Friday, February 27, 2009

ProTravel Tip: Prep for Trip

Dear Travel Guru:

I’m usually so organized and I don’t know why, but right before I leave for a trip, I get very flustered and I always forget something! Last year, my husband and I went on an international trip and I forgot to check which airport we were flying from. Imagine my embarrassment when we got to Newark and the flight left from Kennedy airport. I still haven’t lived that down.

How can I prepare for a trip more calmly?

Carol W., Brooklyn, NY

Dear Carol:

Most people don’t have to worry about which of three airports to go to. I can just imagine the look on your face when they told you they had no flight to your destination!

There’s an easy way to solve this problem. Create a checklist on the computer to customize and print out ahead of time for each trip. Start the list for the day prior and have it run through to the time you depart. Your list might include such actions as:

-->Pack
-->Set timers on lights
-->Pets to kennel or Note to pet sitter
-->Confirm airport
-->Pack important phone numbers, addresses
-->Pack vitamins, prescriptions
-->Pack money, tickets, maps, guidebooks, camera, hotel reservations and passport
-->Pack drivers license or photo ID
-->Check weather for destination
-->Water plants
-->Check that window are closed and locked
-->Advise neighbors (or police) of departure, drop off key, if applicable
-->Schedule cab or car service (if applicable)

Day of departure actions might include:
-->Turn off all electronics (and list them one by one)
-->Turn off/down air conditioning, turn down temperature on heating
-->Lock garage, front and back doors
-->Feed pets (if sitter isn’t coming until later)
-->Put all bags together by door, so none can be left behind
-->Confirm flight is on time
-->Lock door behind you

Depending on the length of the trip and your destination, this list may change.

If you need assistance with the earlier planning phase, you may be interested in our article, “Getting Ready to Go.”

I bet it’ll be smooth sailing with a list!

Best regards,

The Travel Guru

At ProTravelGear.com, we are dedicated to providing you the best travel shopping experience possible, now even better with free shipping on all orders*. We proudly carry the industry's most recognized brands, like Patagonia, Ex Officio, Eagle Creek, Plane Quiet, and many others. We also offer new gift ideas, expert advice, and resources for trip planning.

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Packing Tips

Dear Travel Guru -

In May, I’m taking a week-long trip with my significant other that will be part business, part pleasure and he is insisting that I take only ONE suitcase. He doesn’t realize how impossible this is! My shoes alone could fill a suitcase.

How in heavens name can I fit everything in one suitcase? Help!

Sheryl G., NYC


Dear Sheryl –

I turned to my meeting planner friends for help on this one, and they said it should be a breeze, especially since it’s not winter.

1) Stick with neutral colors in “mix and match” pieces: tans, khakis, blacks, blues and/or grays.
2) Take several pairs of dress pants, 1-2 pairs of casual pants, capris or shorts, perhaps a skirt, 1-2 business jackets or sweater sets and several tops that you can hand wash if necessary
3) One neutral (“little black?”) dress if you’re going out at night
4) Two to three pairs of shoes max, including shoes needed for workout. Throw in a pair of flip flops for the pool (P.S. The pair you’ll be wearing for travel is included in this count)
5) One purse
6) Jewelry and accessories to change the appearance of the clothing
7) One swimsuit, maybe a pareo coverup. Use the hotel’s towels rather than bring one.
8) One T-shirt and pair of shorts for workouts, if desired
9) One pair of pjs or nightgown (ProTravelGear.com has some great Silk or SeaCell Travel pajamas for $26-$80 that are comfortable, lightweight and take almost no room
10) Underwear, limited amount of makeup, toiletries in small kits
11) Lightweight casual jacket

For dress clothes, if you leave them in the plastic dry cleaners bag, they’ll come out virtually unwrinkled.

Carry your makeup, toiletries and a change of clothing for the first day in your carry-on, just in case you and your luggage are separated.

Good luck and Bon Voyage!

The Travel Guru

At ProTravelGear.com, we are dedicated to providing you the best travel shopping experience possible, now even better with free shipping on all orders*. We proudly carry the industry's most recognized brands, like Patagonia, Ex Officio, Eagle Creek, Plane Quiet, and many others. We also offer new gift ideas, expert advice, and resources for trip planning.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Traveling with Pets

Dear Travel Gear Guru –

We’ve begun traveling with our Portuguese Water Dog, Sophie. She’s a great companion, is really well-behaved and because she has a hypo-allergenic coat, most people aren’t allergic to her. Our friends don’t mind if we bring her with us, but we often run into problems finding hotels that will take her.

Are there any particular hotel chains that would allow her to stay in the room with us?

Allie W., Greenlawn, NY



Dear Allie –

The number of people who travel with pets has risen dramatically in the past few years, and fortunately, more hotels have started taking notice. Because many chains are franchises, you would have to check with individual properties to find out if they welcome pets and whether there is an charge extra. However, there is a great website, www.travelpets.com, that lists hotels in hundreds of locations across the U.S. that will accept pets. The site also lists hotel amenities and whether there is a charge for your pet. You can even make reservations online. They do recommend, however, that you call in advance and reconfirm that the pet policy has not changed. You’ll also want to request a room on the ground floor, near an exit and bring your pet’s bed with you.

If you travel with your pup regularly, consider investing in a Travel First Aid Kit for Pets from AGS Labs. The kit comes with Styptic Liquid, a Pair of Latex Gloves, a 4” x 4yd. Stretch Gauze Bandage, Eye and Skin Wash, Triple Antibiotic Ointment, Hydrocortisone Cream, PVP Iodine and Insect Sting Swabs. It also comes with a card on which to safeguard your vet’s emergency numbers as well as a guide for simple pet first aid care and instructions for performing CPR on your pet. For under $23, it offers peace of mind for the loving pet owner!

Have a doggone good trip! (Sorry, just couldn’t resist)

The Travel Guru


At ProTravelGear.com, we are dedicated to providing you the best travel shopping experience possible, now even better with free shipping on all orders*. We proudly carry the industry's most recognized brands, like Patagonia, Ex Officio, Eagle Creek, Plane Quiet, and many others. We also offer new gift ideas, expert advice, and resources for trip planning.

Monday, February 16, 2009

Toiletry Set

Dear Travel Guru –

Well, I’m ticked off! I have a great toiletry kit that I love, but because of security regulations, it has to go in my suitcase now rather than my carry on. Two trips ago, my luggage never made it to the hotel until 2 days after I did, so I had to go out and buy all new toiletries! Next trip, I swore I’d carry a travel size on with me. So I did, and didn’t the darn things leak and get all over everything inside my bag!

Now I’m on a search to find a toiletry kit that I can carry on, but that can be trusted not to leak. No more dollar store bargains (which wasn’t a bargain!)

Mad--


Dear Mad–

You’ll find comfort in the fact that you’re not the first person I’ve heard share these woes. I have one friend whose digital camera was ruined when her shampoo container broke and got into the camera case.

But there is a solution!

ProTravelGear.com carries Eagle Creek’s Pack-It Leak Proof Travel Bottle Set. The set comes with 3 squeeze-top and 1 pour-top 4-oz. bottles for shampoo, cream rinse, soaps and lotions, as well as 2 2-oz. vials for pills and vitamins. This set sells for under $8. A lot of folks also purchase the Eagle Creek Pack-It Wallaby II Travel Toiletry Kit in which to pack them and find it’s a great combo solution for all their toiletry travel gear. The Wallaby is stain and water resistant, has three sections with loads of compartments for bottles, jewelry and other needs. There’s a removable mirror and swivel hanger hook, yet folds small enough to fit into your carry-on. The Wallaby II sells for $32.95 and you’ll find it very useful for both short and long trips. And no more spills!

Best of luck,

The Travel Guru
At ProTravelGear.com, we are dedicated to providing you the best travel shopping experience possible, now even better with free shipping on all orders*. We proudly carry the industry's most recognized brands, like Patagonia, Ex Officio, Eagle Creek, Plane Quiet, and many others. We also offer new gift ideas, expert advice, and resources for trip planning.

Sunday, February 15, 2009

ProTravel Tip: 10 Tips for Traveling Alone

I’ve had a number of questions asking me to share tips for people who travel alone. Here are a few of our ProTravel Tips:

1. When possible, arrive at your destination during the day. Even familiar destinations look different at night. Cities that are perfectly safe, can make you feel unnerved at night. By arriving during the day, you can get your bearings by the time night falls.

2. Get directions for driving your rental car from the airport to your destination. Ask the rental agent for a map and explicit directions of how to get to your location. Ask for the rental company’s phone number so you can call back for directions if you get lost or turned around.

3. At the hotel: Ask the front desk clerk to write down your room number and not to say it aloud. Always ask for two keys so it’s not apparent you’re alone. Ask the bellman to accompany you to your room if you feel uncomfortable.

4. After you arrive: Ask the concierge or front desk staff to point out any areas of the city or region they recommend you avoid.

5. Don’t leave your breakfast card hanging from the door. One card usually means one occupant. Instead, call your order in the night before.

6. When you go out, be sure you have written down name of the hotel, its address and phone number, and that you have the phone number of a reliable cab service the hotel recommends.

7. Be conservative in your dress, so you don’t attract unwanted attention. Going to a special event? Try to meet friends or colleagues with whom you can travel there. Ladies, if you’re wearing evening attire, consider sporting a shawl or cover up over formal attire until you arrive. Hide flashy jewelry – even fake – in your purse to put on once you get there.

8. Safeguard your documents and extra money – If there is a safe at the hotel, this is the best place for passports and extra cash. If you must keep these items on you, hide them somewhere other than your purse or wallet. For more on this topic, read: “Traveling with Cash.”


9. Walk confidently. Study your route in advance and if you do get lost, don’t act as if you are. Calmly and confidently ask at a restaurant, hotel or other business establishment for directions.

10. Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable, there may be a reason for it. A friend once felt as if she was being followed in NYC, so she ducked into an apartment building with a doorman and told him of her concerns. It turns out she wasn’t being paranoid. Her pursuer actually followed her into the apartment building. The doorman chased him off by threatening to call the police.

Safe and happy travels!

The Travel Guru


At ProTravelGear.com, we are dedicated to providing you the best travel shopping experience possible, now even better with free shipping on all orders*. We proudly carry the industry's most recognized brands, like Patagonia, Ex Officio, Eagle Creek, Plane Quiet, and many others. We also offer new gift ideas, expert advice, and resources for trip planning.

Monday, February 9, 2009

Camera Cases for Travel


Dear Travel Guru –

My husband is an Ansel Adams wannabe. When we travel, he takes both a digital and an SLR with him “just in case.” His carryon is a jumble of wires, film, lenses, batteries, cables and other gear! When he takes photos with the SLR, he sometimes has trouble keeping track of which rolls have been shot. The last time we took a trip, he ended up developing one blank roll of film!

His birthday is coming up and I’d like to get him a case that would help him organize his photography equipment, but most I’ve looked at seem so bulky and not very functional. Do you have any suggestions?

Susan A., Staten Island, NY


Dear Susan –

Like your husband, I’m one of those people for whom photography is an essential part of travel. A well-shot photo can transport you back to magical memories years later.

Your idea of finding a case for your husband that would help him be prepared to “capture the moment” is a very thoughtful gift.

I have a couple of recommendations:

The Podzilla Travel Camera Case by Road Wired - $39.95 This case is a real find and measures 9.25"L x 9"H x 6.5"D. It “wings out” for convenience and features 20 pockets and compartments to hold any item the photo buff or pro might want to carry. It’s made out of ballistic nylon, so not only is it lightweight for its size (only 1.5 lbs.), it’s also waterproof. One of the things I like about it is that not only is there a “secret pocket” to hide cash and keys, but there are loops on the back so you can remove the (non-twisting) strap and fasten it to your belt loops. The inside has elasticized media and accessory organizers, flap pockets and bungee keepers to safeguard equipment and gear. The outer pockets are gusseted to keep contents from falling out.

The Pod Travel Camera Case by Road Wired - $25.95 Depending on how much photography gear your husband carries, this “little brother” of the Podzilla above might be perfect. It’s the same model as the Podzilla above, offers the same great features, but is smaller (7"L x 6.5"H x 5"D) and more lightweight (13 oz.) in size.
Best wishes to “Ansel” on his birthday!

The Travel Guru


At ProTravelGear.com, we are dedicated to providing you the best travel shopping experience possible, now even better with free shipping on all orders*. We proudly carry the industry's most recognized brands, like Patagonia, Ex Officio, Eagle Creek, Plane Quiet, and many others. We also offer new gift ideas, expert advice, and resources for trip planning.

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Airline Travel

Dear Travel Guru –

One of my friends emailed me about an international flight where he was stuck sitting in front of a baby who spent the entire flight vocalizing in high “Aaaaagh.” I’ve had similar experiences with seatmates competing for the Guinness Book of World Records in snoring. My friend mentioned that he had found some great earphones that cut out cabin noise, but I can’t locate that email anymore. I have a “two-for-one” international flight coming up next month, first to Los Angeles, then on to China and I don’t want to risk being a zombie at the end. I have a number of business appointments lined up and it’s important that I be sharp for them. Do you have any noise-buffering recommendations?

Mike C., Newark, NJ


Dear Mike –

Been there, tried to sleep through that! I now own my very own set of Plane Quiet Noise Canceling Headphones. Aaaaaah, what a difference!

What I like about them, other than the fact that they actively reduce noise up to 18 decibels, is that they’re also one of the lightest-weight pair you can find. They work with most electronic devices including the iPod ®/ MP3, CD, DVD players, laptop computers and desktop computers. Because the headband and earcups are both leather wrapped, they’re comfortable for long flights. They’re easy to slip into your briefcase or carryon because they fold flat and come with a travel pouch plus they also come with a 1/8” and ¼” adaptor. One feature I find useful is that with the click of a switch, you can turn the noise canceling feature on or off. They retail on Protravelgear.com for $99.95.

In case you need some pointers about dealing with JetLag, you may also want to read our article “ProTravelTip: Avoiding Jet Lag.”

Here’s to a good flight’s sleep!

The Travel Guru


At ProTravelGear.com, we are dedicated to providing you the best travel shopping experience possible, now even better with free shipping on all orders*. We proudly carry the industry's most recognized brands, like Patagonia, Ex Officio, Eagle Creek, Plane Quiet, and many others. We also offer new gift ideas, expert advice, and resources for trip planning.

Sunday, February 1, 2009

PRO TRAVEL TIP: Gifts for International Travelers

Dear Travel Guru –

Here’s my problem – I need the perfect gift for my brother, the Priest who has everything! I keep trying to come up with innovative ideas but I’m clueless. I’ve given him every religious item, piece of clothing and gadget for his car that I can think of and the only brainstorm I can come up with is to get him something for travel, which he loves! He travels to one country or another almost every year, often to do volunteer work.

I’d like to stay within the $60 range. Thanks in advance for any guidance you can offer.

Perplexed Sister of Father Jim



Dear Perplexed –

This is no problem at all! You mentioned that your brother usually travels to other countries, so I can suggest a number of great gifts, available from ProTravelGear.com, specifically designed with the international traveler in mind, and all priced under $60:

Five Piece Voltage Converter and Adapter Set This set converts foreign voltage to U.S. voltage and the adaptor plugs provide worldwide compatibility, making it possible to use small U.S. electronic devices in more than 150 countries. Under $40.

TravelSafe Locking Travel Safe by Pacsafe This handy compact travel safe is slash-proof, weather resistant and easy to use. Simply lock it to a stationary object, ensuring peace of mind and security of cash and other valuables such as some of the items in a Mass Kit. Under $40.

Coolmax Travel Sheet by Cocoon If your brother travels to third world countries, these lightweight cotton sheets, with Velcro secured side opening, pillow pocket and boxed foot section, would be perfect to help him get a good night’s sleep. Under $40.

Combine one of these with an Eagle Creek Pre-Board Travel Pouch and you have the perfect birthday gift for the traveling Priest who has everything!

The Travel Guru


At ProTravelGear.com, we are dedicated to providing you the best travel shopping experience possible, now even better with free shipping on all orders*. We proudly carry the industry's most recognized brands, like Patagonia, Ex Officio, Eagle Creek, Plane Quiet, and many others. We also offer new gift ideas, expert advice, and resources for trip planning.