COVID slowed us down for a couple of years, and now a few health issues challenge us. We're still traveling if not writing about it quite so much. Our goal in 2022, get to all seven continents in one year!
We hope all of you are well and staying safe... and that you find some inspiration here for YOUR future travels.
"If you must put your liquids in a carry-on plastic bag for airline travel, can you really pack enough in that little bag for a whole trip?"
Ah yes, the carry-on plastic bag dilemma...
Ready travelers?
All of us have been dealing with the restrictions on your liquids, gels, and creams for years now.
We've gotten pretty good with fitting our "stuff" into those little bags, so we'll tell you how we do it.
And to answer the question,
Yes...
We can usually go a whole trip for up to a month with what we fit in the two bags that we're allowed between us.
To get right to our lists, scroll down now... or...
We'll go over the basics first.
The rule started out as 3 ounces (about 90 ml) or less in a one quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag. Of course most of the world uses the metric system, so it's a one liter plastic bag, and 100 ml. And since this is pretty much a world-wide requirement, it has been modified through the years to make for a uniform requirement.
Now the standardized upper limit for those containers for your liquids, creams and gels is 3.4 ounces or 100 ml.
One bag per passenger...
...and it must be taken out of your carry-on and placed in the screening bin unless you have TSA PreCheck, then you can leave it in. Some countries also let you leave the bag in the carry on... just ask... they'll tell you their rules.
And remember, no half full larger bottles...
... that won't fly!
I know... Bad pun, but lots of people still think this is OK.
Still confused? We've tried to explain the frequently misunderstood points of this rule on our page about What you have to do to carry your shampoo and other liquids on the plane...
Remember when you're packing your medications, they don't have to go in that plastic bag.
That carry-on plastic bag is so little! How much can you fit in it?
Can you possibly survive without your giant size shampoo and lotions?
We do, and we think you can. We thought it might be helpful to see our list of what we pack in ours. We always travel together, so we have two bags to work with, but here is basically how we divide it up.
Judy...
Lipstick and 1 oz eye drops, and 2 oz contact lens solution can usually go "outside the bag", but I can squeeze them in if I have to.
Mark...
Many hotels provide shampoo, so unless you MUST have you're own brand, a small amount of shampoo will go further than you think. I try to buy toothpaste when we travel. I can't find that 90 ml size in the US, but it is available in most of the world.
Can't Deal With These Security Restrictions?
Remember, if you can't fit it in that one quart plastic bag... or if you forget something.... you can always buy it there... no matter where THERE is!
And if you absolutely positively can't live without those larger amounts... check your luggage. You can carry as much as you want as long as you check it.
If you want the official version...
In
case you really want to read the rules and regulations, here's a link
to read about the restrictions right from the source... The US
Transportation Security Administration - the TSA Liquids rule.
Hope this helps... really you can get by with that pesky carry-on plastic bag... and still enjoy traveling!
Happy travels... even if you don't travel the world... just remember that life is a journey... embrace and enjoy it! Judy and Mark
Curious about what else we've written about? Search our site for a destination or travel tip.
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Thanks, Judy and Mark
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The Holidays are Here!
Time to remind you we have tips on
Surviving Holiday Flights
Holiday flight may be more frustrating than usual. Try to stay calm.
Remember, if you DO travel and if you’re carrying gifts, it’s better not to wrap them… airport security might make you open them!
And if you're not traveling far, reminisce about past trips.
European Christmas Markets
German Christmas Markets
Seiffen Germany Makes Christmas Decorations
Cold Weather Packing List
The holidays can be hectic, but treat yourself...
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