* We’re sending lots of love to everyone in Boston (our cousins were at the marathon but are thankfully safe).
Back in October we hardly would have called ourselves traveling experts. Honestly we only took a flight once every few years (we went to Alaska for our honeymoon in 2007 and didn’t get back on a plane for a family vacation again until 2012 when we went to Hawaii for our five year anniversary). But thanks to our book tour, we’ve been on lots of flights. 29 of them in four months to be exact. So while we still can’t quite claim expert traveler status yet, here are a few things we learned about planes and hotels along the way…
#1. If your airline is gate-checking bags, get on the plane towards the end of boarding (even if you’re invited to board earlier). On small planes where rolling suitcases & duffel bags are tagged at the gate and stowed underneath the plane, we found that often the last bags to go on were the first to come off. So if you’ve got a tight connection or just generally don’t like waiting for your bag, don’t be in a rush to board because your bag may end up at the bottom of the pile. Don’t be dead last and get left behind or anything, but try going on with Zone 4-5 people instead of Zone 1-2. Note: this works best if after you gate-check your bag, the only other carry-ons that you have can slip under the seat in front of you since overhead bin storage fills up while you wait to board.
#2. If you’re arriving to town before hotel check-in, just call ahead. Our flights often got us into town before noon – a few hours before the standard hotel check-in time of 3 pm. We used to think this required us to kill some major time, but usually all it takes is a call to get into your room early at no extra charge. We often called before getting on the plane (to let them know we were interested in an early check-in) and then again when we landed in that city (to hopefully secure something that was ready). This method only failed us once, but in about a dozen other circumstances when we arrived early, there was a room waiting for us.
#3. Be the bright spot in the front desk clerk’s day. Hotel employees deal with plenty of jerks each day (we witnessed more than a couple), so by being the friendly / smiley / not-engrossed-in-your-phone guests can sometimes earn you more than good karma points – we even scored a couple of random room upgrades.
#4. If you can’t reserve plane seats together, book seats that would be next to each other, even if they’re in different rows. All of our tour flights were booked by our publisher (many of them last minute). So on the few occasions where we couldn’t get seats together, we’d ask the desk agent, which worked in most cases. But for two instances it didn’t. So as a last ditch effort, we chose an aisle seat in one row and a window seat in another – even if it was a row up. Then we’d get on the plane and before the person in the seat we wished to switch with sat down and got settled we asked if they minded sitting one row up in the same exact seat that they booked. In those two cases, the person didn’t seem to mind at all (of course nothing’s guaranteed, but we thought it was worth a shot).
#5. Whenever possible, pack light and carry on. In all of our 29 flights, we never lost a single bag. This is because we packed light and carried on every single time. I just carried my purse (which also had our camera, our phones, our tickets, some snacks, and our itinerary) and John carried the backpack (with our books for reading on the plane, our computer, and signing stuff in it) along with dragging the carry-on-sized rolling suitcase along (full of clothes, shoes, etc). This is all that we brought with us, even when we were gone for nearly a week:
It might seem hard to get all of your stuff down to just a few bags, but our advice is to pack a few wardrobe staples that can all be interchanged (ex: don’t pack any tops that need specific shoes or pants that don’t go with anything else). In our case, a few pairs of jeans and tops along with one extra pair of shoes each, and some obvious things like underwear was all that we needed in our suitcase. When we travel with Clara we use one more rolling suitcase for her clothes, sound machine, blanket, and a few other comfort items, but since each person is allowed one suitcase and one carry on, we’re still good to go in that scenario without any bag checking.
6. Keep toiletries easily accessible in a plastic bag that you can pull out in two seconds at security. Many of the airports we traveled through were extremely strict about removing our liquid toiletries from our luggage when going through security (and it can really slow you down if you have to dig through your suitcase to grab them) so we learned to keep our plastic bag of contact solution and other small liquids more easily accessible. Rather than burying it with the rest of our toiletries in our suitcase, sticking it into the front pocket of the backpack made for easier grabbing.
Oh but they’ll take any and all fancy sodas away from you as you go through security 100% of the time.
#7. Make a travel document to use as a quick-reference itinerary for every trip. We put all of our hotel accommodations, flight confirmation numbers, and scheduled dates for departures & check-ins on one sheet of paper that we printed out before we left for the airport. It’s also a nice simple sheet to copy for a family member so they know where to find you in an emergency.
#8. Do a night-before-check on your flight, print tickets at home, and double check your hotel reservation. This is another one of those prepping-beforehand-is-much-easier-than-panicking-later things. We liked to check on our flight the night before, just to be sure it wasn’t delayed or canceled and, if possible, even print tickets at home to save time at the airport. We also learned the hard way to check our hotel reservations – on one of our first tour stops, we arrived to find that our hotel was booked for the following night instead of that night and we had to kill a few hours while everything was straightened out.
And if you’re lucky, your room looks like this…
#9. Everything takes longer than you think. Always give yourself a lot more time to do basic things like fly somewhere, catch a cab, check into your hotel, etc. In the beginning of our tour we tried to squeeze in a lot of things that we soon learned we’re close to impossible (ex: a house crashing after a delayed flight meant shooting a house in the dark and then eating a crazy-late dinner and collapsing into bed at 1am, which didn’t set us up well for our morning signing the next day). So it was a lot less stressful once we stopped underestimating the time it would take to do things and started being realistic about how much “fuzzy” time there is in there. You know, all those moments spent deplaning, waiting for a cab, or sitting in a restaurant waiting for the food can really add up.
#10. Hotel TV can stink. I know, this isn’t a huge deal for most people (us included) when you’re going to be staying somewhere for a few days, but when you’re traveling on and off for four months you definitely start to miss the simple comforts of home that help you unwind (your own couch, your own bed, and even your DVR). So we wised up in the last month of travel and got a free one month trial of Amazon Prime, which allowed us to watch Downton Abbey on our computer in any hotel. It sounds odd, but having this simple luxury really helped us relax and it made those random hotels feel a little more homey (instead of sitting on the bed watching Cops and missing “real life” like crazy).
So there you have it. Ten things that made all that traveling a little easier, more fun, tastier, and more comfy. Do you guys have other tips out there! I’m sure there are some we have yet to discover and a few that we’re forgetting thanks to scrambled travel brain. That’s a real thing, right?
Psst- Here’s a post about toddler travel that we did a while back, just in case that’s on the agenda for you.
Rachel says
TripIt is a wonderful free app that keeps track of all your hotel and airline reservations. Very easy to setup and use!
Another tip – sign up for frequent flyer points and hotel reward programs. They add up quicker then you think!
Starr @ The Kiefer Cottage says
I’ve traveled a lot for work and for pleasure, and your tips are pretty good (except about asking people to switch–I never do that ever!). I’d add that if you really want a more pleasant coach experience, consider paying a little extra for the coach “plus” type seats near the front of the cabin, something we tried recently. We had extra foot room, got priority boarding, and were able to get off the plane fast. After years of bargain hunting and ending up in the back of the plane near the bathroom, I’m willing to shell out a few more bucks for comfort (although not for first class. Alas, the budget doesn’t allow that at all).
Stacy says
One of the things my husband and I found when traveling with out daughter is I let him board first with the carseat and get it all set up and then I gate check the stroller and bring my daughter on when they are ready to board the rest of the passengers. We had a few cross country trips and trips to Florida in the past year and a half that we ended up bringing the car seat and instead of checking it we actually had our daughter sit in it for the flight. Most times she falls asleep and we don’t hear a peep from her the entire flight. we also made sure that all of our seats were together. There was 1 trip we made to Chicago and we did not have our car seat and it was a miserable trip. She was awake the whole time, fussy and mommy was sick so my poor husband and the woman sitting in the window seat were thankfully very skilled in keeping her busy for the flight home.
Tiffany says
I agree that having a favorite show to watch while traveling is great. My sports loving hubby even went so far as to buy a sling box which allows us to watch our cable on our phones wherever we are. Worked out great when we were on a mission trip sleeping in a creepy 100 year old school building, but he also snuck in a football game during a friend’s wedding.
Line says
Great tips! I would really love a video of how on earth you pack such a small luggage. Please do a video tutorial:)
YoungHouseLove says
That could be fun!
xo
s
CT says
I would also email yourself your itinerary page and a scan of your passport. That way if your bags get lost/stolen, you can usually get to a computer, log into your email, and have access to all those numbers. I’ve also heard of people who do this with their credit cards and such in their wallet – if it gets lost/stolen you have the account numbers you need to freeze or cancel still available. These are all great tips. I love #10 and keeping to a “home TV” routine. Cheers- CT
YoungHouseLove says
Smart!
xo
s
Lindsey d. says
I always take off my jewelry before going through security and stowing it in my bag. It’s one less thing to set off the metal detector. I will never forget being in a security line behind a woman complaining about people who don’t know how the security line works, only to have to wait while she took off TWELVE bangles and huge earrings before going through the metal detector. In a security line, even an extra 30 seconds feels like forever.
I also move out of the way before putting everything back on (expect my shoes, which I put on immediately), so that others can still make their way out of security.
Stacy says
The last time I flew I was told to keep ALL jewelry on. I had been told at one airport that I needed to remove my watch and earrings but at Logan I was told DO NOT EVER do this b/c it’s a good way for it to get stolen. The newer scanners/metal detectors won’t make you do this. Just belts and shoes should be removed.
Sally says
Your blog has changed. It used to feel so fresh and innovative, young/low-budget/creative, etc. Now it feels like every other mommy blog out there.
Kim R says
How kind of you. You really took #3 to heart! :) It’s hard to keep everything fresh for 5 years.
Elizabeth says
Thanks for the tips! I am flying to Disney World in June and have not flown in about 7 years. I know a lot of things are probably different than the last time I flew!
YoungHouseLove says
Happy to help. And have fun!
xo
s
Taya says
Love the tips! They are so true!
And, holy cow! New iPad layout!!! Took me by surprise but I think I like it!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks! One tip is in order to comment you’ll get redirected to the old format, but for reading and clicking around we think the new interface is hopefully easier :)
xo
s
Stacey @ Likes to Smile says
For your next book store, you should put the TripIt app on your phone. It stores all your confirmation numbers and puts the itinerary together for you. All you have to do is forward the email with the details and TripIt does the rest. Easy peasy!
YoungHouseLove says
So many people are recommending that! We’ll have to check it out!
xo
s
Stacey @ Likes to Smile says
*I meant book tour. I think I need more coffee. Sorry! :)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, I didn’t even notice!
xo
s
Kim R says
To really fit a lot of stuff in a small space, I do mini vacuum bags aka, ziplocs. Put your clothes in, squeeze all the air out. If you’re really good, do complete outfits so you can take out an outfit at a time. I’d reuse a pair of pants, but have underwear/bra/shirt in a bag, take it out.
Also, we have friends who have a roku for watching their DVR’d stuff when they’re not at home.
YoungHouseLove says
Love all the tips guys! I knew you’d have a ton of things we didn’t think of!
xo
s
Eileen says
In our backpack we also have our water bottles, but empty. Usually I’ll have my full leaving the house/place we’re staying (I drink a LOT of water, it’ll be gone by the time we get to the airport), and the hubs will leave his empty. Once we’re past security, we fill it up and have water on hand that doesn’t cost 3 dollars a bottle, and we have it the rest of the trip to use daily.
Chaney says
Great tips! I travel pretty frequently, and I just kept nodding my head at each tip you gave! Another couple, just for fun, are to pack whatever you’ll need to access first on top in your rolling bag (i.e. pajamas if the first thing you’ll be doing is sleeping when you arrive!) so you don’t have to dig at the end of a long day of travel, and to NOT bring a hairdryer. Those things take up so much space and there will generally be one at your hotel, or a friend/family member will likely have one if you’re staying at a home.
– Chaney
YoungHouseLove says
I love the pajamas on top thing! Sometimes you’re so tired that would be so nice to find first!
xo
s
Kristen says
Instead of packing the sound machine for the bean, download the white noise app on your iPhone!
YoungHouseLove says
Genius tip!
xo
s
Julie M. says
Thank you for the nod to Boston. It is appreciated! Just a note unrelated this post, but will you give an update on your compost? I know you are about two years in now at the new house and I was wondering how it is going. Did it fill up fast, and how to you stir the bottom? I want to start one soon in our yard and know how to get started (I think), but worry how much it will grow a year or two in. Just an idea for an upcoming post if you have the info. Thanks!
p.s. Would also love to see you guys get a favicon up on your site, just to finish off your branding.
YoungHouseLove says
It’s still going strong years later! We stir it almost every time we add to it (with a shovel) but not super thoroughly – just to work in the stuff on the top and sort of cover it so it’s not sitting right at the top. As for how much it grows, it creates awesome nutrient rich soil when things break down, which we use to plant annuals and shrubs and stuff and then we add more compost and the process starts again, so you don’t get a giant pile of compost or anything, it sort of breaks down and collapses on itself if that makes sense :)
xo
s
Katie Salsi says
Tip # 3 is great! I’ve worked in the hotel industry for the last 7 years. As my grandmother has always said you catch more flies with honey than vinegar. Anyone in customer service is more inclined to work with someone who is pleasant and understanding than rude. Glad to hear your family is well in Boston! Such a tragedy.
Angela L says
It sounds like you travel the same way I do! The only time I’ve checked a suitcase in the last 10 years was when I was moving overseas. Other than that, in the 3 dozen or so trips I’ve taken, I’ve ALWAYS only used a carry-on! Even when going to Europe for two weeks. :)
YoungHouseLove says
That’s amazing Angela!
xo
s
lizaanne says
Without a doubt – I am a major fan of these two items. My husband and I packed for two weeks in London, in only two carry on bags by using these. And I took a TON of stuff!!! We did have laundry service where we stayed, which helped, but we were still able to take a lot of stuff in two relatively small bags (each weighed about 30 lbs).
These are packing cubes – they allow you to roll your clothing up super tight, and into these cubes which keeps it all together and slightly compressed. The awesome thing is that if you have to pull stuff out of your bag at security, or to find something, it’s all in little compartments that just slide in and out easily, and you are not having to forage through everything you own, messing it all up, just to find one thing.
http://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/packing-cubes-3pc-set/13032?productid=949921
This is the bag we used – we each have one (in the fancy lime green color). These bags have so many features it’s crazy!!! They are soft sided so they can squish into the overhead more easily, and have compression straps inside and out so you can make sure you comply with airline sizes for your bags and don’t have to check them because you didn’t pay attention to their requirements. ;-) Backpack straps, or a shoulder strap, or top handle – you choose how you want to carry it.
http://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/mother-lode-tls-weekender-convertible/143101?productid=10150072
We’ve travelled a lot with these items now, and I can tell you that I’ll never just put stuff in a basic suitcase again.
If you need wheels you will have to purchase a set that collapses, but it’s still worth it to not check bags or lug massive luggage.
Happy Trails!!!
YoungHouseLove says
You’re a varsity traveler Lizaanne! Thanks for sharing the tips everyone!
xo
s
L says
I consider myself a light packer — but don’t think the husband and i could share one suit case that size. Any chance you’ll share your packing list?
YoungHouseLove says
Hmm, let’s see, an extra pair of shoes aside from the ones we wear, maybe two jeans each, a few tops each, socks and underwear, and one or two more formal tops for signings. And pajamas. That’s all I can think of :)
xo
s
Sarah says
You guys don’t have to worry about justifying every tip if someone doesn’t agree with what you say this go around. They are tips that work for you and everyone has their own travel “tips” that help them out. No one I have found does it the same way.
I never wear belts, jewelry, or have chain in my pockets until I go through security. I pack them in the same spot I keep my toiletries. I wear slip on shoes too because I hate waiting in line for those people who are stripping and searching their bags for stuff. I can usually be seen (if there is a line) pulling off my jacket and scarf etc. well before I have to separate my things into bins to stuff them in my bag. I don’t want to have someone waiting on me. If I can and the line isn’t moving too fast, i will pull out my computer and hold it too until I can put it in the bins for the xray machines.
A note about night before check in…they are nice but don’t always count on them for international airports. I just came back from Madrid and had checked in the night before only to find out I had to “check in” again through the lines, which of course took more time. When I asked why, the attendant seemed to have no clue about online check-in or using telephone boarding passes.
While everything is usually about getting on the plane, I have a tip about getting off the plane. Usually everyone is in a hurry to jump up and stand in the isles. If you have a long layover, don’t have a pressing engagement and this is your final destination, please be kind and be willing to A. either keep your seat or B. allow the orderly exiting of a plane. everyone is tired and sore but don’t be the person who is blocking someone’s exit and bags just because you have to stretch a little!
Tania @ Run to Radiance says
Now all I need is somewhere fabulous to travel to… :)
Missy in NoVa says
I can’t second enough the packing light tip! I took only a carry-on for a 2 1/2 week trip to Europe last summer. Although I planned to check my bag (free on international flights, so why not?), I got to the airport too late due to tube delays and missed the cutoff for checking my bag. Because I had checked in on my phone, and was able to carry on my bag, I made the flight, although there was a pretty dicey frantic run through Heathrow that I never want to repeat.
I also always carry an empty water bottle to refill after security, an extra sweater/fleece to use for cold planes or as a pillow, and snacks. I like to bring magazines that I can ditch throughout the trip as I finish them, instead of books that I have to carry home with me. And a toothbrush/toothpaste for long flights is a must. Washing your face and brushing your teeth can almost make you feel human again when you land in a new country and time zone.
Laura says
One of the things I do is make additions to my phone’s phonebook. I add my hotel’s address & phone number, the airline’s customer service number number(s),shuttle company’s phone number etc. You never know if you’re going to have to take an unexpected cab ride or make it back to your hotel by bus or have to change your flight or shuttle & having the addresses & phone numbers in your phone makes dealing with those unexpected events so much easier. I’ve also invested the time & money necessary to create & maintain various kits from electronics to toiletries & laundry I have a kit for it. I also keep a set of plastic silverware (comes in a case with two handles & knife, fork, spoon & chopstick attachments)I found at World Market in my personal bag.It comes in handy if you drop that plastic fork you get with your meal on the plane or if you decide to bring your dinner or a snack back to the hotel with you.
Samieh says
Is that an Ale-8-1 TSA is taking away from you? My all-time favorite soda and a Kentucky tradition! Always bring a case or two back with me to RVA after visiting home :)
YoungHouseLove says
Yes!! A sweet reader brought it to a signing and then it promptly got confiscated! Haha!
xo
s
Sarah says
I also had a lot of trouble with the mobile UI and I didn’t come through fb. I was having trouble actually scrolling down to read the post, it stopped scrolling like I was at the bottom of the post every few scrolls. I did find that if I scrolled down in the middle of my phone screen rather than closer to the edge that helped, but it was really finicky. Then I touched something (probably in my scrolling frustration haha) and the screen went black with a tiny triangle in the top left. Not sure what that was but I couldn’t figure out how to get back so I just closed the window and reopened it. Hope this is helpful! Love yalls blog :)
YoungHouseLove says
Eeks! So sorry Sarah! We are working with the mobile folks to try to get things ironed out. We hoped it would make things easier (larger to read, easier to click from post to post) so we have our fingers crossed that we can make this work :)
xo
s
Cara D says
The line about watching COPS is so funny and so true! Great tips. I could pack light my hubby could not.
Kate says
You guys are definitely pro travelers now! Great tips- I agree with all, especially everything takes longer than you think!
Elizabeth says
I can attest to the benefits of being smiley/friendly when talking to desk clerks and gate agents. I got upgraded to first class on what could have been a miserable 13 hour flight. I make a point of looking the clerk/agent in the eye, asking how they are, etc. I honestly don’t do it for the potential upgrade. I just recognize that sometimes they get flung some undeserved crap. That and I’m always really happy when I travel.
YoungHouseLove says
That’s awesome Elizabeth!
xo
s
Kaija says
Great tips, especially checking on the hotels before you take off!
I believe if you have a laptop in a sleeve that has nothing else, you don’t have to take it out at the airport. I’ve done that a while ago, and it worked! If your wheeled carry-on allows, you can stuff the sleeved laptop into it after security or before your flight. You’ll have one less item, and can carry a purse. Probably don’t want to gate check the carry-on with a laptop in it though.
For transatlantic flights, packing clean underwear, light t-shirts (my daughter threw up on us once upon take-off), toothpaste/brushes are a must. I also add a few facial cleansing cloths as they are lightweight. Brushing my teeth, washing and moisturizing my face and maybe even touching up some body parts with that washcloth before landing after a 8-10 hour flight makes everything soo much more pleasant.
If you want to try to get an upgrade at the gate, it’s easier if there are no other passangers around to hear your request. The gate agents know that everyone will be asking for upgrades if one person gets one.
YoungHouseLove says
Ooh that last tip is smart! Never thought of that!
xo
s
Sarah says
I swear hotels have COPS on a loop. haha
YoungHouseLove says
They do, right?! It’s ALWAYS on!
xo
s
Kristin says
Oh man, talk about fate! My husband is taking me to New York for the first time ever and our flight leaves early on Thursday morning. About an hour ago I finally started feeling nervous as I haven’t traveled anywhere since my 8th grade Washington D.C. trip years and years and years ago. I thought I’d come here to see the new post and get my mind off of being worried….ha!
Have you guys ever used or heard of http://www.airbnb.com? It’s a service that a friend had recommended where you can essentially rent your home or a space in your home to guests. We are using it for our stay in NY, because we couldn’t beat $50 bucks a night! I feel safe because everyone that hosts needs to hold insurance and is reviewed by previous guests. It’s a scary prospect for some but I figured since you guys are used to house crashing you might find this interesting.
Since I’m going to NY for the first time and trust your judgment what is the 1 place you would say I have to go while there? I know that is a huge question, but what does your gut say when you ask “I could never go to NY without going to ____”? Thanks for the travel tips!
YoungHouseLove says
Sounds awesome! Thanks for the tip on airbnb! As for NY, so much has changed, but we always love the Central Park Zoo and walking around/shopping in the Village (on Broadway) :)
xo
s
Liz says
For #7 – I travel half the month for work, and the free app TripIt has SAVED MY LIFE. You just forward your confirmation emails to one address ([email protected]) and they parse out all the info and create a single itinerary.
A really great resource.
Donna says
Knowing how much John loves to run, I am so very thankful that you both and little Clara were not at that marathon. Glad to hear your family is ok. What a heartbreaking 24 hours it has been. God Bless America.
Carolyn says
I didn’t read all the previous posts, so maybe someone already mentioned this — I try not to wear heavy jewelry when I travel. It makes the security check easier. Also, this may sound gross, but it makes all the difference for me — I wear skinny jeans of some kind of pants that don’t drag on the ground. I find that a lot of airline bathrooms are not clean. If I have on a pair of jeans that drag on the floor and I’m flying all day, it grosses me out to know that I’m picking up all those germs on my jeans. ha. I know, TMI!
Natasha says
I know you all watch Game of Thrones so if you have an HBO subscription you should check and see if your cable/satellite provider works with the HBO to Go app (a lot do)! It’s free and every season of every show is on it (and the newest episode of GoT was on the next day) along with several movies, documentaries,etc. you can use it on your phone, iPad, computer, etc. There are a lot of free network apps but some of them are hit and miss.
Much love you all!
Note: I don’t work for HBO just think the app is great!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s awesome! Didn’t even know that!
xo
s
Juliet says
I defy any desk clerk to refuse you guys an upgrade! I met you for all of 2 minutes, and I could tell you two are positivity personified-who wouldn’t respond to that?
That’s why I’m shocked when commenters criticize in a non-constructive, haterist way. Big ups to you both for rising above it.
Lesley says
Traveled weekly for work for 5-6 years and now several times a year. Here is what I found:
1) Book near the front of the plane – I was doing a 4-hour commute each way and that allowed me to board last and disembark first (less time on the plane).
2) Be nice to the cabin crew – if you are sticking to carry-ons, if, based on my first finding, there is no room in the bins be totally cool with letting them sky-check the bag (you took the risk, your issue) but I found that when I was very laid back about it the crew somehow found a way to make mine fit, even in their stowage – grumpy people got to pick theirs up at the carousel…
3) Bring little sockies to slide on through security and wear on the plane – with summer travel we often like to wear sandals, but walking through security and sitting on the plane in bare feet is gross
4) Bring an empty water bottle, makes it through security then you can fill it at a fountain
5) Eat whenever you have a chance – if you are doing transfers there is no guarantee connections will work out and while airport prices are crazy, on plane prices are INSANE!
I set up my frequent flyer account ages ago and apparently forgot that I set up my profile with a food preference, then after 4 years flying was on a 5-hour to L.A. and lo and behold I got fed a lovely grilled chicken breast with steamed broccoli and rice about 1/2-hour before my seat mates were served their saucy, salty “beef”… they were all asking what I did to get that and I couldn’t remember. Turns out I decided I needed Low Sodium meals when I fly, and they’re GOOD!!!
Lesley says
With the socks in #3, add a pashmina – acts like a blanket/pillow/barrier to the person next to you/cover spills that may have happened to your clothes while crammed into the plane/scarf if your destination weather report was wrong…
Michelle @ A Healthy Mrs says
Great tips — traveling with just a carry on is definitely where it’s at!
karen says
so glad to hear your family is safe. this must have hit close to home having runner’s in your family. praying for boston. praying for the world.
car54 says
I used to travel quite a bit for work and got tired of bad Hotel TV and I got a Slingbox for my home TV–so I could essentially log into my home TV/DVR and watch anything I would watch at home on my laptop.
It also helped when I had to be in the hospital for days for surgery–hospital TV is even worse than Hotel TV.
Katherine says
Sherry and John, over the last 2 days when I try to view your blog, it defaults to the mobile version, which does not play well with my iPhone 4–takes lots of time to load and pull down menu only works about half the time. ls there any way I can set it permanently to the desktop version on my phone? Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh no! So sorry it’s taking so long to load and isn’t working consistently. John and I each have iPhones (3S, not 4) and have been on them checking it since it launched and it works for us. I wonder why it’s being so glitchy for you. Again, so sorry! We’ve asked the mobile app person if there’s a way to set the other way to your default version (we know you can click over to that each time but setting it permanently would be easier for you). We’ll drop back in with an update if we hear how to do that! :)
xo,
s
kris says
I agree. I also have an iphone 4. I would like it permanently set to the desktop version or else I will stop checking on my phone. I find the new format annoying.
YoungHouseLove says
So sorry! That’s never the goal. People have been asking for a mobile version forever and we’ve been working on this for a while and still have a few things to work out, but if we get more bad feedback than good feedback of course we’ll toss it right out the window and go back to the original format. Definitely finding a way for folks to set theirs to the old format if they don’t love the new one is a great compromise :)
xo
s
YoungHouseLove says
UPDATE: To opt out of the mobile site, you can:
1. Bookmark this link, which will always take you directly to the regular site.
2. Click the small arrow in the top right of the screen when you go to our site, and select “desktop site” to view the original format. It should save that preference in your phone’s cookies/data for about two weeks, so once the cookie is deleted you might have to click that arrow again two weeks later, but it shouldn’t be necessary to click that every time you visit the site
Hope it helps!
xo
s
Theresa says
This has nothing to do with traveling, but I was shocked to read you guys don’t have Amazon Prime!
YoungHouseLove says
I know, we might be the only ones! Haha!
xo
s
Liz Hepplewhite says
I love your blog and I’ve never posted but I feel strongly about one of your tips. I hate it when I get to my seat and someone has strategically gotten there first to force my hand by asking if they can switch seats. I spend a lot of time selecting my seat and don’t like to be in the position of having to say no, so I usally acquiesce though I would rather stay in the seat I chose. When you, as the travelers with the non-desirable and separate seats, get to a seat you are not assigned to first and ask the person assigned to that seat to move, you’re placing your comfort and preference over the other person’s. Not cool in my book. Instead, try getting to the airport early and speaking to an agent or at least not forcing the issue by getting to the seat that is not yours first.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, here’s a whole chain about that (there are definitely varying opinions :)
https://www.younghouselove.com/2013/04/twelve-tips-for-smoother-travel/#comment-1490635
xo
s
Christiana says
Totally agree on packing light. The fiance and I did two weeks in Europe with two carryons. It’s doable and the next time we do it, I’ll document it! ;)
kat says
my husband and i use the app tripit which allows you to put all of your travel details together from hotel addresses to confirmation numbers – you name it. and then you can email it to your family and friends and also access the app on your phone. we have used it for all of our trips and have found it so helpful when there are so many details like car rentals, hotels, flights, etc. highly recommend!
Kristen B. says
Great list of travel tips! I think my favorite one is putting together a paper itinerary of flights, hotels, addresses, etc. Tripit is great, but I’m guilty of letting my phone run out of batteries way to often. I like to have backups :)
elizabeth says
As someone familiar with the goodness of Ale81, that’s such a bummer they took John’s special Kentucky soda! I would stand there and drink it on the spot just so it didn’t go to waste, even if it meant I’d have to use the bathroom on the plane (*shudder*)…
YoungHouseLove says
We joked with the guy that he should drink it on his next break! It was unopened and everything :)
xo
s
Pia says
Tip. At security and customs choose the line with most men avoid women and children. ( i am a mum but that is still a great tip) Men with suits are the quickest to go though. They tend to travel a lot and know what they should do.
And being comfortable on a plane and at airports is totally ok but crocs and sweatpants is just plain ugly and should not be worn anywhere where people can see you.
Brittany says
These are ALL great tips, but I also really love #3! I’ve worked a ton of service jobs and front desk was the worst. I did it for two years and you start to go in expecting and preparing for the worst, but when someone does just what you described it’s like a breath of fresh air! We were always inclined to give better rooms and extras to the people who were friendly. A little goes a long way!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, we appreciate friendly front desk clerks just as much. My BFF growing up worked the front desk at the Marriott and I life-guarded at the pool there. Ah, those were the days :)
xo
s