Packing Procedures - Selecting a Suitcase

Hey travel gurus!
The ancient and delicate art of packing wouldn't be possible without something to pack in. Although it is not an excruciatingly crucial step, it is still important to consider when packing for a trip. When trying to choose a suitcase, there are three factors you should consider, and once again a nauseatingly corny acronym will be used to illustrate cet tips: The three S'of Suitcase Searching.

1- Size. Though you may think that the several different sizes of suitcases are just a marketing scheme for companies to sell more suitcases, the difference in sizes actually proves to be quite vital. If you're planning to transport to your destination via airplane, this point becomes increasingly true. Firstly, your bag must meet certain weight requirements and it helps if you bag is light. When shopping try to pick a suitcase that strikes the right balance between durability and lightness. Size is also important to consider when choosing a carry-on bag - a small suitcase you're allowed bring onto  the plane with you for your convenience. Most airlines have size requirements for carry on suitcases as the overhead compartments can only hold so much. Not to mention that you're going to be lugging around this suitcase for the duration of the trip. Choose one that meets your needs and try not to go all out with this suitcase in particular. Size is also important factor consider when traveling using any other method of transportation. Especially when traveling with your car, the size of your suitcases play an important role in whether or not you'll need to maintain a painful and complicated yoga position during the long road trip. And most people don't like doing yoga in a crammed vehicle.

2- Style. In this situation, style refers to both the interior and exterior make of the suitcase. Though not necessary, you might find that you want a pretty looking suitcase - to make up for the sweatpants you're wearing in the middle of the airport. Though that part does appeal to you as taste is subjective, the interior design may need a little insight on my part. Depending on the trip you're going on and the type of suitcase you're selecting, you're gonna want your suitcase set up differently. If you're going on a short trip, you are gonna want you're suitcase to be split in many compartments so you fit a little of each type of clothing/miscellaneous items in each compartments. If you're going on a long trip, you'll probably want a suitcase with large areas of space to be able to fit a bulk amount of the same types of items. Whichever suitcase you go for, the most important thing is to pick a style of suitcase that is intuitive for your method of organization and is easy to pack and unpack.

3- Sum. Especially these days when money's tight, it's probably not smart to splurge on a Louis Vuitton luggage set that costs more than the trip you're taking them on. And in most cases (admire the pun) the hefty price tag on designer luggage corresponds to the name and doesn't necessarily translate directly to quality. This isn't to say that you should go for the cheapest suitcase, as it's probably cheap for a reason, and you'll end up losing money buying several cheap suitcases that fall martyrs to the rough and tumble process of luggage transportation. The trick is to find suitcases that strike the best balance between price and durability, so more of your money can towards the trip itself. Some of my personal favorites are Samsonite and American Tourister. Although a bit of  an investment at first, you get the return in the fact that they last for so long and usually come with warranties that protect against damage.

I hope this blog post helped take out some of the stress in suitcase searching and may your suitcases take you to beautiful exotic islands for years to come.

Thanks for reading travel gurus!
- Taz

Packing Procedures - Intro

Hey travel gurus!
No matter where you're going, you're gonna need luggage. Now whether you packing a light duffel bag for an away game with your sports team or 3 full suitcases for your summer in Bora Bora, you're gonna need to bring some items from home that they just don't offer at the hotel front desk. Having firsthand experience with this stressful part of traveling (aren't they all?), I hope this mini 3-part series will help you get your life under control, and if not that, at least you'll have a great suitcase to help you fake it.

Where to go?

Hello travel gurus!

Travel can be a therapeutic and memorable experience when you're, well, actually traveling but by and large one of the most difficult parts of the dynamic experience is choosing where to go. There are several factors that go into choosing where to spend your time (and your well-earned money) that can sometimes make you wonder whether or not you think it's worth it to spend your money on a non-tangible experience. I personally believe that travel is a better way to spend cash because positive memories outlast any material luxury, especially if you pick the right place to go. There are six factors to consider when picking a spot to vacation, and to spice it up let's call them the The Six Super Stipulations of Spot Seeking.

The Six Super Stipulations of Spot Seeking

1.) Think about where you want to go. Though this seems pretty self-explanatory considering the name of this list, it is extremely important to think about, and a very overlooked step. Think about the types of places you have been. Do you want to re-experience a previous trip? Or do you want to be bold and experience something that you have never tried? Do you want to plan you trip around the mainstream attractions of  a place or would you rather take the cultural backstreets? Are you looking for a relaxing getaway or an exciting thrill? Whatever your preferences and objectives of your trip, you need to make sure you're picking a place that meets the criteria you're looking for. You are after all spending precious time, money, and energy towards your trip, so you should be sure that you get what you were looking for.                                    

2.) Consider your situation. If you're a  parent of 3 kids, you should probably reassess if a high thrill expedition through the Amazon jungle is the smartest choice for a vacay. This step is crucial because even if you were to pick the perfect vacation spot, the trip can easily turn sour if it doesn't suit everyone and their needs. Think about everyone's physical abilities and their situations. If traveling with a family, choose a family friendly destination that can appeal to all (cruises are a great choice for families) and if traveling solo, pick a place you see yourself being able to enjoy. Also to keep your budget in mind as this will affect the number/types of places you can travel to. Consider all disabilities and food restrictions when picking where to stay to make sure that the trip is enjoyable for all which brings us to our next super stipulation.                  

3.) Include everyone. If you're taking a "you" trip or a couple's getaway, this shouldn't be too hard but I have had my fair share of family chaos episodes labeled as "vacations" and how frustrating it can be when not everyone is on board especially in the picking process. An easy way to do this is to ask each family member to narrow down their choices down to three trip ideas, meld them all and narrow down the ideas to three options and have a family vote. If some members aren't happy with the decision, consider letting them choose where to go next time. This makes it easier for everyone to feel engaged and important to the decision-making process, rather than feeling like a worthless follower. Remember that vacations are meant to be a fun time for everyone involved so pick a method that maximizes this feeling in everybody.

4.) Do your research. It's always a smart idea to prepare yourself before any event, and one where you are putting money and time towards to should take priority. From the place that you're sending the night to the place where to plan to spend most of your trip, use your resources. Seriously, internet reviews are there for a reason other than to entertain us with weird usernames. Take people's experiences seriously because most likely, they did not go through all the effort to post a bad review if they truly did not enjoy an experience and the same goes for a good review. Even if you haven't picked your spot yet, the internet can be a good place to start. If you're under monetary constrictions, there are plenty of ideas out there on how to spend a mind blowing break without blowing your bank account. Nothing should stop you from having a good time, especially money constrictions. The internet can also be a great tool to explore places that cater to your unique needs such as dog-friendly places to stay and the like. Look for places that appeal to the aesthetic of where you wanted to go according to step 1. Be sure to look into every aspect of your trip because although some surprises are nice, bedbug startles are not.

5.) Ask friends. Chances are, most of your coworkers or friends (it's okay if it's singular, no judgement here) have gone on a trip that stuck out in their mind or that they really enjoyed. You don't have to book a place to the exact hotel they went to, but getting an idea from real people about places they enjoyed may give you ideas about places you hadn't even considered beforehand. Ask around about places people have gone and if any of them are a good option for your _______.  Be sure to pay attention to places they speak negatively of as those nuggets of information can be just as important the places they mention that they liked. You might even realize why they spoke so highly of a place and make some of you own memories there.

6.) Take it easy and have fun! Keep in mind that the whole reason that you're taking a trip is to let go and enjoy yourself. You shouldn't treat it as a chore that needs to get done, but rather enjoy each step of the process. But most importantly don't sweat the small stuff, because mishaps only make for a great story later on!

Hi travel gurus!

Hello beautiful reader! I'd first to like to thank you for stopping by at my little niche in the cyber world and I'll try my best to make it worth your while. This blog is not for any type of people but rather for all people. No matter what your economic circumstance, everyone deserves to get away from it once in a while. And whether that means a luxury cruise to the Greek islands or a cozy road trip to your local campsite, any trip, big or small, can be a memorable experience. It's only common sense that a vacation from our constricting school and/or work lives is good for our health and spirituality as human beings. And that's how I see every single one of your readers, unique and important human beings who deserve much more than the lifestyle you're slugging in now. Not sure where to start? This blog will help you every step of the way from picking destinations, to packing techniques, and even what to do when you get there. I'll be your virtual tour guide and help you through it all. I hope to help you make some life-changing memories - if you let me come along for the ride.              

 Have fun travel gurus! (Or soon to be ones)  

Sincerely Taz