Getting Baby Boomers Going

Baby boomers have worked hard, raised their families, and taken care of their own parents. They've basically put their own lives on hold while they've taken care of everyone else. Now they are starting to take life a little easier and they are thinking of traveling. What will make them comfortable when traveling after they have chosen the places they'd most like to see in this world of ours? They need to begin to prepare and organize themselves efficiently. They are going to need lightweight comfortable luggage to get them where they are going. If travel is aggravating and annoying, you can bet they will not want to do it again. Since there is nothing we can do about airline delays, unexpected sold out hotels, and bad weather, we have to start with what we can control. It's important to start with a list of things that you do not want to live without and a list of things you must have on your trip. If you will only use one brand of toothpaste, you will definitely want to pack that toothpaste. You will also need to pack any medications that you require, any vitamins that you take daily, and any items that make you more comfortable like good shoes and a warm sweater. Make sure the imperative things are in your carry on luggage, as you do not want them to be lost or misplaced for even a day. Any liquids or gels going into your carry on luggage must be in the TSA approved 3-1-1 clear plastic quart sized bag. These are bottles of 3 ounces or less, and one per person. You also do not want to over pack and be burdened with too much to carry, so try to plan to bring mix and match. By starting a list and sticking to it, you should be able to bring along just enough to make the trip both enjoyable and comfortable.

Lightweight luggage should have inline skate wheels to wheel over different types of surfaces. You want to wheel easily to your hotel room, through the train and plane terminals, and out to the rent-a-car or taxi stand. It should also be genuinely lightweight as the airlines do charge extra for overweight baggage. You are required to lift your own luggage off the carousel, and of course, off the bed after you've packed. When it's too heavy it isn't going to be enjoyable to use. You also want to make it easy to identify your bags so you're not standing around the luggage carousel straining to locate your cases. Use bright colored tags with your name and address and bright colored TSA locks. The luggage should have a locking pull up handle that will allow you to piggyback other pieces of luggage and push or pull the case as need be. Add-a-bag straps allow you to hook up another smaller piece of luggage in front of your larger case. Sliding tote bags with an attachable sleeve will sit on top of the luggage by going over the pull up handle. You should be able to wheel everything with one hand, leaving one hand free to open doors and wave at a taxi. Packing cubes allow you to separate clothing and make packing and unpacking quick and easy. It also allows airline security to go through your bag fast and efficiently. Slide your shoes into shoe sleeves or covers, so as not to soil your clean clothing. Take along that folding clothes hamper or laundry bag, to keep dirty and clean clothing apart. Make sure your cosmetics and toiletries are in plastic cases and wrap them with plastic wrap to doubly insure that nothing opens and spills on your clothes. Make sure your list includes "what ifs" like a lightweight folding umbrella along with aspirin and band-aids.

Taking a long flight to your destination? Your list should include items that will make you more comfortable during travel and make the trip enjoyable. There are many things available with your comfort and well being in mind. Think of an inflatable back or neck pillow, travel folding blankets, eyeshades, earplugs, and compression socks. Always take a book or magazine and maybe some guide books and things to do at your destination along with a quick snack when traveling. Buy bottled water when you get through security. There are travel games like magnetic backgammon and folding scrabble. Ipods and DVDs can keep you entertained for hours. A folding tote bag will allow you to bring home lots of souvenirs for those important friends and family left behind. Be sure to keep a journal of everywhere you went and everything you saw. You may even want to start an album for each trip. You'll be able to look back on each and every travel adventure with fond memories. Additionally, you'll probably catch the "travel bug" and begin dreaming and planning your next exciting trip!