when should we purcahse TC's and bathroom bag question for flying

[Misty89]

i have posted too many questions today, so i am going to combine

when should we purcahse travelers checks?

for those that fly...do you prefer a hard case bathroom bag or a soft carry duffle bag type thing?
we have both, but i cannot decide which would be easier- we are flying, and renting a car and swtiching htoels halfway through trip...so it's going to get moved/packecd/ re-packed quite a bit.
we need to be packed up early before our trip - a week early because i run a personal business in which i have quite a bit of work the day before we leave and the day we leave...so we have to be packed up before thanksgiving. because there will no be time after that.......can you say " NEEDED vacation??"

thanks

 

[3gr8kids]

Hi!

IMPO I like the soft bathroom bags better. The one I have is very convenient because it has a hook built right in so that it can be hung on the back of the bathroom door or on the towel rack. This makes the counters of the hotel bathrooms clutter free. I keep it packed with all of my personal items so it's ready to go - I don't have to pack anything from my bathroom at home. Hope this helps - have fun on your vacation!!

 

[NotUrsula]

If you can get a clear plastic version of your favorite type of toiletries bag, do that, b/c it can help a lot with getting through security. There tend to be lots of metal bits in any case holding toiletries and/or hair products. (Barrettes, clips, etc.)

I go to WalMart or a beauty supply house and buy several empty 3-4 oz. bottles, plus extras of toothpaste, floss, antiperspirant, etc. I fill the bottles with things like no-tears shampoo, chlorine-removal shampoo, and dishwashing liquid from my big containers at home, then I fill the toiletries bag. It stays filled with duplicates; it is always packed and ready to go, including a hairbrush.

The only thing that I need to add before I leave is a pillbox containing any Rx meds I need to take, b/c my insurance company won't give me a duplicate supply. Small packets of OTC drugs are already in the toiletries kit.

BTW, on Traveler's Checks. I travel a lot, and most people I know haven't used TC's in the US for donkey's years. Lots of places don't want to handle them now, and they are expensive w/ the surcharges that the vendors tack on. I use an ATM card and CC's to purchase most things while travelling. (Tip to avoid ATM charges: get extra cash when shopping at a store that lets you buy with a debit card, such as drugstores or supermarkets.) You can also get a prepaid debit card that works the same way as TC's, but which is much more popular with merchants and less hassle to carry.

 

[pampam]

I personally like TC. I get them at the bank with no extra service charges. I have never had a problem cashing mine in disney. I usually cash what I need for the day at the hotel. I lost mine once and they were replaced within a few hours. With the interest rates being what they are, I don't think you would lose much if you bought them now and you would gain peace of mind, knowing that task had been done.

I don't use a bathroom bag because I prefer to travel light. I just put my toiletries in a zip lock bag, so I can't halp you there.

 

[*Belle*]

I have to say I am also a fan of traveler checks. I arrive 3 days before you and mine are bought and packed with all my travel documents.

 

[Misty89]

thank you -

 

[christianweecare]

I also like TC's. They help us keep on our budget and can easily see how we are doing. We have used TC's at WDW on many occasions and have never had a problem. We usually cash one with our breakfast and have cash for the day or cash one at the front desk. We leave for WDW on the Sunday after Thanksgiving and we already have all our TC's ready to go. We can purchase through our bank for free. We have never had any merchant charge any extra fee.

As for a bathroom carry on, we keep a small bag stocked at all times with our things. After each trip, I restock and we ready to go again.