I have been searching websites and asking veteran travelers about strange but useful tips for my European trip. We are traveling in a more relaxed manner, so we need to pack efficiently and with style.
No five-star hotel. No herds of tour animals that are comfortable, but also cloistering. There is no tour guide to ensure we have the correct money, tickets, and papers. No waiting bus, no cruise ship to carry our luggage.
Travel Mistakes: Lessons Learned
Last time I visited Europe, it was with my husband and two other couples. This is a memory that I hope to never repeat. We had to make two trips across the Scalzi Bridge to bring our luggage up to the train station in Venice.
It’s just me and my two adult children this time. I am using my experience from Hurricane Harvey to help me. You don’t need anything if you can do it yourself.
Checking my toiletries and medications will ensure that I have enough to last the entire trip. While I am doing my morning and night routines, I put medicines and skin/makeup treatments into a small box.
Where possible, I will reduce my spending. Can I combine this makeup step? Can I use lipstick as blush? Use the shampoo in the hotel instead of worrying about it. Buy a bigger container for our apartment, where we’ll spend most of our time.
Eight Strange Travel Tips
Here are some things you may not have known or had, but will be happy to know.
1. Use a different credit card for your trip.
On his first day of living in London, the son of a close friend lost his card. The card was his main one, on which he made all of his automatic payments. He spent the first few days of his holiday changing card numbers.
A new travel card will eliminate this problem. A new credit card will also allow you to take advantage of the intro offers, such as $150 when you spend at least $500 within the first three months.
2. You can order groceries online and have them delivered to your home.
We use Airbnb a lot. We usually rush to the grocery store after we reach our destination. Include those essential coffee supplies for the next morning. Most of the time, we’re jet- or car-lagged and don’t want to go out.
This is a strange, but very useful tip. Order your food online and pick it up at the airport. You will need milk, bread, coffee cream, fruit, and other staples for the first few days.
It’s okay to continue stocking your shelves online. I still like to go to the local supermarket at least once. You get a feel for your neighborhood. You can do this after a good night’s sleep.
3. Plan a picnic on a plane.
Food on planes is usually expensive and pathetic. On the Happier podcast, I heard a tip from a listener that packed a picnic from Trader Joe’s into her carry-on. The treats that she and her family enjoy from TJ are all in one insulated bag – cheeses, meats, sweets, and bread.
Remember to bring some plastic utensils with you when ordering water, soda, or wine at the airport or in the plane. You’ll be the envy of all your fellow passengers.
4. Packable and stylish shoes.
Rothy Shoes have a stylish design, are machine washable, moisture-wicking, and weigh less than 10 ounces. Rothy’s is made of recycled water bottles.
Did I mention they are stylish? Rothy’s are a great alternative to athletic or hiking shoes. They dress up your outfit while still being comfortable. My animal print flats will spice up my outfit since I am wearing black, white, and denim.
5. Keep downy wrinkle & Odor remover in your backpack.
It’s great to know that you can unwrinkle and refresh your clothes after an overnight flight. The legal travel size is three ounces. This refreshing part is necessary after spending the night in a hotel with 300 of your closest traveling buddies!
6. Bring a collapsible container of water.
The tumblers are impressive but bulky. Other rigid water containers are the same. The Hydaway collapsible Water Bottle can be easily stored in your bag or backpack. It can hold 21 ounces. It takes some practice to collapse it, and sometimes it has a plastic flavor when left out in warm weather. However, the convenience of this product is worth the small drawbacks.
Particularly useful for airport security. You can finish your drink and collapse it to make it easier to go through security. Then, you can refill it after the other side.
7. Hand sanitizer vs. mouthwash.
Choose a travel-sized container of mouthwash. This antiseptic and disinfectant can be used to clean your toothbrush and hands.
Use it to treat cuts and blisters.
Sanitize any cooking or eating implements.
If you forget your deodorant, spot treat any blemishes and wipe away bacteria that cause body odor.
8. Make your vacation memorable with a signature fragrance.
Gretchen Rubin, of the Happier Podcast, is one of my favorite happiness bullies. She has drilled into me the importance of scent. According to Psychology Today, scent is more closely associated with memory than any other sense.
Pick up a potpourri, room spray, or candle from your destination to make your vacation memories last a life time. Use it in your hotel room or vacation rental. If you smell the fragrance at home, notice if you don’t feel like you are back in your hotel or rental.
This is because I spent many happy summers in Waltonia, an old-fashioned Guadalupe River camp. We visited an annual crafts fair in a nearby village and I bought a woody/orange potpourri every year. When I smell that scent, even thirty years later I am back at the river.