Typically, I travel very light. I love getting on a plane with my carry on and my computer bag. Typically, I pull out my old school book printed on paper to read on the plane but will put the computer to good use once I reach my destination.

It has been a very very long time since I have checked a bag. If I know I am going someplace for an extended visit then I prefer to send items ahead via FedEx rather than hassle with checking them at the airport and waiting around for bags once I have landed. When I reach a new destination it is way more fun to just hop off the plane and be on my way.

But today there are bags to check.

One of the things I love doing in the whole world is traveling. And traveling with my kids and my family is absolutely the best. Today I get to travel with a couple of my kids and so that is awesome. I love everything about traveling. Even waiting in line is ok with me because it gives me time to look up at the list of destinations and dream about where I might want to go on my next adventure.

Here are some of my travel tips:

• Do your best to give yourself enough time so that it is never a stressful situation.
• Pack everything (especially delicates – aka undies) in ziplock bags because it makes it easier to pack and these days every bag is inspected and so it provides the most assurance that the contents of my bag will arrive clean and untouched.
• Mix and Match.  Take as few clothes as possible and make sure everything works with every item in your bag.  If one item only works with one outfit then you should consider leaving it at home.
• Get a great scarf.  I have a wonderful big pashmina scarf that I wear on the plane to keep me warm from the AC and I also wrap it over myself during meals – if you are on a flight serving food.  It is Murphy’s Law of flight that if you are wearing clothes on the flight that you also want to wear at your destination that the plane will hit turbulence exactly at the moment that you are about to consume some food or drink something colorful.
• Remember chewing gum.  Chewing gum on take off and landing can help pop your ears and make for a more comfortable ride.  But for the benefit of your fellow flyers get some gum like mint or wintergreen that will not exude offensive gum fumes.  Please leave the bubbleyum bubblegum at home.
• Build-a-Bears make exceptional travel pillows.  You can purchase one of those silly looking U shaped pillows for travelling but I have found the Build-a-Bear not only works way better but also has several advantages over the U pillow.  The Build-a-bear will conform to your neck better, if placed between your stomach and the seatbelt can help a mildly upset tummy, it costs less than the U pillow AND if you get to your destination and need a quick gift you have one in hand.  I have even considered giving my build-a-bear to a screaming child on the plane a couple of times which would have provided me with much better sleep than a U pillow.  But fortunately the parents were able to get the kiddos under control and I was able to keep my bear.
• Try not to get too upset if plans change.  Connections are missed – planes are delayed and cancelled – Things happen.  Most people in the world are reasonable people and will help you along the way.  All other people make for a really good story when you reach your destination.

I’ll let you know how this checked bag thing works out today.  Until tomorrow!  Remember – every moment in your life is a “Once in a lifetime opportunity”.

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