TRAVEL HACKS FOR Sketchers

SHARING TIPS AND HINTS I’VE FOUND HELPFUL WHEN TRAVELING
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MY ‘CARRY ON’
My art bag is my carry-on luggage.
That has my passport, tickets etc in an easy place to get.
I take a small sketchbook and Aquarelle pencils cos I like to sketch while traveling.
Print outs of all my travel and accommodation go in a plastic folder.
I keep all boarding passes, leaflets and receipts I may want there too.
I know people use the Wallet App, but I like to be doubly sure by having a printed version if my phone fails.
A gripping book to read - give it away to someone else on the tour when you’ve finished it.
A phone cable and plug for the country you’re going to. I can plug that in on the journey.
A toothbrush, knickers and lipstick - in case we have to stay somewhere overnight - heaven forbid!
Phones do run out and they are our life line.
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MY SUITCASE
I take one suitcase to check in. Usually weighs in about 17kg. Sometimes less than 10kg.
The biggest most important thing is that you can lift your own suitcase.
There isn’t always a white knight to do it for you at an airport, or down the stairs to the Metro, or up 6 flights in a small hotel without an elevator.
Look at taking a selection of lighter pieces that can be swapped around.
I roll everything.
I have 3 or 4 pairs of trousers and tops which can be mixed around. A couple of dresses maybe. A pair of shorts. Swimsuit.
All of these can be dressed up with scarves large or small.
I often buy sun hats when I get there.
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WEATHER
A cardigan or jacket for when it’s cooler.
A light rain jacket and umbrella can be useful.
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CABLES
My laptop, cables and backups for phone are packed in my checked luggage.
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JEWELLERY
Simple jewelry which goes with everything, but don’t be tempted to take good stuff which might attract unwanted attention
You don’t know who’s who in the zoo when traveling.
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COSMETICS
I only take the cosmetics I’ll use. No double ups.
Where possible I’ll get travel sizes of shampoo toothpaste etc. Hotel stuff isn’t always great quality.
You can purchase every brand and more when overseas.
Underwear can be washed every day and can be packed in shoes when traveling.
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MEDICATION
Take any medication you need for the time you’re away. You can’t always get your exact thing overseas.
Wear your heavier clothes on the flights. Keeps you warm in that freezing air conditioning.
If you get swollen ankles wear compression knee high socks. I don’t like them much but they do make a difference.
They work well with loose trousers. Plus shoes you can get on and off easily if your feet swell.
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SHOES
Only take 2 or 3 pairs of shoes. They take a lot of space in your suitcase.
Mainly good walking shoes and sandals. These will look fine at dinner too.
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ART MATERIALS
Spare sketch books and tubes of paint to top up my paints go in small corners of my suitcase. Any small gifts can be tucked in.
You’ll always end up buying treasures when traveling so make sure you have room for those when coming home.
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AIRPORTS - KEEP SMILING

Keep your cool. Yes, airports can be frustrating but don’t become a grump. It makes no difference. You may even get worse service if you behave badly!
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GET THERE EARLY
Do aim to get there at least 2 hours before and go straight to your checkin counter.
Even better if you’re 3 hours before the flight leaves, because there may not be a queue. So good getting all this done as soon as you can.
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Get your baggage checked through.
Now you only have your shoulder bag to manage, with all your important documents good and handy
Find out what gate your flight will leave from so you can aim to get near it at least.
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FLUIDS & CONTAINERS
Make sure any fluids or containers in your carryon bag are not over 100ml.
I’ve found it best to put them in plastic bags as that can be the reason they’ll pull you aside.
But not all airport security seems to have the same rules!!
I’ve found that if you happen to have a small pair of scissors- they’re ok if under a certain size. Whew.
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GO GET A COFFEE
Get through security once you have your boarding pass.
Getting this out of the way means you’ll have time to sit down and have a coffee or nibble or even shop duty free.
You’ll prolly be asked to take off jackets, belts and sometimes shoes. Do it now and put them into the tray. Keep smiling!
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CHECKING FLIGHTS
Once you’re through, find the information board and double check the gate you’ll be leaving from
Do keep checking as it can change.
I’ve found the apps which every airline is so keen for you to download - a bit of a waste of time.
The fastest way to get updates is to Google your airline and flight number.
You’ll find out any changes there even before it’s announced at the airport.
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Make sure your phone is fully charged, or find a charging station for it, get a drink and a moment to relax.
After all, you’re about to go on an amazing adventure.
Keep positive as it’s simply a waste of your good energy to be anything else.

CURRENCY
Don’t bother with those booths at airports to exchange your money for the country you’re going to.
If you have a Wise card or similar one which you’ve loaded with the currencies you’ll need, go to an ATM on arrival and get out enough cash to get started.
You’re not paying exchange rates that way. Mostly you’ll pay for things by card unless you’re in places where markets and small vendors prefer cash.
If at the end of your travels you’re lucky enough to have left over currency, leave a decent tip for hotel staff, drivers etc,
Do put it the charity envelope some aircraft have (Qantas does) - it does make a difference to children worldwide.
Or take it home and keep it for next time.
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DO LET ME KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANY TRAVEL HACKS YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE😀