198: Mind the Sap
When the dog has pitchy paws, what do you do? In my case, I’ve tried to use the tried and true listener tip of hand sanitizer, but that can be sticky work when someone (LOLA) doesn’t want you massaging her enormous, shovel-shaped feet. But you know, we do what we must.
In other “doing what we must” news, we must NOT get lured into the trap of thinking that we need to make our own laundry detergent. Because as my new personal LORD AND SAVIOR, Melissa Pateras, will show you, it’s neither cost effective nor, you know, regular effective.
Here’s the video we listened to today on the pod:
Ok, I know she’s married but like….do you think she’d be my wife? In a non-creepy way? I don’t know, I just love her. You can find her book here.
I’m also still over here STEAMED that Andrew’s friend got his tote bag confiscated! But also…can’t help but feel like if a woman had been there, she’d have known to just fold that shit up.
Related: Do you have a Chico bag? Because that would’ve solved the whole problem.
Listen to our pod here:
Or you can watch it here:
And, as promised, here’s the very long and helpful email we received from a listener with some Hot Packing Tips. Be aware — these tips might change your packing forever!
“Whew, did I ever have thoughts about your packing episode. Fabulous job - everything you shared was brilliant. I made a recording for you - it was my attempt to convey 2 pages of stream-of-consciousness notes into something palatable, and it ended up being over 9 minutes long. Oops. So, I've tried to write it down for you in a more civilized fashion. I hope some are useful! My work friends and I travel a ton internationally, and we've all been on 18-hour flights and 24+hour travel days. We have THOUGHTS.
Packing - limiting your anxiety
If you are traveling within the continental US or Canada, unless you are doing some very niche activities or are in a super rural area, you're traveling on Easy Mode. Amazon, Walmart, CVS, Goodwill - these all exist. You can replace almost anything. It will be annoying, but doable.
Europe has most of these same things in some version, but remember that most stores are closed on Sundays. Check which day counts as "Sunday" where you're going, it could be different.
What should you worry about? It depends! Think about yourself, all the things you need to do to feel clean and put together. Think about where you are on the bell curve of humanity for that variable in the place you are going. Your hair, body shape, skin care needs, oral health, whatever. Anything that makes you less "normal" for abc will be something to pay more attention to. Need a specific toothpaste? Focus on that. Weird shoe size? Pack those first. Now, this may vary depending on where you're going. For example, if you have textured hair and are going somewhere where more people have kinky, coily, or curly hair, then you may be in luck! Buy souvenirs :-) A good test is, do I have trouble finding my things in a travel size? That's a good tell.
Packing - planning for success
I love to use little baggies and packing cubes in my personal item. They are all colorful so they are easy to see on a dark plane. They are also different colors so I can more easily find what I want.
If you're trying to pack as much as possible, use vacuum sealed bags. If you're trying to be organized, use packing cubes. Otherwise, just roll your clothes and let them be mixed together. That's the most space-efficient way.
Many foreign airlines and budget airlines have very strict weight limits on carry-ons and personal items. Plan as though you will have to check your carry-on. I like to travel with a little luggage scale for this purpose.
Just check your bag, it's fine. Just plan as though you might not see it for a couple of days - spare undies in your purse, babes!
I like to travel with 1) a laundry bag, and 2) a little foldable cloth grocery bag, which I use after security to carry snacks and stuff that I buy in the airport. It works great as an emergency personal item if something breaks.
I usually travel with a foldable duffel bag in case I want to buy something at my destination and my bag is already full.
Your personal item needs to be comfy, you may be carrying it all day. It cannot be precious - it will end up on the floor at some point. Promise.
Bring a GOOD sewing kit.
Hotels are less likely to have conditioner and floss than other toiletries. I prioritize these if I'm tight on space.
Some friends travel with tupperware or little collapsible boxes to stay organized at their destination - cute!
If your luggage is lost, it will be delivered to you if you're in the US or Europe. Eventually. If you're in Africa, you will likely have to go to the airport to retrieve it.
I bring one giant universal outlet adapter and then a couple tiny ones for my destination. This is important because some places have outlets with big housings that prevent your blocky guy from fitting. I've also traveled with a mini outlet strip too, which is very useful if you're bringing a lot of electronics or semi-roughing it and your hotel only has one outlet per room.
Minimize jewelry, it's too stressful.
Some countries require swim caps and goggles in pools.
Bring a first aid kit.
I like to bring some string or a bungee cord to help with drying laundry.
Sunscreen sticks don't count as liquids!
Speaking of liquids, most of the time you can get away with a small makeup bag separate from your clear liquids bag. The one exception in my experience is London Heathrow. Prepare to be mortified as a security dude tries to pack all your lip glosses into a Zip Loc that is fighting for its life.
If your destination requires a visa, print it out before you leave! Print out all your itineraries and reservations and put them in a folder. Do NOT rely on your phone for this! Your electronics will fail at some point, someone will have bad eyesight, they will want to stamp something, whatever. Print it!
Baby wipes are amazing.
Put stickers or something on your luggage to differentiate it.
Bring a refillable water bottle, but know that if you're going somewhere where the tap water isn't safe, you'll be drinking from disposable bottles anyway. Then your bottle is just annoying.
Staying comfy on the plane
US flights are often freezing. Foreign planes are often too hot. Wear breathable clothing that layers easily.
COMPRESSION SOCKS
Don't wear tight, tricky-to-lace shoes.
Blanket shawls are a must! It can be a blanket, a scarf, a towel, pillow, sarong, head scarf, curtain or even a sling to carry your kiddo.
Plan for your electronics to fail. Do not count on the plane's wifi.
NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES, especially with a cord. The ones they give you one the plane are garbage. I do not trust airplane wifi/bluetooth if I'm going to be stuck somewhere for 15 hours.
Do not multitask! Don't eat and watch a movie, or read and listen to music. Pace yourself and your entertainment.
If you are traveling with small children, have your partner get on first with all your junk. Then the person with the kid(s) boards at the last possible moment. You'll have their space set up and they won't have to sit still for a long time before takeoff
If you're traveling by yourself with small kiddos, look around for friendly grandparent types. There are very good odds that they would love to hold/entertain/distract your kid. They will not kidnap your child - you're in an enclosed metal tube with insane security. Accept the help the universe offers.
At your destination
Pharmacists in other countries have different powers than in the US. Know the generic names of your meds and you may be able to buy it over the counter. Or try a fun new version!
If your hotel has a slot by the door that keeps the power on, you can use business cards or an expired credit card to keep it running while you're out. This is very important if you're using the AC to help dry things you washed by hand.
In many parts of the world, there is an extra layer of security right as you come into the airport, even before check-in. It's not as strict - you don't have to pull out all your little baggies and stuff, but you should be prepared.
Finally, don't be a dick about the overhead. God sees you.
That's it for now! Sorry I wrote a novel. Love you guys! Keep up the good work, and give my love to Lola, Bingo, and Lucy!”
As always, we love to hear from you. Have you DIYed laundry “detergent”? Are you trying to figure out how to get even more cables in your suitcase, or are you normal? Call the Spotine or send us an email!