| With today's heightened security in airports, it is | | | | many changes of clothing are necessary, and what |
| perfectly natural to want to have your luggage with | | | | types of clothing can you expect to wear? |
| you when you travel. You want to be certain | | | | Sometimes, you might find you have packed too |
| everything you packed for your business trip or | | | | much for a trip, resulting in wrinkled clothing upon |
| vacation arrives intact, and vigilance can guarantee | | | | arrival. Or, you might find you have packed too many |
| that. For extended trips, however, travelers are likely | | | | formal items for a trip that didn't require it. |
| to pack more, ultimately forcing them to check in | | | | Before you open your suitcase, determine exactly |
| some of their luggage. | | | | what is on the itinerary. Consult weather reports for |
| It is important, therefore, to know what to keep | | | | your destination and, if possible, research attractions |
| with you at all times when you travel, and how to | | | | and restaurants for any dress requirements. If you |
| pack a case that must be loaded into a plane's cargo | | | | are headed to an all-inclusive Caribbean resort, you |
| until you arrive at your destination. In the event your | | | | might find all you need is your swimsuit and one nice |
| luggage should be lost, it is necessary to keep the | | | | outfit! Check with your hotel in advance, too, to |
| most important items with you at all times. | | | | determine what laundry services are available or |
| Identification: Your passport, your driver's license, any | | | | nearby. You may be able to pack half as much if you |
| and all picture ID cards should remain on your person. | | | | have such access. |
| When you pass through airport security you will be | | | | Accessories: Do you really need to pack an iron? Can |
| required to have identification ready for inspection, | | | | you live a few weeks without your laptop? Despite |
| and it is important that is stays with you and is not | | | | the gadgetry designed to make our lives easier, it is |
| packed away in a case that won't be readily at your | | | | not difficult to find that too many gadgets on a short |
| disposal. If you are traveling abroad and are using a | | | | trip will prove to be aggravating. Thankfully, as hotels |
| passport, be sure to make copies of the identification | | | | evolve even the "economy" accommodations offer |
| page in the event your passport is lost or stolen. | | | | enough amenities so travelers need not pack |
| Keep one copy with a relative or friend at home, and | | | | everything and the kitchen sink. Coffee makers, |
| keep extra copies with you in different places so you | | | | irons, hair dryers, and other home necessities are |
| will have one ready if needed. | | | | made available, though it is always a good idea to |
| Insurance cards are also necessary to have on you, | | | | check with your hotel to see what is offered and |
| in the event of a medical emergency or accident | | | | what is not. For those traveling overseas, if you need |
| (especially if you are renting a car for your trip). | | | | to take electrical appliances, make sure you have the |
| Money: This includes paper, traveler's checks, and | | | | proper adapters so the plugs will fit. |
| credit cards. In this age of electronic transfer, you | | | | Personal Grooming: When we forget things like soap |
| might not think it necessary to carry traveler's | | | | and shampoos, those little bottles at the hotel are a |
| checks, but they are good to have if you are going | | | | blessing, yet you might not feel there is enough to |
| abroad. Always remember the possibility that foreign | | | | suit your needs. Does this mean you should pack |
| ATMs might not accept American bank cards, same | | | | economy size bottles of everything? While the large |
| with certain stores and restaurants. A short supply of | | | | bottles are nice, they are not always necessary for a |
| paper currency (no more than a hundred dollars) is | | | | trip, and sometimes those bottles can prove |
| good to have also for immediate money exchange | | | | dangerous. Packed with clothing, there is always the |
| once you reach your destination. | | | | risk of damage, and opening your suitcase to find |
| It always helps, too, to have a few dollar bills handy | | | | every outfit soaked with mouthwash and smelling |
| for tipping. Keep a few dollars in your pocket to pass | | | | minty fresh. |
| over to a clerk or valet when needed. This prevents | | | | Determine what essentials you need to pack |
| you from having to dig in your purse or wallet in a | | | | – shampoo, makeup, toothpaste, etc. – |
| crowd. | | | | and pack in a suitcase with a separate compartment. |
| Itinerary: Know where you need to go quickly. Have | | | | Medium size plastic bottles, no more than ten fluid |
| a small map, itinerary, or direction sheet with you to | | | | ounces, is a good gauge. Make sure the bottles are |
| expedite the arrival at your hotel. Whether traveling | | | | not completely filled, in the event of temperature |
| domestically or overseas, you want to appear | | | | changes in cargo that may cause the plastic to |
| confident and inconspicuous so as not to catch the | | | | expand or burst. Better yet, pack all bottles in an |
| eye of any possible scam artists who prey upon | | | | extra plastic bag to help ensure protection from |
| out-of-towners. If you are unsure of where you | | | | leaks. |
| need to be, seek assistance at the first information | | | | Knowing what to pack and how much is beneficial to |
| booth immediately. | | | | your enjoying a vacation. The less encumbered you |
| Clothing: Consider the trip, the places you plan to visit | | | | are by luggage, the less worry of damage, theft, or |
| and the length of your absence from home. How | | | | loss. |