Packing Essentials
Paperwork
* Always make 2 copies of really important paperwork and give one set to your traveling companion, 'just in case'.
* Copy your passport, travlers check #'s, emergency contact/hotel info, and airplane ticket. Leave a copy with someone at home who you will be able to contact if necessary. Also think about arranging to give this person power of attorney if you will be out of the country for long enough that you might need them to act on your behalf.
* Immunization history, list of current medications by brand and generic name, copies of your prescriptions, a list of any drugs to which you are allergic, a list of any medical conditions you may have including food allergies, your doctors name and phone number, and names and numbers for relatives/friends to contact in case of emergency
* Passport
* Travel tickets, hotel information.
Clothing
The rule with packing your wardrobe is to make sure that all your outfits
coordinate so you can make the most out of a smaller amount of clothing
without getting tired of the same clothes again and again.
* If you roll your clothes while packing you'll decrease wrinkles and decrease packing size.
* Remember to pack in layers so that you are ready for any type of weather.
* Find out about local customs and make sure that your clothing is appropriate. For example in many European churches women must be wearing skirts and have their sholder covered. This can be fixed by bringing a sarong and sweater to throw on top of any other outfit.
First Aid kit
* Contents: band-aids, aspirin (or other pain reliever), antacid (even if you're normally fine you never know with new food), mole skin (for blisters), anti-bacterial non-liquid soap (normally this is evil but in a new environment that isn't going to be home it's ok to kill bugs), motion sickness (for those who need it) and sun screen.
* Leave all medicines (over the counter and prescription) in their original
packaging and bring a copy of the prescription with you. Also, have enough of the medication to last the entire trip. For long trips this may require extra work with the pharmacy and your insurance company.
* You might invest in travel sizes of over the counters to cut down the packing size.
Other Things to Bring
* A small pocket-sized flashlight: for getting around if the powers goes out, finding a dropped hotel key, looking under the hotel bed to see if you lost anything, etc.
* Bread and Water: Always throw in a bottle of water and a bagel/powerbar in your carry-on bag to keep yourself hydrated and non-grouchy when you're unexpectantly stuck on the runway for an extra 2 hours and the airline refuses to give you a drink/snack. Also, staying hydrated is one of the best ways to prevent jet lag.
Getting There
* With ALL travel you should bring food and water in case you get stuck somewhere. Snacks and a good book always make travel more bearable. Also, bringing a bit of your own food makes the shock of terminal food prices more bearable.
* Never pack your medications or any other essentials in your checked luggage.
Airplains
* Avoid buying your tickets at the last minute, the further ahead of time the better deal your'll get. Unless you really want to chance it and then you might be able to get a last minute great deal.
* Don't forget to move when on a long flight to help with circulation. Get out of your seat every 2-3 hours, stretch in your seat, wear comfortable (loose-fitting) clothing, have shoes that can be loosened (your feet will swell), and store your luggage so you can still stretch out.
* Drink lots of water.
* VIP: Some airline carriers sell day passes to their VIP louges, where you'll be able to wait for your plane. These can definitely make a long wait more pleasant.
Trains
* Treat long train trips like backpacking trips and bring lots of dehdrated food (oatmeal, soup, etc.). The food car will give you free hot water and you won't have to worry about food poisoning.
Boats
Motion Sickness
* Get plenty of fresh air and look toward the horizon.
* Stay in the middle of the ship (both vertically and horizontally).
* Avoid heavy meals and limit alcohol.
* Motion sickness meds often make me more sick then the boat trip and they make me really tired so I've started avoiding them. I find ginger and peppermint to be much better. Also, with the adreniline of trying not to get sick I really quickly drop my blood sugar level so bring some small, non-smelly, snacks to help tide you over.
* Pressure braclets (or using your thumb at the pressure point near your inner wrist) work really well.
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Once you get there
* Get it in writing: if you're traveling in a country with a different language
ask someone to write down the places you plan to visit as well as the name
and address of the place you are staying. This will come in handy when trying
to communicate with a bus or taxi driver. Another idea, KWIKPOINT, Don't speak the language where you're going? Relax. You can say it with pictures, using this laminated folding card. This laminated, passport size, multi-panel folding card lets you communicate your needs with over 600 colorful, universally-recognized drawings.
* When changing time zones get on the new schedule as soon as possible to avoid
"jet lag", If you get there at night go to bed. If you get there in the
morning stay up and avoid napping until "bed time". If you decide that you need a little bit more help in setting your clock straight you maight want to avoid sleeping pills and instead try some herbal solutions. Lavender and soothing tea can help you doze when you're ready.
* Duty free shopping may or may not be the best way to save money. Check your prices.
* Always carry your passport with you while traveling. Also keep a photocopy of the page with your id information and any visas in your hotel.
* Keep a copy of your travelers check ID #'s and your airline ticket in another bag (seperate from the travelers checks or tickets) in case you loose one or it gets stolen. This is a great time to share your copies between friends. You can hold onto their copies and they can hold on to yours.
* Don't exchange your travelers checks at businesses. Banks will give you the best rates in general. Also try to use your credit card as much as possible. They will find the best rate for the day for you to use and they don't charge additional fees to convert the money.
* A bouquet of fresh flowers can liven up a hotel room just as it does your own home. Choosing some blooms at the local market has the added bonus of being a cultural excursion.
* Getting a Workout: You'll be amazed by how much extra walking you'll do as you enjoy the sites while traveling but if you still need a workout find a hotel that fits your needs.
** Please note: Some of these ideas come from the "1000 Places to See Before You Die" Daily Calendar.
