OK most Elite Travelers will tell you that they never check luggage. Well they lie. Occasionally everyone has to check a bag or two. But the best travelers, the savviest ones keep those times down to an absolute minimum. Why? Well convenience, cost and credibility. Why would you want to pay baggage fees, wait at the carousel for your luggage and risk the scorn of other travelers in the premium cabin if you don’t have to? And if you follow these few steps you really shouldn’t.
Relax it’s Easy
Most people who aren’t used to going all carry-on say they don’t feel they can fit in enough clothes, or bring the right variety of outfits for every occasion. Further they worry about the TSA’s 3-1-1 liquids rule. Well not to fear, we have you covered.
Always Bet on Black
Susan Isley is an Atlanta based Fashion Buyer who travels about 50% of the year, often to Europe and Asia. Her strategy is flawless. “Always wear black.” She says with a hint of a smile. “If you base your wardrobe around black you can never go wrong.” According to Isley every woman should travel with a little black dress for cocktail parties or dinners. This can be dressed up or dressed down with a set of pearls or more chunky/casual jewelry.
“I build my entire wardrobe around two black business suits and one black dress. I pack grey or white blouses and then a selection of bright scarves to provide a dash of color. It’s easy, works for any occasion and provides endless opportunities to mix and match to shake up your look.” It also has the added benefit of making shoe selection easier. She suggests one pair of heels, one pair of pumps and some flats… all, you guessed it, black.
Liquefy Me
To get around the limitation of how much liquids you can bring on board an aircraft, Montreal Lawyer Alana Reynolds has an ingenious but simple plan. She buys stuff after arriving at her destination. “I actually think this is a fun part of traveling. I bring enough toothpaste and beauty products to see me through the first day or two and then I schedule time to visit a local drugstore and have fun.” For Reynolds trying out new brands of make up and skincare products is an adventure. “You’d be surprised at how many neat new products I have found this way. I have also found that clerks lavish me with lots of testers as those are the right size for planes.” It’s definitely a nice perk.
And one other things always use makeup pencils if possible. Makeup pencils are completely hygienic, compact and they don’t count as liquids. Plus, they come in shades to suit every skin tone.
Mr. Clean
Steve Wordsmith is a Recruiter from London. He travels mainly to North and South America and is a self-confessed BA Fan Boy. “I love any chance I get to fly First across the pond, but I hate waiting for bags.” Since Steve’s trips are often extended stays he has perfected the art of “hacking the laundry game.” We didn’t know there was one, but Steve filled us in. “I pack about 5 days worth of clothes and then find a Dry Cleaners near the hotel or a hand laundry and have them do my cleaning. It’s far cheaper than hotel rates and often just as convenient.”
Under garments can be washed in the sink and hung to dry according to Wordsmith. He also offered this interesting tip, “Fly with less than you need and buy locally. I’ve had suits made in Argentina that rival the best of Italian designs, and I’ve purchased shoes in Brazil that are gorgeous and always distinct.” He says if he buys something impromptu on the road and doesn’t have room to bring it back, he’ll ask the Maids or Concierge if anyone in the hotel would like a small donation of clothes. “Why not recycle and feel good about getting a new shirt or suit.”
So there you have it, 3 Elite Travelers with 3 great strategies for how they keep calm and always carry-on.
