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Travelite Packing Tips

April 2000:

This month's Travelite tip comes from Cara H. in Ottawa, Canada, who suggests using a big self-sealing plastic bag (such as a Ziploc baggie) to prepack your in-flight things in, and to tuck the entire baggie into your seat back pocket.

Cara says, "I tend to be a bit of a fussbudget when I'm on a plane--constantly reaching for something from my carry-on or checking for my ticket or wallet. To make myself settle down, I pre-pack a large sized zip-bag with my in-flight things and tuck it into the seat back pocket. I can usually get in a book, my walkman, some hand cream, chapstick, hand sanitizer, a hair band, some gum, my ticket and a wallet etc. You are less likely to leave items behind because if you remove an item you put it back in the bag."

That's a great idea, Cara! Having everything in your seat back pocket means not having to reach up to reach your carry-on in the overhead bin, or having to double over to reach into your carry-on by your feet (which can be really tough in those small coach seats!). The only thing I might do differently would be to leave out valuables like my wallet, since I'll forget all about it when I get up to use the restroom.

It seems like such a common-sense idea, but one I've never thought of. This tip even works for car trips!

If the regular one-gallon size bags are too small, try the two-gallon Jumbo Storage or Freezer Bags by Ziploc. They can hold a ton of stuff. Ziploc's web site says they are generally available in grocery, drug, hardware and discount stores in the U.S. and Canada. If you can't find them in your area, you can order them through the SC Johnson Direct Mail Order Service at 1-800-848-2588. While we're at it, Ziploc sells half-gallon PLEATED baggies, too. The pleating makes them the best (and cheapest) little packables to store your lightweight socks, lingerie, toiletries, and other small items in your carry-on.

Best of all, most travelpacks have large front pockets so you can just plop your seat pocket baggie right into them!

Thanks again for the great tip, Cara. I'll certainly give it a try for my next trip.

Happy travels,

-- Lani

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