SAF-T-POCKETS Patterns
15942 SE Brooklyn Street
Portland OR 97236-2049
503-761-6460 (phone)
503-762-1617 (fax)
sales@saf-t-pockets.com
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TRAVEL TIPS |
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General Travel Tips
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I've found that often, when traveling, checked baggage is left out on the tarmac and gets wet while waiting
to be loaded or unloaded. Most suitcases aren't completely waterproof, so for added protection for my most
important fabrics/clothes/etc., I wrap them in plastic bags to be sure they arrive dry and undamaged.
-- Holly Y.
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I just came back from Copper Canyon in Mexico. The good news: we had a blast. The bad news: our luggage
didn't join us until the afternoon of our third day. The more planes you need to change, the more likely it
will be your luggage won't make it. Did I pack anything into my carry on bag? Of course not. I had an airplane
pillow (though handy in some of the hotel rooms, it was not very fluffy), famine food, books to read and a
very small makeup bag that included only my contact case, eyeglasses (thank goodness!) and hand lotion. Not
very practical to live out of for 2 nights and 2 days! Luckily, my sister-in-law traveled a bit heavier. She
had a spare toothbrush, toothpaste (she is a dentist and even had dental floss), and a spare pair of socks. I
did a lot of rinsing in the evenings. With no luggage, it was amazing how easy it was to get ready in the
morning and to move around without anything holding me down.
All of us had to rethink what we would bring as carry-on items in the future. The biggest upset was we had our
cameras, but the chargers were in the suitcases. Those will now go into my carry-on. Though I did charge up both
of my batteries before we left, I promptly put both batteries into my suitcase instead of putting one back into
my camera. That was a purely dumb move on my part!
-- Lynn W.
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I have been traveling by air for over 30 years and have not lost a piece of luggage yet
because I fly with only one medium-sized piece of luggage and a carry-on. That's it. I mark
my luggage with a luggage tag with my home address, and I tie a small piece of very strange piece of cloth
on the handle. Place a tag on the inside of the luggage with your home address and tape it
securely. Be on time, be on time, be on time! Don't expect your luggage to be there if you
are getting there late. And don't expect your luggage to be at the pick up if you stop to have
lunch and chat with a couple of friends. Ladies, for goodness sake, pay attention to what is
going on around you. You can use your cell phone when you get home or your destination.
-- Gail K.
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Pack bottles of water (inside a gallon sized Ziploc freezer bag for extra
protection) in your luggage. Sure, you can buy bottled water anywhere, but
you can get it at a discount store before the trip a lot cheaper than most
places. Then you have the water available and, as you use it up, you gain
space in your suitcase for souvenirs and also have large sized Ziploc bags
available for other things.
-- Linda E.
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Sometimes I have to take along glass or breakable things, either cosmetics or
medicine. I make little padded travel bags out of ordinary bubble wrap. I cut
them to the size I need, leaving an extra amount for a flap to tuck in the
top. I then fold one end up (to where I want the flap to begin) making a
pocket/pouch and stitch the two sides with a long basting stitch. I also trim the
flap sides down slightly so it will tuck inside the top of the bag. This is great
for my liquid makeup bottles, small perfume bottles, etc.
-- Linda E.
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Use a mesh lingerie/sweater bag to keep certain packed items together in your
suitcase. Its texture makes it easy to find in the case and the items are kept
together for the move to a drawer and later back to the suitcase.
Also the bag can be used as a laundry bag and you’ll know you have everything when you’re
done.
-- L. Luebcke
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When traveling to tropical destinations, a lot of women end up with chafed skin under
their breasts where the bra rubs and perspires. To avoid this, take dry stick deodorant
(Mitchum is excellent) with you and always apply under your breasts before you put your
bra on. You'll be amazed at how well this works! Do not use a "wet" roll-on deodorant
as it will add to the problem.
-- Teena H.
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Travel Safety Tips
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When going through security scanners, don't send your carry-on through the detector
until you know you will be the next to walk through. Keep an eye on the bag at all times.
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Don't put all your money in one place. When you shop, split your spending money up and
put it in several different places. Always put some in a pocket that is inside a jacket
or next to your skin. This way, if you are pick-pocketed, you will still have some money.
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Leave extra credit cards and keys, as well as expensive jewelry, at home.
- Photocopy the opening pages of your passport that show your name and number. It will
make replacement easier if you lose your passport. Be sure to keep them in separate places.
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A fanny pack identifies you as a tourist. Instead place valuables in hidden pockets that
provide security without showing where your valuables are located.
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Be aware of what is going on around you. If you notice someone following you, step into
a store or hotel.
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When checking into a hotel request a room that is not on the first floor (if possible) as
they are not the most secure. Rooms that have sliding doors leading into a pool area are
nice, but they also increase your risk of being broken into.
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How do I get back to the hotel? Better safe than sorry! When traveling to an unfamiliar
place, especially to another country, keep a business card or a piece of paper with your
hotel's address and phone number on it. If you do get lost or separated from your group,
you can show a cab driver the address and be taken back to your hotel safe and sound.
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Travel Tips For Women
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PREPARATION FOR LOST LUGGAGE - When two women are traveling together, each of you should
put one complete outfit in the other's suitcase in case one suitcase is lost or delayed. It
doesn't hurt to carry a change of underwear, socks or pajamas in your carry-on either. It
can make all the difference during a delay of any kind.
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SEWING KIT - When traveling, be sure to bring thread in the same colors as your clothes. Take
a small piece of cardboard and wrap the thread around it. Keep extra buttons, needles and thread
in an empty film container. This will be handy for small repairs. Be sure to pack it in your
checked luggage.
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PACKING EARRINGS - To bring a selection of earrings on your trip, get a pre-cut felt square
at a fabric store and simply fasten the earrings through the felt then fold or roll it. This
allows you to bring lots of earrings, protects each pair from damage and takes up almost no
space! Fasten the roll with a rubber band to keep it from unrolling. This could slip easily
into a shoe when packing. Mary Mulari's book,
Made for Travel,
has a hanger jewelry holder that is easy to make and is terrific for carrying jewelry while
traveling. It is attached to a hanger so when a garment is hung over it, no one would know you
have jewelry hidden underneath.
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DRY CLEANER BAGS - Hang or place individual items of clothing in dry cleaner plastic bags
before packing them in your suitcase. Your clothes will not wrinkle. It sounds too
easy, but it really works!
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HOTEL CURTAIN GAP - Have you ever been in a hotel room where light comes shining through
a gap between the curtains? Take along a hanger with clips on it and clip the curtains
together. Works like a charm!
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Beauty Product Storage Tips
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While traveling with other women, it has come to our attention what they take along
for beauty products. Full bottles of shampoo, conditioner, large hairsprays and the
list goes on and on, with each product adding weight and taking up valuable space in
their suitcase. Most stores have small sample size products you can purchase or request
samples at the department store makeup counter. You can also transfer your favorite
makeup products into small recycled containers. The following are some interesting
suggestions on how to take smaller amounts of your beauty products but still have
everything you need.
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ANOTHER USE FOR CONTACT LENS CASES - Instead of packing your tubes, jars, or plastic
bottles of creams try a contact lens case. You can use both sides - one for eye cream and
the other for concealers or any product that requires dabs for application.
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DRY FACIAL CLEANSING CLOTHS - Oil of Olay Daily Facials cleansing cloths are
wonderful! They are dry and you can put as many of these practically weightless
squares as you need in a Ziploc bag. They remove makeup, cleanse, and moisturize
without taking separate cleansers, makeup removers, washcloths, etc. Just wet one,
lather and wash, then throw it away!
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FLYAWAY HAIR - To instantly calm down static-electric flyaway hair, slide a dry
fabric softener sheet over it. Packed in a suitcase these sheets also give
everything a fresh clean smell.
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PRE-MOISTENED MAKE-UP PADS SAVE SPACE - Pack make-up pads soaked with your favorite
toner in a small Ziploc bag. The pads stay moist for weeks, there is no fear of
toner bottles breaking or leaking, and it saves precious space.
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SCENTED COTTON BALLS - Instead of taking breakable perfume bottles, soak some
cotton balls in your favorite scent and stuff them into empty film canisters. Then
just use them one at a time - the airtight canisters keep the fragrance fresh!
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LAVENDER OIL - If you are suffering from a headache, try massaging lavender oil where
the pain is - some find it is very effective.
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Sometimes when traveling in other countries the public bathroom facilities have
odors that can be overwhelming. Take a very tiny bottle of lavender oil. A sniff
of a small drop, placed on your finger tip, can be a blessing and make the bathroom
situation much more bearable. Another solution for an undesirable restroom is a
mentholated lip balm. Dab a bit under your nose. It works wonders! Along these
same lines, a small plastic bottle of body spray works well as a room deodorizer
for a hotel bathroom.
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Family Air Travel Tips
from Susan Foster, packing expert and author of Smart Packing for Today's Traveler
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To try and keep air travel from being a frustrating chore for families about
to embark on summer vacation - Susan Foster, veteran traveler and author of
Smart Packing for Today's Traveler
(www.smartpacking.com),
has some timely and helpful advice. Planning ahead so that any trip runs smoothly is the key to
making sure families enjoy a trip of their dreams rather than experience a travel nightmare.
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Plan flights carefully. Ask travel agents or airline representatives which
flights have the best on-time record, which are non-stops, which flights are
the least crowded and which days are less hectic than others. Spend a little
more to fly on a slower day, rather than buying the cheapest ticket and
finding the flight/airport overcrowded.
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Morning flights (after the 6-7 am crunch) are often a good choice. Summer
thunderstorms that affect the entire airline system are usually an afternoon
event, so if your morning flight is delayed or cancelled there will be
options for a later plane.
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Non-stop flights minimize potential delays and are the best choice even if
they cost more. Direct flights (stop but no change of planes) increase the
possibility of delays with every stop, but are better than changing planes.
If you must change planes you increase the potential for delay dramatically.
Choose connecting flights based on their on-time track record, which is still
no guarantee.
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Ask if any food is served on the flight. Request a kid's meal if available,
or a low-calorie or vegetarian meal for healthier options. If no meal is
scheduled (more the norm these days), pack food for the entire family. Avoid
the horror of a two-hour delay onboard an aircraft with no food. Water, juice
boxes, granola bars, crackers, bananas, and apples all travel well and will
keep hunger pangs at bay. Antibacterial hand cleaner and moist towelettes are
also a must-pack item.
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Understand airport security. Airport security is serious business and applies to
every member of the family, including babies.
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Begin at home with a thorough search of every carry-on item including your
child's backpack. No toy guns or knives will be allowed. No sharp objects of
any kind or size will be allowed through security checkpoints - including
scissors, corkscrews, multipurpose tools, metal nail files, etc. They will be
confiscated. If you want or need these items at your destination, pack them
in your checked luggage.
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Airports advise checking bags to reduce your wait at security checkpoints.
The more you carry on, the more time it takes.
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According to the FAA, passengers on domestic flights are limited to one
carry-on bag not to exceed 45 linear inches (length + width + height), plus
one personal item such as a purse, laptop, or briefcase. Child car seats,
umbrella strollers, and other kids' items are not counted in this ruling.
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Plan to carry on as little as possible. Each child should have a small
backpack containing only items needed in transit such as toys, books, jacket
and water bottle. A child's carry-on suitcase is a disaster if the child is
too small to manage it through airport security and the aircraft aisle.
Backpacks in place of a carry bag for parents leave hands free to manage children.
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Increased security takes more time. Lines are longest at the security
checkpoints at peak travel times. Call your airline to ask when you need to
arrive at the airport. Many will suggest arriving at least 1 1/2 hours in
advance for domestic flights, 2 hours in advance for international flights.
Allow even more time for peak hours or holiday travel. These times differ by
airport and airline, so calling in advance is important. Plan snacks and
activities for your children for this added waiting time, too.
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Everyone over the age of 18 must present a current government-issued photo
identification (driver's license or passport) and boarding pass at the
airline check-in counter, at the security checkpoint, and again at the gate.
Additional screening may take place at the gate.
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Every passenger must pass through airport security and their personal items
scanned. Prepare your children for this process. If you don't know what to
expect, call your airline and ask for details.
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Go directly to the security checkpoint. Lines build in seconds, so don’t get caught with too
little time to clear security. Use airport services inside the secure area. Your family must
stay together in the security line and it may be long. Make bathroom stops before entering the
line; have water available; a small umbrella stroller is a legal carry-on item and will corral a
cranky child. This can also be gate-checked (handed to the flight attendant at the aircraft door
and retrieved there after the flight) so your child can ride to and from the plane.
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Minimize screening time. Expect security procedures to be slightly
different at each airport as they are managed independently. Here are some
general rules that apply to all passengers, regardless of age.
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Passenger screening equipment has been set to lower tolerances. Empty
pockets of unnecessary coins or keys, and avoid large metal belt buckles or jewelry.
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You may be asked to remove your shoes and coat and pass them through the
screening machine. You may also be subjected to hand-held metal detector wand
searches and hand pat downs. Do not be offended if your children receive
extra security attention. In some cultures, children are used as "mules" to
carry contraband and so must be checked just like adults.
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Scanning equipment reads a total of the metal on you. Metal buttons,
zippers, hair accessories, shoe fittings and shanks may add up to wanding and
pat down searches. Pare down by packing metal items in a checked bag or
placing in your carry-on at security, and check your children for metal items, too.
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Limit electronic equipment (cell phones, CD players, pagers, games) and place in your
carry-on bag. You may be asked to prove that they work, so have batteries installed.
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Laptop computers must be removed from a case so both can be X-rayed separately.
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Gift-wrapped packages may be unwrapped, searched, and confiscated. Pack in
a checked bag or plan to wrap upon arrival.
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Check for all your belongings before leaving the screening area! Wallets,
keys and coins, jewelry, cell phones—even laptops—are often forgotten.
Consider airport security to be a new game that you and your family can win—when
you know the rules. Plan ahead, travel smart, and have a great summer vacation!
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For more packing information or to download and print this Update, go to
www.smartpacking.com
© Susan Foster, Smart Travel Press; PO Box 25514;
Portland OR 97298-0514; susan@smartpacking.com
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International Travel Tips
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It is easier to travel with a passport for ID. If you keep it in an accessible pocket, this
can eliminate having to fish for a driver's license in the depths of a purse or wallet at
every checkpoint. Make a vinyl opening in one of the pockets (one that will be to the inside
of your garment) and
put your ID in that pocket. You can then "flash" the person checking ID. I also use a wallet
with a vinyl front pocket so there is no digging. I know some people like to wear a pouch around
their neck with ID but that really identifies you as an American (not a bad thing, of course) when
you travel abroad.
-- Barbara H.
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Investigate duties and US customs limitations. The Custom Service's free
brochure "Know Before You Go" (Publication 512) is online at
www.customs.gov/travel/travel.htm
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Pack with purchases in mind. Pack a foldaway bag or bring an extra suitcase. Bring along a small
tape measure, a calculator for figuring exchange rates and scissors. Do not carry the scissors in
your carry on bag.
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Get information about shipping options for larger purchases. Sometimes it is possible to
check an extra bag for the flight home for a nominal fee. Sea freight is usually the
cheapest, but can take up to 6 months to receive your shipment.
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Memorize the traveler's mantra: "Boil it, cook it, peel it or forget it."
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If it is "cubed ice" with a hole in it, it has been purified and packaged
for distribution. If it is "shaved ice", STAY AWAY FROM IT. It has not been
processed and purified. This was told to us by an American owner of one of our
favorite restaurants.
-- R. Wissler
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Resist street vendor's foods. It might smell delicious but you have no idea how long
the food has been sitting around at a low temperature.
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Before you leave home, get a small amount of currency from the country you will be
visiting. This makes it easier if you need money for a taxi or telephone call before
you check into a hotel. The exchange rate at your hotel will not be as good as a
local bank or cash machine.
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We color photocopied the first two pages our passport and had them laminated. We always had
them with us in our wallets and most times were able to use them to cash travelers checks when
shopping while our passports were safely stored in the hotel safe. We lived in Asia for 10 years and
found that to be an easy solution for always having identification with us.
-- Diana S.
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Be sure to drink A LOT of water. Your body dehydrates quickly in hot climates and the
symptoms are the same as food poisoning. Water is the only solution. Soda, coffee and ice
tea will NOT work. The caffeine helps to dehydrate your body faster.
-- R. Wissler
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Making Long Air Flights Comfortable
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Bring an inflatable neck pillow so you can sleep more comfortably. Use the airline
pillow to support your lower back. Take an airline blanket upon boarding in case you
get cold later in the flight. It can also be used for back support or as a pillow.
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Use earplugs and an eye mask to block distracting noise and light.
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Wear elastic-waist pants, plus a light weight T-shirt and a sweater. Wear
shoes to accommodate feet that will swell during the long flight. Change
into a pair of thin socks during the trip.
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Drink at least 1 liter of water for every two hours of flight time.
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Combat dry cabin air by misting the face, using moisturizing eye drops, lip
balm and skin moisturizer (this goes for men, too).
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Walk around every so often to stretch your legs.
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Bring along a small bottle of hand sanitizer to clean hands before meals.
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Pack a toothbrush in your hand luggage. Brushing your teeth after a meal
during a long flight makes life a bit easier. And you feel a lot fresher
when you arrive and are met at the airport.
-- U. Brinkmann
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Most airlines publish in-flight exercises you can do sitting in your seat to counteract
the thrombosis syndrome. Look in your airline's In-Flight magazine where you can
usually find these most beneficial exercises. I noticed British Airways is now doing
this - on a recent flight to London/Dublin.
-- Sharon O.
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Summer Travel Clothing
as seen in the Get Creative! newsletter
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Before you know it summer will be upon us so now is the time to whip up some great clothes
for your vacation.
The first step in planning is to identify the clothes you will need. Consider the temperature,
the length of your trip and your own unique figure type. Make a list of daily activities
either on 3 by 5 cards or our free
Travel Wardrobe Worksheet
(this form is best printed in landscape format). This
will help you record what will go into the suitcase.
Pick two complimentary colors for your wardrobe. We like to use the principal of 2 plus 2 plus
5 = 30. Two suits (pant/skirt with jacket/cardigan sweater) plus 2 accessories (that can be worn
with both suits) and five tops (that go with both suits). Using these outfits you can mix and
match for 30 different looks. You may copy our free
Capsule Wardrobe Worksheet.
Make sure your wardrobe is comfortable by using soft breathable fabrics and is appropriate
for your destination. Look at the garments you own and decide what you will need to add. Purchase
the less expensive items like T-shirts and tops and spend your value time making jackets, pants
or skirts especially if you have fitting issues or want them made from matching fabric.
Reversible clothing is a great way to expand a travel wardrobe. Garments can be made reversible
by using finishing with binding at the neck, armholes and hem. Find fabrics that look different
on each side and construct the garment using flat felled seams. Another idea is to use two layers
of light weight fabric. We have designed a new pattern called
Twice As Nice
that uses this idea. It is a reversible pant and tank top with pockets that flip to either
side. The pants also feature 4 zippered pockets. Made from two lightweight fabrics, this
outfit will make a great addition to any travel wardrobe.
Shoes are also a very important consideration when traveling. Feet get very tired with all the
walking done on vacation. Bring along 2 to 3 pairs of shoes and change your shoes at least once
during the day. It will revitalize your feet. Never purchase a new pair of shoes to take on a
trip. Wear the shoes at least a month before traveling so you know they are comfortable.
Here are some tips on buying shoes:
- Buy shoes in the afternoon or late in the day, since feet swell as the day goes on.
- Make sure shoes feel good when you put them on. There should be no "break-in period".
- Check you shoes for wear and tear. You might need new shoes once a year or every three
months. Place shoes on the floor. If the heels and soles aren't sitting flat on the floor,
it's time to go shoe shopping.
Using the above information you should be able to create an attractive, comfortable wardrobe
that will serve you well on any vacation. Pre-planning helps eliminate bringing along more
clothes than you need or ones that don't work well together. Fewer clothes frees up space to
bring home fun things you find while on vacation.
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