Just returned from an Ontario Sailing training camp in Miami at the US Sailing Centre. The trip was great but the luggage is not. We still use a super strong, two part suitcase designed to protect ski gear from air travel. I’ve weighed the darn thing and it comes in at 10lbs before I put in a single pair of shorts. The last three times I’ve travelled, despite pre-weighing here at home (has anyone checked those scales at the airport recently?) I’ve been overweight on luggage and paid the consequences.
Any suggestions for light weight, high volume, strong travel luggage on wheels? Has to be big enough to carry personal sailing gear – the dagger board etc is all in a the rigid equipment case with “fragile” luggage and they never seem to weigh that “almost too heavy to carry” piece. I’d love to hear your suggestions.
Archive for Travel
This holiday weekend you may be looking to get outside to enjoy some summer sunshine. Consider organizing a picnic to share with a loved one, family or friends.
First, choose your location. It may be in a park, on the beach, or even in your backyard. I’m planning our picnic at a favourite spot, next to the sights and sounds of moving water.
Packing for your picnic will depend on how you will arrive, whether by hiking, biking or driving. Utilize a traditional picnic basket (though any basket will do), a box, backpack and/or cooler to pack food and picnic accessories.
Your picnic essentials may include:
1. A blanket. Consider the size needed to accommodate your guests comfortably or so that you may be able to lie down on it, if desired. Look for something water resistant to keep everyone dry if the ground is damp.
2. Plates, cutlery, and cups. It’s preferable to bring reusable dishware along. Pack them into re-sealable bags or lidded containers to transport the dirty items home.
3. Napkins. They’re always good for quick clean ups too.
4. Cool beverages. On hot summer days it’s important to stay hydrated. So bring extra! Try freezing some of your water or drink in bottles, using them as freezer packs to keep food fresh until you arrive. As they slowly melt drinks will stay cold and refreshing throughout the day.
5. Classic picnic foods. Think about finger foods when preparing your menu. I like to keep it simple. I prepare a selection of pre-cut bread, meats, cheeses, and pre-grilled vegetables to allow my guests to make their own sandwiches. Fresh fruit is always on hand for healthy snacking. Watermelon is the classic choice. There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to picnic foods. Tailor your menu to suit the guest list, bring your favourite dishes and enjoy!
If you travel frequently for business you know that staying organized while on the go can be a challenge. There are three main issues to address: a) receipts b) staying productive and c) being prepared.
Often one’s entire trip involves keeping track of those darn receipts. Whether you work for yourself or a large corporation, even with a friendly and fully loaded expense card, that proof of purchase is necessary at every transaction. To keep the receipts organized keep then contained. Whether you choose an envelope, a wallet size accordion folder or a plastic folder with pockets, the trick is to keep them in one place where they won’t get lost and will be available when it comes to register your expenses.
Staying productive while travelling can be difficult when you are at the mercy of train, plane or bus schedules and someone else’s meeting agenda. Keep a ready supply of “To Do” work on hand either on your computer or in your travel case including some lighter reading. That way when you have to wait for the plane which has been delayed or the meeting hosts who are late, you can keep yourself productive and occupied.
Finally, business travel may be planned in advance but may also be a last minute opportunity for that BIG DEAL you have been waiting for. Keep a travel case packed and your business case supplied so that you can leave with very little preparation. Once you return from your trip, repack your cases immediately; you will be most conscious of what you wished you had on your trip right when you return and can ensure your travel cases are loaded up accordingly.
It’s that time of year again: holiday trips, cottage weekends, camping excursions. They all involve loading the gear, the kids and sometimes the dog/cat/hamster/fish into the family car and heading off down the highway. Here are a couple of tips to keep all that stuff organized so you can relax, enjoy the view and arrive ready for your time away.
- Take only what you need, clear out the rest – Before you pack the car, clear out all the debris that you don’t need for the trip. You’ll have more space for yourself and your family, more room for your holiday/weekend gear and less clutter to manage.
- Contain, contain, contain – Try and get everything into a container whether it is a bag or box. Try a laundry hamper for last minute items. It is also great for bathing suits and towels. You can even bring them back wet in the hamper after your last dip in the lake.
- Give the kids a container – Assign each child a container for their car entertainment such as books, electronics, games and snack if you permit eating in your car. It will help keep the bits together so you are less likely to hear ‘Where are my earphones?” when you get to your destination. A container that closes is even better – kids aren’t so careful when tossing things around the car and again, bits are less likely to get lost or broken.
- Mom’s/Dad’s bag – If you have small children who are not yet happy to sit plugged into their electronics for hours on end, consider sticking a couple of special activity treats into your own bag. You will be the hero when you pull out the special glittery markers halfway into your trip.
- Pack Snacks – Unless you and your children get car sick, you are likely going to need some food and/or drink before your trip is over. Food can be expensive on the road. While your vacation food may be packed into the cooler in the back of your vehicle, consider packing a smaller day cooler which can be easily accessed by your or your children. Drinks in containers that won’t spill, fruit, dried fruit and nuts all make great travel snack.
Buckle up, stay safe and have fun!
Are you still fussing with liquids and containers when travelling? Have you invested yet in the travel size containers for your business travel kit? Make the commitment. They are widely available in a variety of price points. Do yourself a favour and pick up a package.
They usually come with several bottles and a couple of jars, all measured to meet international travel requirements. I have found them available at Canadian Tire Corporation and the Solutions Store. They fit perfectly and without fuss into most travel kits – even for those of us who don’t travel as much!
