☘️ Toss These 10 Travel Items TODAY For Smoother Travels

[@SloanePaoPow]

Best luggage tip: Buy hideous brightly colored patterned suitcases! Hear me out....I bought an electric blue leopard patterned suitcase. It was brand new but discounted (likely because of the color) But it was well made, durable and light. The best part is, I have no fear anyone will accidentally mistake it for their own and take it by accident, and I can always spot it at the carousel at the baggage claim! And no one would dare steal it, you can spot them with it a mile away! 😆

[@HowToGYST]

😂 One of our big ones is spray painted so we can spot it. Others have tags or ribbons. It definitely helps to have some way to spot it easily.

[@edennis8578]

I totally agree. Mine is a duffel bag in bright blue with my name embroidered on it in white. Let a thief explain that!

[@HannahRainbow88]

Yep, I still have my hideous - big flowers in white, turquoise and pink - trolley case that I spent about a tenner on ooh 20years ago?! It's been around Europe and a few States a couple of times, as well as music festivals 🤘😂 Nice and easy to spot it... Although the handle is now starting to get clunky about folding down (understandably) after all I've put it through. It also doubles as my granny trolley for lugging groceries home on foot, AND was used when we moved... Jon also has a carry-on size case, and we have a big red family suitcase. Ours all stack like Russian dolls (despite being different makes) and store extra stuff like heavy winter coats and other off-season stuff too the rest of the year.

[@Christine-zk6hk]

I quit buying souvenirs except if it is something I can use. I will buy luggage tags, especially bright ones that help my luggage stand out. I bought a salt shaker at a Jimmy Buffet restaurant that says "my last shaker of salt" which I still use in my kitchen. Otherwise nope. Oh unless it is yarn, I once bought so much yarn on vacation I had to ship some of my dirty clothes home to make room for yarn. 😂😂

[@karendunlop3534]

I had to buy an extra suitcase once in Disney, and now I always try to travel with that case: it has neon Mickey Mouse heads and visible from anywhere in the airport! 😂

[@angelastein7724]

Just an idea about where to send unwanted bags/suitcases…. In the states, children in foster care sometimes only have their stuff In garbage bags. Some foster care agencies take those as donations.

[@HowToGYST]

Wonderful suggestion! Thank you.

[@findingaway5512]

I like postcards as things to bring home or a magnet. If someone likes bringing home stuff I think something like that is nice. You could put post cards in a photo box. And magnets you could create a magnet wall somewhere in your house. Or somewhere obscure.

[@carriewyatt]

When we moved cross country (and luggage allowance was paid for by the company) we went to the thrift store and bought suitcases there. When we reached our destination, we donated them back. They only needed to be sturdy enough to make one trip and then we had no more use for them. :)

[@ros8986]

Some airline I flew years ago passed out envelopes at the end of the flight for people to put their "foreign" money in, each month the airline chose a charity to receive the money collected in that month.

[@peacewG]

So smart!

[@HowToGYST]

Yes, Irish airline Aer Lingus does this. 😁

[@carriecobb8]

Really made me laugh when you were talking about questioning if you’d accidentally smuggled something in, every time I go thru customs in the UK - you know you just walk thru the green nothing to declare option - I’m quietly telling myself “look innocent, look innocent!” I literally am innocent, same as you, I wouldn’t say boo to a goose 😄

[@HowToGYST]

Oh my gosh, I'm the exact same! "Act natural." 🤣 WHY?!

[@Ripplesinthewaters]

Your hat is really cute, not ridiculous! I have a similar one. If you take your husband’s name, you can still use your name professionally. A professor of mine said it perfectly, “I’m Professor Flemington, but not Mrs. Flemington.” We never knew her married name.Awwww! Precious Baby Scout!

[@HowToGYST]

Gotta love a nice wide-brimmed, sturdy hat. 😁

[@bronwyntully6058]

Dear Laura, I'm so sorry that you have such a fear of flying! My 42 year old son knows my wish wish to Fly again. He's currently in Thailand as I write (4th August 2023) on a long overdue Holiday. When he returns he''ll apply for more leave from work. I have no fear of flying and the best part for me is 'push-back on take-off'. My younger brother had his solo pilots licence at age 16, he took me up and did a ' touchdown and liftoff without warning me (he was flying a small plane) I warned him if he did it again, the plane would need cleaning LOL I'm now 70 yrs old and I'm so eager to fly again! I do fully understand your fear, I guess I'm lucky not to have any fear! Please consider that every time you drive anywhere the risks are greater than flying somewhere.... Meant with 100% LOVE from Melbourne Australia

[@beckyev1965]

so true about the pine needles! And also that glitter confetti people put on party tables - we had my parents' 50th wedding anniversary 25 yrs ago and once in a while I STILL find a wee gold "50" or champagne glass glitter when I sweep!

[@munirasultana2313]

Great Video 💓

[@stowie7733]

For someone who doesn’t travel a lot, I sure can relate to the items on this list. 1) I purchased new luggage a few years ago and got rid of all my old bags. I have a rolling backpack that I take on the plane with me. I always pack as if they will lose my luggage but to date, it has never been lost (knock on wood). 2) My kids, grandkids and I use the pool in my complex a lot so I took a big shirt and use that as my swimsuit coverup. No need for a separate coverup. When I was in my teens, I was diagnosed with Bathophobia which is an extreme fear of depth. I can swim in pools as long as there are other people there (and I stay in the shallow end) and can no longer swim in lakes or the oceans. I also have a problem looking at google maps with bodies of water showing…I get panicky and sick to my stomach so I understand your fear of flying. 3) I have a plasticity hat for the pool as it has a wide brim and can get wet without worry. I also have a separate hat for working in my yard. I have two pairs of sunglasses and keep one in the car and one in my purse. 4) I just went through my travel/ID documents in order to a) get on an Federal Airbase & b) get my Real ID. Not only did my passport expire but the DMV visit was a nightmare - people everywhere and some of them were really cranky! 5) I came back from a trip to Mexico and told a co-worker I still had some Peso’s left. He was headed there the next month so we traded funds. When he came back, he told me that one of the coins I gave him were from Chuck E. Cheese restaurant. We had a great chuckle over that and he still has it to this day. 6) I have a tiny, walk-thru laundry room so I have decluttered everything I don’t use and kept one each of laundry detergent, spot treatment, bleach, fabric softener (for my bedding) and wool laundry balls for my dryer. 7) I have one tote bag for the pool or beach to hold all the little stuff and I can easily rinse it out or throw it in the wash to keep it clean. 8) I keep a running inventory my food and will clear out my cupboards before a trip, giving to one of my kids or neighbors. And I know what I will need when I get home, sometimes even stopping at the store for fresh produce & dairy. 9) I rarely purchase trinkets but I will purchase postcards (their photos are better than anything I could take). 10) See No. 9, with this caveat - I recently went through all my photos. I divided them up into categories: Family, before I was born, my childhood, my kids childhood, grandchildren. I had my kids over for dinner and I went through all the photos with them. We got rid of a lot and decided who would get what photos & when. I hope to get them all scanned into my computer and will then give them each a USB Drive for them to keep. They also asked for special phots now and I will be getting copies made and framed and then give them the photos for Christmas. My son has asked for the majority of the actual photos (he’s my sentimental child), so the albums I do have will go to him when the time comes. 11) I love to read so I give books that I’ve read (or tried to read) to the library (for their book sale) or to my local donation center. Magazines I leave in the clubhouse in the complex where I live.

[@teenabrown9786]

Hi Laura, I only found your channel today. I love your content and your a laugh... I have binge watched you all day whilst doing a huge kitchen declutter. It’s amazing and my husband is going to be stoked when he returns from work. Thanks again I think you are a ray of sunshine for my cluttered lifestyle...

[@HowToGYST]

Aw, thank you so much! Enjoy your decluttered kitchen!

[@HappyWithMyHeadset]

De-cluttering beach and pool toys, and old beach bags with busted zips is a great idea and very achievable.

[@PerilousRainbow]

Every trip I’ve gone on as an adult, this might sound weird, but I’ll buy stuff I’ve been looking for like household goods. My last trip to NYC I bought a bunch of snacks, some drinks, curtains for over my bedroom door, some seasoning things I wanted to try. That way some things are permanent and some as I use it’s like “oh yeah I got this at this place on my trip”. Admittedly I drove my car there, but I think even if I took different modes of transportation I’d still do the same thing, just smaller scale than I did.

[@lindsey361]

No really, only borrow a bag from someone you truly trust! You look fab in a hat ❤pmsl the bag thing, talking of laundry iv just donated all the things I have to iron other than funeral and wedding outfit xx

[@winerock]

Love the mix of stories and practical advice! This video is both hilarious and useful. 😊

[@findingaway5512]

The money story is fantastic!!! I have had so many lovely little moments like that. So sweet and also love that you kept it because the reminder to be kind was more valuable by then the monetary thing. ❤

[@bluemoon5766]

When my daughter was 3ish she was obsessed with a book/song called "going on a bear hunt" so randomly I would say " o no a bear" and start to run well one night in a walmart parking lot we were doing that and she started screaming " I don't know them" and there was a younger couple there and they looked over and thank God believed my husband and I that she was ours and say us laughing telling her she can't say that

[@HowToGYST]

Oh my goodness, I'd have a heart attack! Why do they do this to us?! 😰😂

[@bluemoon5766]

Haha right?

[@sandralantau7395]

Regarding holiday memorabilia, I buy postcards (1 or 2 only) for my journal and bookmarks which I use when I'm home

[@HowToGYST]

That's a lovely idea.

[@edennis8578]

These days, I would NEVER borrow a bag, for exactly the reason you describe.

[@peacewG]

Thank you for the encouragement to do what needed to be done. I finally tossed el cheepo luggage with a broken zipper! I kept holding onto it so I could beat myself up for such a dumb purchase and in hopes that the zipper would just miraculously fix itself 🤣🤣🤣🤣! It is gone now!

[@HowToGYST]

😂 Well done!

[@ros8986]

I use duffel bags to store my backstock (offseason bedding, sewing patterns, backstock clothing, etc). I use packing cubes to sort backstock clothing and misc stuff - with labels so I knwo what is in it). However I delivered most of the packing cubes and extra strong duffle bags to the local large homeless center (I dont need eagle creek duffles to restrain my winter duvets).

[@jennygreer7499]

Your hat is fantastic 😍👒 I've crazy glued magnets to the back of some foreign coins and stick them to the fridge, the rest I make a wish with at the nearest fountain

[@evalindell2757]

Loove your hat! You look very good in it 💕

[@chrisludwig3610]

That was a great act of kindness story! I also buy loud patterns or bright color luggage. You can see it a mile away (one of mine has bright pink flamingos on it! 😂) Very unlikely someone (other than myself) is going to want that. I also feel your pain about water... 😮 Keep up the good work love.

[@tlplante1]

I use old suitcases for storing things in vacuum seal bags, like extra blankets for winter use.

[@margeanderson2918]

Girl! You’re hard on the brim of that beautiful hat!

[@genaeller6914]

Love your hat!! It is a perfect fit for you! 😊

[@Cecily-Pimprenelle]

Pausing at the beginning... but yes, I actually DID need All Of The Suitcases a couple of times... when we were moving internationally with 4 kids. But yes, usually it’s more ”one backpack each and one, maybe two big suitcases.” The extra sleep where we have room to store them, because we hope our moving abroad days aren’t over yet.

[@lizclearman]

I ALSO HATE FLYING. I haven't flown since before the pandemic and I don't plan on it. Seeing your face in that clip and seeing how bumpy it was made MY heart race. Turbulence drives my anxiety through the roof, and like you, I've tried to take medication while flying but it didn't work. I used to love it as a kid, but the older I've gotten, the less I want to fly. Just - no thank you.

[@antiantipoda]

I just got back from a trip to the US. I had to buy a bag because it was more expensive to check an empty bag on the way out, then to buy one and check it just on the return leg. I got here, took pictures and put an add online for the bag I bought. A coworker decided she wanted the bag, so I sold it to her directly and delivered it to work. I got my money back and now I don't need to store a bag. Win Win.

[@HowToGYST]

Brilliant!

[@rvanderjagt5944]

You reminded me to get rid of the big red suitcase. It was a well meaning gift years ago (easy to spot at the baggage claim!) But the shoulder strap broke almost immediately and now it's too heavy to carry in an airport or hotel, and too impractical for camping.

[@KristiBranstetter]

I fly with a backpack and a bag that I can either carry on or check. I can put a weeks's worth of clothes in it with no problem.

[@HowToGYST]

Yeah, if I can get away with carry-on only, that’s what I do. I never check a bag unless it’s necessary (like when I’m traveling home to Ireland). I hate having to wait at baggage claim. 😂

[@nancymillet8210]

I’m with you no beach ware here.

[@aislingoconnor6617]

The hat is delightful on you and looks très chic 😍

[@ashleyhairstondoughty5542]

I’m so sorry to hear that your travel phobias are getting worse! 😢 If I could do away with one travel-related thing, it would be always staying up until 12 or 1 am the day of travel trying to pack and prep the house. It means I’m exhausted for the start of the trip and makes it even more difficult to travel, especially since I’m usually the one who is driving or doing all the heavy lifting at the airport. 😓

[@HowToGYST]

Oh gosh, yes, it can be exhausting to prepare for a trip, and then exhausting to unpack from it. I keep a master packing list now. It makes it so much easier to ensure I have all the essentials with me so I'm not scrambling.

[@Cat-ik1wo]

You are so grounded. I understand the feeling. But i have no fear of water. Its about feeling. I like how water feels, but i cant do heights. I need to feel the solid earth beneath my feet. I too am grounded. I need solid. But water feels good.

[@HowToGYST]

I need solid earth beneath my feet at all times. 😂

[@denisee6361]

love your video! My greatest "fear" while traveling is the fear I'll never see my checked bag again! Unfortunately, I've had many a time when my bag was not on the carousel...try to only fly with carry-on now.

[@anitawilkie7275]

My family always have a photo of a hotel bathroom. Then there is always a picture of the bed with the towels wrapped up as animals.😆

[@HowToGYST]

Oh yes, I have a few of those too. 😂

[@nopapersplease]

Regarding fears of travel, I used to be ridiculously afraid of delayed or canceled flights, missed connections and lost luggage. I would apologize to my family in advance of travel and warn them that I would be an unpleasant nervous wreck from the moment we left the house until my feet and my luggage were on the deck of the cruise ship. I haven't flown or cruised since 2019 and I may never do either again. I don't want to share the inside of a pressurized aluminum tube or the crowded confines of a cruise ship with others who might be carrying contagious diseases that spread efficiently in that type of environment. I'm so grateful that I got to travel internationally each year from 2016-2019 (especially to Ireland), but now the prospect of doing that now is almost too stressful. I want to relax on vacation, not stress about getting sick and maybe quarantined, especially in a foreign country.

[@cleitatreestrong8397]

I did make it till the end and had such a laugh because just today, I've dropped off about 20 "entertaining light-weight" books at an exchange board in our village. At least that job is done 😂😂

[@HowToGYST]

WUHOO!

[@donnaseeton1473]

We just got home from vacation, a week in Hawaii with all our family, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren….25 in total. It was so stressful planning, worrying about everyone making their flight and that everyone would get on the cruise. Great memories now that it’s over!❤️

[@HowToGYST]

Oh yeah, that's a lot of people to plan for! Glad it all went well. Are you exhausted now?

[@edennis8578]

That was one ambitious project!

[@maureenedwards2388]

I only disagree on euros. I always keep them, I know that some time in the future I will use them on a vacation. I generally have 10 to near 20 euros. Nice to have some smaller denominations when I arrive also. I do keep them with my passport, etc.

[@lianeanderson2800]

Let me just say: Xanax (alprazolam) is a wonderful medicine for making travel less stressful. I always take one before I fly. Makes your trip so much more pleasant for you (and for your husband!).

[@HowToGYST]

Yes, I may have to "upgrade" my meds.

[@flightlessphoenix77]

I use all my old suitcases as storage, so I probably should declutter the things inside them 😂 Have you tried any therapy for your fear of flying? I have heard hypnotherapy is supposed to be effective. I had some CBT for my fear of blood/needles and I think it helped a bit. We also discussed exposure therapy and I was too scared to try it. Then I got a job where I have to clean up needles left by IV drug users a lot and weirdly it has helped. I went for a covid jab and they forgot to hide the needle from me, but my brain went into autopilot work mode and just noted the cap colour which is what I do when I'm trying to make sure we have collected all the bits from one syringe 😂

[@HowToGYST]

Haven’t tried hypnotherapy but lately have been giving it serious consideration. Wonderful that you’ve made progress with your needle fear.

[@flightlessphoenix77]

@@HowToGYST good luck! I can imagine it is extremely debilitating especially living overseas from family. I hope you find something that helps

[@josephdaly2015]

We’re just back from hols in USA. Been sick with sinus and cough all week, (no we don’t have covid TG) so the cases haven’t been fully emptied yet 🤦‍♀️☹️🤷‍♀️ I did 1 small one (I think I’m great 🤭🤣) and bits out of others of presents for family/friends. I’d definitely look into hypnosis to help with your fears. Great tips as always. Have a great week. Mary, Joes wife 🙇‍♀️👏👍💪💐🙏🐕‍🦺

[@emmyjohnsoon]

Love that hat!

[@irenegarcia1851]

The hat looks cute on you!

[@blue_twitch___5371]

Love your videos

[@HowToGYST]

Thanks. 🥰

[@lianeyoung3921]

Did I see footage of you in a helicopter? Wow, that's incredibly brave for someone who doesn't like flying! Love your videos! Thank you so much for making them! 🐞

[@HowToGYST]

For some reason I don't have the same fear in a helicopter. It's not that I don't have ANY fear but it's a very different flying experience. Planes are terrifying.

[@valeriekravette787]

Fun fact: most airport sniffer dogs are looking for explosives, not drugs, and the glycerine in your toiletries will set them off. So I was told by a Detroit TSA agent.

[@HowToGYST]

Interesting! Now I have to remind myself I also haven't smuggled any explosives. 😂

[@anitaholmes8201]

@@HowToGYST - Or large amounts of cash, food items, and plants. Sniffer dogs are also trained to find those things.

[@goodenoughgirl8102]

Lol. It’s true. Nobody ever uses them all. I think I’m holding onto the very compact fabric storage bags and cubes but that’s only Bcuz I know I’m going to be actually moving away permanently at some point. Beach cover up. lol. I recently decided that I was going to make my own “tank and shorts.” So I have a kind of exercise top and a pair of swimming shorts And a “swimwear tank.” I like it Bcuz I don’t want to show that much. I want my swimwear to be like regular clothes, except retain less water and dry faster. 😬 Omg. Kids. 😂😂 I went on a trip to Colombia and they said just don’t tell them you have food. We’ll be here forever and might miss our connecting flight home. Well my honest Abe self did say yes. Coffee. So everyone was irked at me Bcuz we had to run the whole way to the next flight. Don’t travel with me either. lol. About the only thing that scares me is anything to do with potential sea sickness/ motion sickness. I’d rather die than 🤮. Fortunately I’m not extra prone to it at least. Lol.

[@arelisacuna8913]

I'm from Costa Rica. The first time we went to Disney, my daughter was 7 and she didn't know English. She was asked at the airport "who are you traveling with?" and she didn't know how to answer. We explained that she doesn't know English and were able to continue

[@findingaway5512]

I would get rid of my car sickness and my packing stress. I HATE packing for a vacation. Too much executive function needed for that. It creates a lot of nit good feelings for me. I am type B so planning is not a thing I am good at or like doing. But also family vacations require a great deal of that and as a Mom it falls on me as the one to do 95% of it all. 🥴

[@kathypflaume4652]

I’m with you. I just prefer to look at it. I might go in up to ankles. 💜💕💜

[@Ripplesinthewaters]

I have a horrible fear of flying myself. It’s a mix of fear of heights and falling. Without that, I’d travel all over! I’m not afraid of water, so boats are okay for me. Trains are good, too. I just can’t get to Ireland on a train. Islands are like that. LOL!

[@HowToGYST]

I'm still holding out hope for teleportation. 😂

[@leslieh747]

My first flight was in 1980. I hated it, and hated every flight after that. Not afraid, but uncomfortable, cooped up feeling. The air is too dry, and my ears always hurt. Exhausting. I took my last flight in 2007, and i vowed never to fly again. I couldn't be happier!

[@brendadunston9895]

Hi Laura! Where did you get your purple tip from? Thanks. 💜

[@HowToGYST]

TJ Maxx

[@naomieggl]

Am I the only one who noticed how she says England used to have the euro?! Yes, England was in the European Union up until Brexit, but it never used the euro currency. The UK has always used pounds as it’s currency, not euros.

[@HowToGYST]

Yeah, my mistake. A lot of UK places would accept euro though, like department stores, supermarkets, etc.

[@BriarCottage]

I never flown and just talking about it stresses me out. I dont like to sit or be stuck near alot of people. Lol

[@rebeccamyers805]

You look cute in hats!!

[@HowToGYST]

Only this one. 😂

[@bethrainbolt9642]

I don't fly overseas. In fact i dont fly. I do carry all my documents if i leave my state including my surgery records for my hip, bladder stimulater and continuing glucose meter. I also have my gun permit, birth certificate, all insurance cards and marriage certificate. It saved my ass. We went up north to see friends and a bridge was out so to get to their cabin you had to go to Canada to get to it. My husband made fun of me all way up. Now he lets me over pack.

[@katrinabellingham4405]

Your fear of water/flight is very real. Seek help before it turns into a phobia.

[@margeanderson2918]

Kids love foreign money - I give mine to my grands.

[@cheryllynnclark9240]

Just curious…is Sam Irish or American? Or neither?

[@HowToGYST]

He's Irish. 🙂

[@cheryllynnclark9240]

@@HowToGYST thanks for answering❣️