9 Packing Do's & Don'ts

For starters, we ALL know that I know ALL about the excitement of travel ALL too well and have experienced the good and the not so good first hand!

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Traveling is always fun!

Me and the bag that was soon to be stolen!

Exhaustion hits.

If you didn't already know, last year I had my carry-on stolen when our rental vehicle was broken into. I lost more than you can ever imagine, and the insurance barely covered a fraction of it. 
It is an absolutely awful memory for me, and one that I do not wish for anyone else to ever have to experience.
This all happened because I was distracted and didn't follow one of my own rules of thumb*! BIG MISTAKE.

Finding that my bag was missing left me in a state of shock.

I stared at the car shaking, waiting for the police to arrive.

I was in disbelief that this had happened.

Most recently, I took a non-stop flight from Dublin to New York and my brand new checked bag has been missing for almost 3 weeks now! 
The airline (Aer Lingus) is convinced that my bag is still in Dublin, but they have no confirmation to prove this. I can be patient, and I can wait, but it would be nice to know exactly where in the world my bag went and or is!
So in the meantime I'll continue my attempts to track it down on my own; I'll hold my breath, and I'll try not to stress and freak out!

Sometimes you end up stuck overnight at the airport.

PLEASE keep in mind that your checked luggage will definitely be out of your sight at times. 
And I only speak from experience when I tell you to think and pack like a traveller, NOT like a vacationer or someone going on a holiday! 

• Keep any and all items of value in your carry-on! 
  
• Anything that you can not live without, and I really mean that. Keep it with you at all times! 
• Once you are checked into your hotel make sure that you put all of these important documents, jewelry, electronics, etc in the room safe! 
• Don't be careless when you travel!

Regarding any gifts that you might buy along the way - 

• SHIP THEM with INSURANCE back home to you! It is your best and safest bet that they will make it back safety. Do not lose your proof of shipping!

SHIPPING SERVICES:

DHL

Cost to send 40 pounds from New York to L.A.: 2nd day: $126.08
Cost to send 40 pounds from New York to Paris: 2nd day: $322.39
How much notice required? Same day.
Insured for: Up to $100

luggagefree.com

Cost to send 40 pounds from New York to L.A.: 2nd day: $110 plus $40 pick-up minimum
Cost to send 40 pounds from New York to Paris: 3 days: $240 plus $40 pick-up minimum (no two-day service)
How much notice required? 24 hours (six in New York City)
Insured for: $1,000 per bag

luggageconcierge.com

Cost to send 40 pounds from New York to L.A.: 2nd day: $233.79
Cost to send 40 pounds from New York to Paris: 2nd day: $322.39
How much notice required? 72 hours
Insured for: $1,500 per bag domestic, $300 per bag international

(Credit TnL for shipping quotes)

Traveling can be exhausting for all ages!

There is usually a lot of waiting when it comes to traveling.

*Some IMPORTANT Rules of Thumb regarding traveling using an auto rental and/or using your own vehicle! - 

• NEVER ever leave any valuables in the carriage of your car! Leave your car empty for any passerby's that might be peering inside. 
  
• ALWAYS place items that you cannot carry with you in the trunk. Note that when you place the items in the trunk, NOT to do this at the location where the vehicle will be parked! 
  
• ALWAYS lock your vehicle!