Hey, collegiettes, summer is right around the corner, and that means it’s time for traveling! Here are some tips and trips that will get you covered!
Do’s
1. Do pack lightly
Ladies, this is not the time to bring your house with you! I mean baggage fees are expensive, and you would be mad if you realize you brought something that you didn’t use. I would rather spend that $30-$50 on food if I were you. Also, why carry more if you don’t have to?
2. Do mix and match your clothes
Bring different tops, cardigans, and some pants. Day 1 you can tie a cardigan on your waist. Day 2 you can wear the cardigan with a top underneath, etc. This way, you can use your clothes to your advantage, and you don’t have to pack seven different outfits or more.
Photo Credit: EverydaySavvy
3. Do bring an extra bag for dirty clothes
The worst thing you can do is mix your worn clothes with your clean ones; make sure you bring a mesh bag or drawstring bag to put your dirty clothes in. This way you will remember to wash them when you get home.
4. Do roll up your clothes
Trust me, ladies, it will save a ton of space in your duffel bag or suitcase luggage. So, roll it up like an egg roll, and work with the space you have. If it doesn’t fit, it probably means you don’t need it or put it in your carry-on.
Photo Credit: iMove
5. Do bring your passport
In today’s society, even traveling to Canada requires a passport. So, don’t forget it or let your passport be the reason why you missed your flight!
Photo Credit: Houston Library
Don’t’s
1. Don’t spend too much money
As cliché as this sounds, seriously, don’t spend all your money at the destination. I know the souvenir shops are tempting and remember you don’t want to pay a fee for exceeding the suggested luggage weight. Ask yourself, do I really need this?
2. Don’t let foreign transactions get you
If you are traveling internationally, make sure you check with your bank or credit card company to see if there are any foreign transaction fees. If there is, make sure you get your hands on one that doesn’t charge it because you will rack up a hefty bill every time you swipe that card.
Photo Credit: NerdWallet
3. Don’t forget travel notifications
If you are planning on traveling, make sure you call your bank and credit card company to let them know you are traveling. Otherwise, they might decline your transaction thinking your card is stolen or some fraudulent activity occurred. Trust me, I work in retail, and so many of my customers get frustrated at the checkout.
Photo Credit: Citi Cards
4. Don’t forget to know your spending limit
Some credit cards and debit cards cap you at “x” dollars per day, so make sure you know this number and keep it in my mind before you go and as you are swiping. This way, there are no surprises when your card bounces.
5. Don’t bring any shampoo, perfume, body wash or lotion, etc. with you
This may sound silly, but the airline restricts a certain amount of fluids on the plane. I had a friend who spent $30 on fragrances at Bath & Body Works, and she had to watch the airport throw them all away if she wanted to board a flight from Chicago to Los Angeles. So, save your money and wait until you reach your destination. Remember, purchase travel sizes only if your hotel does not already provide it, or if you prefer a specific brand.
That’s it for now, collegiates; I hope you found these tips helpful, and get excited for your trips this summer!