TIPS AND SUGGESTIONS FOR THE WELL PREPARED TRAVELER

v Make a Packing List.
I have a packing list typed up and saved on my computer.  When I  start packing, I print out the list.  I cross out what I have packed, or what I don’t need.  If I find something that I need that is not on the list, I add it to my original copy, so the next time it will be there, without me having to remember.  This has saved me invaluable time in trying to remember what to bring each trip.  It’s an extremely helpful guide.

v Use vacuum sealed bags for packing your clothes.   Highly recommended !
I only recently started using these wonderful bags.  No more wrinkled clothes, strewn all over your suitcase when you unpack.  Everything stays neatly packed inside these bags.  They are really awesome.  Usually a package contains three different sizes.  But I have found another wonderful type of bag that also works very well to compliment the larger sizes  - a 2 gallon zip lock bag.  The size is perfect for lingerie, socks, underwear, anything smaller.  When I arrive at my destination the whole bag goes into the dresser drawer.  I just pull out what I need on a daily basis. Also silky blouses, dresses or skirts travel well in these small bags. The other advantage to using plastic bags is that all of your clothes stay dry, in case something  you have packed might leak.          

v Travel Size Toiletries
Don’t waste your money buying the travel sizes of your favorite shampoo or conditioner or lotions.  Buy small empty bottles at the store (where they sell the travel size items). These empty bottles are regulation size for carry-ons and they are refillable.  This way you have your favorite items to take with you.  Just keep refilling them.  Be careful when packing shampoo, perfume, skin cream and other liquids. Plane cargo areas are often not pressurized fully, so the tops can pop off of bottles and other containers if they are in your suitcase in the cargo area. For added safety, pack such items in a sealed zip lock bag.  On my last two trips I opened my cosmetic bag to find the body lotion and conditioner that I brought with me had leaked, but luckily they were in a baggie with a twist tie or in a zip lock bag.

v Packing Jewelry
I found a very easy and convenient way to pack jewelry without buying the jewelry roll bags, which are difficult to use when trying to find a piece of jewelry, especially earrings.  I purchased a weekly pill box. Actually I have a few of them.   Each day of the week compartment holds 1-3 pairs of earrings.  I have also used them for my necklaces.  In order for the necklaces not to get tangled I pack the pill box jewelry container in my carry-on to avoid it being jostled around in my suitcase, which causes the necklaces to tangle.  Another trick for packing necklaces is to put them through a straw.  Just cut a straw to fit the length of the necklace when it is clasped shut.  Easy transport with no tangles.  The pill boxes can also hold rings.  Don't forget to use them for pills and vitamins as well,  No need to bring your entire bottle !

v Waterproof Cameras
If you are going to Niagara Falls and plan to ride the Maid of the Mist, definitely buy a waterproof camera.  I was the only one on the boat taking pictures when I went.  Everyone else had to put away their expensive digital cameras, because everyone gets drenched on this ride.    I got some great pictures.   Waterproof cameras also take great underwater pictures if you snorkel.   You can usually pick one up for under $10.

v Notify Credit Card Companies of Travel Abroad
Before departing let your credit card company know where you will be traveling to and possible charges   that will appear from your destination.   This is especially important for travel abroad, but I had an experience in Las Vegas one time, where my card was declined because of the charges that showed up in a state other than where I lived.  This was many years ago, but it did cause an inconvenience for me, until I could straighten it out.   Check the expiration dates on your cards, so as not to get stuck using an expired card. Also copy down the toll free number to contact your credit card company in the unlikely event that your credit card is stolen. 

v Plan Ahead and Print out Maps, Confirmations
Check the internet for the expected weather so you will know how and what to pack. Try to find the local website for your destination to make sure you don't run into unexpected crowds due to Holidays, parades, sporting events, or local festivals that may put a damper on your fun by excessive traffic and people.  Plan out your travels if driving by printing out maps to your destinations using turn by turn directions and map overviews of the cities you will be in. Be sure to get directions from the airport to your hotel to start your trip off right.  Keep the driving maps on your laptop if that is easier for you. If you have a laptop, Microsoft Streets and Trips is a good program that you can access in your car if needed.   Of course a GPS is handy and a lot of rental cars are now installing them.  Print out your confirmations of car rentals, hotel accommodations and airline reservations so you have handy phone numbers and addresses for immediate reference.  Leave a copy of your itinerary at home, whether there is anyone else at home or not.  In case of emergencies, your steps can be traced,  or just make an extra copy of all your reservations, etc.

v Items that you may not have thought to pack

Duct Tape  You never know when your suitcase will tear or the zipper will break. It's handy for a hem that may come undone. I used it in Europe to hold a converter into the wall socket at a hotel room because the converter was heavy and did not stay plugged in.  Don't leave home without it !
Snap clothespins   Great for hanging up washables in the bathroom.  Hang them from the shower

 curtain. Can also be used to hold curtains shut to keep out light.
Moleskin   After forming a blister on my foot from walking in sandals, I never leave home without this again.
Power strip  This is extremely helpful for cruising or small hotel rooms that do not have a lot of electrical outlets and you carry many items that need to be recharged; cell phones, laptops, digital camera batteries, pda's, etc.  If you are traveling with another person then there will be no problems plugging everything in at one time so you both have fully charged batteries.
Liquid Bath Gel    Dual purpose.  Use as bath gel and use to wash your delicates or small clothing items. Leaves a nice fresh scent on clothes.
First Aid Kit Pack a small bag with band aids, moleskins, safety pins, an antibiotic ointment, Pepto Bismol or Imodium (tablets are better than liquid).
Small Sewing Kit  Most hotels provide these.  If not, you can find them with the travel size samples at most stores.
Copy of Passport  If you are traveling outside of the U.S. make a copy of your passport and keep it in your suitcase.  If for some reason yours is lost or stolen, you will have at least a copy for reference to prove your identity.  Do the same with your Driver's License.
Stain stick or packets   Pick up small stain sticks for laundry mishaps or packets of stain remover pads.
Manual for your camera   Especially if it is new and you are not familiar with all the things it can do.  I have my camera manual downloaded in a pdf format from the manufacturer's website and it is on my laptop, so if I travel with my laptop the manual is with me.
Super glue   Another all purpose emergency item that might come in handy when you least expect a mishap.  A little dab of super glue on a screw for sunglasses or eyeglasses keeps the screw tight and you never have to worry about it coming loose and falling apart.
Plastic Bags for Soiled Clothes   Putting dirty or damp clothes in a separate bag makes for keeping unworn clothing fresher for the trip home.   Many other uses for these handy light bags as well.
Small travel umbrella or rain ponchos   Rain ponchos can be purchased from the Dollar Store.
Nightlight   Many hotel rooms are pitch black when you turn off the lights.  Bring your own nightlight.
Swiss Army Knife    Do NOT carry onboard the plane !   This multi-tool contains a corkscrew, small scissors, screwdriver, and other handy gadgets. Make sure it is in your checked luggage.
Zip Lock Bags, Various Sizes  comes in handy for many uses.  Keep them together with rubber bands. This way you will have rubber bands with you too! 
Small hand sanitizer gel   Use it often !

v #1 and #2  Rules of Packing

-- Each person should take no more  than they can carry themselves, both upon departure and returning
    home after purchasing additional items.    
-- Take out at least half of what you packed and leave it home.  Bring twice as much money.

v Keys to a Happy Journey

--  Travel with Expectations...   Every place you travel is like a gift to be opened.  Travel with  the expectation of fun and adventure and a good time.

--  Travel Lightly...  You'll learn this the more you travel.  Make a game of it.  Get lighter each time.

--  Travel Humbly...  Visit people and places with respect for their traditions and customs

--  Travel Courteously...  Consideration for fellow travelers will make for a smooth journey.

--   Travel With An Open Mind...   Leave your prejudices and judgments at home.

--  Travel with Curiosity...  It's not how far you travel, but how far you go into your travels for experiences.

--  Travel Relaxed...    Leave your anxiety at home, let go and go with the flow.  There will undoubtedly be circumstances out of your control.

--  Travel Patiently...   It takes time to understand other people and cultures.  Be patient, flexible and adapt to all situations.

--  Travel With The Spirit of Enthusiasm...   Be an ambassador of good will, laughter and happiness.
People are basically the same around the world.  Spread your contagious energy and love of life. Smile often and walk with a bounce in your step.  After all, You Are on Vacation !

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