What's your golden travel rule?

[SeaWolf]

I’d like to introduce myself - Mrs Fritz is what I use for these situations.

I always sign in as Jerry Smith and my postcode is 7151.

 

[Seat0B]

I’d like to introduce myself - Mrs Fritz is what I use for these situations.

I have an actual burner email with that name because sometimes they send a n email verification that you just respond to in order to get your internet access. Works a treat!

 

[Matt_01]

I have an actual burner email with that name because sometimes they send a n email verification that you just respond to in order to get your internet access. Works a treat!

I also have a burner email. Mr Noah Count has been known to log onto wi-fi's and at times has made bookings at restaurants, booked cabs and signed up to websites that require an email address.

 

[Groundfeeder]

1. First rule of golden rules...
2. As long as you have your passport, phone and credit cards. everything else is replaceable
3. Never come home with dirty laundry

Actually the Golden Rule is "He who has the gold, makes the Rules".

 

[lovetravellingoz]

Pack a bag, then half it, and then half again...buy what you left behind if needed.

Yes fully agree with travelling light!



My wife and I recently returned from 6 weeks in Italy, over half of which was to walk the last 400km of the Via Francigena, mainly through Tuscany. As we were carrying what we took on the walk we packed only what we had to and so were even lighter than we normally would be for 6 week trip. We did take some extra old clothers for the first week before we started walking that we then through out.


On Check-In for our J Flights back, we checked in only the one smallish duffle bag for the two of us, probably weighed under 10kg .

The Aussie Couple behind us with multiple cases in tow, that they were struggling with, had packed to their maximum 80kg allowance and were amazed how little we had. "What a waste" the female half of the duo commented on what to her was wasted 70kg.

We just laughed and said that we preferred to travel light and to not have to lug heavy and coughbersome bags around with us.

The Check-In Agent looked puzzled too when we placed the one small bag on the belt. "Where are you other bags she enquired?" We again just laughed and asked have if we had set a new record for minimum Business Class Baggage check-in? "Yes" she agreed and laughed back.

 

[MrMatureGuy]

Been an 'infrequent' flyer, who only goes on holidays once a year, and that is just domestic, our rule is to get to airport at least 2 hrs before departure, and just soak in the atmosphere.
No rushing around, stressing.....kids enjoy getting into business lounge with us - once kids are bored of lounge, they go for walk around the airport, whilst wife and I just sit back and relax. Its a good start to the holiday. I know some people say you are in the business lounge, 'big deal', but for us, its just a little slice of luxury.

 

[Matt_01]

The Check-In Agent looked puzzled too when we placed the one small bag on the belt. "Where are you other bags she enquired?" We again just laughed and asked have if we had set a new record for minimum Business Class Baggage check-in? "Yes" she agreed and laughed back.

When travelling to Japan and the US I have fronted up at check in with medium sized luggage. When placing it on the belt have been asked 'is there anything in there' my reply is alway the same 'no, it is the shopping bag for my wife and daughter it will be full on the way back'

 

[rigram]

Move my wallet from my back pocket to a front one.

In Oz, I'm happy to walk around with wallet in my back pocket - however whenever I arrive in a foreign country I store my wallet in my front pocket. I did this after an attempted pick-pocket in Singapore, I felt a finger slip up my butt and immediately turned around to front a "white" stranger, who immediately darted off. I then realized my wallet was almost out of pocket.

 

[Uberminxy]

On the subject of laundry and I have no affiliation with this company, when travelling take a Scrubba wash bag with you.
On the subject of forgetting items in hotel room lockers, drawers, cupboards etc don’t put them in there in the first place

 

[Gary169]

If possible, avoid flights before 9 am

What is the purpose of not flying before 9 am? Is this to less efficient time for breakfast etc.

 

[gibosity]

My golden rule? Always pack your own pillow. Hotel pillows are usually cough, and on some quick trips to Asia, I would be away for 3 nights, and would only get 1 night in a bed, so good sleep was crucial.

A latex pillow can rolled into a small log and tied with a belt, and can even fit in carry-on luggage to use on a flight. Over 17 years of international travel, it’s been a lifesaver.

 

[Franky]

Move my wallet from my back pocket to a front one.

In Oz, I'm happy to walk around with wallet in my back pocket - however whenever I arrive in a foreign country I store my wallet in my front pocket. I did this after an attempted pick-pocket in Singapore, I felt a finger slip up my butt and immediately turned around to front a "white" stranger, who immediately darted off. I then realized my wallet was almost out of pocket.

There's a sign in the main rail station in Paris (Paris Gare?) which has signs on the walls saying be careful with your wallet, and everyone instinctly reaches to where their wallet or purse is located, and the touts who are watching know exactly where to hit you up. On one particular trip, the victim of a tout was quick enough to realise what was happening and called him out and he was quickly arrested by the gendarmes...

 

[PlatyG]

Hand luggage only and pack an extra light backpack (Eco Friendly EDC Bags | Lightweight | Tote bag | Sling bag | Nanobag or Daypacks, Backpacks & Reusable Bags | Sea to Summit Australia) in case need to repack for weight restrictions.

Scottevest jackets have numerous pockets to organise travel tech, documents etc and don’t get weighed as part of carryon allowance. Just put the jacket in the tray for security scanning without having to unpack (https://www.scottevest.com/).

 

[fltfull]

If possible, avoid flights before 9 am

I don't understand this one. Early flights are more likely to be on time.
Late morning flights can suffer knock-on delays that will have you at your destination *after* that meeting you were trying to attend.

 

[DejaBrew]

A very warm welcome aboard AFF @fltfull

What is the purpose of not flying before 9 am? Is this to less efficient time for breakfast etc.

I don't understand this one. Early flights are more likely to be on time.
Late morning flights can suffer knock-on delays that will have you at your destination *after* that meeting you were trying to attend.

I'm guessing it might be to do with not having to start your day so early, potentially avoiding the morning business rush and crowds etc.

 

[WeeWillyWonka]

There's a sign in the main rail station in Paris (Paris Gare?) which has signs on the walls saying be careful with your wallet, and everyone instinctly reaches to where their wallet or purse is located, and the touts who are watching know exactly where to hit you up. On one particular trip, the victim of a tout was quick enough to realise what was happening and called him out and he was quickly arrested by the gendarmes...

Attenzione Pickpocket!!

 

[stm1sydney]

Move my wallet from my back pocket to a front one.

I don't use a wallet when travelling. Just some cash and a 28 degrees credit card, in a zipped pocket.

 

[outthere1000]

Love the suggestion in no.35, put something such as one shoe in the hotel safe to remind you to empty it. But please put the safe-shoe in a plastic bag as the next user doesn't really want dog-poo germs all over their passport etc. Tip: try out the safe first before putting something in it. Some hotel safes are ridiculously complicated (here's looking at you, Meriton Suites) and I've more than once had to request help to get it to work/open.
Don't approve of no.45, use overhead locker opposite rather than above you (and that only works if the person across the aisle boards after you do). It just annoys the people over whose seat you put your stuff. And, at least on domestic flights, people rarely access overhead lockers, plus I think you'd notice if someone were fiddling with your bag if it's directly over your head.

 

[offshore171]

Never, ever use a hotel room kettle.

 

[significance]

I'm going to take an unpopular position and disagree with the rules on travelling light. Yes, if you are a young backpacker who will need to walk long distances and navigate crowded subways with your luggage, or if you need to fit your luggage in a locker at a backpacker lodge or in a cramped cabin on a cruise it pays to travel light. But if you are like most of us and taking taxis or comfortable trains between the airport and your hotel? Bring the stuff that you might want and check it in rather than lugging it around the airport and fighting for space in an overhead locker.

I've taken hundreds of trips over the years. My checked in luggage has never been lost and I can count on one hand the times it has not arrived on the same flight as me. With air tags, it's even less likely to go missing. With wheeled luggage, it isn't difficult to move even a large suitcase around. And every time I have travelled light, I have regretted it. I'd rather have 2 or 3 pairs of shoes so I don't need to worry if my shoes get soaked. I'd rather have 7 or 8 shirts and 2 or 3 pairs of trousers so I don't have to stop and do laundry in the middle of a trip. I'd rather have all my toiletries and a first aid kit so I don't need to interrupt my trip to go shopping. I'd rather have my swimwear and my gym clothes even if I might not use them so I can if the mood takes me. Other than bragging rights, what do I gain from travelling light? If I spend a little more time waiting by the carousel, that's more than made up for by less time doing laundry or shopping for things that I miss.