3 Tips for a Perfectly Packed Suitcase

August 26, 2014 by portofino

We’ve all been there before: You go to pack for an upcoming trip and quickly realize that your belongings far exceed the space in your suitcase. Whether you’re trying to conserve space in the car or you don’t want to pay the outrageous airport baggage fees, there are a number of benefits to using a smaller suitcase. Here are a few tips to help you pack like a pro.

Roll it up. By folding each article of clothing in half and then tightly rolling it like a burrito, you can dramatically save space in that overcrowded suitcase. Even better, the rolling technique ensures that your clothes will stay wrinkle-free until you unpack them at your destination.
Check the weather. Don’t fill your suitcase with bulky sweaters if you don’t have to. Checking the weather at your destination ensures that you’re prepared for anything, and it means that you won’t pack unnecessary things that you don’t wear. If possible, wear your bulkier clothing items on the plane.
When in doubt, shrink wrap. If you’re going on a long trip where you simply can’t afford to leave things out, investing in space bags that vacuum your clothes together is a great option. These bags are available at most home goods stores, and many cost less than $20.

How to Pack a Suitcase [Travel and Leisure]
5 Ways to Pack Your Suitcase Way More Efficiently [Gizmodo]
Pack Your Suitcase as Efficiently as a Flight Attendant [Lifehacker]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/pedrosimoes7

Combat Jet Lag With These 3 Simple Tips

May 27, 2014 by portofino

An unfortunate side effect of travel, jet lag can easily suck the fun out of the first few days in a new time zone. Whether you're planning on traveling to a new city for business or pleasure, these three tips will help expedite your acclimation.

1. Ease your body into the time zone of the city you'll be visiting.
Take a week or so before your departure to incrementally shift your sleep schedule so that upon arriving in your destination, your circadian rhythm is already in sync. Go to bed earlier for an eastward trip, later for a westward trip. If you'll be traversing multiple time zones, you may want to consider breaking up your travel into smaller flights.

2. Get outdoors.
Staying inside only worsens jet lag. Being exposed to sunlight will help stimulate a correction of your biological clock. Try taking a short walk to clear your head.

3. Stay hydrated.
Once you're in the air, drink eight ounces of water per hour. This will help curtail the dehydrating effects of cabin air. You may be tempted to reach for a cocktail, but be forewarned that alcohol worses jet lag. Avoid caffeine, as well, as it acts as a stimulant and may prevent restful sleep.

Jet Lag [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]
Jet Lag and Sleep [National Sleep Foundation]
Avoid Jet Lag with our Top 10 Tips [Fodors]