Fold Button Up Shirts for Travel – So you’re hitting the road again and want to make sure you’re packing all the necessary clothing for travel.
These should include the basics, such as a few pairs of shorts, jeans, and underwear, as well as a set of formal wear in case you get invited to a wedding or some other elaborate event.
Speaking of formal wear, do you know how to fold button up shirts for travel?
These pieces of clothing can sometimes be a hassle to fold, particularly if you don’t want them to get all wrinkled inside your luggage.
In any case, you shouldn’t have too much trouble folding your button-ups since there are a variety of ways to do so.
You can try folding them together to save space and help prevent wrinkles.
Button-Ups vs. Button-Downs
Wait a minute; you thought this was called a button-down shirt? We understand your confusion.
After all, even though button-ups and button-downs are not interchangeable terms, popular practice often suggests they are the same.
We’re happy to clear the air for you—these shirts are not the same. Well, kind of.
You see, all button-downs are button-ups, but not all button-ups can be called button-downs.
A button-down shirt is one where the collar can be fastened to the shirt via buttons to keep it in place.
So that was what made them different all along?
And to think you always thought these two shirts were exactly the same.
Well, the more important question is, can you fold them in the same way for travel?
The answer is yes, they can.
Apart from the teensy addition of fastening the button-down’s collar to the shirt, you pretty much fold button-down shirts the same way you do all button-ups.
How to Fold Button Up Shirts for Travel
You want to be just as organized away from home as you are at home.
So you’re probably thinking about hanging your dress shirts to avoid those messed-up collars and unattractive wrinkles.
The thing is, traveling can make this challenging to accomplish.
When searching for information on ideal travel practices, you’ll realize that folding your shirts is sometimes the best option.
Women, as well as men who love traveling with women, will find this incredibly helpful in preparing for their next big trip.
Hence, let’s get straight to it; here’s how you fold a crisp button-up shirt before stashing it away in your travel bag.
Set Up the Folding Area
The surface of your folding workspace should be free of any stuck-on dirt that could stick itself onto your shirt.
Make sure it’s spotless before laying down your button-up completely, with the buttons facing down, and the sleeves spread all the way out on each side.
Fold the First Sleeve
Always start with one side first before you move to the other.
Take hold of one side of the shirt and fold it carefully towards the center along with the sleeve.
Then, fold the sleeve back and forth in opposite directions until no part of it is hanging past the shirt’s edges.
When folding a button-up shirt, it’s important to maintain a crisp collar.
You want to be extra careful not to squish this part of the shirt while folding.
Proceed to the Other Sleeve
For the third step, you simply need to do what you need in the second step, but this time, on the other side of the dress shirt.
Once completed, your shirt will now have a long, narrow rectangular shape.
Fold Into a Compact Rectangle
Taking the top portion, or the area where the collar is situated of your now-folded dress shirt, fold it all the way back to the lower hem to create an even more compact rectangular shape.
Make sure your shirt still looks really neat and crisp by this point; otherwise, you may have to redo the folding.
Stash Away Your Shirt
There you have it! If you’re happy with how your folded shirt has turned out, then it’s time to store it away in your suitcase.
Repeat steps 2 to 5 for your other button-ups, including any button-down shirts you may want to pack.
What About Silky Button-Ups?
Now, these dress shirts are a little trickier to fold, given their thinner, more delicate fabric that could easily interfere with the folding process.
Regardless, you would want to do the same thing you did with crisp button-ups but, this time, more carefully.
You’ll also want to tweak a few steps a bit to improve the end result.
Make these slight changes for each step of the folding process:
Step #1: Shirts should still be laid on a flat surface, but this time around, the buttons should be facing down.
Step #2: Instead of pulling the sleeve across and toward the center, make sure you pull it across and over the tip of the collar on its side.
Step #3: Repeat what you did in step #2 on the other sleeve.
Step #4: Form a small rectangle with your silky button-up in the same way you would with a crisp button-up. However, instead of folding it further to form a smaller and more compact rectangle, roll one end of the shirt carefully towards the other to create a compact cylinder.
That wasn’t too hard now, was it? You should be able to get used to properly folding your silky dress shirts with a bit of practice.
How to Avoid Wrinkles
It goes without saying that wrinkles can mess up the mood of any traveler.
It’s even worse when these unsightly creases appear on your formal button-ups.
Unfortunately, there is no foolproof wrinkle-prevention folding technique that travelers can pick up and apply on their next journey.
What you can do, however, is apply the guidelines above on how to successfully fold dress shirts to ensure that they’ll still look great and, at the very least, end up mostly crease-free when you unpack them.
What Determines Wrinkling
Aside from how you fold your button-ups, other factors also determine their wrinkling and creasing, such as:
Fabric Type
As mentioned, dress shirts with thinner, more delicate fabric are usually more difficult to keep from wrinkling.
No matter how carefully you fold these types of garments, some parts of them will eventually end up creasing inside your luggage.
The Way you Pack Your Clothing
So you’ve folded your crisp button-ups really nicely and are ready to stash them away in your travel bag, but how you end up storing these shirts inside your suitcase, or if you’ve packed them too tightly, will determine whether or not they end up with wrinkles.
If you notice that your packing technique isn’t doing a good enough job of preventing wrinkles, don’t hesitate to make the necessary changes.
The application of proper dress shirt folding guidelines and sufficient knowledge on factors that determine the formation of wrinkles should end up giving you, at the very least, a mostly wrinkle-free and ready-to-wear button-up.
Being able to stay on top of travel itineraries and knowing how to fold button up shirts for travel are marks of an experienced globetrotter.
Like any seasoned traveler, you want to be prepared for anything the other side of the world throws at you.
Hotels in Hungary – Hungary, a small country in the heart of Europe, still retains the sparkle and small extravagances of the kings of another era.
The capital Budapest is breathtaking for anyone setting foot in the city.
Walking in the streets is admiring buildings with unique design and architecture.
Also, the city has a large leisure offer: a spectacular nightlife, a large number of seaside centers at affordable prices, an opera house with very good value for money and luxury Hotels in Hungary.
Of course, if you want to know Hungary, it is not just Budapest that you will have to visit, but also the small village of Esztergom which shelters the marvelous Saint-Adalbert Cathedral, standing majestically on top of a hill.
Or Lake Balaton with its small, peaceful but also lively towns like Balatonfüred and Veszprém.
Györ, one of the most important cities after Budapest, offers a charming historic center to its visitors, and in particular, small details on the buildings that will delight photography lovers.
Little Sopron has ancient vestiges of the Roman Empire. Pecs, located in the south of the country and at the foot of the Mecsek massif, offers privileged access to nature and some luxury Hotels in Hungary.
If you are not only interested in cultural tourism, Hungary also has other enchantments: great wine production and gastronomy based on game meat.
So you have no excuses not to take advantage of this small country, there is something for all tastes and all ages.
Reasons to go to Hungary
There are plenty of good reasons to go to Hungary: it is a country with a strong historical heritage and many activities.
Whether summer or winter, Hungary is a welcoming country and ideal for testing new things and staying in Hotels in Hungary!
Go to the Sziget festival!
The Sziget festival is one of the most famous and famous music festivals in Europe.
It was also voted the best in Europe!
It takes place every year around August on an island in the capital, Budapest.
A whole week with internationally known names like Alt-J, Florence and the Machine, and many more for the year 2015.
Admire the Danube
The Danube crosses Budapest from side to side, which gives a special atmosphere to the city.
If you are traveling as a couple, you can take a romantic night cruise to go up the city, and admire the monuments which are very well lit at night.
Eat a delicious goulash
Goulash is, of course, the typical Hungarian dish!
A beef stew, garnished with carrots, potatoes, and lots of paprika. It is especially popular in winter because it is warm to the body, perfect for facing the cold of the country while traveling.
Party in the famous “Kert”
Apart from an adventours vacations, the Hungarian capital, Budapest, is also known for its original festivals and atypical places: indeed, many bars have opened in disused buildings according to the occupation, and the decoration, made of recycled objects and others eccentric objects, makes places always very original!
An evening at Szimpla Kert, the most famous bar in Budapest, is unavoidable during any stay in Hungary if you like unusual trips.
Admire the rich architecture of Pécs and Budapest
The cities of Budapest are among the most impressive: their monuments are majestic: synagogues, mosques, and basilicas will delight lovers of history and architecture.
It is necessary to walk Hungary to take the time to look at the Baroque facades, art-nouveau roofs with multiple colors, and the imposing monuments like the Heroes’ Square in Budapest, essential during your trip to Hungary.
Make a makeover in the thermal baths
Hungary is known for its many baths and spas in every city in the country.
It is a moment of relaxation which many locals indulge in, as this keeps skin young and beautiful, as well as purifying the body, ideal for a well-being stay.
The Szechenyi Baths are the most touristy, and the Gellert baths the most authentic.
If you want to do hardcore and challenging trek then Nepal has that for you too.
Moreover, if you want to do a moderate trek, Nepal offers a moderate level of trekking too.
And last but not least, for those looking for short and easy trekking tours then without a doubt Nepal offers that too.
Furthermore, you should also know that trekking in Nepal is quite different than trekking in European Alps or American mountains.
Nepal has different kinds of flair to it.
Because geographically it is structured uniquely.
Best Trekking Destination in Nepal
From the Himalayas to the hilly valley and the plains of Terai, Nepal possess diverse land topography.
Nepal finesses its edges with pinnacles of mountains in the north and borders itself with India in the south, east and west with quaint lakes and rivers.
Though the country is wedged between the two of the biggest nation in Nepal, the high Himalayas and multicultural backgrounds are the identities of the country.
Therefore, to explore the attraction of Nepal trekking is one of the best ways.
Through trekking, you get to know the people and get yourself familiar with the verdant woods and the streams.
Trust me you will make friends with nature when you will walking for days in the lap of nature and have little human interaction.
Additionally, trekking is available in every part of the country.
Some of the trekking regions are Everest region, Annapurna region, Langtang region, Dolpa region, Manaslu region and many more.
If you would like to opt for the region for the glorious Himalayan views.
Below mentioned are some of the best trekking destination in Nepal and a popular one too.
But don’t go on thinking that these are the only trekking routes in Nepal.
The high and almighty mountains of Nepal have plenty of trekking escapades.
It is one of the most adored trekking destinations of Nepal.
The trail not only takes you the base camp of the Annapurna Himal, but it also gives you an insight into the people living in the mountain as well as the hilly region at once.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek begins from the villages situated in the low region of Kaski district surrounded by lush hills.
The journey which started from the hilly region will gradually take you to the mountainous part of the region.
Thus, this transformation is what makes this trail special.
All along, the trail includes walking through the dense rhododendron forest and sounds of the birds chirping and the river flowing will be music to your ears.
Thus you will get to befriend with nature once again.
Apart from the glory of nature, the vibrant cultural history of the region is another appeal of the place.
In this trek, you will get to experience the hospitality of Thakali, Gurung, and Magar ethnic community of Nepal.
Besides they are one of the permanent residents of the region.
So if you want to explore the vibrant nature of this trekking region then you should think about opting for Annapurna Base Camp trek.
Langtang Valley Trek
Langtang Valley offers different kinds of thrill to the trekkers.
The journey of this valley begins with a dramatic bus ride up to Syabru Bensi and journey afterward truly mesmerizing.
From the beginning of the journey, you will be greeted with the stunning landscapes, alpine meadows and the vast yak pastures that the valley possesses.
And these are some of the highlights of the valley besides splendid mountain views.
Moreover, the experience of the authentic culture of the Tamang community of this region.
The effervescent essence of this particular community is quite different than the other ethnic communities of Nepal.
From the valley’s popular viewpoint – Kyanjin Gompa, you can have great scenes of Langtang Himalayas and other peaks across to Tibet.
Tsergo Ri another highest point of the valley also offers incredible views of the Langtang range.
Furthermore, you can taste the organic yak cheese produced by the locals of the region which surely will be your next favorite thing.
Additionally, if you are running out of time but still would like to trek in the mountains of Nepal, the Langtang Valley trek is the best option for you.
In short, Langtang valley trek is a short trek that allows you to experience trekking in the remote area of Nepal.
Upper Mustang Trek
Upper Mustang Trek brings you the majestic views of the Trans Himalayas to you.
In this route, you will have the experience of trekking in Tibet.
Likewise, you will experience the life of the people who for years has little to no contact with the outer world.
Upper Mustang used to be its own country within Nepal with its King until 1950.
Therefore, the historical background of Mustang it interesting to discover.
Lo Manthang, the capital of this district is the highest populated place of this region with its murals, culture, tradition, customs, and regime.
The wall caves, as well as the overlapped houses, are some of the appeals of this place.
The rich cultural heritage of this region is intact since till a few decades ago trekking in this region was not available.
As it is one of the new and far-flung from the modernization, the region was declared as a restricted trekking area.
So to discover the ancient and untouched beauty of this region start making plans.
Because what you will explore here is just mind-blowing and serenely beautiful.
Manaslu Circuit Trek
Manaslu Circuit trek is off the beaten trekking trail of Nepal.
The trail is somewhat similar to the trail of Annapurna Base Camp trek because the journey begins from the hilly region of Nepal taking you to the base camp of Mount Manaslu.
To those who do not know, Manaslu is the world’s eighth highest mountain.
The valley mostly consists of people of the Sherpa community with a rich culture and adapting the Tibetan lifestyle.
As much as these trails are undoubtedly famous for its mountain ranges and the culture, it is also famous for its diverse range of animals.
The trek pass through the Manaslu conservation area which shelters endangered animals like snow leopard, Himalayan Tahr, Blue Sheep and more conveniently Pika, a small creature mostly found in the mountains.
Manaslu Circuit is a challenging trek as it entails crossing Thorang La pass and Kang la pass which is an adventurous part of the trek.
All in all, if you want to explore the marvelous mountain peaks and authentic culture in the abundance of Mother Nature then you should think about doing Manaslu Circuit trek.
Mardi Himal Trek
Mardi Himal is a newly opened trekking trail of Nepal.
Even though the trail is recently opened, it has already stolen the heart of the trekker and is one of the most coveted trekking destinations of Nepal.
The main delight of this trek is the up-close views of the mountain on the trail.
You will be blessed with wonderful views of Annapurna I, II, III, and IV along with Mt. Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri and so on.
The views are a true treat for the eyes!
Most of the journey to the magnificent views goes through dense forest trails.
Every time you enter the lush forest, in between the forest you will get to see the glimpse of mountains from the small spaces of the trees
Similarly, the small tea houses of the trail offer you the most hospitable services despite its lack of embellishment.
Thus, Mardi Himal Trek offers one of the spectacular views of the mountain.
Annapurna Circuit Trek
Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most sought trekking destinations of Nepal for remote area trekking.
The trail not only offers the grand mountain views but the trail passes through many famous traditional villages of Nepal.
Annapurna Circuit trek is exhilarating trek as it includes walking through the narrow of the hill trekking path hanging above Kali Gandaki gorge which is one of the deepest gorges in the world.
Throughout the trek, you will find yourself in far-flung Manang village guarding the majestic mountain towering above you.
Moreover, crossing Thorang La pass will be another most thrilling at the same time exciting part of the trek.
Annapurna Circuit trek is moderate difficult level trekking as it entails trekking through one of the windy parts of Nepal.
Similarly, the trek halts an overnight at Muktinath which is an important religious pilgrimage site for both Hindu and Buddhist followers.
Jomsom, one more popular point of the trek from where trekkers their flight to Pokhara.
Most of all, Annapurna Circuit trek is enthralling at the same time exhilarating trek due to its route and adventurous spirit.
These are some of the most favored trekking destination in Nepal.
All of the above routes are beautiful and fascinating in its way and gives a soothing feeling of being close to the giant mountains and in the essence of calm nature at the same time.
Flying with your baby can be a huge challenge for both you and your baby.
Even your fellow passengers can get nervous about observing the situation.
However, you should be able to handle the situation just fine with the help of a few tips.
Some advance preparation is all everyone needs to ease the stress of flying with a newborn.
Prepare the Necessary Travel Documents
We’re talking about your child’s passport and birth certificate, the former of which is necessary when you’re traveling outside of the country.
The birth certificate also tells the airline that your newborn is young enough to travel.
Passports typically require a birth certificate—a document that isn’t given a day after your child is born.
During the processing of your child’s certificate, busy yourself with other matters like taking their photos and filling out the passport application form.
Once you receive your newborn’s birth certificate, head to the nearest office that processes passport applications.
You can even pay extra if you wish to expedite your child’s application.
Book Early
The sooner you make reservations, the better.
Plus, if you really need to travel with your child, then be willing to dish out a bit more cash.
What makes traveling with newborns tricky is their unpredictability.
As much as possible, you need to figure out their bedtimes and nap times quickly and reserve flights that take place when they are more than likely to have their rest.
Pack Wisely
Packing for newborns can sometimes be a nightmare because you’re always questioning everything.
Am I bringing everything that my baby needs? Am I bringing too much?
These are usually the two questions going through your mind.
What you want to make sure of is not to pack too much.
It’s not necessary to pack a million diapers; you just have to bring a couple situated at the topmost portion of your travel bag so that they’re easy enough to grab when you need them.
As for those essential baby equipment, it won’t be necessary to pack them either.
You can just do some research on your destination to find out where you can rent these items.
Always Bring the Must-Haves
There are three things that keep you sane when traveling with your baby: diapers, food, and wipes.
Lightweight cotton blankets are also very useful because they can serve as a nursing cover or a blanket for your baby to lay on.
Keep Your Newborns Hydrated
Newborns are always hungry.
They can also easily get dehydrated because of the plane cabin’s dry atmosphere, so make sure to give them what they need at all times.
If you’re a breastfeeding mother, it’s important to keep yourself hydrated, as well.
If you’re pumping, then you’re going to want to pump a bit more so that you’re prepared for any scenario.
You don’t have to worry about the TSA getting on your case with this one because their policy concerning liquids doesn’t apply to juice, breastmilk, and formula.
You just need to make sure that your baby bottles are filled with liquids.
Some of the other important stuff to pack for hydration are liquid teethers, baby food, and freeze packs.
Board Wisely
Strategic boarding is of absolute importance when flying with your baby.
Sure, you should take advantage of early boarding, but that doesn’t mean you should board your child right away.
If you can request for help, send someone ahead to load the diaper bags, prepare the seats, and arrange for swaps if needed.
You’ll also want to board last to steer clear of the stampede.
Feed During Takeoff
Babies usually fare better when you feed them during takeoff.
As such, it would be an excellent idea for parents to synchronize the plane’s takeoff time with their newborn’s feeding time.
If you just can’t make it happen, then have your little one suck on a pacifier during takeoff if possible.
Be Friendly With the Flight Attendants
This goes without saying that you should be friendly to anyone.
As a traveler, you typically have a better perspective of what’s going on in the world and know that acts of kindness have the potential to change someone’s life.
Being friends with flight attendants is especially important when you have a baby on board.
We know you can’t be in a good mood all the time but, this time, do it for your little one.
A flight attendant can make flying with a baby either so much easier or a lot harder for you—you choose.
Greet them with a smile and always be friendly because they are capable of helping you out in so many ways.
Ask for Help With Your Bags
Traveling with a baby means you’ll have to handle matters that are so much more important than your bags.
With the standard tip of a dollar per bag, let someone else handle your luggage.
You’re also going to be busy calling the airline ahead of time for confirmation on their different rules and policies for flying with a newborn.
Pro tip: Strollers also function as luggage carriers, so if you’re bringing one with you, use it to its fullest advantage by piling it with some items along the way.
You Can Never Have Enough Wipes
It’s official; baby wipes are your best friend.
Short of changing your newborn’s diapers, there is nothing these magical towelettes can’t do.
Baby wipes can come in handy in any travel situation involving your babies.
Case in point: they allow you to engage in some quick and efficient cleaning of your baby’s mess.
Apologize
Your babies are going to cry; there’s really no way around it.
When they do, however, make sure to say sorry to your fellow passengers for it.
Being genuinely sorry for the situation means that instead of getting hostility from your fellow passengers, you’re given sympathetic nods of understanding.
Traveling With a Newborn
Jetting off around the world brings so much love and beauty into your life that you can’t wait to bring the same experience to your child.
As such, you’re itching to find the answer to “how soon can you travel with a newborn”.
When it comes to traveling with newborns, it’s usually the flying that has most parents concerned.
Making sure that your child has a fully-developed immune system and has been cleared by his or her doctor for a particular method of travel is of paramount importance.
You’ll also want to apply some essential tips on flying with babies to get a better handle on the situation and ease the stress everyone is going through.
America’s Favorite Family Destinations in the South – Beyond the long lines and pricey tickets of Disney World and Universal Studios Florida, the American South has a wealth of destinations that offer the perfect combination of attractions, accommodations, and activities for a great family vacation.
Places where families can relax, reconnect, and make memories that last a lifetime. Here are five of our country’s favorite family vacation destinations located below the Mason-Dixon line.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Excellent fishing, lots of hiking trails, teeming wildlife and astonishing natural beauty make Great Smoky Mountains National Park a memory-making place for some family time together.
The gateway towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge rival Disney World for their number of amusements, attractions, and family-friendly entertainments.
Home to Dollywood, the area boasts mountain coasters, ziplines, water parks, and the nation’s first indoor snow tubing.
Dinner shows and spectaculars for the whole family abound, with restaurants and shopping everywhere – including handmade, unique wares from one of the country’s largest communities of independent artisans.
The area next to the national park offers plenty of lodging, including hundreds of luxury rental cabins nestled in the foothills.
Gatlinburg cabins offer the perfect blend of rustic charm and modern convenience, with full amenities for a home away from home, games to keep the kids engaged for weeks, a hot tub on the deck, and those Smoky Mountain views to gaze at forever.
Seaside, Florida
Travel and Leisure magazine recently dubbed Seaside, Florida, “The Best Beach on Earth for Families.”
Warm gulf waters, powder white sand, and abundant sunshine are just the beginning of the charm of Seaside, a town designed deliberately for walking, and one you may recognize as the setting for the Truman Show movie with Jim Carrey.
Seaside accommodations mainly consist of rental cottages perfect for the “home away from home” quality time of a family vacation together.
Everything in Seaside is only a few minute’s walk from the beach, the boardwalk, and downtown.
Other daytime fun in Seaside includes free shows like “Stories by the Sea” – a storytelling experience for children – or sandcastle building at Sandcastle School on the Beach.
Seaside’s downtown area has dozens of shops, as well as world-class restaurants that serve up everything from steak to smoothies, good enough to be featured on the hit cooking show, “Emeril’s Florida.”
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Famous for world-class golf, Myrtle Beach has more than enough attractions and activities to satisfy even the crankiest family members.
The gorgeous beach draws large crowds during the summer months.
But, thanks to mild winters and extended summers, anytime is a good time to visit Myrtle Beach.
The city also attracts families with a wide range of nightlife geared towards all ages.
Area shopping consists of signature small shops dotting the boardwalk, as well as four major shopping complexes, including a Tanger Outlet Center.
Just a short drive south, one of our nation’s most beautiful and best-preserved cities, historic Charleston, South Carolina, offers a relaxing break from the sand and surf.
lake Branson Missouri
Branson, Missouri
Along with plenty of outdoor activities and a great amusement park, many of the world’s top Country Music Stars play live concerts nightly in Branson. Outdoor fun in Branson includes fishing, camping, horseback riding, kayaking, and zip-lining.
Branson’s resident amusement park, the 1880s-themed Silver Dollar City, proudly features Time Traveler, the world’s tallest, steepest and fastest spinning roller coaster.
Other Branson family-friendly attractions include Branson Mountain Adventure Park, Bigfoot Fun Park, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, Branson’s Promised Land Zoo, and lots of miniature golf.
In the evening, a variety of family-oriented entertainment like the Comedy Hypnosis Dinner Show, the “Absolutely Country, Definitely Gospel” show, and Dolly Parton’s Stampede provide plenty of laughs, fun and excitement for the whole family.
San Antonio, Texas
Year-round warm temps, several top-notch amusement parks, and a wealth of historical attractions make San Antonio, Texas, a perfect family vacation destination.
The 35-acre San Antonio Zoo features a collection of over 3,500 animals representing 750 species, as well as a world-class aquarium.
For families with children ages 3-10, the Legoland Discovery Center has rides, a 4D cinema, and ten Lego Play Zones. Also geared towards families with small children, Morgan’s Wonderland has over twenty-five-acres of rides and attractions.
On those extra hot summer days, twenty-acres and over fifty water rides and attractions make Splashtown San Antonio the perfect place to cool down and have fun.
History comes alive again at one of the country’s iconic legends, The Alamo, while nature enthralls on a guided tour at Natural Bridge Caverns, taking visitors through underground chambers filled with spectacular formations, 180 feet below the surface.
Family-friendly fun along San Antonio’s famous River Walk includes year-round parades, concerts, a variety of festivals, and some of San Antonio’s best shopping, dining and nightlife.
Exploring Asia with Responsible Tourism – Traveling in Asia is mesmerizing thanks to the variety of natural beauty, cultures and experiences it provides.
Tourist comfort and convenience often scores higher on priority, making the tourism industry turn a blind eye to nature conservation and thus it becomes a responsibility of the tourist to be more mindful.
Responsible Tourism is about “making better places for people to live in and better places for people to visit.”
Exploring Asia as a Responsible Travel
In this article, we have chosen to highlight 3 countries in particular: The Philippines, Thailand and India.
The reason for that is they are touristy nations which employ eco- friendly policies and allow visitors to travel responsibly.
For that reason, these countries are our most preferred vacations spots in Asia for people who want to holiday while supporting the local environment and communities.
Responsible Tourism to The Philippines
Beautiful Island nation with breath-taking views and bluest waters ever.
Ample opportunities for both water and land activities.
Where to Stay in The Philippines
ample number of eco-friendly resorts are strewn across the Island cluster, both luxury and budget.
Places like Green Canyon resort in Clark, Apulit Island Resort, Lagen Island resort or Miniloc Island resort in El Nido and Amarela in Bohol are great for an eco-friendly stay.
Of course, booking a homestay instead of a resort is always better.
No matter how eco-friendly the resort is, supporting the community directly is always the most responsible and sustainable option.
The best places to do that are either Banaue or Batanes.
What to do in The Philippines
Eco-toursim places are bountiful in the Philippines.
You can visit places like Masungi Geo-reserve, Tubbataha Reefs natural park, Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, Island of Malapascua, Mount Apo Natural Park, Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary which is a celebrated world heritage site by UNESCO, and many more!
Eco Tourism Tips For the Philippines
Don’t indulge in activities which might degrade environment or harm it in some way, like Whale sharks are lured to the Tan-awan coastline of the Oslob.
Fishermen feed them small shrimp, drawing divers and snorkelers to see the highly sought-after animals, known as gentle giants of the sea.
It looks like a circus, looking at the animal walking up and down being fed.
Be mindful while traveling.
Don’t litter, that’s the least you can do to conserve the environment.
Especially while going on tours which are water based (island hopping or diving) – make sure you choose the most eco-friendly tour operator possible.
This can be a good way to get help planning the trip you want, while supporting a local business in the process.
Mingle with the local tribes and cultures learn how they thrive in their environments sustainably, without any damage to nature.
Responsible Tourism to Thailand
known for tropical beaches, opulent royal palaces, ancient ruins and ornate temples displaying figures of Buddha, Thailand is truly Asia in its culture and flavours, bringing the best of Asia in one place.
It is known for health and wellness tourism but the eco-friendly version of the same is coming up too.
Mysterious Thailand
Where to Stay in Thailand
Thailand offers great eco-friendly places to stay like Villa Belle- Koh Samui over-looking the gulf of Siam, Soneva Kiri which is in Koh Kood, Thailand’s least populated island; Zeavola luxury resort, on the gorgeous Phi Phi Island amongst the rainforests and Keemala in Phuket which engages in many practices to lessen its carbon footprint, including water management, using its own fresh produce, and the design which aims at protecting the existing ecosystem.
What to do in Thailand
In Thailand, you can do a lot of eco-friendly activities like nature and water activities.
The Elephant Nature Park, New Heaven Reef Conservation Program, Trash Hero Thailand which is an NGO helping clean up beaches every weekend and Bangkok Tree House, a completely green – friendly place to hang out are top experiences to go for!
Eco – Tourism Tips For Thailand
The biggest hazard to natural resources in Thailand seems to be from the motorboats and ferries and speedboats which can pollute the environment at insane levels because they are poorly maintained.
The fumes and water cutting can be hazardously toxic.
It is best to avoid such transport as much as possible.
Don’t litter or strew anything on land or sea – the worst is plastic.
Use traditional dining methods and cutlery instead of takeaways or packages food to minimize waste.
Go for smaller boutique wellness resorts which still use eco-friendly materials to store and dispense products as compared to the modern ones who use a lot of use-and-throw plastic items.
Responsible Tourism to India:
A land of myriad colours and festivals and moods, India can be a glimpse in time for any traveller.
Every region in India is diverse and fresh from every other – making it an ideal place to spend month-long vacations.
Being a farmer’s country, one can avail ample eco-tourism opportunities and even rural tourism can be enjoyed.
Where to Stay in India
There are many eco-friendly and eco-sensitive resorts and staycation options in India like homestays and stays at national parks and also in monasteries.
Some popular eco-friendly destinations include – Almora, Bandhavgarh National Park, Deogarh, Gangotri, Gangtok, Gokarna, Great Himalayan National Park, Jaisalmer, Kanha National Park, Kutch, Madikeri, Kullu, Kottayam, Marari, Nubra Valley, Majuli, Tso Moriri, Spiti Valley, Khonoma Village – about 20km from Kohima (hornbill festival) and Thenmala, the first eco-toursim destination in India and the like.
What to do in India
You can do a wide variety of eco-friendly activities in India.
There are thousands of hikes in the Himalayas and other mountains like the Sahayadris and the Arravalis.
The valleys and the mountains are perfect sites for eco-tourism.
The many national parks provide an opportunity to observe wild – life up close.
Apart from these experiences, there can also be river islands on the list, oceanic island states like Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep are also great choices.
World heritage sites in India are 38 in number out of which many are eco-tourism sites as well.
Eco – Tourism Tips For India
The diversity of peoples is mind-blowing, so when interacting with a tribe or a people, make sure you understand what might be offensive for them from a bilingual local.
The amount of trash you might see in India can be disturbing – don’t add to it.
Always carry water in your bottle anywhere in India.
Refill from a place that looks hygienic instead of buying water all the time to reduce plastic bottle trash.
There are purifiers in almost all eateries so it should not be a problem.
Walk everywhere
Else, hire cycles which are cheaply available everywhere.
Else, you can take an eco-friendly cycle—rickshaw to go places too.
This will help for the rickshaw puller and the environment.
You can plant trees at most destinations because plantation drives are going on at many places regularly.
India serves a lot of street food in containers made of dried leaf.
Choose the seller who does that instead of using plastic cups and bowls. (if you are feeling brave enough!)
Having the best generator for travel trailers is a convenience you never knew you needed.
With the ability to keep all of your essential electronics charged at any time, you won’t ever have to worry about being near a hook up while you’re on the road.
Whether it’s for emergencies or to power a fan in the summer heat, these devices give you an endless number of benefits for your RV.
Best Generator for Travel Trailer Reviews
Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240
The Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240 is a fantastic option for a generator while you are traveling.
With a highly versatile design, it’s a reliable source of outdoor power that you can easily recharge at any time.
It also has an incredibly professional appeal that will look great when stowed in your travel trailer or even the trunk of your car.
Here are the things this device can offer:
Power and Battery
This outdoor generator provides up to 240Wh of power, which is more than enough for most power-driven items you’ll bring with you on your travels.
It also features a lithium battery pack, which charges very quickly and retains its charge for longer than other types of batteries.
Another advantage of charging with this device is that it comes with an optional solar panel so that you can generate even more power from the sun.
Ports
The Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240 is more than a unit that you would use in an emergency, as it packs a powerful punch for everyday use.
You can easily power your light and radios as well as recharge all of your mobile devices while on-the-go.
On the front of the power station, you’ll find two 2.4A USB ports, one AC wall outlet, and a standard 12V car port.
Recharging Hours
When it comes time to recharge the power station, you can get a full battery within 14 hours once exposed to the full sun.
Another option is to recharge using the dedicated car port within seven hours or, you can use an AC wall outlet for the fastest charging around six hours.
Fortunately, there is a charging cable included with every order, so the power station will always be ready for you to use.
Safety Features
To help protect your devices from surges, the Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240 has the Pure Sine Wave Inverter, which provides a safe amount of power with minimal electrical noise.
You’ll also appreciate the overcurrent, overvoltage, and overheating protection to protect you and your devices.
Jackery Portable Power Station Pros and Cons
The rugged exterior of the power station is fantastic for RVers and if you intend to use the device outside.
Also, the built-in LCD is quite useful for keeping track of the wattage, charge level, and used wattage depending on what you have connected to the device.
Even the solar charging feature is easy to use, which helps to make this device incredibly useful in emergencies.
Although using the power station is incredibly simple, charging it via solar power takes an incredible length of time, which is why you will need to make sure you recharge the device before your trip.
You will also find it’s impossible to run any electronic equipment rated over 200W with this unit, such as a hair dryer, coffee maker or microwave.
What would make the Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240 even more convenient is if it has two AC outputs so that you can operate a light and a fan at the same time, for example.
Westinghouse is a well-known name in home electronics, which is where this generator comes into play.
As a fantastic source of power for your RV or travel trailer, you might even want to consider having this item at home in case of emergencies.
With up to 6600 peak watts, this gas-powered device could be the ideal generator for your travels.
This product offers the following features:
Power
As mentioned, the Westinghouse WGen5300v Portable Generator is unlike other travel generators, as it runs off of gas.
With that said, it also has an ample amount of power for you to use, up to 6600 peak watts, and up to 5300 rated watts.
Its CARB compliant design makes it fully ready for RV travel, especially if you want a lot of power to take advantage of.
Usability
On average, you should be able to get up to 20 hours of run time with a full 4.7-gallon tank and by using the 120/240V selector switch.
You will find two 5-20R 120V household receptacles as well as a TT-30R 30 amp RV receptacle.
As an added convenience, you can take advantage of the L14-30R 30 amp one transfer switch.
Safety Features
To help keep you and the generator safe, there are rubber covers added to each of the outlets.
Also, everything that you need comes with the generator, including oil, an oil funnel, a user manual, as well as a tool kit.
You’ll easily be able to set the unit up so that it’s ready to use right out of the box.
Portability
Although the Westinghouse WGen5300v Portable Generator isn’t as lightweight as some as the other models on this list, it does come with never-flat wheels for maneuvering.
You will also love the foam grip that folds out from the generator that allows you to have the ultimate level of portability.
Westinghouse Portable Generator Like and Dislikes
There’s no doubt that this generator is heavy-duty, which is why its wheels and foldout bar are incredibly convenient for travel.
You’ll also find that its operation is slightly quieter than with most other gas-powered generators, and starting the unit requires minimal effort.
Depending on your use, you may be able to get up to 18 hours of run time.
Reading the user manual is of the utmost importance for this unit, as it’s not as simple as pulling to start, there are other steps to be followed.
Also, you may encounter issues with shipping since the packing materials are very insufficient and do not protect the unit from damage.
Like most gas generators, you should expect fumes and relatively noisy operation.
As another tremendous electric portable power station, this model has many of the same features as the other units we’ve explored this far.
With an incredibly simple user interface and convenient features, you’ll love to have for your travel trailer; trips have never been more comfortable.
From charging small devices to powering necessities, the FlashFish 200W Portable Power Station is a great option.
Here are some of the things you would expect from this unit:
There are multiple charging outputs that you can choose from when dealing with your devices since this unit features a 110 AC output, two DC outputs, and three USB ports.
The first two USB ports are QC 3.0 QuickCharge, and the third is a 2.4A auto charging port, which is essential for giving your devices the most battery power as quickly as possible.
Users will love being able to provide power to cameras, lights, mobile devices, in-car appliances, CPAP machines, and more.
With 200W of power, you’ll have more than enough energy for personal and professional projects, especially if you love taking long road trips with the whole family.
Portability
It’s a highly portable unit since it weighs less than five pounds and has a soft handle so that you can maintain a comfortable grip.
You may even find the power station is easy to store in your backpack for a hike.
As an added convenience, there is a fully functional LCD that shows you the current charge and discharge, as well as AC and DC output.
Even in bright and low light conditions, you’ll be able to skim the backlit LCD screen.
Recharging Options
When it comes time to recharge the power station, there are three different modes you can choose from.
The first recharging mode is solar, allowing you to get a full battery using the power of the sun.
You also have the option to recharge using an AC wall adapter or the car charger with as little effort as possible.
The over voltage, over temperature, and over current protection ensures your plugged-in devices are always safe.
FlashFish Portable Power Station
For people who find digital displays hard to read, you’ll undoubtedly appreciate the brightness of the LCD, but it is very bright if you are near the generator at night.
It’s an incredibly convenient device to have at your disposal, especially if you need backup power for any electronic devices rated at 120V or less.
Also, the information on the LCD is beneficial since it shows you the battery life, among many other important metrics.
Apart from the incredibly bright LCD at night, recharging the unit can take several hours or longer, especially when using solar power.
It also isn’t as powerful as some of the other power stations you can find, as it will run up to three devices for only 100 minutes.
Also, this device doesn’t have an auto-off when fully charged, so you have to make sure you do not overcharge the unit on your own.
If you’re in the market for a generator that is compact, quiet, and simple, this is one of the better options to have.
With a maximum wattage of 2200, you’ll have access to a consistent source of power for numerous devices.
There are several other options available that make it only more convenient to use while on the road or at home.
This product has a lot to offer, including:
The most noticeable feature of the Generac 7117 Portable Inverter Generator is its Truepower Technology.
With this innovative feature, you’ll have clean and stable power, which is ideal for your most sensitive electronics.
By having a full 1.2-gallon tank, you can have up to 10.75 hours of runtime at just a 25% load.
Interestingly enough, the Generac 7117 Portable Inverter Generator is enabled to connect two inverters at the same time so you can have twice as much power.
Another convenient feature to the device is its built-in knob that allows you to choose between turning the unit off, running the unit, or engaging the choke feature.
Starting your generator has never been simpler than with the help of the user-friendly features on the generator.
Also, there is a built-in handle that allows you to transport the unit regardless of where you are.
If you’re concerned about the fuel economy of a gas generator, be sure to engage the economy mode.
Not only does it help to use fuel more efficiently, but it also limits the operating noise, making it ideal for nighttime use.
Also, the LED status lights are imperative for keeping an eye on the oil levels, overloading, and available power.
For charging your devices, be sure to use the single USB outlet or 12V DC outlet.
Generac Portable Inverter Generator
For a gas generator, this model is incredibly portable and lightweight, so you won’t have to worry about dealing with heavier loads while traveling.
Also, you’ll love how it works with numerous electronics, including fans, small electronics, and even microwaves.
Starting the generator should also be quite simple, as most users can start the unit within one to two pulls.
If you’re running the generator above 25% load, you may get up to six hours of continuous use, at most, which isn’t useful for a full night’s rest.
Also, you will need to purchase a separate adapter for using the generator with your RV, which seems to be the case with most other portable power options.
Always ensure you double-check the power rating of the electronics you use with your new generator, as the device will automatically shut off if it reaches near maximum output.
When you start looking into electric power stations, most are rated at 200W, while the ROCKPALS 250W Portable Generator is 250W in total.
The upgraded AC output isn’t the only benefit you’ll ?????÷?¿¿put to good use, as there is an assortment of regular and emergency features you’ll love to have.
From small electronics to CPAP machines, there are multiple items you can charge with this device.
This unit has the following key features:
Power and Ports
With everyday use, you’ll have up to 250W of continuous power to put to use as well as 300W surge maximum.
For charging your devices, you’ll have four 12V DC ports as well as two 2.1A USB ports.
You will also love the 120V AC port and the single 15V DC port, which is specially designed for DC devices. The entire unit weighs up to seven pounds, making it quite easy to carry and allows you to charge a 56Wh laptop up to five times.
What’s in the Box
Everything that you need for an emergency backup power source for your travel trailer or home is included.
With your order, you will receive the generator, an AC adapter, a car charger cable, and an MC4 adapter.
For added convenience, you’ll appreciate the 24-month warranty and user guide.
With three different ways to recharge the device, you can either get excess battery power from the solar panel, which is sold separately, for around 9-10 hours, with a car charger for up to seven hours, or with an AC wall adapter for under six hours.
The Pure Sine Wave Inverter is the ideal feature to give you clean power and inductive loads to help you run microwaves for longer and without overheating.
Operation
As the ROCKPALS 250W Portable Generator runs off battery power, so you will be able to avoid any unappealing fumes.
Also, it will run substantially quieter than gas-powered models, making it much easier to use at night.
ROCKPALS Portable Generator
The ROCKPALS 250W Portable Generator offers reliable performance, and you can easily switch the output on or off.
There are also multiple ports for all of your devices, allowing you to charge as many items at one time as you desire.
As an added feature, the power station has a 10-hour cutoff time to help save energy and provides up to 24 hours of continuous power, depending on what you have connected.
When you are packing the generator, be wary of the buttons since they can be depressed easily, causing the unit to turn on without your knowledge and drain the battery power.
You may also notice the batteries will drain the power quickly, as some users saw a reduction in up to 50% battery power in less than two days.
You also must store the generator in a cool and dry place since when lithium-ion batteries get hot, they lose a lot of power and become unstable.
Shopping for a generator can be a fun and exciting experience, especially when you start to think of the conveniences it has to offer.
With the opportunity to recharge or power essential items in your travel trailer, you’ll want to make sure you choose a reliable and user-friendly device.
The below features are things to look out for to make sure you’re investing your money wisely.
Conventional vs. Inverter
Typically, when people discuss conventional generators, they mean the units powered by fossil fuels, such as propane, diesel, and gasoline.
You may also find conventional generators that use a combination of fuels, such as gasoline and propane.
These are incredibly popular options, as they have an incredible electrical output and are conveniently portable.
Inverter generators are slightly more complicated, but they also run on fossil fuels.
The alternator in an inverter generator takes in an AC and converts it to DC then converts it back to AC using the inverter.
On average, they will have a maximum output of 120 volts and are seen as a little more stable than conventional models.
According to most, inverter generators are a fantastic source of clean energy, instead of the dirty energy produced by conventional units.
Fuel Type & Efficiency
There are plenty of fuel types you can choose from when you start looking into generators and depending on the efficiency you’re looking for, some models may be better than others.
Some of the more popular generators run on fossil fuels, but they also require far more maintenance and care.
Other units only rely on electricity, which can be more cost-effective but won’t be as powerful as fuel-powered units.
If you need a device that will run for more than 12 continuous hours depending on what you have plugged in, a gas, propane, or diesel generator is your best bet.
Or, if you need minimal power in a more convenient and portable design, an electric generator can be a great alternative.
Power Requirement
The power requirement of your generator is solely dependent on what you want to have plugged in while you’re traveling.
If you know you would be powering small appliances as well as recharging your smart devices, for example, you’ll need a relatively powerful unit (over 2000W).
People who simply want a generator for emergencies will require less, such as up to 300W of power.
Noise Level
If you’ve ever used a generator before, you know how loud they can be, especially the traditional gas models.
Thankfully, manufacturers have put more research into dampening panels that help to reduce the sound produced by the devices.
For the most silent operation possible, electric models are by far your best option.
It’s always best to find a model with a reasonable sound output that won’t be too distracting and will ideally be quieter than your RV, for example.
Portability
Unless you intend on hardwiring your generator to your travel trailer, portability is another essential feature to consider.
You won’t want to have to purchase additional equipment, such as a dolly, to transport the unit around.
With that said, most modern devices come with easy-to-use features for all types of transportation.
Heavy-duty generators will typically have high-quality wheels and reinforced handles so that you can wheel the unit around instead of carrying it.
Even lightweight electric models will have padded materials that prevent blisters and discomfort when carrying the generator in and out of the trailer.
With that said, some models require you to purchase separate adapters specifically designed for RV hookups, which shouldn’t be too expensive; generally under $50.
Even if you intend to store your generator in your travel trailer, it can add more convenience to your trips.
You’ll be able to power your most essential electronics and recharge your devices without having to carry multiple power banks.
Also, most of these units are highly portable and might not require gasoline, which makes them comfortable and safe to transport.
2. Do Most Travel Trailers Have Generators?
In today’s day and age, most travel trailers will have a generator in them due to their convenience.
When you’re on the road, there’s no such thing as being too safe, and having an emergency source of power is essential.
Unless you are explicitly camping off-the-grid without any electricity, you should invest in one for you and your family.
3. How Big of a Generator Do I Need for a Travel Trailer?
The size of your generator will depend on the electronics you’ll need to power using the device.
Often, the product description will provide you with the maximum wattage your electronics can have to be charged or powered by the generator.
For example, some units may only work with 120V items, whereas others may be more powerful.
Before deciding on a specific model, consider whether you typically use fans, microwaves, or even refrigerators.
You will also want to think about how many items you’ll need to connect at one time, as some units only provide a certain amount of power to be shared amongst all of your devices.
If you want an electric generator, one up to 300W is more than sufficient, whereas gas generators up to 5300V are perfect.
4. How Do You Hook up a Portable Generator for a Travel Trailer?
Fortunately, hooking up a portable generator is simpler than you might think, especially if you’ve never done it before.
First, you’ll want to figure out where to put the generator, though many travel trailers already have built-in spaces for these devices.
You can then mount the generator by drilling the necessary holes and then add the screws for mounting, finishing by adding the clamps, brackets, and straps for additional security.
Make sure you place the device so that you have access to fresh air and an ample amount of ventilation.
Attach the fuel supply, if you’re not using an electric generator, and tighten it to ensure there aren’t any leaks.
Ensure you re-route the exhaust so that it’s redirected outside rather than inside, as this can be incredibly dangerous.
5. Do You Need a Surge Protector for a Generator?
Most of the modern generators on the market do not require a surge protector, especially since they already have built-in technology to safeguard against power surges.
Also, if you’re concerned about the integrity of your devices, there are fail-safes installed to protect your smart devices.
With that said, ensure your desired model has enough protection to make sure you are protected from surges and overheating.
Our Best Generator for Travel Trailers Recommendation
Our choice for the best generator for travel trailers is the ROCKPALS 300W Portable Generator for its convenience and reliability.
You’ll have the opportunity to plug multiple devices into the unit, and it boasts enough power to run vital electronics for over 12 hours on a single charge.
Its versatility and portability make it the perfect option if you’re looking for a generator with completely clean energy to use.
We spent two days in Las Vegas with kids. Learn where we stayed and why it was perfect. There are so many things to do with kids in Las Vegas.
It’s a great destination for a quick getaway whether you take a road trip or fly.
The McCarran International Airport is located very close to the Las Vegas Strip. Most of the hotels offer free shuttle service. If you wanted to explore areas off the Strip, it’s easy to take an Uber or a Lyft.
The Strip is busy, and we highly recommend not driving there unless your hotel is there. But it’s fun to take a drive on it if you want to see the attractions and crowds. The Strip is a little over four miles long.
We took a roadtrip to Las Vegas so we had our car. If we flew in, we definitely would not have rented a car.
Hershey’s Chocolate World
We went during our kids’ fall break in October. That wasn’t a busy season in Las Vegas; however, there were certainly people everywhere. I can’t imagine how much more crowded it gets.
Things to do in Las Vegas with kids
Our children heard of Las Vegas but didn’t know anything about it. So while they were excited to be going on vacation, they didn’t know what to expect.
Coincidently, on the drive home after our trip, the book my son was reading referenced the Luxor Hotel! It was very cool we had just been there.
Luxor Hotel Las Vegas
Where to stay in Las Vegas with kids
Our first decision was where to stay in Las Vegas when traveling with children.
My husband and I had been to Vegas twice before. We stayed on the Strip both times. But that was pre-kids, over 10 years earlier. I remembered smoke and crowds.
Do you stay on the Strip with kids?
For our family, we made the right decision to stay off the Strip.
Las Vegas Nevada kid friendly hotels
We first thought about renting an AirBNB or VBRO so we could cook meals and have healthier snacks. (We deal with food allergies and also want to eat healthier overall.)
Then we decided because we were going to be there for such a short time, we weren’t going to be at the rental enough to make it worth it.
Our goal was to find a safe, clean and kid-friendly hotel near the Strip.
Hampton Inn – Tropicana
We were very pleased we stayed at the Hampton Inn – Tropicana. It’s very close to the Las Vegas Strip. At the time there was free parking — though that was changing. (Hampton Inn did not compensate us in any way for this review.)
We love Hampton Inn because of the cleaniness and the free breakfast. It’s located just west of Interstate 15, at Dean Martin Dr. and Tropicana Ave. It’s across from In -N-Out Burger.
Free shuttle to the Strip from Hampton Inn
If you fly into Vegas, the Hampton Inn Tropicana has a free shuttle which can pick you up from/take you back to the McCarren Airport.
The Hampton Inn Tropicana shuttle leaves from the hotel on the hour and goes to the Tropicana Casino Hotel, across from MGM. From there, it goes to the airport. (This is a great drop off location to begin.)
When we were there, the Hampton Inn shuttle departed the Strip at 5:30pm and 10:30pm. We stayed on the Strip until about 4:30pm and took an inexpensive Lyft back to the Hampton Inn. It was less than $10.
This hotel is very close and walkable to the Strip — but there is a very busy intersection to get there. Plus, we were already far down the Strip and would have had to backtrack. We were tired and hungry.
Because we took a road trip to Las Vegas, we packed fruit, granola bars, and pretzels, etc. as snacks until our late lunch/early dinner. So we had the free breakfast, went to the Strip all day, then came back to the hotel.
Las Vegas hotels for kids
A lot of the fun of being in Las Vegas with kids is they will delight in seeing the hotels. We all really enjoyed walking in and out, seeing the themes with the larger-than-life decor. That was a big part of our entertainment.
Many of the hotels have fun things for families to see and do. Walking through them, however, also confirmed our decision to stay off the Strip.
In most of the hotels, the casinos are right there — out in the open. They allow smoking. It’d been so long since we were inside somewhere that allowed smoking that we forgot that it used to be allowed everywhere.
The hotels do a good job of keeping it ventilated; however, we definitely smelled it.
In addition, there were So Many People coming in and out of these hotel “lobbies.” It didn’t have the same feel as staying at a hotel off the Strip.
While it seemed safe — it was definitely filled with the public.
We just didn’t like the feel of one of these hotels being our home base, however convenient it would have been to be already on the Strip.
So for us, we made the right choice.
What to do with kids in Las Vegas
After we figured out where we were staying, we looked up some places online to get an idea of what kinds of things our kids would enjoy doing. We didn’t want to miss anything.
Whether you want to do Las Vegas inexpensively or are able to splurge to pay for shows and the thrilling rides, there really is something for all families.
It’s important to plan a Las Vegas itinerary with kids so you don’t waste time backtracking. See below for more tips.
Walking the Strip
The Las Vegas Strip is over four miles long. Even if we decided to walk the entire Strip, we wouldn’t have wanted to walk all the way back. Instead, we concentrated on just one area.
The shuttle dropped us at the Tropicana Hotel which was perfect. From there we had our list of places to see. We made our way over the bridge, taking some great pictures and admiring the structures.
You never know what you will see on the Strip. Throughout the day, we saw showgirls.
As we were walking to M&M World inside the Showcase Mall, we saw a group of Avengers characters. For $10, we were able to get a picture of our kids with them, which was great.
Hershey’s Chocolate World in New York – New York Hotel
Our first stop was to the New York – New York Hotel. We spent time in the Hershey’s shop, exploring all things Hershey. They have all the candies there along with merchandise including shirts, pillows, keychains and more.
Be sure to see the Statue of Liberty which is made with almost 800 pounds of chocolate.
Hershey World is two stories and 13,000 square feet. There’s a Jolly Rancher flavor wall. There’s an entire room with only Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups’ products. They even have a Hershey’s Bake Shoppe.
You can buy any of their candies in all sizes. The options for candies on the wall are cool because you can mix them up. Hershey’s sells them by the pound. There is also a flat penny machine here, which makes for a great souvenir. They are located throughout Las Vegas.
We stayed at Hershey World for about 25 minutes. From there, we walked through the New York – New York Hotel and made our way to a shop called Stupidiotic.
Stupidiotic
This store was small and cute with some interesting items. This is a good store to take kids to if they want to buy something on their trip.
We had fun looking at the merchandise but were only there about 10 minutes — which I guess is a good thing. Still, it’s fun to stop in. You can look on their website in advance to get an idea of the products they sell.
Outside this shop is a good place to take pictures of Hershey’s Chocolate World. Because we entered Hershey’s from a different entrance and not street-level, we were glad we saw it afterwards. This is a cute photo opp with a Hershey’s Bar and one of the Kisses. It’s also amazing to see the way-larger-than-life-sized Hershey’s products on the building.
From there we made our way to the M&M World.
M&M World in Showcase Mall
Visiting M&M World was one of the highlights of our trip. You will definitely want to get pictures outside; there are massive M&M’s characters and candy on the building.
M&M World is located in the Showcase Mall, next to MGM Hotel & Casino.
The M&M World store is four stories. It’s 28,000 square feet. It was really brightly-lit and they had fun displays of M&M’s and their characters. We stayed here about an hour.
Like all of these attractions, there is merchandise. There’s everything from keychains and shirts to personalized M&M’s that you create.
The wall of M&M’s is really fun. It’s on the second floor. You can choose every flavor and color they have. They weigh how many you have so you can go along the wall and choose however many of whichever ones you want. It’s a great way to sample all of their flavors.
Make sure you make your way to all four floors. On the third floor, there is a short (about 10 minutes) 3D movie. Kids will enjoy wearing the 3D glasses while the adults will enjoy the opportunity to sit down in the small theater.
On the third floor there is also the infamous Welcome to Las Vegas sign done with — of course — M&M’s characters. It makes for a fun photo opp. So too does the M&M’s race car which is on the fourth floor. It’s a replica of Kyle Busch’s 18 M&M’s sponsored NASCAR
There are escalators and an elevator to make going up and down easy.
Coca-Cola Store
Right next door to M&M World is the Coca-Cola Store. This is another massive store within the Showcase Mall. Right outside you will see a gigantic Coke bottle.
The Coca-Cola Store is two stories. There is an escalator and an elevator.
On the first floor the Coca-Cola Polar Bear was out. You are allowed to pose and take pictures with your device for free which is pretty incredible. They also had a professional photographer who took a few quick shots. Then they handed us a card with a code for us to see the pictures for purchase.
There is so much interesting merchandise throughout the store but we really enjoyed browsing on the first floor. My kids chose keychains and some other things (on the way out).
Coca-Cola Beverage Bar – Taste of the World tray
On the second floor there is the Cola cafeteria along with more Coca-Cola merchandise. Here is the best part because you can order from the Coca-Cola beverage bar.
Coca-Cola Beverage Bar – Taste of the World tray
The highlight is to order a flight of Cola products from around the world. It includes 16 cups of drinks from different countries. There is a wonderful area with lots of tables and chairs so you can enjoy your drinks.
I must add the workers were amazing. One of my children has reactions to a lot of additives in processed foods and drinks. I called in advance to ask for an ingredients list. An employee texted it to me. It looked like out of the 16 drinks there would be several he could enjoy.
When I ordered the Taste of the World tray, I also asked to see the ingredients list so I could match each drink with each list of ingredients. The employee let me take the laminated copy to our table. This was incredibly reassuring. My child was able to have 7 – 8 them.
In addition to buying the tasting flight, we also bought him a Mexican Coke. He thought that was really great because it came in a large glass bottle. They also sell Coke floats.
Right when we sat down, a Coca-Cola photographer came over to take six photos.
She handed us a card with a code, and said the pictures were complimentary because we bought the Taste of the World tray. These were easy to access which I did when we got home. They were great pictures. (I even used one as part of our holiday card.)
These free pictures are a great perk of purchasing the Coke flight from around the world. (With the Mexican Coke — which I think it was $3 — we paid a little over $18 for everything.)
Looking around, it seemed most people were purchasing the tasting flight.
Enjoying these sodas and laughing about which ones we liked and didn’t like, really made this activity a hit. We were at the Coca-Cola store for over an hour.
It was also fun to walk around and see the vintage Coke merchandise and advertising.
Las Vegas kids activities
Hershey’s, M&M’s, and Coca-Cola…these are the stores we visited which were all extremely fun and kid-friendly. Think about it: Two candy emporiums and a soda store! How’s that for a child’s dream vacation?
Much of our entertainment came from walking in and out of these stores. What’s great is they are free to enter and enjoy so you can choose to spend what you want.
Also wonderful is these three attractions are all very close to one another.
Las Vegas Strip map
It’s so important to remember how long the Strip is. Whatever you do, get an idea of what you want to do each day you are there. Any hotel you stay at in Vegas should be able to give you a map of the Strip.
Plan to visit that area of the Strip only once so you don’t waste time and energy backtracking.
Showcase Mall
After spending time in Coca-Cola, we walked around the Showcase Mall for a bit.
Where to eat with kids in Las Vegas
There are kid-friendly restaurants all along the Strip.
However, if you are near the Showcase Mall, you may find this to be a good place to eat with kids in Las Vegas.
They have a 3-story Hard Rock Cafe. In addition, there are food-court type restaurants such as Del Taco, Sbarro, and Popeyes. There is also a Denny’s and an Outback Steakhouse.
As in this area, across from the Showcase Mall is Bruxie Fried Chicken & Waffle Restaurants where you can enjoy a waffle sandwich.
Where to eat with kids on the Strip Las Vegas
There are so many kid-friendly restaurants on the Strip in Las Vegas. Just think about the attractions you want to see and if you will be there around a mealtime. From there, consider what your family eats. Look around that area to find the restaurants. Really, they are plentiful.
Most of the hotels will have more than one kid-friendly restaurant. Also too, they have buffets which means even the pickiest eater can find something. We also like the buffets because of the fresh fruits and vegetables.
In addition to the hotel buffets and many independent restaurants and food stands, Las Vegas boasts family chain restaurants. There’s everything from The Cheesecake Factory, TGI Fridays, and Buca di Beppo, to McDonald’s, Wendy’s, etc.
Whether you are on the south end, middle or north on the Strip, there will be plenty of restaurants for kids.
Bellagio Hotel
After wandering around Showcase Mall, we continued down the Strip to see the Belliago fountains.
Along the way, you will enjoy seeing the hotel structures such as the Paris Las Vegas Hotel and its Eiffel Tower. There is fabulous people-watching wherever you are as well.
The Bellagio Hotel is a Las Vegas luxury resort. We couldn’t afford to stay here but we were able to experience many wonders of it. Be sure to make a stop here to see the incredible features.
Bellagio fountain show
Adults and kids will think these fountains are amazing. If you will only be near the Bellagio during a certain period, check online to be sure you go when you can enjoy the fountain show.
On weekdays, the shows don’t start until 3pm.
We arrived for a spot along the railing around 2:45pm which worked out perfectly. While we were waiting, we ate some snacks.
During the daytime, the shows run every 30 minutes. After 8pm, the shows are every 15 minutes.
Our family loved watching the water dance to the music and lights. You should be able to get a wonderful view as it’s over 1,000 feet long. Water shoots as high as 460 feet in the air.
When we were there, we were lucky to hear the Star Spangled Banner as well as one more song for a total of about 8 – 9 minutes.
Afterwards, we went inside to see the gardens.
Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
https://bellagio.mgmresorts.com/en/entertainment/conservatory-botanical-garden.html Whether you have kids traveling with you in Las Vegas or not, it’s worth it also to see the Bellagio gardens. These wonders are all inside and will likely be decorated for the season. It was autumn when we were there. It was incredible with many larger-than-life displays.
We wandered around the gardens and the rest of the first floor in the Bellagio, then headed off to see another hotel.
Las Vegas hotels to see with kids
After seeing the Bellagio, we walked to Caesar’s Palace. We wanted to be sure to go to the hotels with themes our kids studied in school. For sure we wanted to see: Caesar’s Palace, Excalibur, and the Luxor.
As you will have seen from driving in the vicinity of the Strip, all of these hotels are showcases. Each is pleasantly outlandish in its own way. Their architectural details are truly something to appreciate.
Caesar’s Palace
We spent some time wandering around Caesar’s Palace enjoying the statues outside.
Atlantis Aquarium
Be sure to see the free-to-see Atlantis Aquarium which is inside The Forum Shops. They have scheduled feeding times which you can see if you plan ahead. (When we were there it was at 1:15pm and 5:15pm so we missed it.) They also offer free, behind-the-scenes guided tours.
After we saw Caesar’s Palace, we were going to cross the street to the Flamingo to see the free Flamingo Wildlife Habitat. However, by this time, we were all quite tired.
We also realized the Excalibur and the Luxor were near where the shuttle dropped us off that morning, toward the south end of the Strip.
We decided to go back to our hotel and come back the next day to do more in Las Vegas. We saw those hotels the next morning when the Hampton Inn shuttle dropped us off at the Tropicana again. It was easy to walk to Luxor and Excalibur. They were both fairly empty as well which made it even more pleasant.
We walked over five miles that first day.
Las Vegas shows for kids
Adults and kids would enjoy these shows:
Cirque du Soleil
David Copperfield
Le Reve
Blue Man Group
Potted Potter
There are so many incredible shows in Vegas. I thought it would be fun to see Potted Potter. Our kids love the Harry Potter books, and we were almost through with watching all the movies.
However, when we were there, the tickets were for the afternoon or the evening. We didn’t want to be on a tight schedule during the day, which left seeing the show at 8pm. Our concern was that by that time, we would be tired and would have been just as happy relaxing in our hotel room And considering the price for tickets, we were glad we didn’t do it. For us, we made the right choice.
The next time we go, I will definitely book it during the day.
Las Vegas with kids – Monorail
Also know, there is a Monorail system which makes traveling the Strip easy, affordable, and fun for kids.
Free things to do with kids in Las Vegas
Like all vacations, things can be expensive. There are some fun, free things to do in Las Vegas with kids as well.
Bellagio Hotel: Fountain show; Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens; see the Chihuly ceiling (glass sculptures)
Caesars Palace Hotel: Atlantis aquarium; Fall of Atlantis free show featuring the Story of Atlantis
Flamingo Wildlife Habitat: See real flamingos
Mirage Hotel: Volcano show at night; the 20,000 gallon, salt water aquarium behind the front desk
Circus Circus: Circus acts starting at 11am on the center stage of Carnival Midway
Take picture by Welcome to Las Vegas sign. There is free parking but be prepared to wait in line unless you go in the morning.
Las Vegas coupons and discounts
Be sure to ask at the hotel desk for a map of the Strip. Even if you have one already, you will want to look through it for coupons.
We used a 15% coupon at the Coca-Cola Store. There is $25 off $50 in food at Senor Frog’s. Some of the Las Vegas shows have buy one, get one free or discount codes. There was a free cheese bread at Giordano’s. If you are going to these places anyways, you might get more for your money.
So definitely look through these coupon books.
Amusement park rides in Vegas
If you are a thrill seeker, you will have found your destination. Here you can enjoy so many amusement rides. Adults will find them thrilling too.
Rides at STRAT Hotel
Located at the north end of the Strip, the SkyPod (what most people still refer to as the Stratosphere) is located outside the Stratosphere Hotel. (This hotel is now called the STRAT.)
SkyPod
Admission to the SkyPod give you access to the inside and outside observation decks for 360 degree views of the city. You can purchase tickets for just this experience.
In addition, if you are more adventurous, you can add on one or more rides at the Stratosphere:
X-Scream
Insanity
Big Shot
SkyJump
If you are even more adventurous, you can jump off the Stratosphere. It’s called the SkyJump.
Adventuredome at Circus Circus
There’s the 5-acre theme located inside Circus Circus. They have live performances as well. In addition, during the holidays, they deck it out accordingly. There is a 4-D movie as well.
You can purchase rides separately but if you plan to spend some time there, it is better to get the wristband. The price is based on if you are over or under 48″.
There is so much to do here.
High Roller at the LINQ
Across from Caesar’s Palace, this is the world’s tallest observation wheel. If possible, they advise you book your tickets in advance.
Imagine a traditional Ferris Wheel but instead of sitting with your group, you will ride with up to 40 people in your cabin.
Fun for kids off the Strip
If you feel like getting away from your hotel pool and all the excitement of the Las Vegas Strip, you and your kids will enjoy the pinball museum.
International Pinball Museum
It was much like we expected it to be: Fun!
This arcade space is so close to the McCarran International Airport and the Las Vegas Strip, that you can easily take a Lyft or Uber. There is also free parking in the front if you have a car.
Most games range from 25 cents to a dollar per play. Most were either 50 cents for three balls or 75 cents for five. Most of the games have a paper with pricing taped to them.
This was a walk down memory lane for the adults. Not only are the pinball games fun, they are all different.
You can have fun playing a Gilligan’s Island pinball machine, on a Q-bert one, Star Wars, and on an Aerosmith one. It was incredibly fun to walk around to relive childhood memories.
Pinball Museum Las Vegas
For the kids, they will enjoy walking around playing whichever game they want to.
There are change machines there along with cups to put your quarters in. The machines accept cash or credit cards.
What’s great about taking your kids here — especially during the day when it’s likely to be a little less crowded — is that it’s much like the M&M World, Hershey World and Coke store. You can give them whatever money for them to enjoy. We spent about $25 for our family and then left.
It was also neat to see the other types of coin-operated games there. The vast majority is the pinball machines but there are a few other retro arcade games and other games as well.
There are employees there but mostly to service the machines.
Some also include legendary arcade games like Centiped, Ms. PacMan, and Donkey Kong.
Retro novelty machines
In addition to pinball and some arcade games, there are also some other types of games and machines. We enjoyed seeing the Mold-a-Rama, the claw machines, and many others.
Note, it’s dimly lit.
Las Vegas family vacation
In addition to swimming in the hotel pools, your kids will have lots to do in Las Vegas. Remember, there are so many free things to do in Las Vegas with kids. In addition, there are restaurants galore.
Las Vegas family itinerary
As you plan your Las Vegas itinerary with kids, take into consideration what they enjoy doing.
For our family, we knew they would love seeing the massive displays at the hotels.
We also knew they would love playing pinball. Add in Hershey’s and M&M’s and Coke — and making them more of an experience rather than just a consumable, it was a great vacation!
To plan your Vegas itinerary, consider first where you will be staying. Then, plan the things to do closest to your hotel.
Depending on if you stay on or off the Strip, be sure to get an idea of what you want to do based on groups: north, south, and in the middle of the Strip. Plan to do those activities then, that day, while you are there in that area.
Remember, the Strip is over four miles long.
Unless you are heading back to your hotel on the Strip, you won’t want to have to waste your time, energy, and possibly money backtracking.
Hoover Dam
As we left Vegas and resumed our road trip back home, we stopped at the Hoover Dam. That itself made for a memorable and educational experience. We took a tour, walked over the bridge, and took lots of photos.
Las Vegas family vacation
You may not think of Las Vegas as being a great place for a family getaway. However, especially if you avoid going during the winter holidays when it gets really busy, it will be manageable. We are also a family who goes out during the day, and not at night.
If you are familiar with Las Vegas, you may be surprised to know how kid-friendly it is. No matter how much time you have in Las Vegas with your family, there is plenty to do.
We say ahead of time because, yes, there will come a time when it will simply be too late to do so.
Since you can potentially benefit from early purchasing and have to be aware of the deadline, buying as early as possible could lead to even more benefits for you long-term.
Travel insurance should be among the very first things to look into if you plan on flying to a different country.
So, when is it too late to buy travel insurance?
When Is the Perfect Time to Purchase Travel Insurance?
Every traveler has different needs, but when it comes to travel insurance, the most seasoned travelers recommend purchasing shortly after you book the first part of the trip.
In this way, early purchase benefits are a lot more likely to be received by the buyer.
The timing determines how great your experience with travel insurance is, so make sure to keep that in mind for your next adventure.
Trip Deposit Dates
The trip deposit date is what determines the eligibility of travelers for the benefits of an early purchase.
Take note that this comes from the travel insurance providers themselves.
The trip deposit date is the day you make your very first payment for your trip.
What you paid for doesn’t matter for as long as it’s related to your soon-to-be adventure.
It can be either a partial or full deposit in your hotel room, car reservations, or flight arrangements.
Types of Coverage You Need to Purchase Early
The coverage type is determined by a number of factors related to the provider, the plan, and the state.
Some of the types of coverage frequently purchased early are those related to cancellation upgrades and the exclusion waiver for pre-existing conditions.
Let’s discuss in detail the different coverage.
Cancellation Upgrade
It goes without saying that when “life happens”, all our travel plans take a back seat.
If you’re flying somewhere anytime soon, you’ll want to be covered for as much time as possible until your trip.
Uncertainties can drive a wrench into your travel plans, which forces you to cancel your trip altogether.
Anything could happen in between the time you start booking and the day you start traveling, so it would make sense to get insurance right away.
The cancellation upgrade pays for any prepaid, forfeited, and nonrefundable arrangements you’ve made for travel, given that the policy covers your reason for doing so.
Again, you can get maximum coverage if you purchase the plan at the same time or within 24 hours of the first payment.
The cancellation upgrade also has a premium version, which provides add-on coverage that you can benefit from in so many ways.
For this coverage, make sure to purchase your plan within a day of your first payment; otherwise, you won’t be able to qualify for this specific upgrade.
When looking into this type of travel insurance plan, you must understand the purchase window for qualification.
If you fail to purchase this plan during the right time frame, then you lose your chance to benefit from its features, which include trip cancellation as well as medical and dental claims related to your current health condition.
A premium plan is also available for pre-existing conditions.
However, this coverage should be bought either before or within 24 hours after you made the final payment for your trip.
Plus, during the time of purchase, travelers must be medically able to travel.
To avail of the premium coverage benefits, a traveler must also have the complete cost of their prepaid trip subject to restrictions or cancellation penalties insured.
Depending on the provider, pre-existing conditions may not be available for all insurance products.
There are, however, some providers that still offer pre-existing conditions to family members who are not traveling.
In a nutshell, these service providers will still honor coverage for flight cancellations that occur because of a loved one’s medical condition.
Free Look Period
Travelers who wish to cancel their plans and receive a full refund may get their request granted for as long as they make it within a designated time frame from the date of purchase and have not made any claims or abandoned their trip.
Some insurance providers offer the “free look period” service, which, more or less, fits the above description.
The time frame for this particular product usually differs from one state to another and is generally valid within 10 days from the date of purchase.
To be sure of this number, you’ll want to go over the insurance policy documents of your specific provider.
When Is It Too Late to Buy Travel Insurance?
In most cases, you won’t be allowed to purchase travel insurance on the day of your trip or if you’re already on your trip.
When midday arrives on the day of your trip, and you haven’t bought insurance yet, you’ll no longer be allowed to so.
The Latest You Can Purchase Insurance
If your travel day is drawing near, and you haven’t bought an insurance plan yet, worry not because some providers can come to your rescue.
While you shouldn’t wait this long to purchase coverage, you can still do so as far along as 24 hours before your trip.
Take note, though, that this is as good as your last chance.
Any later than that, you’ll have to travel without your trip being insured.
If you’re planning to wait until you get to the airport or once you’ve arrived at your destination before getting that coverage, then it’s just not going to happen.
Since benefits of travel insurance are heavily dependent on the qualification window, you’re unlikely to get great coverage for last-minute insurance.
That’s all fine and dandy for as long as everything goes according to your plan, and life starts giving you the break you deserve and want.
But the thing about life is that it can pull the rug from under you all of a sudden and, instead of having insurance to break the financial fall, you’ll be forced to accept the truth of the aftermath.
That is you spent a good deal of money for a plan that didn’t come to fruition!
Travel Insurance Coverage
Generally, travel insurance covers the uncertainties that could take place in the life of a traveler.
We’re talking about unforeseen events brought on by “life” and other occurrences we never saw coming.
“How about hurricanes or storms?” you may ask.
We all know that terrifying storms or hurricanes can put a huge damper on your travel plans, and, naturally, you want to have insurance in case they happen during the day you leave for your trip.
Ultimately, when hurricanes are formed, they are no longer considered an unanticipated event; thus, not fits the description of travel insurance coverage.
Nonetheless, you should still be covered for as long as you purchased your insurance before the hurricane developed.
Our Recommendation to Buy Travel Insurance
Frequent traveler or not, you should always prioritize travel insurance when planning for a trip.
The type of coverage and time of purchase greatly impacts how much travelers will benefit from their plan.
So, when is it too late to buy travel insurance?
It is always best not to wait until the very last minute to purchase insurance.
Although you can, thanks to the last minute insurance option, by that time, it is no longer as beneficial to you as it potentially could have been.
Always keep in mind that it is better to maximize travel insurance benefits because that’s really when insurance makes you feel most at peace.
Travel With a Suit Garment Bag – When it comes to the logistics of air travel, there is hardly anything more difficult than trying to figure out how best to transport our crisp suits.
If you’re going on a business trip, you need to pack that suit properly so that it doesn’t how to travel with a suit garment bag end up looking like a wrinkled mess during your important meeting.
Knowing how to travel with a suit garment bag is critical to make sure that your suit is taken care of accordingly and is perfectly wearable upon your arrival.
What Is a Suit Garment Bag?
A suit garment bag is a long, zippered bag that helps travelers carry items of clothing such as dresses, suits, and jackets.
These hanging bags can come mighty handy if you need to pack formal wear for a wedding or a business meeting.
Since a suit garment bag folds easily, you won’t really have trouble carrying it.
It can accommodate numerous garments and, when packed the right way, can protect your clothes and make sure they end up relatively wrinkle-free upon arrival.
How to Travel With a Suit Garment Bag
Simply throwing your suit inside the suitcase and hoping for the best is not going to get things done, and this is where a suit garment bag comes into play.
Before you go ahead and pack, though, here are some factors to keep in mind when you’re planning on traveling with a suit garment bag.
Plus, whatever issues your dress may have in terms of creases and wrinkles during the flight can usually be settled easily at the destination; a little steaming is all it takes!
How to Pack a Suit Garment Bag
Now that you know how best to use your garment bag, it’s time to get to the packing.
Wash and Iron Your Suit
Suits for business meetings, weddings, and other elaborate events should be taken to the dry cleaners before being packed inside garment bags.
Aside from making sure your stuff is clean, you should also make sure your garment bag is dirt-free and spotless.
In this way, you won’t have to worry about your garments getting dust or dirt on them.
There could also be parts of the garment bag missing, such as zippers and buttons, so you’ll want to check and even double-check this before you pack so that the appropriate repairs can be done.
Maintain the Shape of Your Suit
To keep your suits in the best condition for transport, lightly stuff the arm and leg portions with some tissue.
This also prevents your garments from creasing or wrinkling, which is always good.
Make it a point to use white tissue because, in the event that your suit gets wet, no color will bleed onto the garments.
Pack Depending on Your Itinerary
Proper packing should be done according to the itinerary of events you’re attending.
Clothing for events scheduled at a later date should be placed at the back of your bag, while garments for earlier functions should be situated at the front.
Incorrect packing can lead to you rummaging past other garments and wrinkling them in your effort to reach for clothes placed in the back of the bag.
Use Hangers
There are certain types of garment bags that have built-in hangers and others where hangers are separate.
If you’re dealing with the latter, make it a point to use wire hangers that are lightweight and space-saving compared to plastic or wooden hangers.
Several items can also be hung on each hanger to save space.
You could maybe hang a t-shirt under a blazer and place a belt over the hanger.
For pants and skirts, use pant hangers as it keeps these items from moving as much and, therefore, keeps them as wrinkle-free as possible.
Attach Formal Pieces to Hangers Using the Ribbons Inside Them
Doing this keeps the material from stretching from its own weight pulling against those shoulder straps.
This is particularly important to note when packing gowns with long trains and dresses with beads and other stitched-in accessories.
Close Those Fasteners
Fasteners in the garment should all be closed and secured to help prevent wrinkles.
Remember to button the buttons, snap those snaps, and zip those zippers, and you should be all good.
Put a Cleaning Bag Over Each Hanger
Plastic is great at preventing wrinkles.
It causes the garments inside to rub together and produce the friction that keeps those creases and wrinkles at bay.
Use the Garment Bag’s Interior Pockets
Cosmetics, underwear, and hankies are some of the items you can place inside those interior pockets.
In the event that you’re bringing a carry-on, then you can also put these items there.
By doing this, you’re preventing these tiny items from bringing about wrinkly havoc on the clothing on your hangers.
Garment Bag Recommendation
Knowing how to travel with a suit garment bag involves being aware if it’s absolutely necessary to pack the item with you.
If your upcoming trip is long and mostly for leisure, then it just isn’t worth it.
However, if your trip is more about attending business meetings or formal functions for a couple of days, then packing a suit garment bag is absolutely necessary.
Make sure to pack only a few items inside the garment bag.
Lastly, use all the best strategies for effectively transporting the item so that the garments you place inside it arrive at your destination with as few wrinkles as possible.
