Duplicates Bag

Sorry I have been so neglectful, dear reader, but it has been a busy busy summer!

Here's a tip that works whether you are a frequent or infrequent traveler: have a duplicate set of toiletries in approved carry on sizes pre-packed (in their travel case) so you can just toss the case into your bag and go.

I'm talking full on duplicates:

• Shampoo and conditioner
• Deodorant
• Facial cleaners, lotions, etc.
• Hairbrush, comb
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste, mouthwash
• Gel, hairspray, etc. - whatever hair products you use
• Q-tips
• Razor
• Any other misc toiletries you use

This saves valuable time when you are packing. Just make sure to restock it when you are done with your trip so it is ready to go for the next trip. I even have a great travel curling iron that I got from Travel Smith (www.travelsmith.com) that is actually a curling iron and a flat iron (just flip a switch to change back and forth) and it stays in my bag - so I don't have to worry about remembering the one from home, and I never worry about damaging my regular stuff.

I will tell you that forgetting to restock (or letting your husband borrow something out of your bag for his trip, which will not get replaced into your bag, fyi) will be a huge regret. So remember to restock it!

Safe travels!

My Least Favorite Airport

Boston Logan (Terminal C specifically) wins my award of least favorite airport ever. I’ve traveled through Logan easily a dozen or more times in 2008 and I can tell you that it has the worst security set up I have ever seen. I’m not talking about “they get the blame for 9/11” security issues. I’m talking about slowness, rudeness, inefficiency, poor setup, and all around bad processes.

Like any post 9/11 airport you need to stand in line, show your ID and boarding pass, then do the x-ray machine dance. Any regular traveler knows the drill, has the proper items out and at the ready, has shoes that come off easily, knows the items to leave at home, packs sensibly, etc.

Of course there are novice travelers, people who need extra help, people who need lots of extra help and/or patience, etc. These people need to be treated with patience, have things explained to them clearly, not have them be yelled at or berated, insulted, or patronized.

But we’re all lumped together at Logan as slovenly idiots. We’re screamed at by the matrons about our shoes (“NOT IN THE BINS!”), about the forbidden items, about our IDs and boarding passes (“Boarding passes out – IDs away!”). Yell, yell, yell.

Of course, if the line moved quickly enough I wouldn’t give a rat’s ass about the yelling. But at Logan they have a system where 4 lines start, then merge into 3 lines, sometimes they diverge back into 4 lines, other times they stay as 3 lines… you just never know. You can’t tell when you enter which line is the shortest or moving the fastest, it all depends on the merge – and the fact that one of the lines goes through a doorway – thereby obstructing the view.

And honestly, the space can’t comfortably accommodate all the lines and the machines and the people, the ID checking podiums, and the screaming matrons.

I’ve been there and stood in line for over an hour – and I’ve been there and gotten through in 5 minutes. You never know which one you are getting. I do my best to get there at least 90 minutes ahead of my departure. It’s always frustrating.

BusyGirl’s Tip: Use the far right line against the wall. It’s the one with the doorway. It may not seem like it is moving the fastest, but once you get through the door you are immediately at the machine and on through. Your lane never merges with anyone else either. Avoid the two middle lanes – they are the ones most likely to merge (and possibly diverge) – so they may look like they are moving the fastest – but really you are going to be getting closer to strangers than you really want to.

Food Tip: In Terminal C there is a Legal Seafood on the United side, BEFORE you go through security. The entrance is tiny and you can completely miss it. Also, on the JetBlue side is a mini-spa where you can get chair massages, manicures, pedicures and other quick spa pick-me-ups before you board your flight. Again – that is before you go through security – so time your food and spa activities accordingly.

BusyGirl’s Travel Tips & Woes

I’ve been traveling for work on and off for the better part of a decade, but in the last year I’ve really had to kick it up with weekly trips, last minute bookings, and lots of international travel. I’m creating this weekly blog to capture my tips, tricks, horror stories, and even the wackiness that ensues when you travel.

About Me:
I’m married, kid-free, canine-plenty, and racking up the frequent flyer miles with JetBlue, United, US Air and Delta. I’m avoiding American like the plague, and if you aren’t, we need to talk.