We've rounded up these great Packing Tips and advice from the road warriors - people who travel extensively for work - so you can be sure they're tried and tested!
Vacation Packing Tips:
Don't
pack anything valuable - don't even take it if you don't really
need it - since many checked bags are searched these days, and locks will be cut off of bags if they are locked unless you use a TSA Approved lock like the
Indicator™ Combination Lock. If you must take something of value, be sure it's in your carry-on bag.
Look
through your carry-on bags and what you have on before you leave home -
anything that might slow you down going through security checkpoints? Anything
that is on your person that will set off a metal detector will slow you
down, and anything on you or in your carry-on bag that is on the airlines'
list of banned items will really slow you down. Be sure to check the
Current Airline Travel Requirements
for carry-on items before you pack.
If
you must wear jewelry while flying, consider carrying a small bag in which to put your jewelry (then slip it into your purse or carryon) as you
go through security so that you don't set off the metal detectors and don't
risk chasing a dropped earring around on the floor. I really like (and use) the
Pack-It Half Tube from TravelSmith - I put everything from my pockets in there - cell phone, change, watch, etc - then just it goes thru the x-ray machine easily and I just pick it up on the other side and am on my way!
Many
airports require you to remove your shoes to go through security - so make
sure your shoes are not only comfortable but that you can get in and out
of them easily and quickly (shoes that are easy to slip on and off are best
for flying anyway, since feet tend to swell up in-flight).
If
you plan on doing any walking (not just for sightseeing, but even getting
from gate-to-gate in some airports is quite a hike!) be sure that your shoes
have been broken in and are comfortable - few things can make a trip more
miserable than blisters on your feet. My very favorite pair are these
Women's Leather Walking Sandals
from Magellan's (they have them for men too) - I have worn them so much I've gone through two pairs!
Keep
yourself hydrated - it's common to get dehydrated while flying, so take
a bottle of water with you. Pay attention to the first side-effects
of dehydration - headache followed by mild nausea - and be sure to drink plenty
of water, both on your flight and at your destination. NEW - you can only take beverages purchased past the security checkpoint onto flights;
If
you're on a flight that will be showing a movie, pack a small, lightweight
set of earphones (like you'd use with a CD player) as they will work on
almost all planes - no need to "rent" a set. I use the
Comply NR-10 Earphones
from Magellan's - they' sound great, they're small, and very comfortable. Some planes (primarily Delta's) have a dual-jack, with one sound channel coming out of each jack, that are designed for the headsets that they "rent" on the plane - they will still work with your own headsets if you have a dual-jack adapter, otherwise you'll only hear the sound in one ear. This set of Earphones with Airline Adapter included
A Sarong or pareau is incredibly versatile and can double as long, elegant skirts, be halved for short, cute beach cover-ups or even triple as a shawl for cooler evenings - pack a couple in different colors.
Pack
several bathing suits not only for variety, but for practicality as well.
Other items such as a light jacket, poncho and umbrella will come in handy
for surprise rain showers which often occur in tropical climates.
Bring
a disposable, waterproof camera for diving, snorkeling, kayaking or any
water-related trips or activities.
Pack
a good hat that protects your face and neck. The one I use is a great bug-repelling sun hat from Magellan's, the
Women's Buzz Off Sun Hat
.
For the extra sun-sensitive,
there is specially-designed clothing that can block out the sun and keep
you cool. Some of this sun-block clothing can be worn in the water while
swimming. Lycra rash guard clothing is made from shirts to full body suits
which allow swimming with complete sun protection.
Pack
versatile shoes: dressy sandals for a special romantic dinner, good walking
shoes (with socks that wick away the moisture) for sightseeing or shopping, and a pair of "water
shoes" for diving, snorkeling, kayaking or other water sports (Tevas, reef booties, etc).
While
problems or accidents may be rare, don't underestimate how valuable a small
travel-sized first aid kit can be - worth its weight in gold if you need it. Be sure
it contains some basics: aspirin, bug repellent, anti-itch cream, and band-aids.
If traveling to a remote area, consider all-purpose antibiotics and other
medications as well. A really great one that is inexpensive is the
Travel Rescue Kit
from Magellan's - it has all those items and much more in a small travel-sized pouch. It's the one I use - I never travel without it!
Buy
a travel-size water mister for your face and body or buy a plastic mister
bottle and fill it with ice water before you set out for sightseeing. Use
this mister while taking in the sites or lying on the beach. It's amazing
how refreshing and cool a mist of water on your face and body feels in that
blazing tropical sun and it's very healthy for your skin, too.
Take along a
nylon folding bag like the
Pack-Flat Back-Up Bag
- it takes up hardly any room in your luggage and gives you an extra roomy bag for the trip home - perfect for those souvenirs you couldn't resist or that dirty laundry you want to keep away from your clean things.
Additional Resources:
- Vacation Packing List
- Top Ten Travel Tips©
- US Department Of State Consular Affairs Publications offers numerous links to useful and informative publications. In particular, be sure to read:
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(these are VERY comfortable!)
