So sorry for your H. Being close to the border we often vacation in Mexico. Sin hielo, por favor – please no ice. I also got sick about 30 years ago on an “exclusive” dinner in Ixtapa.
We’ve been to Vietnam and Africa since then and used Costco’s Travel Med service. https://www.sgtravelmed.com
Even from locals (according to forums)–they don’t eat local much in India.
I lived in Mexico for few years. Always no ice and bottled water.
My daughter accidentally drank some water while taking a shower and she got very sick. Her doctor gave her every pill because he said one of them should work.
But we still love going to Mexico.
I posted on another thread, I love the AirTag.
It’s a total luxury, but I love having access to airline club lounge. You get the obvious perk of having a comfortable, quiet place with free food and drink for long layovers. Some larger lounges have private showers (and private bathrooms) which can be a godsend after a redeye, or after a long day of meetings (or last minute hiking/sightseeing) before a long flight home.
But just as important for travel disruptions is the lounge front desk staff are all airline ticketing agents so you don’t have to go stand in a huge line and get perfunctory service. It’s like having your own private agent - I once had an agent rebook me after a flight was canceled but the best she could do was a 4 hour wait. Then as I was walking down the concourse to a restaurant she called me on my cell phone with news that a seat on a flight leaving in 15 minutes had opened up and she could get me on if I wanted hustle to the gate; really amazing personal service that makes a big difference when the unexpected happens.
I’m not sure if this has been mentioned.
Download your banking apps. That way if your wallet is stolen, you can freeze your credit cards. Easy
Now if you lose your phone…
What do you do if you lose your phone? Should you have your Apple ID written down somewhere?
If you are going carryon only with a non-US airline, invest the $12 for a luggage scale. Easily the best purchase we made - non-US airlines aren’t joking about luggage dimension or weight restrictions.
One of these days we’ll travel in the US again. Most of our trips have been overseas.
Pack light.
Check Google and maps for locations of laundromats. We found out on our last major trip that they are few and far between, if they even exist, in Austria. Finally got a washer in the apt on our last (4-day) stop in Vienna. Hand washing doesn’t always cut it. 
Visit grocery stores in foreign cities and pick up tubes of gel laundry soap (to continue the theme).
I love checking out what goodies there are and how affordable and fun things can be - fleur de sel, instant coffee (to use immediately and bring home), candies, sprinkles to go on toast (Amsterdam), inexpensive wine and premixed cocktails, take away deli items.
If stores are closed on a Sunday, the train station usually has grocery and incidental stores open.
I have curly hair and am fussy, to say the least, about hair products. I take my own in travel-size bottles, but I’ve found some good duplicates when I run out.
Get tiny ziplocks for meds. I had one per day or per week and was able to keep track of what I took.
Best pastry I had in my life was a random little bakery across from a laundromat somewhere in France. W and I were on a long vacation many years ago and went to a laundromat but didn’t have change. Went across the street and bought a couple pastries to get some change. OMG they were so darn awesome!
So I guess my travel tip is to check out random little places off the beaten path when traveling, you never know when you’ll have an amazing experience.
When I have needed to pack an outfit for an event such as a wedding --Roll the clothes gently in tissue paper and place in a large ziplock. Blow a bit of air in it. Pack in your carry on. At your destination let hang until needed. It has worked every time. No worries if it will arrive.
The plastic covers from dry cleaning are perfect for folding/rolling your garments in for wrinkle free travel.
I love packing cubes. Ziplock bags also work well.
Has anyone found a brand of bar shampoo they like? What about conditioner?
I have a trip in 3 week October trip and I’m really going to make a serious effort to pack light. Hardest is shoes.
My D swears by the Lush shampoo bars - I tried hers but it wasn’t right for my dry gray hair. I need to try again, only this time get the one that’s best for gray hair (a moisturizing version) -
https://www.lushusa.com/plastic-free.html
My D likes Hibar or Ethique, and Love Beauty and Planet for a cheaper option (only about $4 for a bar)
WalMart now carries a 100ml collapsible “travel pouch” perfect for lotions or shampoo or any liquid really.
Easy to fill and with a decent dispenser cap. 97 cents.
I just spent a solid hour on the TSA IG account instead of packing for my first flight in four years. Probably a good thing I have less time to dither.
Have a great time time wherever you are going! Their IG is very clever and informative!
My dad has cancer that’s spread, so not a fun trip, but thank you .
There’s no other way I’d be getting on a plane right now. Still have major anxiety about covid. Sigh.
Fingers crossed for a safe trip!
Sorry to hear this. Safe travels.
Yes, wishing safe travels to all. Wearing a well-fitting highly protective mask can be very helpful for this.
Elders with heath issues are very worrying.