Quick Tip #20b Don’t get caught without the right clothing because you didn’t think ahead. Travel clothing tip.

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Last week I shared 5 must have travel accessory essentials that make your travel more comfortable and enjoyable.  These are simple travel items that will help you avoid travel delays and travel frustrations. Here are 5 more travel accessories that are simple & inexpensive but you will find very valuable for your must have travel packing essentials.

1-Safety Pins:

• Temporarily repair clothing
• Pin a broken strap
• Never carry your wallet in your back pocket. If you do choose to carry a wallet be sure to put it in your front pocket and secure the pocket with a couple of safety pins. Prevent pickpocket

2- Skin Glue: Dermabond

• Close paper cuts
• Seal down hangnails
• Seal skin cracks

3- Duct tape:

• Prevent shoe blisters
• Bandage cuts
• Fix broken or ripped luggage

4- Night light:

• Plug in to navigate to the bathroom
• Find things without turning on the lights
• Small amount of light for those afraid of the dark

5- Portable electrical power strip & mini surge protector:

• Additional plug-ins in hotel
• Share plug-ins at conventions
• Share plug-ins at airport
• Protect electrical equipment

Quick Tip #19b Video of a fun way for a couple to spend an evening when they travel. Making Lingerie from things found in your hotel room.

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Today traveling is a frequent business necessity as well as a well deserved vacation experience. With just a few small simple items added to your travel accessories you can avoid frustration and delays.  These everyday items have several travel uses, many that you may not have thought of.  Add these must have travel essentials for simple and enjoyable travel.

1 – Travel Mask:

• Fight off headaches
• Block light out from cracked drapes
• Block out annoying light from TV, clocks, and alarms
• A “do not disturb me” signal

2 – Ear Plugs:

• Block out noise on the airplane and a noisy hotel room
• Be undisturbed so you can sleep in
• Block out partners snoring

3 – Flashlight:

• To read and not disturb your sleeping partner
• Make the way to the bathroom without turning on lights
• Finding things in your suitcase when your partner is sleeping
• Use to see or signal during a power failure, fire or disaster
• Looking under beds for lost items or to check that you aren’t leaving anything behind

4 – Plain Alcohol Hand Sanitizer:

• Ward off germs and viruses
• Eye glass cleaner
• Sanitize phones, remotes, door handles, etc.
• Clean minor cuts
• Clean white boards including permanent marker

5 – Zip Lock Bags:

• Prevent Spilled liquid items
• Put dirty clothes in
• Carry candy and goodies
• Organize jewelry
• Use as packing cubes
• Dry bag for water sports
• Put wet swimming suits and clothing in
• Keep bugs out of clothing and packed items

There are different hotel room categories or hotel room types. Hotel rooms come in a variety of bed configurations. Each category of bed configuration or category of accommodation is charged at a different room rate. You may see a deal, special or rate quote that appeals to you but it is best to check to see that the rate quoted is for bed arrangement, number of people and category of accommodation that you want. It wouldn’t do to book that rate and then find out it was a single bed if there were more than one person supposed to be staying in the room.

Here are some of the bed configurations hotels and resort accommodations come in:

• Single – One bed
• Double – May be 2 single beds, 2 double beds, or 2 queen beds
• Twin – 2 single beds
• Triple – May be 3 single beds or 2 double or queen beds with one single bed, roll away bed, or sleeper sofa
• Quad – Bed arrangements that will accommodate 4 people, usually 2 to a bed
• Suites – Larger Rooms that may include another room, sitting area, kitchenette, Jacuzzi or Deck. Depending on the accommodations the number and size of beds may vary.

Categories – Hotel rooms and resort room categories differ as well. The more prestigious the category the larger or more amenities it may come with. Some types of categories are standard, deluxe, jr. suite, suite, executive suite, presidential suite, two bedroom suite, view or balcony, kitchenette or apartment.

The room position – What area of the hotel it is located in, whether it has views, is it near elevator or amenities like the pool or restaurant.

Amenities – Jacuzzi, bathtub, shuttle service, balcony, Mini bar use, breakfast, snacks, gym, swimming pool, restaurant or hair salon. The list is endless and different with each hotel or resort.

Before booking a hotel, resort or other accommodation make a list of your requirements:

Number of people in your group:

Number of rooms, beds and sleeping arrangement:

Room category:

Where in the hotel you want the room:

Amenities:

If you have this when you book your room or consult with a travel agent you will get what you want in your accommodation. Even though you book online or with a travel agent always check directly with the hotel to see that they have your reservation correct and that it includes everything that you had requested or believed was to be included in the price. Be sure to check if there are any undisclosed charges or fees that are not included in the rate that you have been quoted. Pre-planning and requesting what you require will reduce your travel frustrations and you won’t be shocked, disappointed or upset when you arrive at your hotel or resort.