When packing flashlights or other battery-powered devices that might easily switch on, always turn the batteries around inside the device — or, remove one or more of the batteries completely from the device.
This way, if the item is accidentally turned on while hiking or moving about, you won’t drain the batteries.
When traveling over the holidays with gifts, never pre-wrap!
Wrapped items may need to be inspected by the TSA, and that could mean they’ll be unwrapped by security before you even get to your destination. Go ahead and pack the gifts, but either pack a few sheets of wrapping paper — or just plan to purchase paper at your destination — and tend to the task after landing
After checking into your hotel room, go back out and count the doors from your room to the nearest stairway.
In case of fire, the stairway may be the only way out. If you had to crawl under a blanket of thick smoke, you could just feel the doors and count down until you know you have reached the safety of the stairway.
Don’t forget to pack your trusty flashlight, in case you need to exit during a blackout.
We’ve been traveling a lot lately, and a baby usually means less room in the car/trunk.
Rather than lug boxes of baby necessities around, consider ordering supplies online — diapers, food, etc. — and shipping them to your destination. You’ll have more room in your car; there’ll be less to pack and unpack; and your neck won’t be so sore from hauling boxes in and out of the house.
Looking to lighten your luggage load? Instead of bringing more clothing, bring along a small bottle of Woolite and do hand laundry instead.
By using a sink or the bath tub, you can stop and do a load of laundry anywhere you travel.
Just remember the rule of threes when it comes to hand-washing and travel:
1.) you need at least one item to wear while…
2.) one item is drying, and…
3.) a third in reserve.