One Trip = One Bag

Whenever I check in for an airline flight, I'm always amazed by the people I see lugging several HUGE pieces of luggage. What could they possibly be carrying in there? Are they going on a trip that will last several months? The truth is, most of these travelers simply can't imagine leaving home without taking along all the comforts of well, home.

Now I admit, I'm a bit of a gypsy (Hungarian being my ethnicity) and have been known to pack WAY too much for a trip. "What if it's unexpectedly cold?", I worry. "Maybe we'll be going out to a fancy restaurant," I fret. "What happens if I spill something on my shirt?," I wonder. But ideally, I try to pack only what I can carry on board my flight (carry-on vs. checked luggage is an ongoing debate in my household, I might mention).

Thankfully, One Bag is there to help.

Compiled by Doug Dyment, One Bag is an exhaustive resource for those looking to travel light. This comprehensive web site is chockablock with great advice on how to reduce your luggage to a more manageable size. Doug not only shares his philosophy on why packing light will enhance your enjoyment of traveling, but he also makes suggestions on what to pack, the best luggage choices, efficient packing, and more. There's even a a suggested packing list to help get you started.

Go forth and travel light.

Check your Passport Now

***Update: On June 8, 2007, the U.S. Departments of State and Homeland Security announced that U.S. citizens who have applied for but not yet received their passports can re-enter the United States (through September 30, 2007) by showing the following:

• A government issued photo ID
• Department of State official proof of application for a passport

This applies to air travel between the United States and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.


Obviously, the State Dept. read the Travel Coach and decided it better change its policy ; )

Original Post:
In case you haven't heard, the U.S. recently changed its policy and now requires all American citizens to carry passports when traveling by air to Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean and Bermuda. This new policy has created major delays at the U.S. Passport Office thanks to a surge in passport applications and renewals.

Even if you're not traveling to one of countries mentioned above—but your passport is expiring anytime soon—this could have a huge impact on your international travel plans. People report waiting up to 12 weeks to receive a new or renewed passport. Horror stories of long lines, disconnected phone calls, cancelled trips and other annoyances abound.

Even if you're traveling in say, October, and your passport doesn't expire until December, you may still be affected. For instance, many countries require that your passport be valid for a specific amount of time AFTER you enter the country. For instance, Greece requires that a traveler's passport be valid for at least three months beyond length of stay. Morocco requires six months of validity. To check out the passport requirements of your international destination, go here, navigate to the correct country, and then select "Passport/Visa" from the right-hand menu.

What are you waiting for? Go check your passport...NOW!