll it, don't fold it.
Many travel experts—including other Tranquil Travelers, who at times need to fit a 5 day trip in a carry on bag—agree that rolling is superior to folding. Tightly rolled clothes take up less space than folded ones. Plus, they're less likely to getting deep, fold crease wrinkles.
3. Know your airline's baggage-fee policy
Figuring out the airlines' tricky baggage-fee policies is key to any budget-minded packing strategy. While most airlines permit travelers to check at least one bag on international flights, the majority of U.S. carriers charge big bucks for bags checked on domestic flights. Spirit Airlines, for example —even charges as much as $100 for carry-on bags.
Tranquil Travelers love that everything for their trip is planned, including the flight as needed. Ensure you watch out for the additional baggage fees.
What happens if you don't follow the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) 3-1-1 rule for carry-on luggage? Attempt to bring a large bottle of shampoo or a full-size gel deodorant through the security line and the TSA will likely confiscate your stuff, holding you up in line in the process. So get familiar with the agency's rules: All liquids brought onto planes must be in 3.4-ounce bottles or smaller and inside a single, clear, quart-size zip-top bag.
It also helps to know which items are, according to the TSA, considered liquids or gels and thereby subject to the 3-1-1 rule. This isn't as simple as it sounds. Foods such as peanut butter, pudding, mashed potatoes, and icing are classified as gels. Mascara, lip gloss, and aerosol items are also classified as liquids or gels. But keep in mind that liquid prescription medication is exempt. (Read more on that on The TSA Blog.) See a more complete list of liquids and gels that are not permitted in carry-on luggage in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces here.
5. Use your personal item wisely
Most airlines allow each traveler to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item onboard planes. This personal item is subject to specific size requirements (these vary by airline), but something like a purse, laptop bag, or backpack is generally acceptable.
Book your trip, receive your itinerary, be pleasantly SURPRISED on your next vacation!
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