My TSA defense mechanism or ..don’t let your things be molested in route.
My friend and fellow diver, Lauren has been asking for articles for a newsletter and I have been wanting to write a series of blog posts: “Tips for travelers; from a professional tour leader.” So here is the first in a series of articles for your reading enjoyment ; hopefully with one new idea to aid in your adventures and travels.
I often tell clients, you should be able to travel for 2 days or 2 weeks in only one check bag, a rolling carry-on and purse (i.e. back pack, lap top or camera bag) and still be able to bring with you your total diving system, all the clothes you need for a tropical vacation, and personal items. Remember divers like having their own equipment so, as a “regular traveler” it is even easier to pack!!!
One of the solutions to accomplishing this task is packing cubes; that simple square, or long zippered cloth and mesh bag popularized by Eagle Creek and sold by Oceanic Ventures, Inc. here in Houston. I have found that if all of my items are organized in cubes, tubes, and bags, they tend to arrive “un-molested” and organized. Not only do they provide you organization both in route and once you reach your destination; but you have helped prevent the TSA from handling all of your personal items one at a time. Picture this – the TSA officials all wear gloves. It is to protect themselves, not you. Those gloves do not get changed between “guests”, so they have passed through all your things after handling “42 billion” other travelers that shift. What I have found in both the TSA line in the terminal and in the TSA search of my checked bags, is that items packed in organization cubes, tended to stay in those cubes. At most the cube is handled and patted down, but seldom opened. And now only the cube is touched, not your personals items.
So here is how I use these cubes.
For your rolling carry bag:
- Standard Cube or Packing Folder- change of clothes, and your night clothes. Fits on one cube.
Standard Cube – my regulator, bathing suit, diving computer and mask. If you are not a diver, then that cube gets dedicated to the trip purpose; those things critical to the trip purpose. - Half Tube Cube or the SAC—all the electronic cords, charges et al
- Half Tube Cube—left for other things you need.
For your “purse”, i.e. back pack, lap top case or tote bag:
- Half Tube Cube—personal kit
- Shoe Bag Cube—for documents
- Pack-it Sack—the little “back of the seat” bag for long flights. I’ll send you my essentials list although that is a blog in itself! With new inflatable travel pillow (yes, we have those too!!)
- Covered Half Cube—stack of foreign currency (For international travel to places requiring cash. I love to shop in local markets, and craft centers and that is better done in cash.)
- Tube Cube—healthy snacks
- Reusable—empty water bottle
For your checked bag:
- Cubes—of all sizes and shapes depending on the purpose of travel.
Oceanic Ventures has two display racks of packing items on our small store!!! So here is my promise to you –before your next trip, make an appointment to stop by the store with your list of items you take on your trip. I will send you home with an arm load of packing accessories best suited for your travels. You can bring back what you don’t need, and we charge you for the ones that you kept that you thought were useful. It is the way I learned to pack—everything went on the guest room bed, and I had brought a stack of organizers home from the store. Now I have my favorite ones—but somehow each trip I might just add a new one!!!
Enjoy………….Fair Winds and Safe Travels.
