Travel Tips

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Carry on rules: Make Your Trip Better Using 3-1-1
3-1-1 for carry-ons = 3 ounce bottle or less (by volume); 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring. 3 oz. container size is a security measure. Consolidate bottles into one bag and X-ray separately to speed screening.

Be prepared. Each time TSA searches a carry-on it slows down the line. Practicing 3-1-1 will ensure a faster and easier checkpoint experience.

3-1-1 is for short trips. If in doubt, put your liquids in checked luggage. Declare larger liquids. Medications, baby formula and food, and breast milk are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. Declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint. Come early and be patient. Heavy travel volumes and the enhanced security process may mean longer lines at security checkpoints. TSA working with our partners. TSA works with airlines and airports to anticipate peak traffic and be ready for the traveling public.

If you're checking your bags and you are traveling with a companion, put some necessities in their bad and vice-versa. If one of you unfortunately has a problem with luggage arriving, you will not be caught with only the clothes on your back. 

Health: Most of us don't want to think about getting sick on vacation, but just taking a few preventative measures can make sure you don't have to worry. Always pack a small first aid kit with band-aids, anti-bacterial hand wash and other necessities. Since you never know how your body is going to react to local food, bring a ration of widely used medicine for digestive problems plus minor aches and pains. Just taking a few minutes to pack these in your bag could make a wonderful difference on your trip.

Leave the Old Clothes Behind: Collect old clothes throughout the year, keep a box just for that purpose, to wear them and leave them behind. This is a great use for stuff that didn't sell at your last rummage sale - and benefits the people of the country you're visiting. Just be sure to leave a note for the maid if you leave the stuff in your room - she might not be able to keep them if she can't prove you intended to leave them behind. In more developed countries, look for a charity shop. Do a good deed and have lighter luggage - and no stinky laundry to do when you get home!

Plan Ahead: If there are certain sites or museums you are positive you want to see while on vacation (the Vatican if going to Rome, etc.) make plans or buy tickets ahead of time to make sure you aren't standing in line for half the day.

Miscellaneous: Remember if you are traveling abroad to make copies of your passport and travel documents, and keep them separate from the originals. Never forget to let someone know where you are going, and give them a copy of your trip details in case there is an emergency. Bring some extra plastic bags with you to put your dirty clothes in. I always pack a collapsible shopping bag in case I have too many souvenirs to fit in my suitcase. Hand sanitizer is cheap and comes in handy no matter where you go.