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It would be a big packing mistake to bring these 9 travel items to the airport in 2024. These are the 9 Things Experienced Travelers No Longer Pack, and what they are bringing instead. Avoiding these airport packing mistakes will help you save space and stop wasting money on travel items that are NOT worth it. You’ll learn some effective packing hacks and minimalist packing tips that will save you space and time at airport security and on your trip.
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Welcome to Portable Professional, where I, Megan, use my experience from over 300 flights to offer you simple, practical and game-changing travel tips and hacks. Our mission is to help you reduce stress and make the most of every trip.
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🐶 Chapters
00:00 Don’t Pack These in 2024
00:12 #1: stop carrying cash
00:42 my travel rewards card
01:01 #2: carry-on liquids
01:45 #3: empty water bottle
02:30 #4: ‘airport’ clothes
03:44 #5: smartphones
04:27 #6: camera, drones, gear
05:40 #7: personal item bags like this
06:14 my personal item bag
06:25 #8: suitcases like this
06:54 find suitcase weight
07:23 #9: airport and plane snacks
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While dressing down for flying is now the thing, I have to wonder that if flying was still considered special and a dress up moment, that we wouldn’t have so many incidents in airports and on planes with drunks, rudeness, and general lack of manners. It’s like riding a Greyhound bus these days.
I am a fairly experienced traveler and I rarely use cash, but I bring some. Apple Pay is my primary mode of paying for food and incidentals.
I remember the good days when women wore shorts over the leggings
Now we have to look at both cracks in back and for some even the front!
I do disagree with your "no cash" idea. Last year, a friend and I traveled together, and I carried cash with a CC for emergencies, or in case the cash was lost or stolen. My friend went the CC route. When we returned, we compared expenses, and the cash came out far ahead. I was able to convert USD to local currency at near true exchange rates. My friend was paying a variety of add-on fees, even with a "no-fee" CC, and the exchange rates she was given had as much as 30% commission. YMMV
Wouldn’t it make more sense to bring a water bottle AND a thermos? I drink a lot of water / like to stay hydrated, especially on long flights, and I won’t be able to do that if my thermos is full of oatmeal 😂
I’m a hobbiest photographer, so the camera and at least 3-4 lenses travel with me. As for the quality… yeah – for instagram, there is not much difference, but besides that – there is a huge difference! I live taking photo’s, editing them and creating photo books of the travel. Often times, editing involved cropping and that’s where a good camera shines!
Well— however bitter traveling person's experience are for any; including overindulgence:
indeed, sometimes many harm their own progress by bringing along too much of– not just luggage, but personal trappings certain to impede their smooth progression —or inadvertent omissions of important
effects of fundamental essence to one's personality – due to excessive care to curtail accompanying avoirdupois—
However, lessons learned on occasion of any errors made during differing stages, or event of journey, often do each great good–of expanding realities surrounding modern travel status quos – if he / she / they, must expect to prevent feelings of heart wrenching disappointments at airports or during travels next time…
5:28 As you acknowledge, camera equipment is a personal choice. Phone cameras are great for many types of photography, but they struggle in low-light situations, shooting from moving vehicles or shooting action. If you have photographic equipment, the skill to take advantage of that equipment's capabilities and a trip that offers good photo opportunities, then you will likely want to bring that equipment along.
Conversely, your phone is always with you. Even when I have a camera with me, I sometimes leave it in my accommodation, such as when I go to dinner. There are also trips where I leave the camera at home because the limited opportunities for photography do not justify bringing the equipment with me.
Many countries in Asia and Europe still treat cash as king. Getting cash from ATM often means a fix flat fee on top of any fee your bank charges. The exchange rates you get may mean you are paying a lot more than if you bring the same amount of cash from home. Besides, not all ATM are secure.
If you are travelling internationally, you may not be able to bring food through airport security.
Note: DON'T use an ATM or currency exchange at the airport. The exchanged rates are higher than average plus a service charge! DON'T use your credit card to take out walking around cash (euros, Swiss francs, etc.). Credit cards companies consider it a "cash advance" and will charge interest from day one. Go to a BANK in the country you are visiting and use their ATM with your bank DEBIT card and take out Only the Cash You Need! Always take money out in the local currency. Don't take it out as USD or CAD. You will get a better rate of exchange. You also you may be charged with a service, about $3 on average. If you have a checking and a savings account with your bank, most of the banks will reimburse you for the service charge that the foreign bank charged. Sad part is that you will need some local currency for the public restrooms, not free.
I mainly disagree with the cash thing. In many destinations cash is still king. I find I get a better rate purchasing my currency 'at home' from a currency place than even from the bank. I purchase what I think I will need and for everything else (or bigger spends) I use a credit card. For the trip I'll be taking today, I'm going radical and putting all my liquid stuff into my checked bag. I find I never need to access liquid stuff while in the plane. Sure, my teeth feel furry, but I am more comfortable brushing in my hotel room. Also, I'm not going to the back of beyond so if my liquids don't make it, I'll just buy the stuff at my destination.
I bring a skull cap & wear it down over my eyes to block unwanted light, plus as a baldie if it’s chilly I won’t freeze.
I don’t recommend wearing shorts on a plane. The seats can be nasty and full of germs!
You're speaking to me in this one! I'm an *experienced traveler*. The only one I disagree with is bringing a big personal item. Since we fly mostly in Asia we need to consider weight as well, so to stay within the weight limit I find that a small personal item works better for me. 🌸Heidi
Last time I flew, I had small toiletries under 100ml but I didn't have to take them out of my bag at security. They had upgraded the scanners and it was a lot quicker to get through.
The GOVERNMENT THUGS will steal your money. It is called civil forfeiture.
I’m a dinosaur, I travel with two digital cameras. Much better quality compared to a cell phone, but I can’t make a phone call with a Nikon. Not a big deal. Also I bring lenses to better capture to memories.
I have so many hacks to deal with every thing you just mentioned! I usually some of the local currency (like $100-200 worth) from my bank before I go. When you order online they waive the currency conversion fee! I received as a gift some years ago a Yeti water bottle/cup combo. I just have to bring an extra lid and it works for everything!I do bring my trtl neck pillow on long flights – I clip the bag to my backpack. I do often bring the bar shampoo (I like the one from Trader Joe’s the best) but I also invested in the cadence liquid containers for all my expensive can’t -live-without skincare. I’ve gotten so good at packing – I always use the compression cubes and I’ve never run out of clothes (I do wash them on my trips usually though). I’m currently on a trip which was the first time I brought my dog and I did check in a bag because I’m here for a long time visiting my son and I had to bring him a bunch of stuff – but on the way back I’ll put my backpack inside my empty large suitcase and just have my carryon and my dog. I used to hate the getting there part of the trip but with all the hacks I’ve learned online and figured out myself now I feel like such a boss whenever I travel!!
Why are airlines so stingy with food recently? The last two times I flew to Antigua from LHR, with Virgin, I nearly starved to death! What's going on?
The only reason I made the switch from soft suitcase to hard case is because the hard case was lighter. The soft case had to compensate by giving structure through more solid metal bars.
I haven't seen anyone bringing a full meal on a flight other than something like McDonald's that they buy in the airport.
Solution to all these is to just don’t fly. You people all speak of how bad the environment is today…. Stop flying would remove tons of environmental waste.
GOOD STUFF Megan!
Carrying in allowable museli bars, cash, lightweight toilets (soap flaws & small aerosdae deodorant), comfy clothes (disregard fashion). Saves loads of money. Oh, and it's handy for women to wear panty liners.
I take the Nikon as well as my phone so that I can have a backup camera if one’s battery dies I still have a camera
I carry a lot more cash than usual when going to Vegas.
Unfortunately most passengers in airports in the USA don't follow your sartorial advice .
Always have food on the plane for worse case scenarios where you are stuck on the tarmac for hours.
When you actually make a living with a camera or a drone, it is necessary.
Camera toting depends on location and trip purpose. Merino wool rocks!
Cash? It depends on the destination. I ALWAYS carry a small amount of the local currency of the country to which I'm travelling as 'just in case' funds. And if my destination country is still very much a cash-only economy – and such countries do still exist – I take quite a lot of its currency with me.
As for dressing 'nicely' – I generally travel business class, so I respect the conventions and dress appropriately.
I disagree about using debit cards. I only feel safe using them at banks , at home and oversees. Credit cards only. If they will only take debit cards, I don’t need the item. Plus they are likely scam-artists. I also take a bag of liquids. Easy-peasy and don’t take up much room and weigh very little. Your other suggestions seem good.
A video for experienced travelers? Now this is different! And all very valid tips. Great video Megan and I almost didn’t notice Ollie until you pointed him out 🐶
❤❤❤
I will still take a proper DSLR camera on trips, you cannot bear the quality of photos with a proper camera and lenses
Hello Megan. What does it mean "Portable Professional"? ( Just out of curiosity)? Why don't you recommend "A Passenger Support Specialist" provided by TSA?
I have thoroughly checked with the TSA and found that there is "No new" requirement about having to keep prescription medications in their original container Period! Really. Information is on TSA website and contacting local TSA offices at relevant airports. I also requested "A Passenger Support Specialist" to meet us at TSA security check points to help process us through. The Support Specialist whole focus was on help "Us" get through the screening process as quickly and safely as possible. My recent trip went as well as could be expected.
i agrre with evrything except the first one…..bringing a thermos is very inconvenient,aside from being bulky,its hard to wadh,can probably only be rinsed….disposable water bottle(a small one) is still a better option
I disagree with two points. I take my old phone to the PRC due to the virus problems in the mainland Chinese phone networks, and reformat it when I return. I don’t sych it to my address book or other sensitive info. I use it as a temporary stand alone com device. Also in mainland China, foreign credit/debit cards are not accepted in many places, so having cash to change is important.
Getting cash on arrival is good, but not if it's at the airport. Make sure your credit card company knows you are traveling.
What is the best travel rewards card for Canadians please,
I actually agree with all you said. There are a couple of things mentioned in the comments I agree with too. Thank you. May you please take care and stay safe. Louisa. 👏👏👏❤️❤️❤️🤩🤩🤩 Ps. Please would you give your doggie a hug and a kiss from me as he’s delightful. 🤭
I don’t totally disagree on the cash, but I do find it helpful for tips or touristy street shops in some countries. I do not want to hand over my debit or credit card to a sketchy place. Also, since most of my husband’s business travel takes him to Europe, I think he should always have euros on hand, especially since some of his trips are on short notice. I always take plenty of cash on cruises. It just makes things easier in ports and for extra tipping. I haven’t packed a camera for years. My phone takes great pictures and it’s easy to keep track of where and when I took them.