The Travel Health Tip You’re Overlooking: Clean Your Luggage

PACKING TIPS
Roll, Don’t Fold — And Other Ways to Pack Like a Pro

✈️🧳Packing for a trip shouldn’t feel like prepping for a moon landing — but somehow, it always does. Before you sit on your suitcase to zip it shut, here are some common packing mistakes travelers make (and how to avoid them). Your back, bank account, and future self will thank you.

• No list, no peace: Skipping a packing list = forgetting socks or packing 7 phone chargers. Make one. Use your Notes app. Be a grown-up.

• Folding is out, rolling is in: Rolling saves space and spares your clothes from looking like they went through an existential crisis.

• Size matters: Checked AND carry-ons can get weighed. Don't get charged for that third pair of boots you won’t wear.

• Shoe-hoarding: You’re not starring in a fashion show. Pack 2 pairs, max.

• Pill bottle parade: Portion out meds instead of packing your entire medicine cabinet.

• Overpacker syndrome: You won't wear half of it. Be ruthless. Be free.

• Vaccine card drama: Keep it safe, and NOT in your passport.

• Last-minute panic: Rushing leads to chaos. Pack ahead. Trust us.

🧠 Pro tip: Leave extra room for souvenirs (or that “impulse buy” linen shirt you’ll wear once).

PASSPORT
📬 No Stamp for You! The Death of the Passport Souvenir

If your travel tradition includes proudly flipping through a passport full of stamps like it’s a scrapbook of jet-setting glory… we’ve got news. The ink is drying up — for good. Here’s what’s replacing it and why your passport might start feeling more like a glorified ID card.

• Stamps are fading: Countries are phasing out physical passport stamps in favor of faster, more secure digital systems.

• Biometrics FTW: Think facial scans, fingerprints, and e-gates doing the heavy lifting at borders — already live in the UK, Australia, Singapore & more.

• EU's big move: The Schengen area is going digital by 2026 with its Entry/Exit System (EES), replacing stamps for non-EU visitors.

• Still need your passport: It’s not obsolete — yet. You’ll still need the booklet, just don’t expect a fresh stamp every trip.

• Mourning is optional: If you’re sentimental, ask about commemorative stamps (yes, those are a thing).

  Welcome to the future. Less ink, more efficiency.

SKY LANGUAGE
✈️ Talk Flirty to Me: The Secret Language of Flight Attendants

Think flight attendants are just offering you ginger ale and side-eyes? Think again — they’ve got a whole secret language, and no, it’s not just “Smile through the chaos.”

Here’s your cheeky crash course in crew code, so next time you hear them talking about a “galley queen” or “crotch watch”, you’ll know exactly what’s up.

• Galley Queen: The boss of the airplane kitchen — approach with caution.

• Spinners & Runners: Late passengers who cause mild chaos and silent judgment.

• Miracle Flight: A not-so-subtle jab at folks who need a wheelchair to board… but sprint off upon landing.

• Crotch Watch: Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like. Buckle up and make it visible.

• Crash Pad: Flight attendant Airbnb... with 20 roommates.

• Blue Room: That tiny lav? It runs on blue goo, not water. Science!

• Two-for-One Special: That bouncy landing? Totally intentional. Probably.

💅 Bonus lingo: “Lips and Tips” = matching lipstick and nail polish. Because turbulence isn’t an excuse to be off-brand.

Next time you fly, listen closely — and try not to be the Spinner.

HEALTH TIP
The Travel Health Tip You’re Overlooking: Clean Your Luggage

We all focus on hand washing and sanitizing while traveling, but what about your suitcase? It actually collects a ton of germs and dirt—from airport conveyor belts to hotel floors.

Why clean your suitcase?
Your luggage is a hotspot for bacteria and can even carry harmful pathogens back home. Plus, keeping it clean helps it last longer and stay fresh for your next adventure.

How to clean the outside:

• Use soapy water or a multi-purpose cleaner with a scrub brush or cloth.

• Focus especially on handles, wheels, and zippers—these touchpoints harbor the most germs.

• For tougher spots, try multipurpose cleaners or disinfectant wipes.

How to clean the inside:

• Vacuum or blow out dirt and sand first.

• Wipe down with a damp, soapy cloth and disinfectant wipes or spray (rubbing alcohol works well).

• For spills or smells, a vinegar and water spray can work wonders.

• Let your suitcase air dry completely before storing.

Pro tip: Unpack and clean your suitcase within 24 hours of returning home to avoid funky smells and bacteria buildup!

Treat your luggage well, and it’ll be ready to go when your next getaway calls.

EXPLORE MORE
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100,000 reasons to pack your bags.

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This offer won't last forever — secure your bonus before it's gone:

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WONDERING!
Is TSA PreCheck Still Worth It? Spoiler: Yes, but It’s Complicated.

If you’ve ever wondered whether TSA PreCheck actually shaves minutes off your airport security wait or just your patience, here’s the scoop — with data, drama, and a dash of “maybe it depends.”

• PreCheck Power: At NYC airports, PreCheck speeds you through security faster 82% of the time, saving 5–10 minutes on average. Terminal 5 at JFK? A whopping 16 minutes faster.

• Terminal Drama: Some terminals like Newark’s Terminal A offer barely any time saved—just 3 minutes—and sometimes standard lines move quicker!

• Peak Hours: PreCheck’s magic mostly happens mid-afternoon to early evening, not the bustling morning rush.

• Growing Pains: With 22 million members now, PreCheck isn’t as exclusive, but TSA keeps opening more lanes and hiring officers to keep things moving.

• Future Forecast: New tech and relaxed rules (hello, no shoe removal!) might speed up standard lines, but PreCheck’s “certainty” keeps it a traveler fave.

So yes, for less than $80, it’s like buying a ticket to sanity in security lines—most of the time.

CONTEST
🏆 Win a South African Getaway! 🌍

Dreaming of Cape Town’s stunning views and the iconic 12 Apostles? Now’s your chance to turn that dream into reality!

To celebrate his new book, How to Survive the Next 100 Years: Lessons from Nature, author Simon Mustoe is giving away an unforgettable South African adventure, including:

• ✈️ Roundtrip flights to Cape Town

• 🏨 Three nights at the Marriott Hotel, Crystal Towers

• 🐘 A two-day safari to spot the Big Five

• 🐆 An exhilarating cheetah run experience

The best part? Entry is absolutely FREE — but don’t wait! The deadline to enter is end of September.