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Thirsty at the airport?  Of course, you can take your own bottle of water into the airport.  However, the TSA agents will not let you take them through the security lines and into the secured part of the airport.  Well, now you’re stuck having to pay outrageous prices for just plain ole’ water.  No, you don’t have to!  If you’re thrifty (or cheap) like us, consider dumping the water out of that bottle at the nearest fountain before you hit the security lines.  You definitely can take an empty bottle through.  We’ve done it dozens of times.

However, a better way is to purchase a Vapur Flexible Water Bottle, sold on Magellan’s web site (click here to go to Magellan’s).   

What Magellan’s says about them: “Flexible, freezable, reusable water bottle. Here's one water bottle that won't end up in the landfill. It stands upright when filled, and rolls or stores flat when empty. Made in the USA of nylon with a BPA-free anti-microbial lining and sports cap, it holds 16 oz and has a carabiner clip for easy carrying.”

MY REVIEW  I personally have used the Vapur Flexible Water Bottle. These wonderful bottles were made for camping but they work just as well for the savvy flyer. What’s even more convenient is that they roll up, so they take very little space in your tote.  Also, it has a Carabiner to clip onto your belt while you are on your GCT trip sightseeing.  They come in color choices, are made in the USA and cost only $10.  You can’t beat that!  Love it…it gets - 5

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Packing Tips

Do you take all but the kitchen sink when you travel?  With the weight restrictions on luggage today, it’s wise to take less.  If you have a clothes rack of any size, use it as you select your clothes.  Hang all of the clothes you plan to take and then go back the next day to reconsider what you are taking.  Do you REALLY need 10 pairs of slacks for a 6 day trip?  Nope.  If you have dark colors, you can make it with 3 pairs or less. The same is true with tops, jackets, sweaters, etc.  Take half or less of what you originally hung on the rack.  

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If you’re not a fan of washing undies in a sink, take enough underwear for each day.  If you don’t mind sink laundry, then look for the Flexo-line clothes line and Flexible Sink Stopper at Magellan’s and you can pack half as much underwear.

Flexo-line $10.50 - Magellan’s says, “For the strength to hold all your wet laundry, forget those cute little suction-cup clotheslines. The Flexo-line holds up to 12 lb of wet clothes, thanks to its surgical-quality, natural latex rubber tubing which is woven in THREE braids (not the usual two). Just loop its ends around a doorknob, hook, shower head, or rod (it stretches to seven feet), then poke a corner of your wet garment in the tight braid to dry. No clothespins needed.”  Made in the USA.

MY REVIEW  I personally have used this clothes line and love it but not for laundry.  

See upcoming tips on “how to deal with wrinkled clothes.”  Love it.  It gets  5

 

Magellan’s says, “You would think that hotels would supply a sink stopper. The rubber Flexible Sink Stopper works on suction. A must for rinsing out socks or washing undies. Don't depend on finding these in your foreign hotel.”  Made in the USA.

MY REVIEW  I personally have used the stopper and, while it does work most of the time, it’s not a fail-safe stopper. Some European sinks will continue to drain, so you need to work quickly.  Like it, mostly…it gets - 3

                   Both products are available at Magellan’s. Click here to go to Magellan’s.

Click here for Review of Revelation Nexus Collection 22" Expandable Spinner Carry On

The lightest carry on spinner bag

TRAVEL TIPS AND HINTS for the SAVVY TRAVELER

Whether you are a novice or savvy traveler, you can always learn something new about traveling!  

info@SavvyTravelDiscounts.com

Travelpro Luggage

WalkAbout LITE 4 Deluxe Tote

Samsonite Luggage Hyperspace Boarding Bag

Rick Steves Avanti

Flight Bag

Battle of the Boarding Bags

With the airlines charging for checked bags, the savvy traveler is looking to avoid those fees by traveling with just carry-ons.  TSA allows the traveler one overhead bin bag and one “personal” item that fits under the seat in front on you.  Previously, I used a 25” carry-on bag until we flew with Lufthansa to Europe.  Suddenly, while waiting for the plane, my bag was “confiscated” by Brunhilda, the luggage police!  Actually, she was very nice but since I didn’t want to go through that hassle again, I downsized my carry-on bag.  I now use a 22” Revelation (click here to see review of this bag) carry-on bag that will fit in any airlines’ overhead bin, however small.

The next decision was whether to keep my “go to” boarding bag or upsize it.  Yes, that does sound like a contradiction since I downsized my carry-on bag but I wanted to increase the size of my “personal” item, while still keeping it within the TSA requirements.  I currently have the Rick Steves Avanti Flight Bag.  It’s served me well over the last few years, traveling to Europe many times. plus China and Okinawa.  The Avanti exterior is 12-Inch H x 14-Inch L x 7-Inch W and weights 1.5 lbs.  However, I used the Avanti last month to fly to JFK and I just couldn’t get all that I wanted in it.  That’s what prompted me to look for a larger replacement. I did some online researching and found the Travelpro and the Samsonite boarding bags, both around the same price ($50).  They looked great online but once I received them, it didn’t take me long to decide which to keep.  

Travelpro Luggage WalkAbout LITE 4 Deluxe Tote                                   Samsonite Luggage Hyperspace Boarding Bag

Dimensions 11-Inch H x 16-Inch L x 8-Inch W                                             Dimensions 11-Inch H x 18-Inch L x 9-Inch W

Weight 2 lbs                                                                                                   Weight 2.3 lbs

MY REVIEW  The weight on both is a little more than the Avanit.  The Travelpro has the same flap type opening as my Avanti, which allows full access to the interior.  The Samsonite divides in half when opened, which provides limited access to the interior. Exterior pockets on both are similar.  The dimensions for the Samsonite, however, did concern me.  My issue is, will it fit under the airline seat?  Additionally, when you place the Samsonite on your lap to access an item, it will be awkward to reach in.  That was the deal killer.  Limited access and potentially not fitting under the seat.  So, the Samsonite is a “no go” and I have returned it.

Not a fan - 2

Travelpro update 9-4-13

Just got back from a 4 day trip.  Took the TravelPro WalkAbout LITE 4 Deluxe Tote as my “personal” item, along with my 22” carry-on on the plane.  The Walkabout exterior has only 1 side pocket and the Avanti has 2 for water bottles, etc.  There are only 2 pockets inside the Walkabout, versus the 4 (1 removable) in the Avanti.  I packed it with the usual things; iPhone/iPad and chargers, battery backup for IPhone/IPad, my 3-1-1 bag, small snacks, cell phone, wallet, magazine, makeup, etc., noise canceling headphones (opps, forgot that most domestic flights don’t show movies and this one didn’t even have a jack to listen to music!).   It seemed heavier than normal.  Well, it is - weighing in at a full 2 lbs. before being stuffed.  After placing it on top of my carry-on, it kept tipping my bag over.  The Walkabout is just too big to sit on top of a 22” carry-on.  The next issue was, once on the plane, trying to fit it in between the knee area to place it under the seat in front of me.  VERY difficult.  Again, it’s the size - too big.  So, my overall opinion is that even though it’s only an inch wider and two inches higher than the Avanti, it just doesn’t work well for flying.  However, it would be a great bag to travel in your car.  It’s, unfortunately, not a good carry-on.  I’ll stick with my Rick Steves Avanti and it’s priced around $30.  Don’t waste your money - 0

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My review ratings

Love it - 5

Almost love it - 4

Like it, mostly -  3

Not a fan - 2

Don’t waste your money - 0

My reviews are based on products that I have personally purchased and paid for. None of these products were given to me by the manufacturer.