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One of the biggest challenges for traveling is deciding what to pack and how to know when enough is too much. Packing can be especially tough before you step onto that long-haul airline trip. While international travel can seem overwhelming if you’re not globetrotting on a regular basis, you can make it a lot easier on yourself with a little preparation and planning. Here are some of our favorite pro travel packing tips to make getting ready for your trip much more pleasant and manageable.

The_Final_Check

8 Pro Travel Packing Tips

1. Make A List  If you’re like me and can’t remember something you went to get in the next room, chances are you’ll forget something you meant to pack if you don’t have a list. One of our key pro traveler packing tips is to be sure to include the little things we all tend to forget like small umbrellas, mini flashlights, medicines, cords, gadgets or anything that will make your trip a success.

2. Paper.  It may be green to go paperless, but one of our next pro traveler packing tips is that this is one instance when it pays to have a physical copy of your passport, visa, credit card, and any other important documents. Keep them in your hotel safe when you’re traveling. We always keep at least one actual credit card and some cash in the hotel safe – just in case. Be sure that your credit cards actually work overseas and most importantly check if they have a foreign transaction fee. It can end up costing you a ton in extra add-on charges if you use the wrong card. Capital One, American Express Platinum, United Explorer, and Citibank AAdvantage Executive are among U.S.-issued cards that currently do not charge this fee. Other cards around the world offer the same benefit. The terms do vary from time to time, so be sure to verify with your card company before you travel outside of your own country. You might also want to bring a pen to fill out those customs forms when you return from your journeys.

Travel Snacks
Travel Snacks

3. Water & Snacks. When it’s offered, airline food can often be unappetizing or worse. If you’re not flying first or business class, where the food may be substantially better,  it makes sense to bring something edible along with you that you know you will like. Another one of our pro traveler packing tips is that taking healthful snacks with you can put you way ahead of the game, no matter what they may be offered onboard. Dry roasted edamame, pretzels, cheese and crackers, dried fruit, and, of course, dark chocolate are all great options. Other passengers will look at you with envy when you take out your little snack pack. Go Picnic, which provides packaged combinations of snacks, is another good solution for grab and go easy but healthy alternative. When you’re in another country, you might just want a snack instead of a big meal too. If you have your snacks along, you’ll be good to go without having to pay high mini-bar prices or needing to search for a convenience store. Having your own preferred tasty snacks with you will make your life a lot easier.

If you’re not flying first or business class you’ll also want to bring some water on the flight with you. Check the regulations because some countries do not allow it at all. Others allow it only after you have gone through security. Drink a lot of water when flying. Yes, you might have to get up a few times but that’s ok. It’s better to get up and move around anyway, especially during long flights. Limit your alcohol consumption while you’re at it. It only makes you more dehydrated and sluggish when you arrive at your destination.

4. Medicines. Our pro traveler packing tips also apply to prescriptions or OTC drugs. If there are any that you take regularly, be sure they’re in your carry-on bag. Flight delays or lost luggage can occur, so you’ll want to have them with you, no matter what may happen. If you have regular sinus trouble, sometimes troubled by changes in humidity, take something to help you on the flight and have it available for those unexpected sinus headaches that can make a long flight really miserable. Also bring along any over-the-counter meds you might need aspirin, Imodium, eye drops, or anything you may not be able to get. We carry a small “medicine bag” that has EVERYTHING in it. We just throw it in our bags and we’re good to go. If you do have a cold or stuffy nose, chewing gum can also help alleviate the “plugged ear” syndrome when landing.

5. Layers.  You never know if it’s going to be hot or cold on a plane. The thin blankets provided can help if you get chilly, but sometimes you need a little more. Our pro traveler packing tips include packing a pashmina, scarf, or light sweater for the unknowable temperatures of plane travel as well as for adding some warmth if it ends up colder in your destination than you anticipated. It won’t take up too much room and will add a little style to any outfit while on the road.

So many gadgets to pack!
So many gadgets to pack!

6. Gadgets. Can’t live with them, can’t live without them. What’s worse than not having your device? Not having it charged. Our pro traveler packing tips include making sure you put all your gadgets and your cords in your carry-on. When traveling internationally be sure to bring the correct adapters too. Most planes now have electrical outlets at your seat, but check with your airline or Seatguru.com before you fly if you’re not sure. If your seat won’t have an outlet, bring along your own extra power with an inexpensive power bank for reserve. Bring a mini-flashlight to keep in your gadget bag.  Sometimes there are power outages in some countries and it’s best to be prepared for any potential interruptions. One of the gadgets I never travel without is my Bose Noise-Canceling Headphones. These make it easy to transport yourself away no matter who’s sitting next to you.

7. Entertainment. Be sure you load up your favorite laptop, tablet or phone with music, movies, books, podcasts, and games. Most airlines have terrific entertainment on long-haul flights but you never know when the system might fail, you’ve already seen everything they have to offer, or there’s just nothing there you want to see. If you’re an Amazon Prime subscriber you can download movies and TV shows before you leave to your device and watch them anywhere. It doesn’t hurt to bring a real book or magazine for times when you just want to read something the old-fashioned way.

8. Extras. Bring an extra set of clothes, underwear, and toiletries with you in your carry-on. At least you’ll have another outfit and the ability to clean up if your luggage goes missing.

Here’s a fun infographic just for you to make it simple to remember how to make the packing process easier for yourself!

Food Travelist 8 top packing tips

Bonus Tips

Pack light! After packing all these snacks, cords, and other stuff you say pack light? Yep! Get everything out take a look and start taking things away. Do you really need that extra pair of shoes? Speaking of shoes, be sure you pack comfortable shoes because travel for us means lots of walking. I pack my Dansko boots in the winter and shoes the rest of the year and can walk all day long. They’re comfy and my feet and help support my back. Win. Win.

Coordinate your wardrobe so you can easily mix and match. Wear jewelry that goes with everything or take different ties and a few less shirts. Even if you do check a bag remember you’re going to be schlepping it around in airports, train stations, bus terminals, and public transportation. Packing light is imperative to your sanity and your back.

Flight delays, cranky flight attendants, language barriers, wrong directions, alarm clocks that fail, jet lag, too much bad food, and too much good food, all can make for rough travels. Pack your extra patience and a big smile. You’ll find the whole experience is made a whole lot easier. Remember, you’re experiencing things most people don’t get to – seeing the world, meeting new people, trying new food – count your blessings. Take a deep breath, chuckle a little to yourself and at yourself, and hit the road!

Lastly, have fun. Laugh often, and see the funny side of even the worst travel nightmare. Remember they will make for good stories later to share with your family and friends on Food Travelist. We love all your stories and want to know how your journeys go!

If you have any other tips you’d like to offer infrequent flyers please share them in the comments below.

Bon voyage!

THE QUICK BITE: Packing can be one of the most challenging aspects of travel. Here are 8 of our best packing tips to help make it easy for you to lighten the load.

By Sue Reddel

We all love to travel but who likes to pack? Even the most experienced travelers can get caught up in what to take and what to leave behind. Fortunately for me, eBags sent me samples of their packing cubes to review and see what I think.* Here’s my bottom line: These lightweight little gems are perfect for organizing all your clothes and accessories – anything and everything you may need to pack. They also make it so easy to find what you want. You don’t need to unpack everything if you know where it is in your handy packing cubes.

As I discovered, there are many benefits to travel packing with packing cubes. You can pack lightweight and heavyweight clothes separately for a long trip. If you like, you can buy different color cubes to keep your clothes organized however you choose or clearly separate your items from those of another traveler (they come in lots of groovy colors). Drop the bags right into the hotel drawers and you’re done unpacking so you can get out and start exploring quickly. They also make going through security a breeze. TSA can quickly take them out if need be and the mesh tops make it easy see what’s inside.

Carry-On Bag
Carry-On Bag
eBags 3 Piece Packing Cubes
eBags 3-Piece Packing Cube Set

Not convinced? Let’s pack a carry-on bag to see just how quick and easy it is to use the packing cubes. Using the 3-piece packing cube set I packed for a typical 5-7 day trip. I pack light, so I know I can get everything into my one carry-on bag. This works perfectly because the 3 packing cubes fit just right into a standard carry-on.

Large eBag Packing Cube
Large eBag Packing Cube

Let’s start with the large packing cube. I easily fit 2 pairs of jeans, 1 pair of khaki pants, 2 blouses, 1 Food Travelist button-down shirt and 1 Food Travelist polo shirt into it. Like most travelers, I find that rolling the clothes works best, preventing too many wrinkles and taking up less space.

Medium eBags Packing Cube
Medium eBags Packing Cube

The medium packing cube holds 4 t-shirts. I take one black t-shirt that goes with everything and can be used as another layer if it’s chilly. I also take one t-shirt as a night shirt, one for a work-out shirt and a Food Travelist t-shirt. This cube also holds a pair of pajama pants and a pair of sweat pants.

Small eBags Packing Cubes
Small eBags Packing Cubes

The small packing cube holds 6 pairs of underwear, 2 bras and 5 pairs of socks.

Fully Packed Carry On Bag
Fully Packed Carry-On Bag

The large cube goes on the bottom and the other two fit easily on top. It’s a perfect fit!

Little Black Travel Bag
Little Black Travel Bag

I still have room for my little black bag, which holds my travel essentials like meds, over-the-counter drugs like Advil Cold & Sinus, eye drops, tissues, nail file and all those little things that get lost if they’re not contained.

Gadget Bag
Gadget Bag

In my carry-on I also have a white bag that I got from Estee Lauder many years ago that’s perfect for all my travel gadgets, chargers, headphones, and cords. That goes in my outside pocket along with my clean plastic bag of travel-sized toiletries. I keep that bag full and ready to go so I don’t need to hunt to find them when I’m ready to pack. I refill anything that needs it when I return. That way I’m always ready to travel quickly.

I also pack 1 pair of loafers and wear 1 pair of comfortable travel shoes. I have an eye mask, mini lint roller, and always take a small umbrella – just in case. These also go into the front pockets of my carry-on bag.

My second carry-on is typically a backpack holding my laptop, small notepad, pens, cell phone, snacks, and a bottle of water. I usually take low-tech reading material, either a book or a magazine. This prepares me for many entertainment possibilities while on a long or short flight.

I found that packing cubes are a great way to organize my clothes and optimize the space in my carry-on bag. It makes the process of packing easy and also provides a quick way for me to find what I’m looking for during the trip. I can also see how great these would be in organizing several travelers – even the little ones!

What do you think? Do you use packing cubes? Would you consider using them? If you’re interested, check out the link below.  Food Travelist is an affiliate partner of eBags. Your purchase through our links helps us keep providing you with the best food travel. Kinda like PBS.


eBags Packing Cubes + OnSite Offer

*DISCLOSURE: I was not financially compensated for this review. I received a sample for review purposes. The opinions are completely my own based on my experience.

THE QUICK BITE: If you’re looking for an easier more convenient way to pack check out eBags Packing Cubes. They’re extremely lightweight and maximize your packing space while keeping you organized.

by Diana Laskaris

I know, I know, I’m a feeder. I’ve heard that since I was in college and learned that cooking helped my popularity rise. Whenever I had a party, my friends would bring their friends, family members, and even people they barely knew. They’d stuff themselves into my small apartment and then stuff themselves with whatever yummy stuff I made for them to stuff themselves with while they were there.

Food Travelist Food Still Makes A Party
Food Still Makes A Party

I remember one particular party that was so well attended and such a happy time that I finally went to bed at around 3 am and told everyone to let themselves out when they were done. Of course, many were still there at 8 am and wondering what “we” were making for breakfast. “We” made lots of fluffy eggs, French toast, freshly squeezed orange juice, and one or two “hair of the dog” drinks for those who enjoyed a little too much the night before.

Food is love to a feeder. Food is communication to almost anyone who eats. I know this because I have traveled the world and spent countless hours finding ways to learn about the culture of those I meet. It always and easily comes down to food. Food and drink allow us to take a shortcut to understand people in their homeland. The spices of India are vibrant. The bounty of rice in Japan is ubiquitous. The scent of fresh fruit in Brazil is undeniable. These are the portals through which we can enter a new culture.

Food Travelist Delicious in Any Language
Delicious in Any Language

When we travel away from our home, we bring those sensibilities with us. Think about all the recipes from all the grandmas and grandpas that are still being made today – sometimes in the homes of descendants who now live half a world away.

Food Travelist When Do We Eat
Fascinating – When Do We Eat?

When Sue Reddel (notably more an eater than a feeder) and I started Food Travelist, it was with the hope that we could bring people around the world together using food as our common language. In fact, we even wrote a chapter about Food and Drink as Communication in the new handbook of the Food Tourism Industry, aptly called “Have Fork Will Travel.”

Food Travelist Feeders And Eaters Have Lots To Share
Feeders And Eaters Have Lots To Share

We hope you use Food Travelist to meet other people all over the world who also love food and that you exchange stories, experiences, and ideas with them. Along the way, whether eater, feeder, or just an observer, we think you will feel enriched by the wonderful variety of Food Travelists you meet here. And learn that what brings us together is far more important than what keeps us apart. Especially where wine and bread are involved!

Food Travelist Sweet Ending
My Kind Of Sweet Ending

THE QUICK BITE: Food is communication to almost anyone who eats. We hope you use Food Travelist to meet other people all over the world who also love food and that you exchange stories, experiences, and ideas with them.