Pack Smart

Most airlines are charging for a second bag, and you need to pack smart. Style Expert Jen Munoz stops by Real Milwaukee to show off some multi-purpose products that will help you pack lighter. Watch the video below and read tips written by Jen Munoz so you can beat that second bag charge.

With more and more airlines charging extra to check a second piece of luggage, packing light has become a necessity. Today’s travelers are in luck because many items we used to have to pack: alarm clock, DVD player, games to entertain ourselves or the kids are digital –all contained nicely in your phone or iPad, which leaves us with our clothes and toiletries to pack.

Limit Your Liquids

1. Shampoo, body wash combos are good space saving options – you only have to one product to do all the work. For the guys Nivea Active3 Shower, Hair and Shave $4 or Suave $2 and for the gals Burt’s Bee’s Shampoo and Body Wash or California Baby – both are gentle enough to even wash your face.
2. Bring a moisturizer made for your face that can also double as a body lotion – pick one with SPF so it can be used for to protect skin from the sun too. There are also a number of “stick” sunblock products (consistency is like chapstick) and since their not liquid leave them in your suitcase (Aveeno Natural Protection Mineral Block $9, Neutrogena Pure and Free, $9). Aquaphor is a great go-to for an “all-in-one” – helps sooth chapped lips or nose, dry elbows, heels or hands, or just dry skin in general – also dab on backs of your heels before you try to break in a new pair of shoes on vacation to prevent blisters.
3. 3.     Cleaning Cloths – Perfect for faces and hands – pack in your purse, wallet (singles) even for on the plane ride since there is no water – easy to get through security! (Brands like Oil of Olay, and Simple, $5, or Yes to Blueberries $3 – cleanses –and- moisturizes)
4. 4.     Paper Soap doesn’t contain any liquids so it’s safe to put in your carry on luggage with no hassle. Plus, it’s small and lightweight so you can carry it with you no matter where you’re going. Pier1, $1. Also available from other companies as shampoo, conditioner, body wash and laundry soap.
5. Schick Intuition Renewing Moisture Razor – Eliminate the need for packing shaving cream – and safeguard your legs from nicks and cuts with a blade embedded with a lathering solid. $10

Choose your Bag and Apparel Wisely

1. Choose your bag wisely – A travel bag for flight necessities that can double as a beach bag can be a big help once you get to your destination. This handy tote rolls up and tucks into the matching key ring mini-tote. Available in 4 multicolor designs. $4, Pier1.
2. Clothing items, like a pareo can double as a blanket or pillow in flight – for cool nights throw it over your shoulders to keep the breeze off, use it at the beach as a sarong for a swimsuit cover-up. If you’re extra crafty you can wear it as a dress – the possibilities are endless.
3. Tunics – another option to use as a swimsuit cover-up – can also doubles as a shirt.

Other space saving items to make your trip stress free:

1. 9.     Mini Travel Umbrella with Case – You can walk around angry at the weather forecasters or you can bring this chic umbrella in a matching, equally chic case. Use the case for sunglasses, the bag for jewelry – AND — you have an umbrella – in case it looks like rain. Pier1 $20,
2. Revlon Hair Dryer/Brush/Curling – use this all in one “hot air kit” and don’t worry about packing an extra brush, curling iron and blow dryer.

Note: If you just can’t stand it and you have to bring your hair dryer/flat iron and products at least travel in style – Pack Amika’s Giraffe Go Go Travel Kit, ($119, Hair & Gallery/Guys & Dolls in Germantown) and don’t forget your Metro Chic Pop Up Hair Brush – Flip it open, pop out the brush and use the mirror to ensure you have no more rogue fly-aways or use it to apply your make up on the go, $3.50, Pier1.

If you’re traveling with little ones, don’t forget to bring the gogo kidz Travelmate ($90)or the car seat luggage strap, ($20). Available on Amazon and Target.com (for a complete list of retailers visit www.gogobabyz.com).