All About Global Entry: The Application, the Interview, the Approval

We recently were approved for Global Entry, so I thought I'd do a little info post & FAQ on what the heck that means, and who should get it!

What is Global Entry?

Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Members enter the United States through automatic kiosks at select airports.

We have 3 international trips coming up this year, and the idea of a breezy customs experience is one I covet. While it's not available at all airports, it will always expedite our re-entry to the US. After a 3 hour customs experience at LAX last year, I think I'd pay 5x the fee to have customs expedited.

How Long Does It Last?

5 long, wonderful years

How Much Does it Cost?

$100 total for the application. Yes, that's for the whole 5 years.

What Do You Get?

Expedited customs experience at select airports (but at all US airports that accept international flights) PLUS a bonus of TSA Pre-Check at all participating airports (no matter if you're flying domestic or international). TSA Pre-Check ALONE is $89, so Global Entry is the steal of the century.

Should I Get It?

If you go out of the country even once a year, I believe this is worth it. If you fly often, the fact that you get TSA Pre-Check included, and have Global Entry there when you need it, seems worth it to me too.

First Step: Pre-Application Checklist

1. You must have a valid passport
2. Make sure you're eligible (you must have a passport from a participating country)

How to Apply For Global Entry

1. Create a Global Online Enrollment System (GOES) account. Regardless of your age, you must have your own GOES account.
2. Log in to your GOES account and complete the application. A $100 non-refundable fee is required with each completed application.
3. After accepting your completed application and fee, CBP will review your application. If your application is conditionally approved, then your GOES account will instruct you to schedule an interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center. Each applicant must schedule a separate interview.
4. You will need to bring your valid passport(s) and one other form of identification, such as a driver’s license or ID card to the interview. If you are a lawful permanent resident, you must present your permanent resident card.

OUR EXPERIENCE:
All in all, the application took me about 20 minutes. They will ask you a lot of questions about the last 5 years - where you worked, where you lived, countries you've visited - so be prepared to remember which apartment you were living in in 2013. Once completed, we were pre-approved in about 3 days and booked our interviews. Matt and I booked back to back interviews at 2:45pm & 3pm in Memphis (more on that in a minute). After reading online reviews, I also brought other forms that linked my name to my address (above and beyond my license & passport)- W9's, pay stubs, etc. We did not need these, but it never hurts to have a back up!

The interview was easy - they asked me if I'd ever been arrested, they asked me what we did in Costa Rica - very conversational and was over in about 3 minutes. Then, they take your fingerprints & tell you an email will come in 24 hours or less. Ours arrived in our inboxes before we got to the car 5 minutes later. We quite literally could have taken a flight at 4pm and had all the benefits of Global Entry.

The experience could not have been more simple. 

A FEW TIPS

Apply in Advance

While our process was a swift one (less than 2 weeks), sometimes it can take longer. The online pre-approval is typically less than a 1 week turn around, however - getting an in-person interview is what can take so long. We checked Nashville for interviews (keep in mind, this was 2 weeks ago, around January 15) and there weren't any available until JUNE. Nearly 6 months away. With a trip in March and one in May, this felt hopeless and I was so bummed we hadn't taken care of this sooner! 

It Might Be Worth the Drive

We checked surrounding cities - Louisville, Atlanta, and Memphis - and while the first two were also booked out, Memphis had appointments literally the next DAY. We booked our appointments for the following Saturday (about 10 days in advance) so we could go over the weekend, but if we had the time, we could have driven there the next morning. 

Be Honest On Your Application

There's no need to lie - if you lie, they will most likely catch you. If you're truthful, it may not even be an issue. Also, if you've had any legal issues in the past, bring any documentation that might clear it up. There's no hard and fast guideline to what is/isn't acceptable in this program, but I'm guessing shoplifiting when you were 16 probably won't stop you from getting Global Entry. Just be prepared with paperwork. 

I am SO EXCITED that we have Global Entry now - I have a few friends with it and they can't say enough about it! Do you already have Global Entry? Do you think you'll apply?

xo

This Week in Travel Vol.3

There are so many travel blogs & publications I read on a daily basis! Wanted to share some of my favorite links, articles, info graphics and tips from around the web this week.

• 6 things frequent flyers are terrified of (like the middle seat!!!). This made me laugh :)
• Good souvenirs & where to get them in Mexico. (Here are some souvenirs to avoid)
• Great jumping off point for a carry on packing list!
• All about contact-less credit card payment when you travel (here's my favorite credit card!)
• 28 great books for long flights 
• If this is true, I'll be THRILLED. Flying with regular liquids (over 3.4oz) might be legal again in 2016.
• Florence is #1 - I can't wait! Here are the top 10 cities to visit in Europe.
• If you pay for these 5 upgrades, is it really worth it?
• The 12 travel mistakes you think you're too smart to make! (I'm secretly terrified of #9)
• The world's only airport brewery!
• These famous landmarks have selfie bans. THANK GOODNESS.
• These are great tips to save money on accommodation! (They're very similar to my tips for Luxury on a Budget!)
• The 10 best cocktail bars in Brooklyn. Cheers.
• What happens when someone sneezes on a plane.... EWWW!

Today is actually our 2 year anniversary.... yay! (More about our wedding, here) I have to say, marriage is the best adventure I've ever been on. And being married to someone who loves to travel as much as I do... priceless :)

All wedding photos by Eden Frangipane 

Yes, we're making out in almost every picture. I can't say much has changed (which I think is a good thing ;) I love an excuse to look through our photos & remember that beautiful, perfect fall day.

Although I wish we could re-live our Honeymoon, I'm  excited to celebrate in Italy in less than 2 weeks! 
I love you, Matt! 
xoxox

How to Survive a Long Haul Flight in Coach

If I flew First Class, I wouldn't be writing this post... because it's amazing up there.

But since I'm a normal person, just praying I don't have to sit by the bathroom, let's talk about the best way to endure a long haul flight in coach.

I haven't taken a transatlantic flight in a couple of years, but I've done a lot of East Coast-->West Coast. Lengthy flights to California, Mexico, and Washington take mental & physical preparation - that's for sure. These are all 4-7 hr flights depending where your connection is. With our upcoming trip to Italy (!!!), I really thought through what I do differently to prepare for these longer flights, compared to a quick 1-2hr jump to NYC or Chicago. Here's how to survive a long haul flight when you're not being served champagne.

Stay Entertained

Be realistic, but prepare content (video, music, reading material) for your entire flight. If you bring a book, make sure it's a brand new one. You don't want to run out of reading material half way through your flight (trust me)! If you're downloading movies onto a laptop or tablet, consider a secondary battery or charger. I purchased this one on Amazon & it recharges my phone twice or my iPad once. That sets me up for binge watching episodes of New Girl I downloaded or reading my eBook. And don't forget your headphones!
Pro tip: Download new content the night before you leave and put your laptop or tablet on the charger.

Stay Hydrated

The day before your flight, start chugging water. There's nothing worse than getting on a plane and feeling parched. In the same mindset, limit caffiene 24 hours before your flight if you can (it's so hard). It's of course always important to drink lots of water, but stepping up your H2O game before/during/after travel is crutial. I use my Vapur water bottle to continuously fill up without buying a $3 bottle on every layover.

Pick Good Seats (& learn about your perks!)

This might seem obvious, but all economy seats are not created equal. You've got your preference, windor or aisle (real quick: is anyone a 'middle seat person' by choice?) - then take a look at SeatGuru.com. You'll plug in some information (like your flight number or what route you're taking with which airline) and out comes a diagram of your flight, pictures provided by other passengers, tips on the good & bad seats, as well as awesome information about your plane; like if it has outlets, entertainment, free food/food for purchase, wifi, etc. It's better to know in advance if you're getting in a TV-less, outlet-less, steel trap for 12 hours.

Pack for Comfort

Wearing comfortable clothes, like soft shirts & stretchy fabrics, will help you get cozy. I also typically carry on a scarf to use as an extra blanket & I've recently realized that NOT bringing a pair of socks is a huge mistake when you sit by the window! I also have my favorite pillow & eyemask to hopefully catch a nap...!

Remember, It's Gonna Be A Long Flight

... there's no reason to be uncomfortable the whole time. Think about the things you typically do in 4 hours time: have a snack, apply chapstick, chew gum, etc. Prepare for these little habits with an "in flight kit". This is mine. 

Socks, Pillow, eye mask & ear plugs, Spare headphones, Gum, Concealer, Lotion Stick, Chapstick, Headband/hair tie, 

Oil blotting sheets, Ginger Tea, Emergen-C, Hand sanitizer, Anti-bacterial wipes, Tissues and, Sudafed.

I'll add a small bag of almonds & a granola bar or two in before I leave (because airplane food is the worst). They're all compact, so I keep them in an extra small packing cube, which stays flat and slips right into my bag. Plus, these are things I'll end up using once I arrive at my destination anyway. Win-win.

This will have to do until I'm a high roller who lives in First Class. Fingers crossed for a free anniversary upgrade!!!

What do you do to prepare for a lengthy flight? Any pre-flight rituals or stretches I need to know about?

xo

Other post you might enjoy:
How to Pack Light & Always Carry On
How to Travel for FREE

Dear Southwest - Why Can't I Find Your Mobile Boarding Pass?

Dear Southwest,

You pride yourself on being a "green" airline with your numerous Environmental Initiatives - and I appreciate them greatly! I respect that you separate your recycling from garbage in flight, adding winglets to help with fuel economy, etc. HOWEVER - I think you're missing a major opportunity in the vein of being green.

When I used your app for online check in last week, I was certain my request wasn't processing - why wasn't it showing me a mobile boarding pass? (After all, that's why I love Passbook!)

After a few tries, I hopped on my laptop with the same result. I couldn't find ANY way to retrieve a boarding pass without printing it at home or in the airport. According to your FAQ's, you offer them. But I couldn't receive a mobile boarding pass despite my best efforts. On top of this, apparently you haven't updated your app to work with Passbook (you say it will be texted or emailed - but this never happened). This means every passenger with Southwest is printing a boarding pass at home, work or airport kiosk. Let's check some numbers.

According to your website, the following averages exist:

• 3,600 flights daily
• 138 seats per flight
• 21.1 Million flights have been booked in the last 12 months

Based on these numbers, you have the capacity of 496,800 passengers per day if all seats are full. Even if it's only an average of 75% full (just for arguments sake... but I haven't been on a plane less than 90% full in the last 5 years), it's approximately 372,600 passengers. 

That means between 1.36 and 1.81 MILLION flights are taken per year on your airline alone.... and every single passenger is printing at least one piece of paper per flight. And that's just in one year.

Why isn't this option being pushed? Why is it like pulling teeth? For someone like myself who is interested in the option, it shouldn't have been so impossible to accomplish. 

A few easy ways to get people to use your mobile boarding pass option:

• Reminder in their "Your Flight is Around the Corner!" email
• Emails are sent automatically
• Prompting them via online check in
• This never happened during my check in. Why not?
• Airport kiosk staff suggesting it to passengers 
• Would help decrease the line for passengers w/carry on bags, would speed up check in time for others

These options cost you nothing once the app is modified. It will save you money and help our environment. 

Come on, guys. It's 2014. And if "being green" is as important to you as I think it is, save the trees! Make it obvious for those who will use it! Let's fast track this party so we can keep our boarding passes in Passbook. 

What do you think? Do you use mobile boarding passes or Passbook?

xo

How to Travel for FREE

via

Free flights? Yes, please.

The answer? Frequent flyer miles.

It might take a little time & effort, but signing up for frequent flyer miles is definitely worth it! Even if you aren't completely loyal to one airline (like me!), the miles add up... especially when taking cross country or international flights. You might not be flying for free today, but it will pay off - I promise! I like to think of frequent flyer miles as a little investment account. The more I travel, the more I'm saving for the future :)

Here are some facts about frequent flyer miles, and tips to help you start earning NOW!

• Currently, most airlines use the model of miles flown per segment, and a minimum cap for short legs (i.e., Delta gives me 500 miles when I fly from Nashville to Atlanta, even though it's only about 200 miles). Use this calculator to see how many miles (approximately) you'll earn.

• Most airlines fall under three categories: Star Alliance (United), SkyTeam Alliance (Delta), or OneWorld Alliance (American Airlines). This is inclusive of many international airlines, even ones you've never heard of. This excludes only a few independent domestic airlines, like Southwest & Frontier, and international budget airlines like EasyJet & RyanAir. Check the links to see where your airlines fall.
• A friend flew on LOT Airlines to Europe over the Summer and on EVA Air to Thailand last Spring. Even though I've never heard of either one, they both fall under the Star Alliance, giving her several thousand miles with United (enough for at least one round trip flight!). Another great example is our AeroMexico flight that gave us miles with Delta!

• Each airline has a credit card that gives you miles per dollar, and can often come with additional perks. Delta SkyMiles Amex gives us free checked bags (not that we ever use them!), Zone 1 boarding, and double miles on all Delta purchases (flights, WiFi, in flight wine, etc). You can typically get a signing bonus of miles, upwards of 25,000! If you're interested in an airlines card, I'd suggest holding out for a large miles bonus (we waited for 50k!)

• You can earn miles while you're still on the ground. Each major airline has affiliate shopping programs that give you miles per dollar spent! You just shop through their portal and earn miles on things you were buying anyway. You can DOUBLE your earnings when you use your branded credit card through it's matching portal (Delta Amex on SkyMiles shopping, etc). I use Delta but I've heard good things about American, too.

• You can submit a request for your miles after your flight. Each airline has different rules, but it's good to know you have a little wiggle room.

• Miles don't expire... within reason. Delta miles NEVER expire. American & United require activity within 18 months. Essentially, if you fly once every year or two on an airline, you can continue earning miles. Also, you can often times "reactivate" miles for a small fee. 
• A former Continental (now United) lover myself, I had over 15k miles on the airline that had expired. I paid $25 to have them reactivated, and am using those 15k miles for a free one-way flight. Worth it!

• Most airline miles redemption start at 12k one way. If you fly from NYC to LA round trip, you'll earn close to 5k miles. NYC to London is 6500 round trip. Even domestics like NYC to CHI, Denver to LAX, Miami to Dallas are 1500-2500 miles round trip. 
• My trip to Italy will earn almost 10k miles. That's nearly enough for a one-way ticket!
• Side note: we used miles from our credit card to pay for flights to Italy. It's my favorite card!

Tomorrow I'll follow up with the beginner's guide to frequent flyer miles.

Have you ever used frequent flyer miles to earn free flights? Where did you go? Are you signing up for loyalty programs right now?!
xo

Why I Love Our US Bank Flex Perks Travel Rewards Credit Card (and so will you)!

Before I met Matt, I'd never even heard of US Bank, let alone used their services. Now that I've married into it, I don't know how I ever worked with another bank. Their customer service is actually helpful and they DON'T charge ATM fees. Let me count the ways I love thee.

Loving your bank. It's a wonderful thing.

Now, what's even better, is the bank you love so very much offering the credit card from heaven. Enter the US Bank Flex Perks Travel Rewards Signature Visa. 

And let's be clear - I am not being compensated for writing this. Although I should be, because I'm always singing the praises of this credit card. We put all of our monthly expenses (that are credit card charge-able... so basically everything except utilities) on this card so we rack up the points pretty quickly. We recently used it to book our flights to Italy. Yes, meaning we are flying there for FREE. 

It's perfect for people who love to travel, and here's why.

Points

• 1 point per every $1 spent. So if you spend $1,000/month, you'll get 1,000 points. 
• 2x points on the category you spend the most on in that month between gas, groceries, or airline travel. The best part about this is you don't have to sign up or choose - it automatically doubles your points for you.
• 2x points on cell phone expenses 

flying into NYC on my free flight thanks to my reward points

Rewards

• Reward flights are booked through Travelocity. This means you can book on ANY major airline. Unlike the Southwest card or Delta Skymiles Amex, your miles can go anywhere on any major airline through Travelocity. 
• Delta, United, Virgin, Jet Blue, Sun Country, Alaska Airlines, Spirit, American, US Airways, and Frontier and probably a few others on Domestic flights
• Aer Lingus, TAP Portugal, AA, British Airways, Delta, Finnair, Iberia, Lufthansa, United, Virgin Atlantic, Air Canada, US Airways, Swiss Air, Brussels Air, KLM, Air France, Air Europa, SAS, Icelandair, Quantas, Air New Zealand, China Southern, Cathay Pacific, Singapor Airlines, Asiana Airlines, Japan Airlines, Air China, China Airlines, Philippine Airlines, Fiji Airlines, Air Tihiti.... just to name a few International options.
• I just did a few searches and these are what came up. The sky truly is the limit.
• Here is the award travel chart. Unlike most mileage programs, the points are directly related to the money you spent. Unlike others (I'm looking at you, American Airlines) who charge more points for peak times. 

• You can also bundle hotels, car rentals and more to save points. 
• Last year we booked 2 flights to NYC and a gorgeous hotel for about 50,000 points total. 20k per ticket & added 4 nights in the Conrad New York in Battery Park for 10k points. An incredible deal for 4 nights in a hotel that costs over $500/night & flights that were ringing in around $350/ticket! Our almost $2,700 trip (let's be honest... I never would have paid $500 a night for a hotel in New York, but still) was paid for except a Metro Card and meals. That's what I call cheap & cheerful.
• You can read about all of the reward options here.

enjoying drinks in the Conrad Hotel bar... happy to splurge because of our free flights and hotel!

Perks

• Booking through Travelocity means NO blackout dates or times. You just have to decide what points you want to spend (there are always great options since you can choose from any airline)
• On paper, Flex Perks is "buying" your flight on Travelocity. This means you'll get all of your standard airline frequent flyer miles even though you've purchased with "miles"! This is a big perk when thinking about international flights! 
• Every ticket you book using Flex Perks rewards, you're entitled to $25 in flight credit. This can be used to buy in flight wifi, a glass of wine, movie rental, or a nice snack pack. It will automatically be erased from your statement.
• It has a chip to work with International purchases. When I was in Canada, I had no problems with this card whatsoever.
• Speaking of International, there are NO International fees associated. 
• Tons of other perks, like $25k in travel insurance, Hotels Perks (some offer free wifi or free parking) and more. You can read all about them here!

We MILK all of the perks from this card. It really pays off to have it! I am in no way condoning using credit cards to buy things you can't afford (I use Mint.com to do our budget), but there's no reason not to earn points for the things you would be buying anyway! Have I convinced you of the wonders of this card yet?

Do you use a rewards credit card? Do you like it? What makes it work for you? Does anyone love the FlexPerks card as much as I do?

xo

How to Use Passbook On Your iPhone For Travel

Leaving for Chicago in just a few hours - I can't wait! 

I checked in for my flight last night and had a revelation - I use an app for every trip that I think most people ignore.

Now, if you're a human and you own an iPhone, you're probably annoyed with the handful of apps you're FORCED to have on your phone (Stocks! Why do I need this??!?). However, I'm here to tell you about the one I LOVE and how it makes traveling easier.

Enter: Passbook. 

I know a lot of you have never used Passbook before, and you're definitely not alone! It's a breezy way to get organized for any upcoming travel, and it's been a huge help to me. 

1 - Flights

We live in a digital age -- why are we still printing boarding passes?

Most major airline have apps available. Create a frequent flyer number, download their app and login. You can change your seats, check in - and voila! - obtain your boarding pass. 

Click "ADD" in the top right corner and it will be auto saved into Passbook.

You can change your settings (use that "i" button at the bottom right), but mine is set to pop up on my home screen automatically beginning two hours prior to my flight. So security checkpoint & boarding the plan are really simple and there's no searching through your phone when your place comes up in line.

2 - Lodging 

Airbnb as well as some major hotels (Starwood is an example) give the option to download & save your itinerary to Passbook. 

This includes all of your check in/check out times, location and any instructions you might need.

3 - Events

Fandango, Ticketmaster, MLB, and LivingSocial all work hand in hand with Passbook. When traveling for a concert (like this weekend!) my Ticketmaster purchase was ready to go. No worries if I left the tickets at home or still had the confirmation in my email.

Passbook allows you to tweak each "app" within it to decide when you want it to pop up. For example, turn it off so your Starbucks or Sephora cards don't pester you every time you're within 50 ft of a mall. But I love the ease of having my boarding pass ready to go at all times on busy travel days!

Learn more about Passbook here.

Well... I'm off to the airport for the first time in almost a month. Think they missed me?

Do you use Passbook or any other travel apps? 

xo

Heading Overseas? Here's Your Timeline Checklist.

Just 6 more weeks and we are heading to ITALY! I'm seriously pumped.

I've been to several countries in Europe but Italy has always been on my list. My grandfather immigrated from Italy when he was very young and a huge part of my heritage is Italian. When I studied abroad I decided NOT to go to Italy because I knew I'd make it back someday. Now, someday is very very soon :) PLUS, Matt has only been to Iceland - this will be his first trip to mainland Europe! I'm so excited to go somewhere new together.

Going overseas for 3 days, 3 weeks, or 3 months requires planning. And since these trips are always more expensive than domestic travel, you're going to want to save money when you can.

Here's a timeline of what planning should look like

12-18 months ahead: 

• Start talking about where you want to go and what your budget is. Think realistically what you already have saved and what you can save monthly to contribute to the end goal. 
• Some numbers to keep in mind:

• $800-$1500 per international plane ticket, depending on your departure and arrival, and your time of travel.
• $15-$200 per night in accommodation. Depending if you're staying in a hostel, a guest house/Airbnb or hotel, this is a place you can definitely trim your budget.
• $40-100 per day in food costs. Depending if you're eating sit down meals or keeping it simple.

• These are rough estimates and are not inclusive of all you'll need. There's also extras like museums & other activities, renting a car, and souvenirs. But these numbers should get your started. 
• Budget your savings on the high end and trim where you can. For example, choose an Airbnb rental at $70/night as opposed to hotel at $150/night.
• Check the exchange rate. I use XE.com

9-12 months ahead: 

• Start your research! Read blogs & scour Pinterest to see what interests you in that city. I also suggest buying some travel guide books. These guide books are often sponsored & outdated, so I don't rely on them for food/lodging, but they're good for info on local attractions! Doing a little reading can help you decide what interests you and what you think you can skip or might want to look into more. 

*I buy my guidebooks used off Better World Books. At almost $30 a copy, they can be quite the investment. Many BWB copies are a few years older, but are less than $5. Another great resource is the library.

6-9 months ahead: 

• Start checking flights. You won't want to purchase for a few more months, but you'll want to see what the average price is.
• Check in on your budget - are you at least half way there? Remember, you've only got 6 months to go and you'll be booking most of your flights & accommodation (the bulk of your expenses) very soon.
• At this time, make sure your passport is valid for 6 months AFTER you plan on taking your trip. Many countries will not let you enter if you don't have at least 6 months left on a passport. So, if you're taking a trip in January 2015, your passport needs to be valid through at least July 2015.

4-6 months in advance: 

• Time to get serious about booking your flight! According to research, the ideal time to book international flights is 151 days (that comes to 21.5 weeks) before your departure. 
• Check different days of the week using a travel search engine (like Expedia or Kayak) but make sure you book through the airline itself. If you book through Expedia & plans change, you have almost no flexibility. 
• When booking directly through the airline, you can usually pay a change fee & they will deal with you directly. The same goes for hotels. 

*If you find a cheaper rate on Expedia.com than you are on Delta.com, call them and ask about it. Typically, they will price match. When you book through Expedia they are taking a cut of the price. So, Delta will always make more booking you directly so the price match shouldn't be an issue.

2-4 months in advance: 

• Finalize your accommodation. Note: if you're visiting in high season (learn about this during your research!), you'll want to make sure you're booking at LEAST 4 months in advance as prices will continue to rise as space becomes limited. 

*Full Disclosure: I didn't take my own advice on this one. I am just booking our last Airbnb apartment now & the choices are MUCH more limited, even though we are traveling in low season! 

1-2 months in advance: 

• Check into any tours or activities you might want to book in advance to have ideal options. 
• Start making a list of what your 'must-see must-do' things are and figure out how many you can fit in. 
• Start searching for "specialty" items/gear you'll need for your trip, giving yourself to find a good deal without leaving it to the last minute.
• Check the exchange rate again & make sure your budget lines up.

2 weeks before: 

• Start organizing all of your travel documents. 
• Check local news to make sure there is nothing you need to know about (recent political unrest in China, Ebola in Liberia, natural disasters unfolding, etc). 
• Double check your airline's luggage policy (are carry on limitations dictated by size or weight?) and start thinking through outfits. 
• Make a rough packing list.

1 week before: 

• Check the weather and start packing (yes, you have time. But this allows you to get a jump start while you're not feeling stressed!) 
• Call the credit card company and let them know where you'll be traveling and when so they don't shut off your cards. 
• Forward your itinerary to a family member or friend who you'd trust in an emergency situation. 
• Communicate & reconfirm with any dog/cat/house sitters. 
• Remind your boss you'll be MIA in one week!

2 days before: 

• Check the weather again & revise what you've packed so far - take out what you don't need and start adding in the daily use items you couldn't put in a week ago (like your favorite jeans or boots). 
• Start loading books, movies & music onto tablets/phones. 
• Make sure all electronics are charged up so you can throw your necessary chargers in your bag.

24 hours before: 

• CHECK IN ONLINE! WOO HOO! 
• Swing by the bank & take out some cash so you can exchange immediately if necessary. 
• Remind your boss/coworkers one more time & set your out of office before you leave! 

That night, before you go to sleep, make sure everything is organized and ready to go. Even if you have a later afternoon flight, being prepared the night before will allow you to sleep well & not worry about what you have to finish in the morning!

Traveling overseas is SO FUN and I'm excited to get on a long flight! It's been a while! At 6 weeks out I'm making my must see/must do list and *already* thinking about what to pack. Can't wait!

Other posts you might enjoy:
How to Pack Light & Always Carry On
Toiletry Swaps: Carry less liquid
How to Pick the Perfect Airbnb
How to Save Money on Flights
In Flight Essentials

Random Items You Might Consider Packing for Your Next Trip

There are few random items I think are worth packing... but some can really come in handy. As I mentioned in this post, keep your "what if?"s to a minimum, because it probably isn't going to happen! But let's talk about a few items that might cover your bases and serve a purpose as well.

Rain Jacket

I bought this rain jacket about two years ago and it was the best $40 I've spent. We found it on SierraTradingPost.com on sale, but I would buy it full price if I had to. This packs up so small in a suitcase, and I've used it every time I've brought it. Here are a few ways it's useful:

- Keeps you dry

- Helps keep you warm when you need an extra layer

- Easy way to cover up a wardrobe malfunction (rip or spill)

I bought the uninsulated one so I could use it year round.  This has adjustable wrists & hood so it will end up being a perfect fit for everyone! I also chose black because it is the most versatile & doesn't show dirt!

Tip: Buy one size larger so you can wear OVER layers when it's cold & rainy!

Wet Wipes

These take up NO space at all, and the uses are endless. I use almost a whole pack in a week long trip. Here are a few ways:

- Nasty tray table on the plane

- Napkins

- Remove Make Up

- Wipe off face/back of neck after long day of travel 

- Wipe off dirty luggage

- Last resort when no soap in bathroom

Seriously. They are so multi functional! I've even used them as a tissue in desperate times. For $1 at Target and 1cm in your pack, these are a must have in my book.

Ulster Weavers canvas handbag, $25 / Scotch Soda shopper handbag / White tote bag / Ulster Weavers canvas handbag, $25 / Ulster Weavers canvas handbag, $25 / 212 Tote Bag Canvas

I've started carrying a small, flat, neutral tote with me on every trip because I'm always in need of a spare bag! Just a few places you might need these:
- Farmer's Market
- European Market
- Beach Day (on a non beach vacation)
- Picnic
- Shopping
- Eco Friendly City Grocery Stores (they charge you for plastic bags)
- Store dirty clothes away from clean ones
- Gym Bag
- Just because sometimes you need two bags!

On my last trip to Seattle I was able to use my tote as a beach bag at the lake, gym bag, shopping, market & to separate clothes! The ones I've featured above are cute, but there are tons of adorable ones on Etsy, too! For bargain options, check H&M or Forever 21. Other stores like Cotton On offer cheap totes as add-on purchase for a couple of bucks. But let's be honest - you probably have a free one floating around somewhere! I'd go for a canvas style that lays flat (rather than the reusable shopping bag style) and something neutral & cute you wouldn't mind using as an alternative purse. 

Cash

This might seem like a no brainer... but most of us rarely cary cash! Here are some of the times I've wished I had a few bucks in my bag:

- Tip (Valet, Porter, Barista)

- Cash Only Vendors

- Farmer's Market

- Metered Parking

- Bus Fare

- Minimum Credit Purchase

- Laundry

- Pay Per Use Bathroom (I'm looking at you, Europe!)

- Pay Phone (ok, so it's been a few years - but you never know in an emergency!)

Having $20 broken down can get you a long way. Having a couple of dollars in quarters is always helpful for laundry, bus, and meters. Some people are happy to give cash back and break down change... and others aren't. Save yourself the headache and have a few bucks with you. If you're traveling internationally, I would have a few bucks/quarters for the trip out but make your change in your destination's currency.

Pen & Paper

iPhones! Technology! That's all well and good until your phone dies or you're out of service area :) I'm a big believer in writing things down. Times I have loved my pen & paper:

- Having someone write directions

- Having someone write name of restaurant or location

- Exchanging phone numbers/email with new friends

- Leaving notes for others you're traveling with

- Keep score in card games :)

- Keep tab if one person is paying & all splitting at end of trip

I use pen & paper soooooo often... I couldn't imagine traveling without it! Ask my study abroad classmates.... they would find notes from me 24/7 because we didn't have cell phones. I keep this little Moleskine in my bag with a Sharpie pen (doesn't smudge) because it's skinny & easy to rip pages out. Also, there's this little pocket in the back for keeping any notes organized!

These are some of my MUST HAVE items when I travel... each one serves so many purposes in my opinion! Do you travel with any of these things? Do you think they're useful?

xo

Travel Necessities: What's In My Carry On

1: Bobino Cord Wrap // 2: Larabar // 3: Vapur Collapsable 

Water Bottle // 4: West Elm Travel Set (sold out) // 5: iPad with Smart Cover

You literally won't find me on a plane without these things. 

After years of overpacking on the "what if's" (read: scarves & shoes) and leaving out some essentials (like a snack), I think I've finally mastered it. But the great thing about every item up there is that 

Bombino Cord Wrap

You can find similar alternatives to this little cord keeper, and any of them will do. But I will so that I love grabbing my headphones and not spending 15 minutes sorting out the tangles every time I want to use them.

Larabar

Once again, this is personal preference. But I find that short flights (like the one-hour-and-some-change Nashville to Chicago) is always the time I'm the most ravenous. Since gems like American Airlines don't even serve a crummy little bag of peanuts or pretzels anymore, it's wise to have something to much on! I find granola bars are a good choice because they can live in your purse for a quite a while and still be edible. Almonds are another go to. I personally prefer Larabars because they  contain very few ingredients, and all of which can be read without a translator & purchased easily at a grocery store (the coconut one has: dates, unsweetened coconut, almonds, cashews, and extra virgin coconut oil. THAT'S LITERALLY IT.)

Vapur

I'll never forget the day I invented this. I was sick of buying bottles of water when I was out, but also sick of carrying around a HUGE reusable canteen or Nalgene just incase I was thirsty. I thought to myself, "What if there was a re-usable Capri Sun type bottle that I could fill up with water, and leave flat in my purse when I wasn't using it?!" I swore I was going to be a millionaire.... until I googled it and found out it was already invented. Dang it. Well, if I'm not going to be rich, I'm just glad it's already a thing, because I use it constantly. I got mine on Amazon (certain colors go on sale from time to time).

Travel Set

I've found that being short on airplanes comes at an advantage & a disadvantage. The advantage? Leg room is not an issue for me. However, my head is always being pushed forward/down by the headrest, because it's where everyone else's necks are. A neck pillow seemed like a nice option, but the inflatable ones were sticky plastic and the plush ones took up too much space... so I just skipped it. UNTIL I found this great set at West Elm! The jersey knit cover makes it soft, but the pillow itself is a blow up... best of both worlds! It's awesome. The West Elm set is sold out, but here's a similar one.

iPad Mini & Smart Case

I never thought I'd get an iPad, especially a mini one (I'm definitely one of those people who thought they were just oversized phones), but I'm so glad we have it. On trips where we're only doing light work, we just use that instead of hauling a laptop. Plus, the iPad can have books, movies, magazines (all Condé Nast magazines include a free digital subscription!), and the battery lasts forever. We load it up with movie rentals from Amazon & use the Smart Case to prop it up. The Smart Case was a non negotiable to me when we decided on getting an iPad. But, we're cheap, so we got one off eBay that came with a hard case for the back, too. 

So there you have it! Those are my essentials. Do you use any of these when you travel? Think it's over the top? What are your must-haves?

Save Money on Round Trip Flights by Booking One-Way's Instead

When I started traveling (I was 15 going to visit my boyfriend ;), a one-way flight was a HUGE cost. I could never figure out why it wasn't half of the cost of the flight. Now, with airlines like Southwest, Allegiant, and Frontier, it's more common to pick your times and pick your price.

However, when traveling on larger airlines, I always like to check the one-way to round trip ratio - JUST incase.

I'm in a wedding in Seattle in April, and going out early for the bachelorette party. I'll be flying April 10-20 and Matt will join me towards the end for the actual wedding. A few months ago when I looked, flights were around $250 round trip (GREAT for Seattle), but it was early out, so i waited.

Wrong. Move.

Round Trip Flights from Nashville to Seattle April 10-20

Checking in this week, flights were $405 MINIMUM for undesirable departure times or several layovers on the basics like Delta, American, United, etc. Woof. I know sometimes you don't get everything you want, but it seems awful to overpay for no convenience?!

After checking Frontier, and seeing almost a $75 price difference ($330, much better!) - $150 there, $180 back - I thought I would see my options of booking two one-ways on the larger airlines, or perhaps only one Frontier flight (they're kinda my least favorite. No water or anything!)

It takes an extra minute to search again, but it can be so worth it! Low and behold, there was major money to be saved.

TO SEATTLE - $130

FROM SEATTLE - $132

That takes me $404.05 flight down to $262.02.... Saving me $142.40. Essentially paying for all of mine and half of Matt's flight! I'll take it! Or as a couple, we saved almost $300 on our trip. That's quite a large chunk of money!

So next time you're booking travel - just for kicks - try it out. It might save you some money, it might not. But it's totally worth looking!

Have you ever booked two one-way flights instead of a round trip? Any tricks to saving money on airlines?

xo

PS - I always book directly through the airline! But Expedia is a great way to see most of your major airlines in one spot. Once you've found a good price, head to the airline's website to complete your booking. Prices are always the same, and if it's not, call the airline! They'll be happy to honor that price!