Information to help in your travel's

I hope the info I have found helps you get out and have addveture or two.

If traveling abroad

~When I travel I take a Photo of my passport page with my photo, and number. That way if it is loss or stolen I have proof.

The most important thing is your passport. If you don't have one get one it will open the world of beauty and wonder.

https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports.html

If you have one make sure you keep eye on the experation date, it is easy to renew then it is to re-apply because you miss the time window. https://www.itseasy.com/support/general/passport/renew?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIotT27ciy1gIVzhJoCh3DKA2LEAAYASAAEgLAwfD_BwE

to get a new Passport click here

Security less stressful

Here are some things you can do that will make traveling easier:

Global Entry

Trusted Traveler Programs their is four programs to pick from global entry, Nexus, Senter, and Fast. For me I went with Global Entry.
(https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry/how-apply).
This is going to help with the security line. Global Entry fee is $100 for 5 years of membership I believe this is free if you have American Express credit card.

link to webpage

CLEAR

This is how this works. Stop by one of our dedicated CLEAR lanes. Tap your fingerVerify that you are you with a tap of the finger or blink of an eye. You're CLEAR Speed through security lines in 5 minutes or less.
*The forms and payment tock me less then 5 min.https://www.clearme.com/home
the annual standard membership is $179.00 when you get to the airport you will need to finish the set up so give yourself plenty of time .
I will keep my eyes open for more option's.

link to Clear

Carry on Sizing

The main question you are pronely thinking right now is why would I pack a carry on bag for this trip when I can check a bag. Here is my husband's answer to me when I asked him that exact question.
"Why make us pay for the bag fee and your just going to over pack junk you won't wear or need and then get souvenirs and then to top that off we will have to pay the additional over weight fee on the way home."
In addition you have to stress about the bag check in time. The list goes on that just adds to the stress and who wants stress when your on vacation being in the states or abroad. Travel smart

With all the decisions you have to make with who to fly with, check bag or carry on, then hotel, car rental and so on. I looked at Delta, American, and United carry on size all had the same dimension 22x14x9 including the handles and wheels.

BUT..... If you decide to pack a bag or two here are some things you need to know.

Things to know if you decide on checking in a bag rather than a Carry on bag only. Please go to the website of Airline you are traviling with so their is no last moment price surprise.

Delta- check in bag 1 is$25 bag 2 is $35 both for 50 lbs. and I could not find over weight fee for over 50 lbs. Minimum required check-in time with checked baggage: 30 minutes before scheduled departure time for US flights. 60 minutes before scheduled departure time for international flights to/from the US.
American- check in bag1and 2 are the same cost as Delta but the bags 51-70 lbs. fee is $100, bags 71-100 lbs. is $200 and anything over 200lbs will not be accepted.Minimum required check-in time with checked baggage: 45 minutes before scheduled departure time for US domestic flights. 45 minutes before scheduled departure time for US domestic flights from hubs and heavy traffic airports listed on AA.com.
United- check in bag 1 and 2 same as delta. I could not find the over weight fee. bag check in time depends on your flight itinerary from 60 min/45m/30min

Types of carry on

Hard Vs.Soft

Decisions, Decisions

Soft Shell

Pros:

More Flexibility; can fit into more compact spaces.Due to the flexibility, more items can be put infosoft shell luggage, making it more ideal for shopping.
More accessible with more pockets.

Cons:

Not water resistant. Absorbs water causing it to harbor smells.
Not as easy to maneuver as the hard shell luggage. Most soft luggage comes with two wheels, which can make it tougher to maneuver.
Limited amount of options for suitcase colors.

Hard Shell

Pros:

Water resistant keep rain, snow, puddles and mud out of your bag, no weird smells.
More likely to protect fragile souvenirs, and cameras in suitcase.
Durability; able to withstand the rigors of travel over course of time.
Easy to maneuver since most come with four wheels, which makes getting through airports, train stations and other congested areas easier.
Easier to find at baggage claim as they come in more colors.
The sleek look, able to support other small bag on top and your jacket.
Helps to preventing wrinkles in your clothing.

Cons:

Firm edges can make it harder to fit suitcases into overhead bins or below the seat in front of you (so make sure you know the dimensions of bag before you buy)
Not as flexible, making it difficult to pack souvenirs or use for shopping needs.
Not as easily accessible.

Exposed Vs.Hidden Wheels

As you can see the four wheels take up a lot of could be packing space the four wheels is nice you can push the bag along where the two you have to tilt and pull. On the hidden you have that extra space to pack remember the wheels and the handle is part of the measurements for the carry on any space you have you want to use that whisky.

Inside the bag

Depends on what works best for you the blue liner the x holds stuff in but all my stuff keeps falling out every time TSA would open it. the far right one only has one side you can pack in the other i as shallow as it look is good for underwear/boxers socks and anything thin that fits in that space. The middle is the one i have but not the spacer i dont use. but once again it is all about what works for your needs... oh yea and some of the have a area where you can hang dress or dress shirts and coats on.... there are a lot to pick from I like going to TJMax for you can get really nice bags for desent price.