Tag: Travel Safety

Don’t Let the Bed Bugs Bite…

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Traveling is the only thing we can really do in life that opens the door to new experiences and memories, yet it may also inadvertently open your suitcase to tiny, unwanted guests like mites, fleas, and the worst of all bedbugs.
Traveling Bags is here to help. These pests are seasoned hitchhikers, notorious for their global spread and tenacity. A bedbug infestation at home can start with a single critter wandering from a hotel bed to your luggage. Protecting yourself from these pests is crucial to ensure your travels are remembered for the right reasons. Here’s how you can stay vigilant and keep bedbugs at bay.

Premo_Guard_3oz_ TSA Travel approved Bed Bug Spray

Understanding the Enemy

Bedbugs are small, nocturnal insects that feed on human blood. They’re not known to transmit diseases, but their bites can cause itching, allergic reactions, and emotional distress. They’re experts at concealment, hiding in cracks and crevices during the day, making them difficult to spot. Hotels, hostels, and other high-turnover accommodations are prime hotspots for these pests.

Before You Go: Preparation is Key

  1. Research Your Accommodation: Check reviews for mentions of bedbugs. While a single report doesn’t confirm an infestation, multiple reports should raise a red flag.
  2. Pack Smart: Use good suitcases, which offer fewer crevices for bedbugs to hide in compared to fabric ones. Consider using sealable plastic bags to compartmentalize your belongings.
  3. Protective Covers: Consider investing in bedbug-proof encasements for your luggage, pillows, and mattresses if you’re planning an extended stay.

During Your Stay: Vigilance and Inspection

  1. Inspect Your Room: Upon arrival, leave your luggage in the bathroom (an unlikely place for bedbugs) and inspect the room. Check the bed, headboard, bedside tables, and any sofas or chairs. Look for live bugs, rust-colored stains, or tiny black dots (bedbug droppings).
  2. UV Light Sweep: You can be your very own CSI agent and use a UV-A flashlight to look for bugs.  If present they will glow bright, like how Scorpions glow under the save UV light.  We carry the Torchy UV Light from Neebo This light unlike most offers a Dual Band UV/black light to make it one, if not the best light for this purpose.
  1. Use a Spray & Kill Them: Consider spraying the bed, bedding, and floor of your room. Our choice is the Travel Size Bed Bug & Mite Killer Spray from Premo Guard.  With this spray you can simply spray your bed and surrounding area with a non-toxic Premo Guard Travel Spray, anywhere bed bugs can be found, and once dry, jump in and sleep like a baby!  It’s that simple.  It is eco-friendly and safe for everyone even pets and kids when used properly. You can order directly and get Free Shipping from Premoguard here.
  2. Elevate Your Luggage: Keep your suitcase on a luggage rack, away from the bed and walls. Regularly inspect the rack itself for any signs of bedbugs.
  3. Minimize Contact: Keep your belongings in your suitcase rather than unpacking them into drawers or closets. Use the suitcase stand if provided, and keep your suitcase closed when not in use.
  4. Avoid Clutter: Keep your room tidy and your belongings stowed away to reduce hiding spots for bedbugs.
  5. Consider Using Protective Bags: If you’ve brought them, use protective bags for your shoes and electronics, which can also harbor bedbugs.

Personal Vigilance: Don’t Let the Bedbugs Bite

  1. Sleepwear: Consider wearing pajamas that cover as much skin as possible, reducing the area where bedbugs can bite.
  2. Inspect Your Sleeping Area: Give the bed a quick check each night. Pull back the sheets and inspect the mattress seams and box spring.
    This is where the UV Flashlight is so very important.
  3. Be Cautious with Shared Laundry Facilities: If you’re using shared laundry facilities, transport your clothes in plastic bags and fold them in your room.

After Your Trip: Prevention and Early Detection

  1. Unpack Carefully: Do this immediately upon returning home. Outside or in a garage is best to prevent any potential bedbugs from entering your living space.
  2. Spray and Treat items: Again, products from Premo Guard might be a great thought here if you have the little buggers or just want to be safe.  In addition to the travel-size bottle, they do make bigger bottles and lots of products to safely kill Bedbugs, Mites, Fleas, and more with Eco-Friendly products that are guaranteed to work.
  3. Laundry: Wash all your clothes in hot water and dry on the highest setting for at least 30 minutes. Bedbugs cannot survive high temperatures.
    Premo Guard also has laundry soap – Buy Direct now
  4. Vacuum Your Luggage: Carefully vacuum suitcases before storing them away, and immediately dispose of the vacuum bag in a sealed container outside your home.
  5. Inspect and Store: Give your luggage a thorough inspection before putting it away. Store luggage away from your bedroom if possible, such as in a garage or basement.
  6. Be Proactive: If you suspect you have brought back bedbugs, contact a pest control professional immediately. The sooner an infestation is addressed, the easier it is to control.

In Case of Bedbugs: Mitigating the Situation

If, despite your best efforts, you suspect that bedbugs have traveled home with you, it’s important to act swiftly:

  1. Isolate: Keep the suspected items isolated to prevent the spread.
  2. Inspect Everything: Perform a thorough inspection of your belongings, bedding, and furniture.
  3. Heat Treatment: Consider using a portable heating chamber designed to kill bedbugs in household items.
  4. Professional Help: If there’s evidence of an infestation in your home, contact pest control professionals who specialize in bedbug extermination.

Travel is a wonderful way to enrich your life, but it pays to be cautious. The steps outlined here will help you prevent bedbugs from turning your home into their vacation destination. By staying informed and proactive, you can focus on creating pleasant travel memories, free from the unwelcome aftermath of bedbug infestations.

– Safe travels

Any Questions about Luggage stop into
Traveling Bags store located at 3830 S. Moorland Road in New Berlin, WI,
Find us online at TravelingBagsMKE.com or
Call us at (414) 817-0222

Do You Want / Need A Security Enhanced Bag When Traveling

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Traveling is a thrilling and enriching experience, allowing us to explore new cultures, meet interesting people, and create unforgettable memories. However, it also comes with its fair share of challenges and potential risks, one of which is the threat of theft. To safeguard your valuables and enhance your peace of mind, using an anti-theft bag when traveling is a wise choice. In this essay, I will delve into the numerous reasons why you should consider incorporating an anti-theft bag into your travel gear. At Traveling Bags one of the Goals is to help people travel Safer and Security / Anit-Theft bags are one of the many things we sell to help you with that.

If you never thought about this type of bag, or maybe want a refresher to learn what is happening in the marketplace, here is our list of reasons you should consider having a Security bag when traveling, if not for everyday use.

Protection of Valuables: One of the most apparent reasons to use an anti-theft bag is to protect your valuable possessions. Traveling often involves carrying passports, wallets, smartphones, cameras, and other items that are attractive to thieves. Anti-theft bags are designed with reinforced zippers, lockable compartments, and slash-resistant materials to deter theft attempts and safeguard your belongings.
At Traveling Bags our Goto Favorite Security Bags are from Travelon. In addition to Security bags, they make a whole host of travel accessories but we love their bags. Great Features, Great Looks, and lots of styles and sizes to choose from. With bag styles including, Crossbody, Backpacks, Purses, Totes, and great small over-the-shoulder bags they have something for everyone, including the person who may not want a bag, but really needs one. Travelon has truly merged security and style together like no other company we have found Travelon’s Anti-Theft Bags are our customer’s Favorite Bags too.

Peace of Mind: Travel should be a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Knowing that your belongings are secure in an anti-theft bag will alleviate unnecessary worries and allow you to focus on the beauty and culture of your destination rather than constantly checking on your possessions.

RFID Protection: Many anti-theft bags feature RFID-blocking technology, which prevents electronic theft of sensitive data from your credit cards and passports. This is especially important in today’s world where cybercrime is on the rise. Some of the manufacturers we carry have only RFID Protection. Osgood Marely is one of these.
Beautiful Leather bags that just a few security features. If you want real leather you have to sacrifice some of the Anti-cut features. they do make a wide array of great RFID-protected bags and wallets for men and women. If you love the feel, look, and smell of leather definitely worth checking out. See them in our store or you can view them now online.

Slash-Proof Straps: Anti-theft bags often come with slash-resistant straps, making it exceedingly difficult for thieves to cut and steal your bag. This added layer of security is vital, especially in crowded places and busy transportation hubs.

Lockable Zippers: Anti-theft bags typically have lockable zippers, making it challenging for pickpockets to access your bag’s contents. This is particularly beneficial when you are in crowded tourist spots or using public transportation. Pacsafe is another security bag we carry at Traveling Bags. The original anti-theft carry solution started in 1998. The two Owners started, with a vision to help travelers embrace life’s
adventures. For them, the biggest reward is seeing a Pacsafe bag on someone’s back in a customs queue, or a tote slung over somebody’s shoulder as they navigate a packed city street. We like to think that some of the bounce in their step comes from knowing their gear is secured. Pacsafe has all the features you could want.

Secret Pockets: Many anti-theft bags are equipped with hidden or secret pockets, allowing you to store small items discreetly. These compartments can be invaluable for safeguarding your cash, keys, or important travel documents.

Durability and Quality: Anti-theft bags are often built to high-quality standards, ensuring longevity and resistance to wear and tear. This is especially important for travelers who embark on extended journeys or frequently move from one place to another.

Ergonomics and Comfort: These bags are designed with comfort in mind, featuring padded straps and ergonomic designs that reduce the strain on your back and shoulders. A comfortable bag can significantly improve your travel experience.

Style and Aesthetics: Anti-theft bags come in various styles and designs, catering to different tastes. You don’t have to sacrifice fashion for security. These bags are available in a range of styles, from backpacks to crossbody bags and more.

Versatility: Anti-theft bags are versatile and suitable for various travel scenarios. Whether you’re backpacking through Europe, exploring a bustling Asian metropolis, or lounging on a tropical beach, there’s an anti-theft bag to suit your needs.
One bag We carry that has a wide variety of features is the KangaLife™ Nylon Traveler Messenger Bag Which offers mobility, organization, and a smart hydration solution in one lightweight bag. Its three-in-one design includes a large built-in wallet with RFID protection, an easily accessible phone pocket, a large main compartment with pockets for your electronics, a padded pocket for your tablet PC, and room for all your daily necessities, An Australian Based Company also designed the KangaLife™ bag with a\patented Universal Bottle Pocket that can carry any size bottle including some as large as a 40 oz. Wide Mouth Bottle.

Global Use: These bags are not limited to one specific type of travel. They can be used for business trips, family vacations, solo adventures, and more. The versatility of anti-theft bags makes them a valuable addition to any traveler’s gear.

Ease of Access: Anti-theft bags are designed for convenience as well as security. They often include well-organized compartments and quick-access pockets, ensuring that your essentials are easy to reach when you need them.

Water-Resistance: Many anti-theft bags come with water-resistant materials or rain covers, protecting your belongings from unexpected showers or accidental spills.

Health and Safety: By reducing the risk of theft, anti-theft bags contribute to your overall health and safety. The stress and anxiety caused by losing valuable items can have a detrimental effect on your well-being during your travels.

Cost-Efficiency: Although anti-theft bags may be a bit more expensive than regular bags, the investment is worthwhile considering the protection they offer. Replacing stolen passports, credit cards, and electronics can be far more costly.

Environmental Impact: Using an anti-theft bag can also contribute to reducing environmental waste. By investing in a durable, long-lasting bag, you can reduce the need to buy and dispose of cheap, low-quality bags that quickly wear out.

Positive Travel Experience: Ultimately, the goal of any trip is to have a positive and enriching experience. An anti-theft bag plays a significant role in ensuring that your travel memories are filled with joy, cultural exploration, and adventure rather than the stress and hassle of theft.

Personal Safety: Theft incidents can sometimes escalate into personal safety concerns. Anti-theft bags minimize the risk of such incidents by making it difficult for thieves to access your belongings, thus ensuring your safety.

Global Trends: As global tourism continues to grow, so does the prevalence of pickpocketing and theft in tourist destinations. It’s a sensible response to evolving travel conditions.

Educational Value: Using an anti-theft bag can also be a valuable lesson in responsible travel for your children or travel companions. It emphasizes the importance of security awareness and taking precautions when exploring new places.

In conclusion, the use of an anti-theft bag when traveling is a wise decision for numerous reasons, including the protection of your valuables, peace of mind, and enhanced personal safety. These bags are not only practical but also stylish, versatile, and cost-effective in the long run. By choosing an anti-theft bag, you are not only securing your belongings but also ensuring a positive and stress-free travel experience. Travel should be about exploration and adventure, and an anti-theft bag is a key tool in helping you make the most of your journeys.

If you have any questions:
Visit our raveling Bags Website,
Come to our store in New Berlin, 
Shop in our Online Store, or
call us at (414) 817-0222

Travel Plug Adapters vs Power Convertors

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This is our comprehensive guide to help you travel better with electronics.  The topics included on this page include

Adapters vs Converters for Newbies

There are two very important things you need to know about traveling with electronics. First, the plug you use at home may not work in a wall socket when traveling because different countries have different plug shapes.

Second, you can’t use some of your electronics while traveling unless they’re dual voltage because countries such as the USA and Canada have 120V electricity while destinations in Europe have 220V electricity.

“In simple terms, the adapter makes your device fit in the holes. The converter changes the electric power going into it.” Just remember that they’re two different devices (there’s no such thing as a travel adapter converter!) This is when you need to know the difference between an adapter and a converter. Here, we explain the popular adapter vs converter question.

Our Tips & Advice

1.) Check everything before you leave.  A dual voltage-rated appliance will display for example ‘INPUT: 110-240V’ on the body of the appliance or its power supply. This means that you will not need a converter or transformer but just a travel adaptor, because Switzerland operates on a 230V supply voltage, which is within the 110- 240V range that the dual voltage appliance operates on.

2.) Don’t take expensive electronics like fancy hairdryers, razors, or other similar dual-voltage appliances.  Even though they say it should work often they burn out, we aren’t sure why it just happens.

3.) Use Surge protectors in addition to the converters and adapters… it will look crazy but may save you $100’s from damaged devices.

4.) The biggest thing to remember is to always know where your devices are. And, before leaving any location check to make sure you have what you came with. This can save you a ton of heartbreak and worry. Anytime you leave an item behind you are putting it at an extreme risk for theft.

To learn more, see plug adapter charts, and images visit this link for even more information, pictures, and a great chart that shows plugs from around the world.  Click Now

Any Questions about Luggage stop into
Traveling Bags store located at 3830 S. Moorland Road in New Berlin, WI,
Find us online at TravelingBagsMKE.com or
Call us at (414) 817-0222

Customer Service

Call Us: 414-817-0222

Contact Us

Traveling Bags
3830 S. Moorland Rd.
Suite C
New Berlin, WI 53151

Phone: 414-817-0222

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