Top 100 Blogs for Business Travelers

Wednesday, October 24, 2007 at 11:50am by admin

If traveling fits a big part of your job description, you might be glad you don’t have to sit in a cramped office all week. On the other hand, traveling on today’s congested roads and waiting around in noisy airports aren’t ideal ways to spend your time either. To help you get the most out of your business travel experience, we’ve compiled a list of the best blogs for your unique travel experience, from planning quick sightseeing excursions to finding out about the newest gadgets that will make your ride a little less bumpy.

General

These sites are a great starting point for any regular traveler. From how to travel like a king, to tips on saving a few bucks, these area good place to start

  1. Smartbusinesstravel.com

    Read about travel news, get tips on booking hotels and occupying your downtime, or find out how to stay in touch with loved ones while you’re away.

  2. Realtravel.com

    Realtravel.com hosts a huge collection of travel blogs for almost any place in the whole world. Plan cruises, family vacations or a romantic honeymoon using the tools on this site.

  3. A Luxury Travel Blog

    Catch up on all the news for luxury traveling: hotel updates, fancy food trends, and more. Hey, even if your company is too cheap to put you up in a nice hotel, it’s a lot of fun reading about the good life.

  4. TD Travel Management

    Check travel news or research how to plan your own vacation, if you can swing taking off from work of course!

  5. Corporate Treat

    Plan a trip for your entire company or find out how you can plan your free time while on a business trip away from home. Use the links to explore hotel deals, team-building activities, and other useful tips on travel planning.

  6. Business Travel Logue

    Get away from the boardroom long enough to grab a quick drink at your hotel bar. Find out which spots feature the best chefs, bartenders, and concierge services anywhere. Set up trips for your employees or read news about anything travel-related.

  7. Biztravelguru.com

    View photos of hotels before you book, access valuable frequent flyer information, and browse forums on topics about airline travel, in the US or abroad.

  8. The Biz Travel Blog

    Look at pictures from some of the most beautiful spots in the world. Plan your conventions around your favorite travel destination and resort!

  9. Business Travel Blog

    This blog features articles giving you advice for making your business trip a relaxing getaway. Even though you’ll be working, figure out how to customize your experience and enjoy it to the fullest.

  10. Business-travel blog

    Read the most current travel-related articles selected for you from newspapers around the world. Get briefed on airline mergers, terrorism alerts, and fun vacation excursions that will take you away from the group

  11. The Practical Nomad

    Edward Hasbrouck, aka the practical nomad, provides readers with a comprehensive blog with everything you need to know about traveling…anywhere in the world. Find affordable airfares, read hotel reviews, figure out how to purchase travel insurance, and more

  12. The Daily Traveler

    This blog from the LA Times features articles from holiday travel information, restaurant suggestions, and weather updates.

  13. InflightHQ

    Scan brief articles and follow links to find out about what’s going on in the travel world: the best deals, security updates, and nifty gadgets to take along with you.

  14. Businesstravel.suit101.com

    Get advice from the experts on packing, business travel dress codes, staying connected while you’re away, and even how to avoid breaking your diet during your trip.

  15. BizNetTravel

    Research the city you’re traveling to before you even get there. Check out links to city guides, shop cool gadets on the online store, and read hotel reviews

  16. Les Explorers

    Part of this blog is written in French, but read what you can to get a detailed overview of great travel tips like figuring out transportation or organizing your free time.

  17. Blogontravel.com

    Find out how the world on online travel really works. Read reviews of internet travel companies, and learn how to avoid the tricks that will leave you penniless…and stranded.

  18. Wandalust.com

    Check out this blog’s top 10 lists and find out cool trivia on the world’s hottest hotels and nightlife.

  19. travelblog.org

    Travelblog.org allows you to post an online diary of your vacation and send to friends. In addition to posting basic information about different countries, travelblog.org also features a beautiful photo gallery.

  20. travelpod.com

    Claiming to be the Web’s original travel blog, travelpod.com provides a listing of links for transportation, hotels, and tours, as well as hosting a forum for travelers to review their vacations and ask questions.

  21. US State Department embassies info.

    Get valuable contact information on American embassies in every country.

Hotels

Unless an airport lobby suits your fancy, whenever you travel you’re going to need somewhere to stay. To help you decide where to stay and how to maximize your dollars and fun while staying away from home, these sites are a must read.

  1. Redroomchronicles.com

    Read everything there is to know about the Marriott hotel chain. The author reviews each stay all over the country, making sure you know what to expect when you book your visit.

  2. Hotelchatter.com

    Check hotel prices, read reviews, and find contact information for any hotel in the world. This blog also posts fun stories about featured hotels.

  3. Hotels in the World

    Hotels in the World posts articles about hotel news like new franchises, construction updates, and more. View photos of the hotel you’re thinking about staying in to make sure it’s what you expect.

  4. HotelsPortalonline.com

    Browse articles that give tips on online booking and surviving the holiday hotel traffic.

  5. The Informed Traveler

    This “guide to luxury travel” will give you a taste of how the other half lives, even if you’re not able to indulge in it yourself. View photos and read reviews and news about the finest hotels all over the world.

  6. Active Hotels

    This blog cleverly provides price guides for stays in many places around the globe and allows you to search for the best hotel deals.

  7. Hotel Blogs

    Find the best there is in hotel news and features on the Web by checking out hotel-blogs.com. An insider’s look on the business side of hotels, as well as customer satisfaction, gives this blog an insightful approach.

  8. Marriott Blog

    Read about the Marriott hotel chain from the man himself, Mr. Bill Marriott. Click through the links to see what’s new in the hotel’s empire.

  9. Quality Hotel Guide

    Search for and book fabulous hotels for everyday prices.

  10. Hotels by City

    This blog organizes its extensive list of hotels by city, allowing you one of the easiest, most logical searches on the Web.

  11. Vacationrentals.com

    A comprehensive directory of rentals in all 50 states, vacationrentals.com also provides information on each location, including food and culture.

Plane Information

From industry news and updates to simply how to maximize your comfort while in the air, these sites are essentials for frequent business fliers.

  1. Upgrade: Travel Better

    One of the most lauded travel blogs, Upgrade encourages travelers to fight for their rights as loyal, paying airplane passengers. Find cheap flights and learn about airline news by checking back frequently.

  2. AirTravel.about.com

    This site gives information on the newest travel restrictions and airline mergers, as well as providing fun and exotic travel ideas to its readers.

  3. flyertalk: View from the Wing

    Find ticket deals, learn how to make the most of your frequent flyer miles, and add to the blog’s forum on any number of topics from food and dining to travel photography.

  4. Air travel news

    This blog serves as your daily source for everything newsworthy in the airline and airport worlds.

  5. Aviationblogger.com

    View the skies from the eyes of a pilot for a change! Get the news, stories, and inside scoop about flying commercial jets for an interesting look at the airline industry.

  6. Boeingblogs.com

    Read the journal of Randy Tinseth, Marketing VP for Boeing.

  7. Jetblue.com

    Read this blog for the latest updates from Jet Blue.

  8. Southwest Airlines Blog

    Read about news from the popular American airline and air travel in general. If you’re flying Southwest, click through the site to confirm your flight

  9. Airport parking blog

    Learn how you can save money on airplane tickets by driving to another airport and taking a direct flight. Find information on parking at major airports, and read up on general travel tips and news.

  10. Aviation Week

    Before you leave for the airport, find out about what the air travel world is buzzing about. Mergers and layoffs affect your travel schedule more than you might think.

The Americas travel

If your travel plans keep you within North, Central, or South America these blogs have you covered when it comes to travel advice and planning.

  1. GoNYC.about.com

    Get an expert’s advice on what to do in the Big Apple each month of the year. Read about the best food, shopping, museums, parks and more.

  2. Urban Vancouver

    Despite its name, this blog offers readers ideas on what to do inside the city of Vancouver, as well as around the scenic landscape outside the urban hustle and bustle.

  3. SideStep: Mexico

    This blog connects you to other authors who love to write about Mexico. Search the directory to find a story or travel tips that interest you.

  4. US Visa information

    If you or someone you know if traveling to the U.S., check out this site for official information on obtaining visas.

  5. South America Business

    Read headlines from South America before you make the trip. You’ll get a feel for the political and social climate, and may even impress your hosts with your knowledge of their continent.

  6. sfist.com

    Click through the photos and read the city’s colorful news items to prepare yourself for the local flavor of San Francisco.

  7. Mexico.vg

    Learn about the more glamorous side to vacationing in Mexico, including trivia about new skyscrapers and fancy hotels.

  8. Internationalevents.suite101.com

    Keep track of some of the best parties on the planet, or at least in South America. Check the calendar often to make sure you don’t miss anything.

  9. Newyorkology.com

    Often hailed as the greatest city in the world, there’s no way to explore all of New York City in just one trip. This blog helps narrow down your planning, though, with directories and links to hotels, neighborhood attractions, transportation, and more. Don’t miss the “Cheap Stuff” category to save a few bucks while visiting the Big Apple.

  10. Midnightpoutine.ca

    On this blog, read articles about food, music, and the arts in beautiful, historic Montreal.

  11. Buenos-aires-apartments.blogspot.com

    Get valuable information about the city’s customs, language, and more at this site.

European travel

These sites are all focused on one thing: improving European travel. From letting you know what to see, to how much it costs, and down to which rewards card will give you the most bang for your buck in getting there, these sites are must reads for any European business traveler.

  1. Bestbandbs.com

    Read about the charming delights of staying in a bed and breakfast in the English countryside.

  2. Road to Ireland News blog

    Discover the traditional, mystical, and rambunctious treats Ireland has to offer.

  3. Typicallyspanish.com

    Check the current news stories in Spain, as well as find information on hotels and fun things to do anywhere in the country.

  4. HotelRome.net

    Perhaps the best site if you plan on staying in a hotel in Rome, this blog provides a listing of different hotels, links to cheap deals, and general advice for lodging in this lively, historical city.

  5. Hotels Paris Rive Gauche

    Not only does this site inform readers about hotels on the Left Bank in Paris, it also serves as a must-read guide for the City of Light. Get tips for picnicking in and around the city, visiting museums, and shopping at the best boutiques.

  6. Europe Business Daily

    Visit Europe Business Daily before you fly to Europe and each day you’re there. Get the information you need to avoid being the Ugly American.

  7. European Union News

    This blog by the London newspaper The Guardian covers all the news relevant to the European Union and elsewhere around the world.

  8. Forex blog

    Get up-to-the-minute information on exchange rates and the stock market.

  9. Eurocheap.com

    A must-visit site for any traveler on a budget. Find out how to fly, stay, and survive in Europe on the cheap.

  10. Hyde ParkTowers Hotel blog

    Plan out your trip to London, whether or not you’re going to be lodging at this upscale hotel. Make use of the links to explore nightlife, museums, and historical attractions.

  11. Wandering Italy

    Find out everything there is to know about vacationing in Italy, thanks to this blog and its extensive list of links to local calendars, festivals, hotels, and guidebooks.

  12. Realtravel.com/barcelona

    Party all night with the locals, tour the numerous Gaudi structures throughout the city, or take a walk on the beach. Everything you’d want to do and see in Barcelona can be found here.

  13. Europepathway.com

    A comprehensive travel site for the whole continent, this blog has everything you need to planning a European vacation.

Asian travel

Every business traveler’s first trip to Asia is guaranteed to be an adventure. Help make sure that yours is a positive one by using these sites as planning resources.

  1. Shanghaiist.com

    Read and contribute to articles and forums about politics, culture, and nightlife in this vibrant Chinese capital.

  2. India eNews

    Brush up on news, economics, politics, and the stock market in India before your business takes you there.

  3. China Economic Review

    Catch up on the economic, technology and other news from this international powerhouse. A must-read blog for any traveler to China.

  4. RealTravel.com: Beijing

    You might think that when you fly to Beijing for business you’ll be tied up in meetings in the city all day. Check out this blog for quick trips to the city’s more peaceful hideaways for a chance to unwind.

  5. BootsnAll.com: Tokyo and Japan

    Search by region to find the best spots in Japan, whether you’re a first-time tourist or a regular visitor.

  6. Japan Visitor Blog

    This blog provides readers with basics about each region in Japan, as well as things to do in and around cities like Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo. Experience unique nightlife or escape to the country for a day.

  7. Mumbai Help

    The principal blog to turn to if you encounter disaster in Bombay. This blog links readers to local hospital, donor, and emergency contacts.

  8. GoHongKong.about.com

    Read about shopping, sports, and hotels in Hong Kong, all at this one site.

  9. Japan.seekingaplpha.com

    This blog is a must-read for anyone traveling to Japan on business. Browse articles about the Japanese and Asian economies to be prepared.

  10. MiddleEastTravel.suite101.com

    Find whatever it is you’re looking for regarding travel in the Middle East on this blog. Whether you’re going to Jordan, Iran, Turkey, or Iraq, you’d better be informed on impromptu security checks, the political climate, and local fairs and festivals before you get on the plane.

  11. Asiahotelstravel.com

    Stay informed on the best deals for traveling to and around Asia.

  12. Japan Travel Info

    View photo galleries of beautiful, festive Japan while reading articles on news, culture, and society.

  13. ChinaTour.com

    Find everything you need to know about visiting China: hotel reservations, health information, weather forecasts, festivals, and more.

On the Road

Not every business trip can be as glamorous as overseas travel. But even if your trip is just to the next town over, a little bit of insight and planning can go a long way to making it a success. These sites will help you do just that.

  1. Road Gladiator

    This blog is tailored to appeal to those travelers who “spend their lives on the road.” Read about how others survive the grueling highway life.

  2. Highway blogs

    This site allows truckers and other highway travelers to trade stories, construction updates and other need-to-know information about driving all day and all night.

  3. AAroads.com

    Stay informed with construction and toll updates, road conditions and more by visiting this site frequently.

  4. Weather.com blog

    Check the Weather Channel’s weather blog to get a heads up on the weather conditions where you’re headed. Meteorologists explain weather patterns and conditions to help you better understand why it’s raining, hailing, or a beautiful sunny day.

  5. Route 66 News

    Figure out the best places to stop for dinner or shopping along the legendary Route 66. Connect with other travelers to keep your spirits up and get you motivated for the long drive ahead.

Travel Gadgets

What frequent business traveler doesn’t love the latest gadget? These sites will keep you up to date on all the latest and greatest from the business travel gadgetry world.

  1. Gizmodo.com

    Gizmodo is one of the best blogs on the Internet for listing and reviewing the newest gadgets. Check back often to find out what their editors recommend.

  2. Tourism Technology

    Read about the latest trends in travel technology to avoid making a techno faux pas on your next flight. You wouldn’t be caught dead without the latest and greatest…right?

  3. Gadgetblog

    Browse articles about cameras, iPods, cell phones and more to make sure you’re equipped with the most reliable tools on your next trip.

  4. TechEblog

    View photos and read reviews of the newest gadgets no one else has – yet.

  5. Travel Gear Blog

    Whether you’re hoping to take in a few nature hikes or want to connect with faraway family members during your next business trip, visit travelgearblog.com to make sure you’ve packed all the right toys.

  6. Travel Technology

    Make your business look good by flaunting the most currenty techonological phones, computers, and music players.

  7. Travel Tech

    Learn about the newest travel information popping up on the Internet daily. Check this blog often to stay ahead of the game.

  8. iPoditude.com

    This iPod blog will give you everything you need to know about yours: software problems, downloading issues, new accessories, and the latest versions.

  9. Techfresh.net

    Catch up on the latest technology news at techfresh.net, and learn more about how your portable DVD player works and the newest in computer technology.

Security information

One of the most dramatic changes in business travel over the last decade has been the increasing importance and nuisance of stepped up security measures. Help minimize your inconvenience and do your part to help in the process by educating yourself with these sites.

  1. Airport Security Blog

    Read the latest news in airport security so that long lines won’t make you late.

  2. US State Department information

    Visit the official US State Department Web site before traveling overseas to get briefed on terror alerts, homeland security updates, passport information, and embassy news.

  3. US Customs and Border Protection

    Another source for vital safety and customs information, the US Customs and Border Protection Agency’s site is worth checking.

  4. Travel Security

    Read about general air travel safety precautions, as well as specific concerns and alerts.

  5. Homeland Security Watch

    The Homeland Security’s blog authors information on everything you need to know to be a safe, aware, and responsible traveler.

  6. WhisprWave

    This blog covers security information not only for air travelers, but also for those leaving or returning to the United States by sea.

  7. Lawandterrorism.com

    Better understand terrorism alerts when you read about the legal issues surrounding homeland security.

Whether you’re driving to the next state or flying all the way to Japan for your next business trip, take another look at this list to make sure you’re totally prepared. Making sure you’ve got the latest on travel conditions, terror alerts, city guides, and travel toys will guarantee you’ve got a great trip lined up…even if you do have to fit in a little work.

The Art of Packing: 44 Tips to Save Space, Time and Keep You Organized

Tuesday, October 23, 2007 at 1:34pm by admin

Gearing up for that big trip to Europe? A bachelorette party in Vegas? Or just going down the road to Grandma’s? If you’re planning to stay overnight during your next trip, you’re also probably getting yourself pumped up for that inevitable fight with your suitcase. Packing for any kind of trip can be frustrating, so we’ve assembled a list of 44 easy tips that will save you space and time and help you avoid another packing nightmare.

Clothes

Start thinking ahead of time about what kinds of clothes you’ll need for your trip: going out clothes, beachwear, outfits for fancy occasions, etc. Go shopping if you need to while you still have time!

  1. Match up outfits before you start packing. Lay out the clothes you want to pack before setting them in your suitcases. Organizing your clothes by day and occasion will prevent you from forgetting certain items, realizing you brought nothing that matches another clothing item, and forgetting to bring enough appropriate outfits. Evaluating each outfit ahead of time will also save you time once you’re on vacation, since you’ll already have an idea of what you plan to wear each day and night.

     

  2. Put the heaviest items in first. Heavier items like wool, corduroy, and denim should be place in your suitcase before other items. They are more wrinkle resistant, so piling the rest of your clothes on top of them won’t matter as much. Jeans, khakis, and heavy tunics are also harder to stuff into your suitcase if you’ve already got it mostly full, unlike tank tops and slinky dresses which can be easily stashed in corners or laid out on the very top layer.

     

  3. Use underwear and socks as fillers. Stash your underwear and socks anywhere they’ll fit. They’re great to use as filler space between bulkier clothes to make sure you’re not wasting any space. Also, who cares if your Calvin Kleins are a little wrinkled? Just be sure to count out enough pairs before you start packing…especially if you won’t be able to do laundry at any point during your trip.

     

  4. Take clothes that can be worn over and over. If your closet will allow it, try to pack as many clothes that you can wear at least twice without washing. Jeans, denim skirts, and khaki shorts usually withstand a couple of wears, provided you’re not doing any rock climbing or have to stand out in the sun all day. If you limit the amount of heavy clothing items, you can stock up on plenty of layering pieces like tunics, lightweight tees and tanks, and shawls or windbreakers to give lots of variety to your vacation wardrobe.

     

  5. Avoid packing easy-to-wrinkle items. Material like linen does not travel well. Unless you plan to do a lot of ironing during your trip, avoid packing linen clothing, and instead opt for similar, cool materials like featherweight cotton, seersucker, or eyelet cottons. You may have to fight some wrinkles, but at least you won’t be spending all your time slaving away a hot iron instead of enjoying your time off.

     

  6. Wear only one sweater or jacket the whole trip. If possible, try to pack only one sweater and/or jacket for your whole trip. Unless you’re going to Paris Fashion Week in the winter, you should be able to get away with sporting the same outerwear for a few days. You can jazz up your outfits with different accessories to keep your look from getting too tired out too quickly. You’ll be saving yourself a ton of extra packing space, so you can stock up on more fun items like shoes and shirts. Even better if you decide to wear or carry your jacket on the plane instead of forcing it into your luggage.

     

  7. Start rolling. Most experienced packers already understand the significance of rolling your clothes to save major space in your suitcase. Fold each of your shirts in half lengthwise, then start rolling it up from the bottom hem up to the neckline. Do this with as many cotton and casual tops as you can in order to leave space for your dressier items that need to lie flat. Plus, rolled-up clothing items are more likely to fit side by side, allowing you to easily spot your outfits once you’re ready to wear them, instead of having to dig through layers and layers of stacked items.

     

  8. Tuck plastic around the top layer. Even if there’s no rain or snow in the forecast, tuck plastic around the final layer of clothing before you zip it closed. Old dry cleaning bags work especially well, and won’t take up any extra space. You’ll need the protective layer to prevent water from seeping in and damaging your clothes.

     

  9. Take outfits that you can mix and match. Picking out outfits days or even weeks ahead of time seems like a foolproof way to organize your packing, but it can be problematic. The weather can change suddenly, or even more probably, your mood will alter and you won’t feel like wearing whatever it is you picked out for that day. Pack plenty of mix and match pieces so you’re wardrobe is flexible enough to match your mood. Try shopping at stores like J.Crew or Polo Ralph Lauren, which supply new twists on classy basics.

     

  10. Pick day-to-evening outfits. If your trip requires you to constantly change your clothes from one type of event to the next, you’re probably pulling your hair out trying to find a way to fit double (or triple) the amount of clothes into your bag. Instead of packing separate outfits for each occasion, select simple ensembles that transfer easily from day to evening. Stick to neutral shades like black, gray, or even white during the summer. Changing shoes, accessories, and hairstyles will allow you to pack less but still look appropriate, no matter the occasion.

     

  11. Bring Ziploc bags for dirty clothes and underwear. To keep your dirty socks and underwear separate from your clean supply, bring a few large Ziploc bags. Store them in a separate pocket of your suitcase so you’ll never wonder which ones you should wear and which you already have.

     

Accessories

To avoid looking the same each day, have fun with your accessories. Stick to one color palette to minimize the amount of extras you bring.

  1. Stick to one color palette. To avoid bringing enough accessories to satisfy both black-based and brown-based wardrobes, limit yourself to one color palette. Black belts, bags, shoes, and hair accessories will go with most clothing items. If you simply can’t decide, try going metallic. Silver and gold mix and match more easily than solid blacks and browns.

     

  2. Bring one evening bag. Now that you’ve narrowed down your day bag to just one purse, it’s time to do the same for evening. Try a color like off-white or emerald that will go with many outfits but still make your look pop.

     

  3. Jewelry: Use a separate bag just for jewelry and place each earring, bracelet, and necklace in its own pocket to avoid tangling. Just as you decided on one color palette with your other accessories, try to stick to either gold or silver-based jewelry. Jewelry is easier to mix and match, but limiting yourself to one general color scheme will keep you from adding to the pile and taking too much.

     

  4. Perfume/cologne: It sounds simple, but picking just one perfume or cologne to bring with you on your vacation will save you a lot of trouble. Take another look at your outfits and determine which of your scents best compliments your style, as well as the predicted weather pattern during your stay. (Hint: overly sweet scents are nauseating in extremely warm, humid climates.) Put your bottle into a plastic bag and then slip into a thick ankle sock for added protection. Surround with other stable but soft items to prevent breakage.

     

  5. Silk scarves play up repetitive outfits. If you look into your suitcase and all you see is boring shades of black, white, or brown, don’t let the blandness of your vacation wardrobe frustrate you. Toss in a couple of light, easy-to-pack silk scarves to add punch to your look. Brightly colored scarves can work tied around your waist, neck, or even shoulders. The best part? They don’t take up any room in your bag!

     

  6. Wrap shoes in plastic. To protect your shoes and your clothes, wrap each shoe in a plastic grocery bag or dry cleaning bag. You’ll keep your clothes cleaner and prevent shoes from scuffing against each other. Pack your shoes anywhere they will fit, alternating between layers of clothing and using socks and underwear as fillers space.

     

  7. Minimize swimwear. Bathing suits hardly take up any space at all, but if you get carried away with different cover ups, beach towels, and totes, you’re going to end up taking up way too much room. Minimize your beachwear by throwing in no more than 4 bathing suits and no more than 2 cover ups that can only be used at the beach. If you want more variety, pack a couple of extra tank tops that you can wear on or off the sand.

     

  8. Pack a case for your glasses and/or sunglasses. If you’re not going to wear your glasses or sunglasses on the plane or in the car, make sure you pack them in a special case for protection. Your bags are probably stuffed with clothes, shoes, and other odds and ends that could topple on top of your pricey shades and scratch or even break them before you arrive at your final destination. Save yourself the heartache and invest in a simple case like one of these, from the Sunglass Hut.
  9. Personal items. Don’t forget to pack your extra special personal items. Whether it’s prescription medicine, sanitary items, or anything else, you may or may not have a chance to restock your depleted supply as fast as you’d hoped. Carry medicine with you on the plane, making sure that the amounts correspond with the strict carry on restrictions.

     

  10. Evaluate your lingerie situation. Unless you’re headed on a romantic honeymoon or anniversary trip, you probably don’t need to stuff your suitcase with hoardsof fancy lingerie. If you can’t sleep unless you’re dressed to the nines in a favorite teddy, pack your silk and satin pieces, foregoing other, heavier items like fluffy terry robes and loungewear.

     

  11. Make a list of what goes with what. To avoid pulling your hair out trying to decide which shoes are supposed to go with what pants or which tie your wife picked out for your poor, color-blind self, make a list of items as you pack that go together. If you really think you’re going to be confused, delicately pin a tie to its corresponding shirt in an inconspicuous place, or loosely tie a belt around its matching pants.

     

Makeup & Personal Hygiene

Stick to the basics and go mini to avoid overpacking unnecessary items.

  1. Use a separate bag or tote. Pack your personal hygiene items — shampoo, deodorant, dental care, shaving items — in a separate bag from your clothes. You’ll reduce the risk of spilling all your gooey products on your clothes and shoes, and it will help you stay organized.

     

  2. Buy 2-in-1 Frizz control shampoo and conditioner. 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner will alleviate the burden of lugging around an extra bottle of hair product. Choose a frizz-control kind, like this one from Pantene, to reduce the amount of time and product you’ll have to spend on your hair outside the shower. Most of your frizz fighting battle is won with your shampoo anyway, not with waxes or sprays.

     

  3. Go mini. Whoever invented trial size beauty and bath products was a genius. Stock up on mini lotions, shaving creams and gels, toothpaste, loofahs, and more to make packing personal hygiene as easy as possible.

     

  4. Only bring product that will shorten your beauty prep time. If your hair is normally wavy but you like to wear it straight, chances are you have to enlist the help of a blow dryer and hair straightener each day. To avoid weighing down your travel totes with unnecessary hair care items, only pack products that eliminate steps in your usual regimen. For instance: try letting your hair go wavy during vacation. Bring a styling mousse that lets you skip the blow dryer and straightener, yet keeps your locks looking luscious.

     

  5. Stick to one makeup trend for day and one for night. Think of your makeup as being another accessory. Stick to one trend for daytime and one for nighttime. You’ll save yourself a lot of space if you only bring half your makeup arsenal with you on vacation.

     

  6. Go oil-free. Laura Mercier’s stick foundation is heavy enough to cover up bad blemishes but light enough to keep your facefrom breaking out and looking greasy. Traveling can make pimples appear easily, so using a makeup that’s fresh and simple will not only save space in your makeup bag, it’ll help your skin adjust to its new surroundings more smoothly.

     

  7. Use the same product for lips, cheeks, and eyes. All-purpose makeup is a traveling girl’s best friend. Use the same product for lips, eyes, and cheeks and watch your beauty prep time be cut in half. You’ll also be able to perform quick touch ups more easily if you’re dealing with one little make up case, instead of a whole trunk full of goodies.

     

  8. Stick to the basics. Whatever your morning hygiene and beauty regimen, it’s best to stick to the basics when you’re traveling. There’s no need for a pumice stone or time for an all out wax. Bring moisturizing lotion that’s appropriate for every part of your body, use tweezers to get through your in-between days, and bring disposable razors instead of an electric one, if possible. If you can get away with it, wash your hair every other day to save yourself time and make your trial size shampoo bottles last longer. You don’t want to look like The Ugly American as you make your way down the streets of Paris, but sticking to the basics will make your suitcase lighter and give you more time to enjoy the sights.

     

  9. Wrap liquids and gels in plastic. Wrap each liquid and gel product in its own Ziploc or plastic bag. If anything spills, every item that’s packed in the same bag will get sticky as well.

     

  10. Double check carry on restrictions. Before you start packing, check the Transportation Security Administration Web site to double check with items you can and cannot bring with you on board the plane. After stocking up on all those trial size items, you won’t want to have to throw them away because they’re not packed in a see-through plastic bag!

     

  11. Keep like items together. To keep you better organized, keep like items together in different travel bags. Pack makeup and jewelry together, ties, belts, and bags together, and shower items together. This system is to help you avoid bringing 3 separate bags into the bathroom every time you shave your legs or fix your hair. If your shampoo isn’t packed alongside your bath soap, you’ll be hopelessly confused.

     

Extras

Get organized to avoid getting frustrated.

  1. Keep your library at home. There’s a right and a wrong way to do your summer reading. Pack a book and/or a couple of magazines to read while you’re in transit to your vacation destination and to look over during down time, but don’t be tempted to throw in the entire contents of your bookshelf. Select a paperback book to stash in your carry on bag, and if you happen to finish it way ahead of schedule, pass it along to another reader or donate it to the local library in the city you’re staying. Feel free to pick up a new one, but keeping several books in your suitcase will take up unnecessary space and add major weight to your load.

     

  2. Stash portables in easy-to-reach pockets. If you have to store your carry on bag in the overhead bin, chances are it’s going to be shoved to the back of a number of other bulky bags, or located somewhere 12 seats ahead of you. To avoid having to go to even more trouble finding your in-flight entertainment, make sure you know exactly where you’ve packed your iPod, reading material, and snacks. Designate a certain bag and specific pockets for all the items you’ll want to reach during the plane ride.

     

  3. Invest in an iPod or mp3 player. Schelpping around dozens of CDs in a bulky binder and keeping track of an oversized Walkman or Discman is sooo 10 years ago. If you travel frequently, go ahead and invest in an iPod or mp3 player. They’re not even that expensive anymore, and you’ll save yourself lots of space in your bag, not to mention the frustration of searching for CDs every 30 minutes.

     

  4. Sneak in a portable iron. Even though you decided to ditch the linen in the packing process, you may still need an iron. Some fancy hotels provide one for you, but you might want to call ahead to make sure. If they don’t, bring a portable iron that won’t take up much space in your suitcase. Instead of wearing wrinkled clothes during your vacation or business convention, you’ll look and feel crisp, savvy, and professional.

     

  5. Small first-aid kit You can never be too prepared. You should also keep a small first-aid kit in your suitcase or carry on (if the contents comply with security regulations) just in case. You might grumble about the extra room it takes up, but as soon as someone slices their finger on an unruly suitcase lock or gets stung by a bee waiting for the ferry, you’ll be glad you have it.

     

  6. Snacks As if peanuts could ever fill you up. Now, many airlines are only serving tiny snacks to hungry passengers, no matter how long the flight lasts. Pack some snacks to take along with you to fend off nausea and irritability. You can choose to buy them at the airport, but you’ll be paying a lot more than you would at your local grocery store. Try Nabisco’s 100 calorie snack packs or Nutri-Grain bars to keep you going. You’ll stay satisfied and won’t be as likely to cave in to the greasy fast food during your long layover.

     

  7. Save a little room for the presents you’ll bring home! Reserve a little extra space for the goodies you’ll be bringing back after your vacation. If you can, fold up an empty, soft duffel bag that you can fill up just for souvenirs.

     

Things to Buy Once You’re There

Not everything should be packed ahead of time.

  1. Laundry soap If you’re going to be able to do laundry wherever it is you’re going, wait until you get there to buy laundry detergent. Liquid soap will undoubtedly spill and ruin your belongings and your luggage, while powdered versions also risk spilling and causing a mess.

     

  2. Sunscreen You should never forget to pack the sunscreen before you head out to the beach, but you don’t need to pack it in your suitcase next to all your pretty beachwear. If there’s a beach nearby, practically every store will carry sunscreen, so just wait until you’ve arrived to make the purchase. If you don’t use it all during your stay, leave it with friends or relatives, or just throw it away.

     

  3. Kitchen, food and beverage items Perishable items might spoil in your suitcase, or even worse, spill. Wait until you’re at your final destination to buy things for the kitchen, food, and alcohol. Unless you plan on consuming it during your flight, it’s probably best not to bring it at all.

     

  4. Anything you’re not sure you’ll need. If you’re not at least pretty certain that you’ll need to bring your own beach towel or other unwieldy items, don’t bother packing them. If you have to shell out a few extra dollars for an item you didn’t know you needed to bring, that extra room in your suitcase will more than make up for it.

     

Packing for a trip shouldn’t take away from the excitement of an upcoming vacation. Start planning your outfits ahead of time to give you enough time to go shopping for anything you might need. Stick to one or two color palettes for clothes, accessories, and makeup, and keep your beauty and body care regimens as simple as possible. And most importantly, don’t forget to pack that extra duffel for presents and souvenirs!

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