Helpful Travel Tips from the Experts!

---

Roll, don't fold. Many travel experts-including backpackers, who must stuff weeks' worth of clothing into a pack the size of a box of wine-no pun intended-agree that rolling is superior to folding. Tightly rolled clothes take up less space than folded ones. Plus, they're less prone to getting deep wrinkles from fold creases!

If you want to bring home wine, try packing light or bring an extra bag to be check as shipping wine from foreign countries is very expensive. *Check with your airline for baggage weight limits first.  I recommend having wine sleeves to protect your glass bottles. Check out these products:

https://www.toyboxtech.com/products/travel-bottle-protector-protect-glass-bottles-with-this-insulated-bottle-holder-the-reusable-air-cushion-bag-will-provide-protection-and-safely-transport-wine-bottles-while-traveling-set-of-6 

 or       https://www.amazon.com/Reusable-Wine-Bottle-Protector-Sleeve/dp/B01F6CDE40?ref_=bl_dp_s_web_15215472011

There's always a couple of bottles you'll try that you can't live without!!! 

 When it comes to packing, procrastinators fall short. Start your packing process days ahead of your departure date; this gives you time to craft a complete list, plus purchase any additional items you might need for your vacation. Creating a list is a fail-safe way to ensure that you never, ever forget to bring something important. Make a copy of your vital information including your passport, driver's license, health insurance card and credit card providers along with your account #s in case you need to contact them. 

Make  two  copies  of  all  your  travel  documents in  case  of  emergency,  leave  one  with  a  trusted friend  or  relative.

 Figuring out the airlines' tricky and befuddling baggage-fee policies is key to any budget-minded packing strategy. While most airlines permit travelers to check at least one bag on international flights (weight restrictions apply), the majority of U.S. carriers charge big bucks for bags checked on domestic flights. Consider flying on Southwest or JetBlue, both of which permit at least one free checked bag on domestic flights. (tip-take a peak at your airline's website and read it's baggage policy before booking 

Forget wasting your "personal-item" allowance with a tiny purse. Bring a larger tote bag or backpack that you can stash under the seat but will still give you extra room for those special treasures you just have to purchase on the trip!! 

All liquids brought onto planes must be in 3.4-ounce bottles or smaller  (sorry about that, all wine purchases will need to be checked or shipped from wineries) and inside a single, clear, quart-size zip-top bag. FYI: It also helps to know which items are, according to the TSA, considered liquids or gels and thereby subject to the 3-1-1 rule. (Read more on that on the TSA Blog at www.tsa.gov )

We highly encourage you to buy a travel insurance policy for any unforeseen events that may cause you to cancel your trip. Some plans offer "cancel for any reason" for an additional charge. Please take the time to look at these:  https://www.travelguard.com/travel-insurance/plans   

www.Allianztravelinsurance.com  offer, and Berkshire Hathaway at  https://www.bhtp.com/  , 

are several options at reasonable prices.

Check out  www.travel.state.gov  to compare companies.

The  following  links  will  help  you  determine  what type  of  policy  to  purchase:

https://cl.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

https://ar.usembassy.gov/covid-19/

https://it.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/