Successful packing is all about coordinating. Whether you are going on a business trip or for pleasure, stick with a theme. Believe it or not, you should be able to pack for a week to ten days in a carry-on shoulder bag and a 21″ expandable suitcase (which could be carried on if you are nervous about checking baggage). Usually when I say this in workshops, I hear groans and snickers about wearing the same outfit everyday. By the end of the workshop everyone is staring at a suitcase packed with a variety of outfits and nothing left behind. So how do you do it?

Here are 5 Keys to Success:

• Follow a monochromatic scheme – black, navy, or neutral. If you are trying to pack all three then you have tripled the amount of accessories and shoes that you need.
• Pack no more than 3 pairs of shoes including the ones you are wearing onto the plane.
• If you have followed our advice in the article “Does the label make the clothes?” then you already have a base wardrobe with well-coordinated accessories. The same rule applies here – mix and match.
• Wear your heaviest item onto the plane (blazer, sweater, or overcoat). You can always wear it over your shoulders rather than putting it on.
• If you travel often, have a toiletries kit that stays packed with all of the essentials so you can just throw it into the bag. Use containers appropriate to the length of the trip. There is no need to take the 24oz bottle of shampoo.

If you just can’t seem to pack in anything less than a 26″ suitcase, start out by making a list of everything you think you need, then GET REAL. Make a block table that is divided into categories: Daytime, Nighttime, Accessories, Shoes, Miscellaneous (Non-apparel items) and Departure Day Outfit. If you travel often, I recommend saving a template so you can snap together a suitcase in no time. There are some items that you will need on every trip so why reinvent the wheel each time. When I traveled overseas extensively, I could pack for a trip the hour before I had to leave.

So what do you need for a 10-day business trip? Here are some base lists to get you started.

Daytime:

• 5 bottom pieces (skirts or pants)
• 2 blazers
• (Substitute 2 suits w/ 3 extra bottom pieces)
• 6 blouses, tops or shirts (these can be mixed with your weekend wear also)
• 2 pairs of dress shoes – make sure that at least one can be worn with pants and skirts

Nighttime & Weekend:

• 2 bottom pieces
• 3 tops or shirts
• 1 sweater or jacket if called for by weather
• 1 pair of casual shoes
• 1 more elegant outfit if you have a dressier event

Unless the schedule calls for it, I don’t recommend packing jeans. They are bulky and may not fit the social setting in which you are entering. Casual pants can be adapted more easily into any setting.

Accessories Remember we said to mix and match. Well you don’t want to look like you are wearing the same boring combo every day so change the look of an outfit by re-accessorizing. Accessories don’t take up room in your luggage): Men – ties Women – scarves or costume jewelry

Miscellaneous: Make a standard list of everything you need on a trip such as tickets, money, credit cards, cellphone, passport, CD player and headphones, books & magazines, toiletries bag, etc.

Now you are ready for your next trip. If you are flying, have your toiletries kit in your bag under your seat along with items that help you relax (books, CDs etc). Freshen up just before arriving – shave, fix makeup, comb hair, brush teeth etc. Just think how confident you will appear when you arrive off the plane refreshed and not lugging a 50 lb. jumbo suitcase. There will be a bounce in your step as you meet your hosting party. When they ask where your luggage is, you can smile and say “right here. I am ready to go.” Then watch their faces as they calculate that you will be wearing the same old clothes every day. During the week observe as each day and night you arrive in a seemingly different ensemble. I promise, you will hear tons of comments about how great you look. Bon voyage!

No matter where you’re traveling or whether you’re traveling by car, plane, or train, you’ll want to make sure that you arrive there with everything that you need. You’ll also want to save as much money as you can in getting there. If you’re flying there are several ways that you can save money on your flights. A charter flight is often your best bet for getting to your destination cheaply. The reason that charter flights let you travel for less than other flights is that you fly on the days that they have flights scheduled. The only drawback is that many charter companies will cancel any of the flights that aren’t filled enough. This means that you can find yourself without a flight at the last minute. If you’re going to be booking your flight with a charter company, make sure that you find out what happens if the flight you have booked needs to be rescheduled.

When you’re planning your trip with some time to spare before you book your flight you should do a little comparison shopping on the Internet. By looking around at the prices offered by different airline companies you may be able to get a deal for your flights that you can’t find anywhere else. Many airline discounters can put you on a watch list so that you’ll be notified when there is a low price available for a flight to your destination.

Courier flights are another way that you might consider flying. These freight flights travel regularly and are generally always on time. The only drawback is that you’ll only be able to take one piece of carry-on luggage. If you’re planning on traveling for awhile you may want to consider a regular flight, but if you don’t mind traveling with a small amount of luggage this might be a good alternative choice. Traveling by plane doesn’t always mean that you have to pay a high price. By following these tips and looking around you can find yourself on a plane for a very low cost.

Travel Tips For Driving in Mexico

Why do I need Mexican Automobile Insurance?

The Mexican coastline is so beautiful & close to the Southern California border that  Southern Californians often take day trips or weekend trips into Mexico. It is suggested that you ALWAYS obtain Mexican automobile insurance prior to crossing the border. Mexican authorities do NOT recognize American or Canadian issued auto insurance as valid, regardless that the American policy has “Mexican” coverage. If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident in Mexico, it is likely that you will be detained until the local authorities can determine who is at fault. Even if you are not at fault, under Mexican law, motorists are required to have Mexican auto insurance, or officials will want proof of financial responsibility and will expect you to post a bond to cover estimated costs before you will be released. Financial responsibility can be demonstrated either by possession of cash, approximately $5,000.00-$10,000.00, or by possession of Mexican auto insurance through an authorized company.

Renting a Car in Mexico                                                                                                      If you are renting a car in Mexico, your credit card company may provide insurance, to be safe, buy the Mexican car insurance as well. In the event of an accident your credit card company may reimburse you when you get home.

Before you sign the rental agreement, be sure to look the car over, and have the agent write down every scratch or non-working part or you’ll have to pay for those scratches and parts when you return the car.

Prior to traveling to Mexico, travelers should make their own inquiries into Mexican law. This article does not include all available information regarding traveling in Mexico.

 

Traveling outside of the US can cause a traveler a bit of anxiety; but a Bahama vacation to the Grand Bahamas Island you will find many of the comforts of home.  Here 5 comfort travel tips that should make going to this Island that much easier for you and the kids. Plus with easy access on and off the Island, getting there is a breeze.

Since the Island is just 55 miles off the coast of Florida, getting to the Grand Bahamas Island is very easy to do, either by air or by sea. Several major airlines can fly directly to the Grand Bahama International Airport (FPO) in Freeport. There are now two sea options available, for those who want to take a bit more time to get there, the Discovery Cruise line out of Fort Lauderdale or the Bahamas Celebration out of Palm Beach. 

Although the Grand Bahamas Island is a Caribbean country, it boasts its own unique customs and holidays the similarity to the US makes it a comfort for those travelers who like to stay within their comfort zone.

San Francisco is one of the most beautiful cities located in California that accommodates an average population of about 809,000. Of late, San Francisco has become a very popular holiday destination for vacationers across the world. Tourists come here to enjoy its exquisite beauty of the steep rolling hills, Victorian architecture, China Town and the famous Golden Gate Bridge.

Best of San Francisco

While talking about the best of San Francisco, how can we forget – Downtown District and San Francisco Bay? The waterfront roadway is something where you can experience the true essence of San Francisco. The amazing picturesque views of the city will lure you to click beautiful shots and take home some of the most memorable moments of your life.

Some spectacular tourist attractions include:

Apart from the above, there are various other attractions in San Francisco like, Fisherman’s Wharf, Cartoon Art Museum, Exploratorium, North Beach Museum, Twin Peaks and Japanese Tea Garden, to name a few.

Climate

If you are planning a vacation in San Francisco assuming that climate remains sunny 365 days a year, then you are mistaken. The temperature here is extremely volatile. Sometimes the temperature in this city goes beyond 70 F and sometimes it rains during winters, hence, it may lower down your experience of holidaying in this place. Therefore, the best time to visit San Francisco is in the months of April and October. The climate is pleasant during this time but you may need carrying warm clothes.

Hotels and Accommodation

If you really wish to spend some quality time with your family, then it is best to opt for luxury hotels that are located on the waterfront. The top-notch services offered by these hotels allow you to feel at home and spend a marvelous time with your family members. The best way is to make an advance booking by visiting the hotel’s website and booking the suites that suit your requirement and budget. Hence, these are few San Francisco Travel Tips that can prove to be of great assistance while you plan your vacation and make your trip truly memorable.