Latest news with #packing
New York Times
20 hours ago
- General
- New York Times
The Most Affordable Packing Tool Is Also the Best
Although even the most haphazard fill-'em-and-squish-'em technique will help you save space, there is an art to making each parcel as small as possible. Roughly three days' worth of clothes. Alexander Aciman/NYT Wirecutter While it might not be advisable to squish down some of these items, such as the denim shirt, here are those same three days' worth of clothes in a small, backpack-ready parcel. Alexander Aciman/NYT Wirecutter While it might not be advisable to squish down some of these items, such as the denim shirt, here are those same three days' worth of clothes in a small, backpack-ready parcel. Alexander Aciman/NYT Wirecutter Roughly three days' worth of clothes. Alexander Aciman/NYT Wirecutter After a few trips, I've learned that these bags work best when I haven't egregiously overstuffed them. For example, you can save more space in your suitcase by splitting up 10 T-shirts into two bags with five shirts each rather than putting all 10 into one bag. Overstuffing can make it hard to get all the air out, which defeats the purpose. I've also learned that it's easier to compress these bags when I don't mix categories of clothes — socks, for instance, compress into tighter parcels with other socks than when packed with underwear and T-shirts. I've come to rely on the various sizes for different tasks, too. After an airline lost my suitcase in 2019, I became somewhat paranoid about being stuck in any one place without a change of clothes in my carry-on. I now use the very smallest size of compression bag (about as big as a gallon-size freezer bag) to pack an extra day's worth of clothes into my backpack. Compressed, this parcel comes out to the size of a banana. I like to use one of the extra-large bags as my dirty-laundry bag on longer trips. Finding ways to pack dirty clothes at the end of a trip can be a hassle, but compression bags make easy work of it. I neatly fold every dirty item of clothing flat into a single bag, which I then compress at the end of my trip. The mega bag of laundry fits perfectly into my suitcase and also quarantines the dirty from the still-clean. (Having extra bags also makes it easy for me to pack clothes I might have purchased while on vacation.) And if you, like me, are paranoid about bedbugs, having vacuum-sealed dirty laundry allows you to dump your clothes straight into the dryer when you get home, minimizing the risk of letting critters loose in your home. Thanks to these compression bags, eight days' worth of clothes fit neatly into one half of my smaller Away Carry-On. Alexander Aciman/NYT Wirecutter These bags have one major downside: wrinkles. Fabrics such as thick cotton knits, polyester, and merino are fairly good at shedding creases on their own, so they weather the bags well, but I definitely wouldn't recommend using these bags for thinner, finer fabrics or any formal clothes you might want looking crisp ahead of an event, especially if you won't have time to iron. A dress shirt or dress would most definitely come out of compression looking rumpled. The other, smaller inconvenience is that unlike packing cubes, which have a defined shape, compression bags can often shrink into irregularly shaped parcels. As a result, they don't necessarily fit neatly into a suitcase, and it may take some Tetris-ing to figure out the right layout. However, they are pliable, and you can fold them or lay them flat depending on which way they'll fit better into your suitcase. These compression bags have not solved all of Vacation Alex's afflictions. I am still generally (though less) afraid of bedbugs. I still become overly maudlin upon departure from basically anywhere. I still completely fail to track my spending when using foreign currencies, even (or especially) those with unfavorable exchange rates. I still manage to catch zero hours of sleep on any red-eye, and I still cannot keep myself from bringing home half a dozen books. Most notably, I still end up filling my suitcase with stacks of clothes I will probably never work up the nerve to wear, even half a world away from my usual routines. But that is okay. It is the dream of wearing them that matters most — the act of packing visions of a different self into my suitcase with the hope that it will blossom far from home. Usually, the place for dreams in my suitcase is superseded almost entirely by essentials, such as sunscreen and underwear. That is no longer the case. Now, my vacation dreams are bigger and more unfettered than ever before. And so is my bag. This article was edited by Hannah Rimm and Maxine Builder. The simple, well-built Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set is our choice to keep your luggage organized for either a week or a weekend. If a free carry-on isn't included in your ticket, don't pay extra for it. Here's how you can pack a personal item for a weekend trip. Struggling to pack for your weekend away? The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L fits so much more than you'd expect.
CNET
2 days ago
- Health
- CNET
I've Traveled Everywhere, and These Things Always Make the Cut
June's here, and that means vacation season is officially in full swing. Whether you're jetting off for a beach getaway, taking a road trip to visit family or heading out on a quick weekend escape, what you pack can make or break your trip. The right gear can keep you comfortable, organized and stress-free -- while forgetting key items can turn a relaxing getaway into a string of overpriced convenience store stops. As someone who travels often, I've had my fair share of packing wins and total disasters. Even though I try to plan meticulously, I've still shown up without socks, chargers or even pajamas more times than I'd like to admit. I've learned the hard way which items I should never skip when getting ready for a trip. If you want to avoid last-minute stress and enjoy your vacation from the moment you leave the house, these essentials are worth adding to your checklist. You might not be likely to forget things like clothes or shoes, but what about less obvious items that'll make your trip smoother and more comfortable? Whether you already have your trip booked for this summer or you're still planning, these are the 13 things you should never forget to pack. For more travel tips, learn about the best way to pack a carry-on and the best time to book flights for the cheapest tickets. 1. Hygiene items and prescriptions On your travels, the last thing you want to forget is any essential hygiene or medical item. While you can easily get more deodorant to stay fresh on your trip, it's much more important to remember medications that will be difficult to replace once you arrive at your destination. This includes contact lenses, birth control, prescription glasses and any medications. For women, most times we can plan a trip around our cycle, but sometimes life happens. It can be very costly and uncomfortable to be on a trip without sanitary items, especially when you need them. So, just make it a habit to pack a few. It's better to have them and not need them than to not have them and need them. Also, don't forget to pack sunscreen when you're traveling in the summer or if you're visiting a particularly sunny or tropical destination. 2. A reusable water bottle Bringing a reusable bottle saves money and keeps you you're spending hours walking through city streets or going on a full-day hike in a national park, you're going to need to hydrate frequently. It's not always easy to access water in certain destinations -- not to mention how brutally hot or humid it can be in certain climates -- so taking a refillable bottle with you is always helpful. Sure, you could purchase water bottles at your destination, but water is often expensive in popular tourist hubs or hotels, and grocery or convenience stores aren't always nearby, especially in rural or woodland areas. Here's a list of some great water bottles. If your destination's tap water isn't drinkable, think about a water bottle with a built-in filter. 3. Portable power banks When traveling, you're likely going to be using your phone more -- pulling up boarding passes, looking up places to go and directions to those places, keeping in touch with friends and family back home and taking hundreds of pictures. All of this drains your battery, and it can be frustrating to interrupt your busy itinerary of sightseeing to charge your phone. Plus, access to power outlets is never guaranteed. That's why it's always good to bring a portable power bank with you. Power banks put the power in your pocket for easy access and usually aren't too expensive. I recommend investing in one that's not only reliable, but can also charge your phone multiple times before needing to be charged itself. 4. Towelettes Wipes let you sanitize your hands and certain "high-touch" bus tours or subway rides can be super fun, they're not always the tidiest of places. During your travels, you're likely going to have to grab "high-touch" objects like remote controls, light switches, telephones, doorknobs, faucet handles, etc. so it's important to keep hygiene in mind to prevent illness. Washing your hands might not always be an immediate option so pack a few towelettes with you. Plus, small wipes should make it through security checkpoints without issue. 5. A quick-dry towel Towels come in handy and you never know when one might save the day. Maybe you spilled on your outfit or got caught in a rainstorm and need to dry off quickly. Or maybe you arrived at your hotel or Airbnb only to find they didn't provide towels. Quick-drying towels are not the most luxurious option, but they're lightweight and easy to stow away while traveling. Most importantly, they dry super fast so you can clean up and pack it in your bag without too much of a wait. 6. Plastic bags If there's one travel necessity I swear by, it's a plastic bag. Need to pack up your muddy shoes? Plastic bag. Want to separate worn dirty clothing from your clean items? Plastic bag. While plastic or trash bags are not the most glamorous travel item, they have a multitude of uses and won't take up much space in your luggage. It's available in four colors: grey, dark grey, blue and black. Pamela Vachon/CNET 7. A packable backpack I consistently pack too much in my carry-on luggage. I want to bring my cameras, hat, sunglasses, a change of clothes and some toiletries just in case my checked back is lost. But all of these items quickly add up to leave very little room in my backpack. And usually, I don't want to take them all with me as I tool around the destination I'm visiting. I suggest taking another smaller, preferably foldable backpack that you can use as you tour. This will keep you from having to pack and repack your carry-on bag. Plus, you can use it to carry the souvenirs you pick up. 8. Bottle protectors I come back from almost every trip I take with a bottle of wine or specialty beer as a souvenir. I love bringing a special bottle of beer, liquor or wine home to share with friends and family as I tell them about my adventures. But before that can happen, the bottle has to actually make it through the trip home. And that means you'll need to bring a form of protection. Many people swear by the wine-bottle-in-the-sock method or will swaddle the glass bottles with their clothes, but I prefer to pack an actual protective bottle bag. I recommend a protective bottle bag with padding and a zipper top that will help protect your clothing. 9. Dryer sheets Stinky shoes? Just use a dryer sheet. Alina Bradford/CNET For me, this is a no-brainer. When you're walking miles and miles through various train or bus stations, airports and cities, you're going to work up quite the sweat. And your shoes will likely pay the price. Bring several dryer sheets with you to help mask the smell of your shoes. Upon returning to the hotel or Airbnb at the end of your day, simply place a dryer sheet in each shoe to help aerate them. 10. A universal plug adapter A travel adapter is a must-have. Ceptics/Amazon You probably already know this. I'm going to remind you anyway: If you're traveling abroad, you need a plug adapter. Outlets in the US are a different size from outlets overseas, which means if you intend to use electronic devices in a different country, you'll need an adapter. You could try to buy one at your destination, but they can be expensive and hard to find. It's best to pack one with you before you go to save time and money. 11. A travel router OK, this might seem like overkill, but a travel router has saved me on more than one occasion. Internet connection is not always reliable when traveling or in certain rural areas, and establishing a wired connection is almost always going to be more dependable than wireless (especially in hotels). I feel much safer traveling knowing I have a stable connection to call in case of an emergency, keep up with the group I'm traveling with or connect with loved ones back home. Here's some more good news: Travel routers are usually small, affordable and easy to pack. You can buy one for anywhere between $20 and $100, and they're usually not much larger than a wall adapter. 12. A packable down or rain jacket No matter if you're heading to a tropical destination or hitting the streets of a European city, it's always wise to bring an extra down or rain jacket (or umbrella if you have the space). Even if you check the forecast religiously, you could still get caught in a freak rainstorm or have a chillier night than expected. One of the best options that won't weigh down your suitcase is bringing a packable down or rain jacket that can easily fold up. Trust me, it's better to be safe than sorry. 13. A method to document memories I'm quite the shutterbug. I love documenting my trips with photos and videos, and sharing those with my friends and family. I also like to be able to look back and reminisce on my many adventures, the people I met along the way and the core memories made. To do so, I need a way to document them. Most people probably just use their iPhone, but if you're like me, you quickly run out of storage with the thousands of photos taken every year and need another option. I prefer shooting on a film camera, but since one scan from the airport security CT scanner could destroy your unprocessed film, I've found another camera that has quickly become a travel essential. My go-to camera is the Camp Snap digital camera. It's lightweight, rechargeable and screen-free yet still provides the vintage film look I like so much. It's also compact enough to fit in any checked or carry-on bag, making it the ideal vacation camera to capture all of your important moments. No matter what method or camera you select, always make sure you have something that can help you remember your meaningful journeys. Final thoughts Traveling can be a life-altering experience that creates memories that last a lifetime. But before you can experience all the magic of the cities around the world, you have to pack. And packing the right way can make all the difference by reducing stress and saving you money in the long run. While everyone might have a different idea of what items are essential for traveling, the 13 recommendations above are what I have found to be the most useful during my own trips. If you're planning a vacation and are stressed about preparing, we have plenty of resources to help. Get ready for your next trip with these hacks and tips.
Irish Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Irish Times
Summer holiday checklist - 25 ways to ‘save not spend' in the days ahead
Holidays in the sun will be on the horizon for many people in the weeks ahead, and while the accommodation and flight parts of most of these holidays will probably have been paid for already, there are still ways to save and ways to spend over the odds as the countdown continues – which is where we come in with our last-minute guide to saving, not spending. Before you leave home 1. You have choices when it comes to packing – you can approach the task like a lean Sherpa heading up Mount Everest, or like a wealthy dowager aunt crossing the Atlantic on a luxurious liner at the turn of the 20th century. The choice is entirely yours, but if you go with the latter approach, it will cost you dearly. The key is to always pack less than you want to. 2. The golden rule of laying out everything you think you will need while on your holidays on the bed and packing half of it really does work. But it only works if you are absolutely ruthless. Look at everything with deep scepticism and ask yourself will you wear it, and whether you might get multiple wears of out it. If the answer to both questions is yes (with some obvious exceptions) then it goes into the case. If the answer is no, it gets left behind. 3. We have said it before and we will say it again – roll your own. If you tightly roll rather than fold all the clothes you are packing, you will be better off. The benefits are – wait for it now – twofold. Rolling your clothes will give you far more space in your case, while ensuring your clothes will come out far less creased than they otherwise might be. READ MORE 4. Give yourself time and space to pack, and whatever you do, don't leave it until hours before you are heading off. There is no doubting the fact that a rushed packer is not a smart one. So, what you need to do is pack your cases several days before you are due to depart - or at the very least start the process then. This will give you the time to approach your folding (we mean rolling) logically. 5. What do we mean by logically? Well, there are all manner of Instagram accounts that will school you in how to pack, but to save you the effort of looking them up, we will give you a whistle-stop tour of the best advice. Big items – jeans and dresses – should be rolled first, followed by T-shirts and tops. Underwear comes next and will be squeezed into the gaps left by the bulkier items, and then, after that, socks – if you are bringing such things – should be packed into shoes which can be placed in a plastic bag (the large Ziplock bags sold by Ikea are ideal for this) – and placed on top of everything. 6. Make sure to wear the heaviest, bulkiest clothes you want to bring on your outward journey. Yes, we know it is tempting to wear nothing more than flip-flops, shorts, a T-shirt and a sun hat on your way to the airport just so you can make the taxi driver jealous of your good fortune, but resist that temptation. Instead, layer up and wear the jacket, jumper, jeans and the bulkiest shoes. You won't be as carefree and comfortable as you plod through the airport, but you can disrobe – at least so some extent – on the plane, happy in the knowledge that the minor discomfort you have just endured has meant you will have more nice things to wear while on holidays. You will also be glad of those bulky clothes when on the way home to Ireland - if past 'summers' we have endured are anything to go by. [ Travel insurance and car hire for your holiday: An essential guide Opens in new window ] 7. Liquids are a perennial danger for the light packer, so only bring what you absolutely need and – if at all possible – decant what you are bringing into lightweight plastic bottles. Doing this means you can bring only what you need while dispensing with the sometimes heavier receptacles the products came in. Contact lens cases can make for excellent liquid and cream holders if you are only going away for a short break, and while they are small they carry a surprising amount. If you don't have any, you can buy 25 cases on for less than a tenner. 8. Do a quick google to see if you'd be better off buying bulkier and heavier items – towels, shower gels, sun creams – while on holidays, rather than bringing them with you. Some canny shopping can save you space and money. Navigating the airport 9. Airports might seem like glass and chrome palaces of chaos, but they are actually very well organised cash generators aimed at getting us to spend money - as well as getting us from A to B. In an airport, we are all susceptible to spending - we're a captive, bored and impulsive audience, and oftentimes quite excited at the prospect of a holiday. We might of course have a few bob burning a hole in our pockets. 10. Remember the 'golden hour in the dwell zone'. What is that? It's the 60 minutes we have in the airside shops before we even consider heading towards boarding gates. It's when we spend the most money, and it's this hour when you need to be on your guard. 11. Before you buy anything on the pricey side, spend two minutes on your phone googling how much it costs either in your destination or closer to home. Only buy if it's good value. 12. Remember the golden rule in that golden hour - almost everything from electronics and neck pillows to toys and Toblerones generally cost more in airports, while the souvenirs on offer, generally speaking, are spectacularly bad value for money as well as being mostly useless. While idling around flight information boards, remember the 'golden hour in the dwell zone'. What is that? It's the 60 minutes we have in the airside shops before we even consider heading towards our boarding gates. It's when we spend the most money. Photograph: Alan Betson/The Irish Times 13. Bring stuff to keep you entertained while you wait for your plane to take off. That way you won't be tempted to spend over the odds on magazines or books that you might otherwise not look twice at. Get your reading material ready and download fun things to keep you entertained on your phone or tablet. 14. We have in times past suggested people bring a packed lunch to the airport. Truth be told, the idea of decanting a few wilted, sweaty ham sandwiches from a clingfilm coat in the Departures hall does seem a bit miserly and unlikely to spark joy in anyone. Maybe pack a few snacks in your hand-luggage, as we do tend to eat in airports and on planes to pass the time rather than because we are starving. 15. Before buying cologne, make-up, sunglasses, silly shorts or anything else, ask whether you really need it, is it good value, and will it make your life better? If that answer is 'no', or even 'I don't know', walk away. Boarding planes 16. Regular readers of the Pricewatch page may recall that we have highlighted the experiences of many Ryanair passengers who have been hit with unexpected charges of up to €75 at boarding gates in recent months after their bags - often bags they have used many times without issue - were deemed to be too big for the airlines sizers. Ryanair has insisted - quite vociferously we must say - that there has been no changes to how it polices carry-on luggage in recent months, and says that while 'new stickers have been fitted to the front and sides of our sizers to show the exact permitted dimensions of our two bag sizes (40 x 20 x 25cm) and (55 x 40 x 20cm), [the] stickers show that our permitted dimensions are smaller than our sizers. Our sizers are, therefore, bigger than our permitted/agreed bag sizes. Only bags that do not fit within our sizers (and so considerably exceed our agreed bag sizes) get charged for.' It has said that its 'bag policy is simple: if it fits in our bag sizer (which is bigger than our agreed dimensions), it gets on free of charge. If it doesn't fit within our sizers, it will be charged. There has been no change in this policy for many years.' It may be worth bearing that in mind as you approach boarding gates in the weeks ahead. [ Are holidays in Ireland still 'a rip-off'? Georgina Campbell and Conor Pope debate the issue Opens in new window ] Sizing does work both ways mind you, and we would well advise you to make sure your carry-on luggage isn't overly big. 17. Carry-on luggage palaver aside, make sure you know the rules when it comes to bags irrespective of the airline you are travelling on. Anyone looking to bring a 10kg bag on board a short-haul Aer Lingus flight must book 'carry-on bag with priority boarding' at a cost of €9.99. But 10kg bags can be checked in for free. If you show up at the boarding gate with your bag without paying in advance you will be charged a €35 fee. Checking in a 20kg bag is between €25 and €55 depending on the length of a flight. Checking in 40kg spread over two bags costs between €65 and €85. The excess baggage rate charged by the airline is €10 per kilo over your allowance. Priority boarding with Ryanair gets you your 10kg on board bag for 'free' - although remember, if it is deemed too big, you will pay through the nose for that. If you check it in, it can cost between €9.49 and €44.99, depending on the time and distance of the flight. A 20kg checked-in bag with Ryanair costs between €18.99 and €59.99. The pricing for excess baggage is €13.99 per each added kilogramme. 18. It is worth noting that customers can pool or share their purchased baggage allowance with other passengers included in the same flight reservation when checking in together. So if a reservation has two checked bags of 20kg, one of the bags could weigh 15kg and the other 25kg. Before, during and after your holiday 19. As we have said before on many occasions, things can go wrong when you are travelling, which is why it is important to know the rules and understand the terms and conditions of all your bookings. If an airline has rules around baggage and you break them, you will be penalised. If you book a non-refundable hotel room and you can't go, don't expect a refund, and if you agree to an excess when hiring a car and are involved in a tip, you will pay the price. It is important to know the rules and understand the terms and conditions of all your bookings. If an airline has rules around baggage and you break them, you will be penalised. Photograph: Scott Olson/Getty 20. Do some research before you spend money on any travel-related product. If you are planning a trip or want to visit a water park, spend five minutes on google, trip advisor and Trustpilot looking at what others have to say. You don't have to take the views of the internet as gospel, but if almost every single review of a place or an experience is negative, you might consider that a red flag, and look at spending your money elsewhere. 21. Make sure you have ready access to all the documentation you need – when you need it. A few years back, Pricewatch needed to bring someone to an A&E in Spain following a trampoline-related incident. We arrived in the hospital with no passports, no European Health Insurance Cards and no travel insurance documentation. It ended up costing €120 - which to be fair is probably a lot less than it would have cost at home - but we might have saved ourselves the money had we been more organised and had our wits - and our paperwork - closer to hand. 22. One of the easiest things to do is to create a dedicated travel folder. Make sure to have all booking details, travel-related emails, itineraries, booking references and pictures of your passport and copies of your travel insurance policy there. Hopefully you will rarely if ever have to access the folder, but if things do go wrong with any aspect of your trip at any point, you will know right away where to find the info you need. 23. Try to stay calm. Travel can be stressful – and no more so than when things go wrong. But it rarely helps to lose your temper at a check-in desk. Make your case, and if it is falling on deaf ears, make a plan to lodge a more formal complaint possibly when you get home. 24. Know your rights. If a flight has been cancelled due to weather or a strike, you have the right to a refund, a rebooking or a rerouting at the next available opportunity. The airline has a legal responsibility to look after you until they can get you home. You will most likely have to cover costs up-front and claim them back, so make sure to keep all receipts. [ Scam listing on turns holiday dream into a nightmare Opens in new window ] 25. Craft any complaint you have carefully, and remember the words you use can have a huge impact on how your case is handled. If a flight is cancelled or delayed and the circumstances are beyond the airline's control, you have a right to be looked after, but you don't have the right to compensation, and if you try and make a claim for compo it will be rejected. If, however, you seek reimbursement under EU Directive 261, you should get your money back in double-quick time. Contact the right people. The Irish Aviation Authority is the place to go if you have an issue with a flight, or if an airline is dragging its heels over reimbursing you or paying you compensation if that applies. The authority also has oversight of the package holiday sector. If you have an issue with a ferry, the National Transport Authority is the contact point. If you are looking for redress for things that have gone wrong within Ireland, you might be able to go to the Small Claims Court, while the European Consumer Centre is there to help with cross-border issues.
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3 days ago
- Health
As a Travel Nurse Who's Been to Over 100 Countries, I Never Leave Home Without These 13 Essentials, From $25
When you've traveled to over 100 countries, you learn to be an expert packer. Cherene Saradar is a travel nurse anaesthetist who spends half the year traveling for contract work at hospitals around the U.S. and the other half globe-trotting for pleasure, having visited all seven continents and 116 countries to date. Her medical background dictates her packing style, as she prioritizes items that focus on comfort and health. And, as a proud carry-on-only traveler (even for three-month-long trips), she knows how to pack wisely to not waste precious space. Saradar shared with me the travel essentials she takes on every trip while packing light. From her must-have carry-on tote to the comfortable sneakers she always wears, keep reading for the 13 non-negotiables she takes with her on every trip. In order to pack for months without checking a cabin bag, it's not just your carry-on suitcase that matters, but also the spaciousness of your personal item. Saradar swears by the Longchamp Le Pliage Tote Bag. She takes this travel bag on every flight as she can fit everything she needs with her on a flight, including her camera and laptop, while still easily fitting it under the airplane seat. It holds her tried-and-true essentials for a comfortable flight, including: silicone earplugs, a soft eye mask, Drunk Elephant lip balm, hand cream, and a light scarf or sweater. When not in use, she can pack it down and store it in her suitcase. 'It's easy to clean, durable, comes in tons of colors, and it gives me a bit of style and luxury without breaking the bank,' she says. 'It's also a great day bag, shopping bag, camera bag, and beach bag.' Saradar has been using the same carry-on for a decade. The Travelpro Maxlite Carry-on is one of the lightest carry-on suitcases on the market, which matters for airlines that weigh your cabin bags. It adheres to various internationally accepted carry-on dimensions, standing at 21 inches tall. 'I like the organization of the bag. The outside pocket on the front easily fits my laptop, and the inner lid pocket is very handy,' she says. 'It's a durable spinner bag that's easy to push.' $145 $116 at Zappos $145 $116 at As a nurse, Saradar knows that the right shoes are so important. 'They're the base of your wardrobe and also the most important thing for your well-being,' she says. Whether working in the hospital or exploring the world, she swears by Hoka sneakers. When she's traveling, she prefers the Arahi style in white so she can pair them with everything from dresses and skirts to her workout gear. 'I've been wearing the Hoka Arahi for years. I can't believe how good my back feels in these. They're like walking on a cloud and provide pronation support," she says, which is important for maintaining an even stride. They're so good she swears they've fixed the back pain she suffered from for years, and she feels comfortable walking in them all day. It's possible to be stylish and comfy, and Saradar requires that her travel clothes be both. You won't catch her flying in sweatpants. Instead, she always flies in Athleta loungewear that she deems to be nice enough for wearing in public, while still feeling cozy and comfortable on long-haul flights. She basically lives in the Athleta Venice High Rise Wide-leg Pant. 'They're super flattering as there's just enough stretch and the waistband doesn't feel tight, but they still appear fitted and polished,' she says. 'The pants drape beautifully like trousers but feel like soft loungewear. And a major bonus — they don't wrinkle.' Saradar recommends picking up a few pairs in neutral colors like off-white or black so you can pair them with any tops. On flights, she's typically dressed in head-to-toe Athleta, pairing this Seasoft Quarter Zip with the Venice wide-leg pants. She loves how cozy and warm the quarter zip is and finds the fleece to be sleek, as it drapes with structure rather than looking slouchy. The cool-to-the-touch fabric is perfect for planes with varying temperatures, as it will keep you just warm enough without overheating. It's super lightweight, so you can easily stow it away in your tote bag when not needed. $100 at Amazon $100 at Zappos Not only is it important to have a good pair of sneakers, but it's also useful to have comfy, stylish sandals on hand. 'Shoes that won't give you blisters, allow you to walk as much as you want, don't give you back pain, and still look kind of cute is a tall order,' she says. She's worn many sandals from the brand Born over the years and wears them until they fall apart. 'They're incredibly cushy and soft. They're functional yet still look nice enough for evening,' she says. 'I can walk all day in them, and have even done some light hiking.' With adjustable straps, a lightweight cork sole, and a soft leather upper, these sandals are the perfect comfortable choice for any trip. No matter where she's headed, Saradar makes room in her carry-on for a lightweight jacket, especially if she'll be visiting warmer destinations where she could get caught in tropical rain. 'I always bring my North Face lightweight hooded waterproof jacket,' she says. 'It takes hardly any room in the luggage and is handy to throw on for windy or wet days.' With adjustable drawstrings on the hood and bottom of the jacket, this North Face hooded coat will easily keep out wind and rain. If she's off to a colder locale, she packs a Lole brand ethical down hooded puffer jacket in dark teal. 'I always get compliments on the jacket. It packs well as it's extremely light yet still very warm and cozy,' she says. Saradar always packs a maxi skirt, which can be easily layered and mixed and matched throughout her trip to create multiple outfits. 'Lately, I've been packing this skirt because I can change up the tops and wear various outfits. You can wear tank tops, short sleeves, long sleeves, sweaters, a sweatshirt, or a blazer with it — it's super versatile,' she says. 'A longer skirt makes you look put and can provide proper coverage in conservative regions.' She owns this pleated chiffon skirt from Amazon in a light khaki color. Because it's neutral, it works for all seasons and matches everything. She's 5-foot-1, so despite the midi cut, it fits her like a maxi skirt. Another one of her favorite Amazon finds is this Zesica floral printed maxi wrap dress. 'I've worn it on so many trips. It's lightweight, easy to pack, and is casual enough for daytime but looks dressy enough for going out to dinner or a party.' The battery of Saradar's phone drains quickly when she's on the go all day using maps and her phone's camera. 'Not having a phone to call for help or to use a map is a huge safety concern for me, so keeping it charged is vital,' she says. 'I don't like to carry a bulky, heavy charger, so the Clutch one is perfect as it's tiny and magnetizes to the back of your phone.' It also comes with a built-in cable, so you don't have to worry about forgetting your cord in the hotel room. After traveling to over 100 countries, Saradar swears by using a hanging toiletry bag. She says it's a total game changer because you don't have to rely on shelf or counter space. She uses one from Biaggi, which operates in the same way as this Bagsmart option. 'It has space to hold everything, including my makeup, toothbrush, deodorant, jewelry, cotton swabs, and more. It has tons of pockets and keeps me organized,' she says. But it's not just hanging toiletry bags that make organizing her belongings in a hotel room easier—she also uses hanging packing cubes. Since she packs in a carry-on, she uses Biaggi's medium-sized hanging packing cube. 'This makes packing and unpacking in the hotel so easy. All you have to do is hang it in the closet and then fold it and compress it with the strap to put it back in the suitcase,' she says. This is her secret to being able to pack for a month in Europe in a carry-on. It's fair to say Saradar is a big fan of using packing cubes. In addition to the hanging style, she also loves this set from Eagle Creek, which comes in different sizes. 'I use the small 1-liter cube for underwear and socks, and the medium-sized pouch to hold my tech, outlet adaptors, wires, cords, and zip drives,' she explains. As a nurse, Saradar knows how important it is to stay hydrated. She tries to drink as much water as possible throughout the day, and says her Lifestraw water bottle is essential. 'Lifestraw makes virtually any water safe to drink. I can drink water from any tap as it filters bacteria, parasites, microplastics, and dirt,' she says. This BPA-free plastic version is lighter than the heavier insulated stainless steel style, making it ideal for taking on the go. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
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3 days ago
- Business
My Mom Has Been to 40+ States for Work, and This $15 Carry-on Hack Is the Most Genius Tip She's Taught Me
It's safe to say my mom is a travel expert. After visiting 45 states and over 15 countries, she's learned a thing or two about packing the perfect bag and getting through TSA security with ease. I thought I knew all her tricks, but during her last visit to New York, I noticed something new. Instead of simply placing her personal item bag on top of her carry-on suitcase, she fastened them together . Apparently, she's been doing this for years . In 2016, my mom discovered the Travelon Bag Bungee on Amazon and hasn't traveled without it. The handy contraption, which is a longtime-favorite travel accessory for flight attendants and frequent fliers, keeps her personal item bag off her shoulders, allowing her to navigate the airport with ease. It's no wonder she always beats me to the gate. Thanks to its low-profile design, the luggage strap blends in seamlessly with her luggage while keeping her items protected. Plus, the mechanics are simple. You just have to attach the cord to your luggage handle, then place your personal item on top, and lock it in place. The rope is made with a flexible material and can stretch to accommodate anything from a small purse to a large carry-on. It can even hold up to 40 pounds, and with some careful maneuvering, you can position it to hold multiple bags in place. According to my mother, buying this device has saved her from spending money on new luggage. It's especially helpful for business travel. 'Some of the travel bags that are out there aren't stylish for work,' she said. 'I don't want to come into a meeting with a backpack, so having the bungee allows me to keep my work tote.' Rest assured, this item is perfect for a vacation too. If you tend to overpack (like me), the bungee-cord system will prevent your items from spilling out. Whether you're hoping to free up your hands while traveling or want to ensure your luggage is safe, the Travelon Bag Bungee is sure to come in handy. If you're interested in trying this hack, you can grab one on Amazon before your next trip. Scroll down for even more genius luggage straps to add to your travel day repertoire, starting at just $7. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
