I am definitely packing light next time and having laundry done as my splurge. Definitely.
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That’s a good idea. I have an address sticker on the back of my phone, under a clear case. I’m thinking about adding an “if found - <hubby cell#> sticker too.
The address sticker can be handy. My kids once left a walkie talkie in campground restroom. A cousin from the family reunion camp out found it after we were gone and mailed it to us.
I 2nd this suggestion. We use a white noise app on one of our phones religiously while traveling. We sleep through any noisy next door neighbors without any problems!
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My tip for packing light is to pack several days in advance. When I pack in a rush, which is my nature, I go into survival mode and pack way too many “just in case” items.
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Suggesting I join the 21st century? Did my children send you? 
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You don’t even need to have an app to get white noise on your iPhone. It’s built into settings. Not as fancy as the apps, but adequate.
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Prepare an itinerary ahead of time and do some research about common tips from those that previously travelled around the area to avoid getting lost.
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TripAdvisor to ask questions and shape the trip. It has a lot of valuable information
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If you are traveling to a destination with limited dining options, call the hotel concierge ahead of time and ask to make some reservations at those restaurants that show as sold out on Opentable. Nearby hotels oftentimes have first dibs on prime dining time slots.
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TripAdvisor forums helped me a lot on my first ever trip to Chicago last year. But it all depends on the people who frequent the forums.
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That is true. Some are more helpful then others but on average if you do your research first and ask specific questions, not something like “ I have 10 days in xxx. What should I see?” they are very helpful. I normally work with information on TripAdvisor and plan on TripIt. I like my trips very structured by hours.
Here’s a link to the UV/solar umbrella I mentioned earlier… I use the 42" sized one.
https://www.amazon.com/G4Free-Protection-Umbrella-Folding-Blocking/dp/B07V8DG1W8/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1IGQL6S2BFY0C&keywords=g4free+42+inch+umbrella&qid=1654894896&s=sporting-goods&sprefix=g4free+42+inch+umbrella%2Csporting%2C135&sr=1-4
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I never wear shorts on planes…never know what touched that seat before.
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No dress for me on plane either.
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Aircrews favorite bags are TravelPro. Tough, lightweight, and I always buy the ultra lightweight version. People are so impressed that I practically toss that bag in the overhead compartment, because I look like a wimp, but they are super light. I never, ever check my bags. If you can’t pack what you need in a 21 inch rollerboard, you’re packing too heavy, no matter how long you’re going to be gone for. Only pack things that you can easily wash in a sink and will dry quickly (avoid cotton, and anything that wrinkles).
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I like to pack my sunscreen and other lotions. that are in large sizes. It is time to get rid of the ‘3 oz max’ size requirements. Toothpaste that is 4.6 oz is not more dangerous than the 3.0 oz size.
I’m going on a trip and bringing 25 t-shirts for a group. That’s going to take an extra, checked, suitcase. Thank you Southwest for free bag check.
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If you drink wine, pack a corkscrew. We have been surprised at how available wine is but how difficult it has sometimes been to find and buy a corkscrew. Don’t count on one being available in an Airbnb.
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LOL. We ran into that. No corkscrew! Definitely pack one but make sure it has no blade to get through TSA if carry on
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Sometimes TSA will go after corkscrews without blades…
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Question. I don’t like using packing cubes but have been looking at compression cubes. Anyone know if they actually save much more space?