August 16, 2010

When it comes to travel tips, there is a list for just about everything. Best this. Best that. Worst this and worst that. And more and more lists and tips are popping up devoted strictly to technology travel gizmos - phones, netbooks, apps, games - but sometimes you need plain old-fashioned travel tips. With the fall and holiday travel season flying into full mode soon, try these few tips for passport perfect smooth sailing.

The number one rule of travel is to ditch the heavy suitcase. Unless you're riding at the front of the plane in those bigger, nicer seats that allow 70 pounds per bag, then you're in last class where I sit and where we're allowed only a miserly 50 pounds per bag.

First thing you should do is weigh your suitcase, as you may be surprised at how heavy it weighs. I bought a stylish set several years ago, but was astonished when I realized the largest piece, the one I travel with the most, was a hefty 15 pounds. After deducting the 30 pounds or so for my super-duper high maintenance beauty and hair products, only 5 pounds were left for clothes and shoes. No, ma'am, that wouldn't do at all.

After much shopping around and research, I traded in the Model-T behemoth for the snazzier and affordable Sausalito Superlights collection from Ricardo of Beverly Hills (www.RicardoBeverlyHills.com). Named to National Geographic's Ten Best of Everything, the Ricardo brand carries extremely lightweight luggage. The Sausalito Superlights is expandable and has a four-wheel spinner, and best of all the biggest 28-inch upright weighs less than 10 pounds, ideal for high-maintenance heavyweights like me.

Always travel with an alarm clock and flashlight. Since I don't own a watch, I've had a small battery-powered Timex Indiglo (www.TimexAudio.com) travel alarm clock for years that I bought on sale for a mere $5. Not all hotels have clocks, especially those overseas, and wake-up calls can be unpredictable. Plus, I can't count the number of times I've been in hotel power outages and have been grateful for my tiny travel flashlight. Now the Indiglo comes with a built-in flashlight, so for less than $20, you get both in one convenient battery-operated package. Without the extra weight of a separate flashlight, you can score yet another pound for more makeup if you're a lady or Adam Lambert.

Read More >>