Tag Archives: train travel

Flight Attendants Reveal the 10 Biggest Luggage Mistakes Travelers Should Never Make

And more importantly, they share what to do instead.

Flight attendants are the unsung heroes of travel. Even during turbulent times, they keep us comfortable, safe, well-fed, and hydrated. Most importantly, they do all of this with a smile on their face. And, though they stay very busy during the flight and are racing to catch their next one, they still manage to stay in-tune with their passengers — and have picked up on their countless in-flight woes, especially when it comes to luggage. Internally, there’s a long, unspoken list of things flight attendants never pack and an equally long list of ways they pack strategically. Still, us passengers don’t always get the memo, and mistakes happen. 

For example, as passengers, we’re not supposed to ask flight attendants to help lift our bags into the overhead bin. Flight attendants are forbidden to assist with this because if they get injured while doing so, it’s not covered under their worker’s compensation. Instead of asking them to help, we can do our part by packing bags we know we can handle on our own. 

To save you time, money, and stress on your next trip, we found a few friendly flight attendants willing to talk about other common luggage mistakes passengers make as well as what to do instead to ensure a smoother, hassle-free trip. Again, not all superheroes wear capes. Some are disguised as cabin crew.

Relying on a flimsy paper tag

What to do instead: Slip an Apple AirTag in your bag

New Apple AirTag Leather Key Ring
AMAZON

Many airlines give out free paper name tags to stick on your checked luggage, and they have a tendency to fall off. Even if you use a real tag, it’s useless when it comes to tracking your bag. That’s why Lisa Wilkes, a flight attendant of 13 years, advises passengers to put an Apple AirTag in the suitcases they’re checking. “If anyone takes the wrong suitcase, you can track it instantly,” she tells Travel + Leisure. On Amazon, the Apple AirTag has nearly 96,000 five-star ratings, and one traveler wrote that it “saved” their vacation. 

To buy: amazon.com, $28 

Packing your bulkiest shoes 

What to do instead: Wear them on the plane, or don’t pack them at all

TOMS Women's, Alpargata Paper Source Slip-On
AMAZON

“Footwear takes up a ton of room in suitcases,” Wilkes said. “So you’ll save space by wearing your largest shoes during your flight.” Personally, she likes to pick up a lightweight pair of shoes from a thrift shop that employs people with disabilities. But, if you’re looking for something that can be delivered to your doorstep before your flight, consider these Toms Slip-On Shoes, which also have a feel-good component since the brand donates one-third of its profits to organizations that provide mental health resources, increase access to opportunity, and end gun violence. These particular slip-ons have nearly 4,000 five-star ratings, feature supportive memory foam insoles, and come in 15 colors and styles. They’re also currently up to 53 percent off.

To buy: amazon.com, $26 (originally $55) 

Packing an attitude

What to do instead: Pack a small gift for a flight attendant

Evian Facial Spray, 1.7 oz. Travel 6-Pack
AMAZON

“Bring a small gift for flight attendants,” Wilkes suggests. “We see a lot of super difficult [and] mean passengers, so when someone does something nice, we really appreciate it.” It can be something as simple as a granola bar, notes flight attendant Shea Kepler. Or, you can give them something like a travel-sized bottle of Evian Facial Spray, which will keep their skin hydrated and healthy at any altitude. You can get a six-pack of these for $45 at Amazon, where they have nearly 5,800 five-star ratings. And, don’t be surprised if your gift begets a gift. Wilkes says they often give passengers who give them gifts complimentary snacks. 

To buy: amazon.com, $45

Not packing another layer for the plane

What to do instead: Pack a lightweight sweater that will keep you warm 

Quince Mongolian Cashmere Full-Zip Hoodie
QUINCE

We’ve all been there: teeth chattering at cruising altitude and trying to make the most of the thin blanket the airline (hopefully) provides. That’s why Wilkes says it’s smart to always have a sweater on your person: “Even if it’s blazing hot outside, the plane might be chilly.” To save space in her bag, she rolls her clothes, a trick many flight attendants swear by. For a layer that will keep you warm but isn’t bulky, consider the Mongolian Cashmere Full-Zip Hoodie from Quince. It’s made of sustainable cashmere, is incredibly soft, and it goes with pretty much everything. 

To buy: onequince.com, $100 

Packing critical items in hold

What to do instead: Store your plane essentials in your carry-on

PACKISM Clear Makeup Bag with Zipper 3 Pack
AMAZON

Before he started the website Turtle Trip, James Kinsella was a flight attendant. And every week he’d see passengers, especially on long-haul flights, forget things like their medication, contact lens cases, earplugs, and other essential items. “We very much stress to take your time and create a list of what you’re packing and where it needs to go before you fly,” Kinsella explained. Of course, it helps to have a separate smaller bag for these items you want on the plane. Consider something like these TSA-compliant Packism toiletry bags, which are clear so you can see their contents and will immediately know if you’re forgetting something. And, a set of three costs less than $20. 

To buy: amazon.com, $16 

Bringing oversized hand luggage 

What to do instead: Get a carry-on bag you’re confident will fit

Travelpro Maxlite® 5 International Carry-On Expandable Spinner
TRAVELPRO

While Kinsella acknowledges that sometimes if you’re friendly to your gate attendant you can get on your flight with oversized hand luggage, it’s best to not even bring it in the first place. This is especially true if you’re flying on discount airlines that will penalize you with hefty checked baggage fees. He personally loves the brand Tripp for carry-on luggage, but since it’s U.K.-based, it’s not the easiest to get stateside. Instead, consider Travelpro’s Maxlite 5 International Expandable 21-Inch Carry-On Suitcase. It’s designed to fit the carry-on restrictions of most international airlines, which tend to be slightly stricter than those in the U.S., and equipped with thoughtful features for stress-free packing 

To buy: travelpro.com, $145 (originally $170) 

Trying to sneak on with overweight bags

What to do instead: Invest in a portable luggage scale 

Amazon Etekcity Digital Hanging Luggage Scale
COURTESY OF AMAZON

According to Kinsella, almost every flight sees one or two passengers going over the weight limit with their bags. “That sometimes leads to heated debates at the check-in counter, with extra fees or a last-minute repack being the options,” she warned. You can avoid this, however, if you have a portable luggage scale like the best-selling Etekcity Luggage Scale. It’s small, accurate, and easy to use; simply hang your bag on it and hold it up, and it will show what your bag weighs in both pounds and kilograms. On Amazon, it has nearly 45,000 five-star ratings. One shopper wrote,“This has been a lifesaver and has made traveling less stressful.”

To buy: amazon.com, $11  

Using flimsy luggage with breakable components

What to do instead: Invest in a bag that can take a beating 

Tumi International Expandable 4 Wheeled Carry-On
TUMI

Before she founded In-Flight Insider, Carolyn Paddock was a flight attendant for both commercial airlines and private jets. One phenomenon she witnessed was passengers using bags that were either low quality and/or on their last legs. “Cheap bags can and do give out mid-trip,” according to Paddock, who cites busted zippers, wheels that fall off, and broken handles being common occurrences. That’s why she recommends making a “decent investment” in your luggage by opting for something like Tumi’s International Expandable 4-Wheeled Carry-On Suitcase. At $895 it’s not cheap, but it has protective bumper rails and impact-resistant side panels. It also comes with a five-year limited warranty.  

To buy: tumi.com, $895 

Using soft-sided luggage 

What to do instead: Switch to hard-sided bags 

Monos Carry-On Pro
MONOS

Flight attendants make mistakes, too. For example, in his nearly two decades of working as a flight attendant, Nick Wilson has mostly relied on his fabric Travelpro suitcases issued by his employer. However, his airline is in the process of retiring them. “They are not as trendy or in style anymore,” Wilson explained. “So we are going to be using hardshell plastic luggage. They weigh less, look better, and are less prone to liquid damage.” When he’s traveling for leisure, not business, Wilson uses his Monos Carry-On Pro Suitcase, which features a handy built-in front compartment for easy access to your travel essentials and is built with durable polycarbonate to create its “unbreakable” shell.

To buy: monos.com, $295 (originally $311)

Not packing an extra bag 

What to do instead: Stash a collapsible bag in your luggage

For Spirit Airlines Personal Item Bag
AMAZON

Flight attendants can often tell if a passenger is headed out on their trip or returning from it based on how many bags they have. And passengers who shop a lot often have to carry their purchases by hand or buy an extra bag during their trip. Of course, that can be avoided if you think ahead. “I always keep a small collapsible bag inside my luggage so in case I return with more than I left with I can then use it as a shoulder bag on the way home,” Wilson assured. This foldable duffle bag from Amazon-favorite brand Narwey has nearly 13,000 five-star ratings and leaves travelers in awe with its packable construction that hardly takes up any space in your suitcase. 

To buy: amazon.com, $14

5 Unbelievable U.S. Train Routes

When I was a small chi!d my family used to take the train from Missouri to Arizona for vacation. I loved watching the world go by as we glided down the train track, and sleeping on the train was an adventure. Now in 2022, I am receiving requests from clients who want to travel by train so they can slow down and enjoy the beauty of the U.S.

Trains are making a comeback and it’s easy to see why. Ease of travel, inexpensive rates, and gorgeous scenery makes traveling the rails incredibly attractive. And while European train routes get all the attention, there are a few routes closer to home that you should definitely check out. Skip your next road trip and check out these five unbelievable train routes through the U.S. instead.

Amtrak Coast Starlight Train

This 35-hour ride travels between Seattle and Los Angeles. Traversing down the coast opens with the dramatic snow covered peaks of the Cascade Mountains, as the land flattens, bountiful forests and sprawling seas present themselves through the floor-to-ceiling windows in the Sightseer Lounge Car. This two-day trek is mercifully taken on the country’s only sleeper train, complete with the luxuries you’d expect on the Orient Express, including free food, champagne room service, private bathrooms, and a daily turn-down service.

Enjoy three-course meals are served, and in the confined spaces (where the wifi is spotty and the cell service is spottier) strike up conversations with other travelers. You will discover interesting conversation pops up between young adventurers headed to a hiking trip in Oregon and retired nomads breathing in the awe-inspiring views that may have been overlooked in their younger years.

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

The 1879 gold rush birthed the necessity for industrial transportation capable of hauling mounds of precious metal out of California — thus the Denver and Rio Grande Railway. It didn’t take long for passengers to spread word that gold wasn’t the only precious thing about this railway. Spectacular views of Colorado’s luscious peaks and rivers ensured that the train stayed in operation long after the gold veins ran dry. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gorge route features steep drop-offs that are so awe-inspiring they have served as a muse to multiple artists, including C.W. Mcall, who dedicated an entire song to the Silverton.

“Well now listen to the whistle in the rockwood cut on the high line to Silverton Town

And you’re gonna get a shiver when you check out the river

Which is four hundred feet straight down.”

Pick up a round-trip ticket for a day of adventure. The 3.5-hour trek to Silverton winds across the river five times before dropping you off to explore Silverton. Grab some lunch and roam around the town before boarding and enjoying a relaxing trip back to Durango.

Cape Cod Central Railroad

The luxurious Cape Cod railway offers stunning coastal views and posh upgrade packages. Salt marshes, sand dunes and woodlands are just a few of The Cape’s natural wonders that a trip in this cranberry-colored car offers. If you’re especially interested in the area’s ecosystem, purchase a ticket on the ecology car for a truly educational experience. If fine dining is your thing, opt for the platinum class dining car, where a five-course meal is served in a vintage dining car. If you prefer unadulterated views of the passing landscape, the diamond class excursion car is for you, featuring panoramic windows in an elevated car.

Grand Canyon Railway

In 1901, the Grand Canyon Railway began carrying passengers through Arizona’s wonder of the world. Cowboys and musicians entertain guests in restored locomotive cars as you wind through prairies, deserts and pine forests. This trip is shorter — 2 hours and 15 minutes — so you can easily make a day trip of it, or extend the experience and stay at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel. Despite its length, this railway also offers different classes of service depending on your budget and personal preferences. Additionally, they offer different “time period” cars that will transport you to a different decade in the canyon.

We recommend the observation dome for those interested in getting the full effect of the jaw-dropping landscape. This car features a full glass enclosure perched above the other cars, and serves drinks and snacks to boot. The luxury parlor is another great option if the train experience is as interesting to you as the views, enjoy the back deck for some fresh air and cozy lounge seating for optimum relaxation.  

Amtrak Empire Builder

Following the old trail of Lewis and Clark, the Empire Builder is a 46-hour journey through the heart of the midwest. Departing from Chicago, take in the gorgeous amber waves of grain, tunnels, deserts and jagged cliffs. Like the Coast Starlight Train, the Empire Builder is run by Amtrak and offers sleeper cars, making the trip infinitely more comfortable. Seeing Minneapolis glow in the night sky is an awe-inspiring juxtaposition to the mountains of Glacier National Park. Make the ride your own by heading on to the Portland or Seattle for an urban ending to the “big sky Montana” leg of your journey!

Do you want to go on a cross-country adventure aboard a Train or go to an All-inclusive Resort, Plan a Destination Wedding, Book an Unforgettable Honeymoon, or take that Cruise you have been dreaming of?

I am always here to help you with your next travel adventure. Please contact me via email at mary@vacationstoanywhere.com to chat about the travel experience you have been waiting to take! A quick reminder, I can book you anywhere in the world!