First, get a small semi see-through bag to hold your stuff (like these from The Container Store). TSA may say it needs to be in a "clear" bag, but semi see-through is fine. I don't really like sporting a totally clear bag full of tampons and Wet Ones--especially if I'm digging through my bag in front of a line of hurried business travelers. Also, a tip on size: don't get a bag too large or you'll be tempted to stuff it to the max. A smaller size works perfectly to get all of these items inside, and it fits well in your shoulder bag or backpack.

Label the bag 'plane.' It's exclusively for plane travel. Know that the items in there are actually there and are TSA carry-on accepted. For frequent flyers, grabbing your designated 'plane' bag and knowing it's all set is a relief when you're frantically packing because you have a 4AM flight and stayed up all night watching a Modern Family marathon (opps).

Some helpful advice for travelers coming through Buenos Aires, Argentina: the Buenos Aires airport is unfortunately notorious for theft from passengers' luggage. DO NOT PUT ANYTHING OF VALUE IN YOUR CHECKED LUGGAGE.

For a full-time traveler, it can be difficult to keep valuables out of your checked bags. Since I'm on the road about 10 months per year, my checked luggage carries most of my clothes, personal items and effects; however, I make a point to stuff my most valuable possessions into my carry-on. Then, I don't let my carry-on out of my sight.

It doesn't matter if you use TSA-approved locks on your bags. I've used locks and twist-ties on my bags, and still had my luggage searched thoroughly when traveling through Buenos Aires. And by "searched thoroughly," I mean every zipper for every pocket and every flap to every box (even a box of tampons!) was opened and rifled through. There are numerous cases of items "gone missing" from luggage that came through this airport. Usually, it's something small, which is easier for an airport employee to hide on his/her person. You most likely won't lose your favorite sweater, but you are likely to lose belts, jewelry, electronics, money, sunglasses, or even make-up.

Another tip: when boarding the plane, the flight attendants like to tell you that there is no room for your carry-on bag and you will have to check it (they can take it down to the plane's luggage bay for no additional charge). REFUSE THIS. Explain you need the items in your carry-on at all times and do not let the bag out of your sight. A smaller carry-on bag is an even bigger target for luggage theft, since it's easier to handle and it's obvious that a smaller bag would mean that more items of high importance are going to be easily accessible when the bag is opened. Do not let the flight attendants take your bag away!

Finally, if it's of extreme importance (i.e. your Great-Grandmother's engagement ring), leave it at home. I also always back my computer up onto an external hard-drive before leaving home, so I won't lose all of my files, pictures and memories if something happens to my computer.

Travel smart!

I'm so excited to be heading off to Argentina this morning, but hit a little bump at the airport when trying to exchange my USD into pesos. Apparently, very few American airports will exchange your US dollars into Argentinian pesos at this time, due to high levels of fraudulent Argentinian currency. I was also told that when before coming back into the US, I should leave my pesos or exchange into them USD. Things may change as Argentina gets a better grip on the issue, but, for now, keep this in mind before heading off to beautiful Argentina!