travel tips Archives - Lucky n Love Travel

7 Great Tips for Packing Light

Posted on July 16, 2022September 28, 2024 by Lucky n Love

Excited for your next trip but dreading packing? Maybe now is time to rethink how much you pack. Checking bags can cost you a lot of extra money and lost bags can create stress when it’s time to relax. Bulky roller suitcases and overstuffed carry-on bags with hiking boots and water bottles dangling off the side can make you miserable when you are navigating busy trains, cobblestone roads, crowded sidewalks, unexpected stairs, and more after you leave the airport.

Traveling light allows you to enjoy the journey instead of just the destination. You can be a little more spontaneous along the way, change flights if there are delays, stop for lunch at that cute café while walking to your hotel, or grab a cab to take an unexpected detour that ends up being the highlight of your trip. So get ready to travel better with these seven pro tips for packing light.

First, create an outfit plan and then your packing list

Focus on items that can be used for different outfits and situations. Think about items that are multi-use, easy to layer, and quick to hand wash. Find tops, bottoms, and shoes that are versatile and that you can easily mix, match, and layer. Your packing list should also help you avoid panic packing – because you don’t have a good plan – you just keep shoving things into your bag that you end up not needing. Definitely make sure that larger items can be worn as part of different outfits.

Plan to wear your larger items while you travel

coats, boots, and sweaters can be worn while traveling, used as a pillow, keep you warm on a chilly airplane, or stowed in the overhead bin if not needed.

Wash while you travel

Wash some of your clothes while you are traveling to reduce the number of items you need to take. It can be expensive to send clothes to the hotel laundry, but you can wash smaller items things yourself in the sink. Socks, underwear, swimsuits, and workout clothing wash easily and dry quickly. You can purchase laundry detergent sheets before you go that are light-weight, non-liquid, and work great for small amounts of clothing washed in your sink or tub. Sea to Summit Pocket Laundry Wash leaves and Lazy Coconuts Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent Strips are my favorites! Alternatively, you can bring your dirty clothes to the 2ULaundry shop near you.

Buy lightweight clothing

Almost everything is available now in smaller, lighter versions that work well for travelers. Quick dry shirts, travel pants, lightweight running shoes, etc. are all available at a range of budgets – Target, Costco, REI, and Lululemon all carry great products to fit a range of budgets. I never travel without my Eddie Bauer lightweight waterproof rain jacket (which I usually pair with a thin fleece jacket) and Merrell Trail Glove running shoes.

Your phone can be your biggest weight saver

Download movies, maps, books, magazines, travel guides, movies, and shows to your phone or tablet device. If you must bring your laptop, charging cubes are available that can be used for all of your devices that are much smaller and lighter weight than the charging cord that comes with your computer.

Rethink your suitcase

People pack more if they have a bigger bag. Look into something smaller and versatile. I like to travel with a backpack roller suitcase – check out the Osprey Fairview and Farpoint Travel Packs – they give you the convenience of a wheeled suitcase, with the ability to carry it on your back like a backpack!

Finally – relax!

Most necessities will be available at your destination if you forget something critical. Shampoo, soap, and extra toiletries are usually available at your hotel, short-term rental, or from the local store. It can be great fun to go to local thrift stores and flea markets to supplement anything you need once you arrive.

Ready to put these 7 great tips for packing light to good use? Click here to schedule a call with me today and let’s find your next amazing experience!

Splurge vs Save-Invest Wisely In Travel

Posted on April 23, 2022April 23, 2022 by Lucky n Love

It’s easy to get carried away when planning your vacation, from luxurious resorts and five-star restaurants to once-in-a-lifetime tours in places you’ve only dreamed of. If you’ve ever wondered where you should splurge and where you should save, this is for you. Invest wisely in travel when planning your next big adventure.

Upgrading to Business / First Class

Maybe you’ve always wanted to be on the other side of the curtain aboard your plane, and you think now is your chance. While it is tempting, paying thousands more for a business class seat can drastically eat into your overall travel budget. An option that straddles the line between splurging and saving (although leans heavily towards a splurge) is checking last minute at the gate if there are any seats available in business class at the time of departure. If there are empty seats, some airlines will sell them off for less than what they sell them for online – although it can still end up being a hefty sum. Instead of stretching your budget to reserve business class, consider asking your travel advisor to book you bulkhead seats with extra legroom, or in the premium economy section.

Verdict: Save

Direct Flights

Unless you enjoy layovers and transfers and sitting on tarmacs for any length of time, splurge for the direct flights. A splurge can almost always be seen as worth it if it significantly reduces your hassle while traveling, or if it gives you back your time.

Verdict: Splurge

Travel Insurance

Since COVID19, we’ve all heard horror stories of non-refundable trips gone wrong. Never before has travel insurance been so important, with rules and regulations changing rapidly from country to country.

Verdict: Splurge

High-End (read: overpriced) Souvenirs

It can be tempting to want to pick up beautiful ceramics, local pieces of art, or even tasty treats from your favorite destinations. But think again. The run-of-the-mill tourist shops that feature these goods get them in bulk from a fraction of what they’re selling them to you for, without any real story behind them. Visit a local market for artisan-made goods, and snag local delicacies at-where else? The local grocery store! While the treats won’t be as delicately packaged, they’ll be extra authentic, after all – they’re what the locals eat!

Verdict: Save

Hotel

This is a tough one to call, and ultimately really comes down to your travel style. For some, a vacation includes 1,000 thread count Egyptian cotton sheets and prompt room service, while others simply want a place to rest their head after a day of explorations and adventure. Ultimately what matters most is location, location, location. Wherever you choose, make sure it’s accessible to attractions you’d like to visit and activities you’d like to partake in.

Verdict: It’s a Tie

Bucket-List Experiences

I’m talking about the stuff travel dreams are made of. A hot air balloon ride at sunset in Cappadocia, a private driver on the Amalfi Coast, and a private safari experience in Kenya. Whatever is on your dream list, if your budget can allow it – definitely make it happen. Life is short, you’ll never regret a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience.

Verdict: Splurge.

Whether you’re splurging or saving, I’d love to help make your travel dreams come true, and help you invest wisely in travel! Get in touch with me here.

Packing Tips To Make Travel Easier

Posted on April 10, 2021May 1, 2021 by Lucky n Love

Airline travel can be a royal pain these days; here are some packing tips to make travel easier. These tips can also help you avoid checked bag fees by just taking a carry on bag if you are going on a trip of less than 5 days.Find the right suitcase. Purchase a carry-on that will fit the bill as your only piece of luggage. Make sure it is designated as a carry-on and meets airline standards to fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.

Have a packing plan. Think about the activities you will do each day and pack accordingly. Check on current weather conditions and what is recommended, or that you need to bring for the activities you have booked. Less is more. Most of us over pack (me included), so limit yourself. A good rule of thumb is to lay out all of the clothes you want to bring, and remove 2 items.

Roll your clothes. This takes up less space in your suitcase. Consider your footwear. Wear the bulkiest shoes when you travel to save precious space in your suitcase. Pack wrinkle-free clothes to save you precious time and the hassle of having to iron on your vacation. Who wants to iron on a trip? I certainly don’t. Don’t forget to pack your must have electronics and all the charging cords you will need. Know your airline luggage rules regarding checked bag fees and carry-on items. Many airlines are selling fares that do not allow access to the overhead bins; know upfront what you are paying for. I hope my packing tips to make travel easier will help you on your future adventures.