Manic: Too much stuff to pack when my family travels and then holding up the security line because we were not up to speed on the regulations.
Managed: Did some research to update the family on the airport carry-on rules and found some cool travel-sized items that work for the entire family. Watch the segment and travel savvy!
The Carry On 3-1-1 Rules
TSA regulations require airlines to limit carryon items to one bag plus one smaller, personal-type item like a purse, briefcase, camera, food container, or laptop.
An easy way to remember the carryon guidelines is to think 3-1-1:
3 – Containers that are in your carry-on bag must be 3.4 oz. or smaller.
1 – All liquids, gels and aerosols must be placed in a single quart-size clear plastic zip-top bag. Gallon size bags are not allowed and each traveler can use only one, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag.
1 –Each traveler must remove their quart-sized plastic, zip-top bag from their carry-on and place it in a bin or on the conveyor belt for X-ray screening. X-raying separately will allow TSA security officers to more easily examine the declared items.
If you know the rules, you will get through security much faster. For a complete list of rules, regulations and helpful travel tips, visit the official website of the Travel Security Administration at www.tsa.gov.
Although I have shown this before, I’ve got to mention it again because I didn’t forget one single thing on my last three trips. The Pack This! Check list pad has tear-off sheets that display a very thorough checklist of everything that you may need for your big trip. From stuff you expect like sunglasses to easily forgotten items like a lint roller or insect repellant, everything is covered. I ordered my 60-sheet pad for $8 from a cool organizational website called Knock Knock at www.knockknockstuff.biz. Look under the Kids & Parents section on the website to order it.
And speaking of stuff on your packing list, here are some of my favorite travel-sized items as well as a few new ones, that just hit store shelves this season.
Terrific Travel Sized Stuff
*I found a very cool all natural sunscreen that also doubles as a bug repellent. Badger sells the travel size for $22 at Healthy Habit located at 7th Street and Bethany Home Rd. in Phoenix or order it online at www.badgerbalm.com. Certified organic ingredients like castor oil and rosemary repel bugs, while uncoated zinc oxide provides sunscreen protection.
*Here is something I didn’t know….TSA allows disposable razors and their cartridges in a carry-on bag. So, if you are able to go with one carry-on bag for a quick weekend trip, Schick Quattro has a pack of three razors that come with built-in aloe and a duo vitamin complex, eliminating the need to pack shaving cream. Plus they have travel caps on each razor. Sold in drug stores.
*To create more space in your carry-on, I found a super compact toothbrush. Made by Colgate, the Travel Voyage brush folds into a compact size that takes up very little space. I found this at Walgreens.
*One of my favorite brands now comes in TSA-approved travel sizes. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is made for all skin types and is soap and fragrance-free. Cetaphil also offers a travel-sized moisturizing lotion now, too. Both are sold at CVS and Walgreens for under $3.50 each. A Cetaphil SPF 50 Daily Facial Moisturizer, that is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation, also comes a new travel size and sells for $13.99.
*Make sure that your toothpaste is travel-sized because a full-sized tube that is rolled up, won’t get past security. And take it (and other travel sized items) out of the box it came in, and you will instantly create a lot more room in your carry-on bag.
*Another useful and unique travel-sized product is the Salon Grafix Invisible Dry Spray Shampoo. It comes in a 1 ounce can and will give you several extra days of good-looking hair without having to wash it daily, which is nice when traveling. Sells for $2.99 at Ulta Beauty Supply store locations.
*A beauty trick save-the-day item is the Haircolor Stain Remover Towelette because it will remove any spray tan streaking or blotching that won’t come off with bathing. My local Walgreens beauty consultant gave me this good tip.
*Another save-the-day travel item is the Shout Wipe & Go Instant Stain Remover wipes. If your family is going from plane to party, keep some of these on hand for unexpected spills. I bought my box of 12 individual wipes at Walgreens for only $3.79.
*For the kids, my favorite must-have travel-sized item is the Smart Girls Who Surf SPF 30+ Face Stick. With no chemicals, no parabens and no fragrance, this item is easy to travel with and easy to apply on their faces…and my own face, too.
*For my husband, Dial for Men has a new travel-sized item called Bio Nutrient Complex Ultra Hydrating Body and Hand Lotion.
*If you’re looking for a generic and travel-sized sunscreen that costs less, Walgreens offers their own brand in 1 fluid oz. with SPF 50 for $1.99.
*My favorite travel-sized comb and brush set is by Conair and sells for $5.99. I like that the set comes with a comb, because using a comb on wet hair prevents breakage.
*For a soothing facial towelette that is gentle enough for the entire family, I like Yes to Cucumbers Hypoallergenic brand. Paraben-free and travel-friendly, this will remove makeup and cleanse your face without taking up space in your suitcase.
*And with all of the recent press about gross bed bugs, I found a travel size bug bed spray called Stop Bugging Me. This product is naturally derived and has been labeled with the FDA Gras seal that means it is Generally Recognized As Safe. So the packaging says that it is safe to use around kids and pets and it is biodegradable and non-staining with interesting ingredients like cinnamon oil. The travel size sells for $7.99 at www.stopbuggingme.com.
*Baggies of all sizes are helpful for a traveling family, but remember the one that holds your liquid toiletries must be in a quart-sized bag. In addition to that size, I also pack several gallon sized bags to hold our trash and several of the even larger jumbo 2 ½ gallon bags that not only hold a lot, but double as the perfect barf bag if needed. It is huge, sturdy and zips shut, air-tight, making it useful if your child gets suddenly sick on board or in the car.
So, those are some of my favorite travel items that will go with my family on our next trip. What makes your list when it comes to useful travel tools and items? Share here in the comments section.
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And stay tuned for my 3TV segment next week. I’ll have a Father’s Day gift guide because Dad’s Day is just around the corner! See that on my site next Tuesday!
