One of my favorite things about En Route With… is that it allows me to meet new bloggers and continue to grow my blogroll. Â Tiffany, the author of Passports and Visas, is one of those new blogs that I’ve happily started reading. Â Filled with excellent travel advice (from what to pack to what to do), it’s one you should certainly visit. Â She also knows her stuff when it comes to travel. Â Welcome, Tiffany!
Tiffany Haynes
Marketing Professional | Blogger, Passports and Visas
Since I travel frequently for work (unfortunately not enough for personal lately) [+] I’ve have had bad experiences in the past with lost luggage and then you [+] on my semi-impatient nature ~ that results in a very minimalist and carry-on only traveler!
If I’m traveling by air, I roll with a Heys hard-side wheeled carry-on and a leather Coach tote I scored at an outlet years ago. I love my Coach bag because it has a huge front pocket to throw last minute things in and a back pocket where I typically place my travel folder and two pouches on each side that can hold water, an umbrella or my travel socks for easy access.  If I’m traveling by train or bus, I tend to opt for my LeSportsac large weekender bag or a vintage DVF suitcase (I’m talking the kind that you actually carry by hand). It’s not very practical, even for the train, but makes me feel a bit classical.
When it’s time for me to pack, I ALWAYS start with my handy checklist, then I build out an outfit list and finally I start packing. I typically pack 2-3 days before a trip, which gives me time to pick up any last minute items and to make sure I don’t forget anything. I use this eBags packing cubes 3pc-set to keep my suitcase organized. I start with my larger outfit pieces (blazers, pants, blouses, etc.) and fold and place those in the large packing cube. Then I pack my under garments, t-shirts and tanks into the medium packing cube. I typically roll these items so that more can fit into the cube. I also use the medium cube for my dirty clothes (I use the laundry bags in the hotel to keep it separated and just roll it up and place it in the cube). And, if I’m wearing shoes that require socks, I typically roll my socks and place them inside of the shoes for added space. I reserve the small packing cube for miscellaneous non-liquid toiletries and personal items. I pack my shoes last and I put them in their duster bags ~ this not only protects the shoes, but also prevents any dirt from the soles from getting on my clothes.
I’m always amazed to see the more than likely “road less traveled†type of fashionistas that clack their way through the airport. I just think to myself that they must not travel A LOT. While I love fashion, I do opt for more comfortably stylish pieces. My typical travel outfit consists of leggings, a lightweight tunic or tee, a long cardigan, flats, a scarf and one of my many leather motorcycle jackets (unless I’m going into cold weather that requires a larger coat). I avoid wearing belts, too many layers, clothes with a lot of metal details and jewelry (at least until I get through security). And after my last few trips, I might even consider not wearing my hair in a top knot ~ they’ve actually been checking it!
For some reason, I’m almost always on early morning flights leaving out of the NYC area so I tend to get to the airport about an hour to 1.5 hours before my flight. That gives me plenty of time to get through security and to grab a snack or magazine for the flight. I hate to feel panicked and rushed when traveling.
To get through security quickly, I scan the lines and look for the one that has other business travelers, or at least people who seem to have a routine. My routine consists of ~ putting my laptop in a bin first, followed by my shoes, bag and Ziploc bag of liquids in a second bin, and if I have to wait for a bit in a line I’ll place my jacket in my suitcase, otherwise I’ll just toss it in another bin. And since I tend to wear ballet flats with no socks, I always put on my travel socks so that my bare feet don’t touch the floor. For personal travel, I find that at times I need to pack additional liquids ~ so one trick I’ve learned from a friend is that you can get away with having more than one Ziploc baggie. Just place it in another bin and TSA really has no idea that you have two.
If I happen to have a long layover or just extra time, I always peruse the bookstore, or will find a place that has wi-fi to catch up on email or online shopping.
If I’m on a flight that’s more than four hours, I typically do a mixture of sleeping, working (if I need to put together a presentation or to finalize a project), and reading on my iPad mini or catching up on my gossip magazines (they’re my guilty travel pleasure). If it’s less than four hours, I typically read and my watch one of the in-flight programs or watch whatever movie they’re showing – but only if it’s free!
– Coach tote – Theodora & Callum scarf – iPad mini –
– Heys suitcase – packing cubes – LeSportsac duffel – snack mix –
