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How to Become a Travel Agent in 24 Hours
The travel industry has been going through some significant changes over the last few years. Mom and Pop travel agencies are quickly being replaced by online booking engines like Orbitz or Travelocity. But there is one problem: 80% of all...
How To Create Your Own Travel Discounts!
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travel by making your own discount? As you know, hotel and
rental car owners don't just offer you discounts at random.
Usually, they offer discounts during off-peak seasons. As a
savvy...
Insuring Your Travel on a Shoe String
Cheap travel insurance isn't necessarily about who's asking the lowest premium. Cheap travel insurance is about knowing your choices, perusing all the options and discarding the coverage you don't need. If you end up with cheap travel insurance that...
Travel Oahu - Explore Hawaii like the Locals!
Every year millions of visitors from Japan, mainland USA and beyond land at Honolulu International Airport ready to begin their vacation in paradise. Soon after landing, most visitors hop in a cab or bus sent from the hotel and begin the journey...
Traveling To Disney World
Disney World Traveling
Disney World is probably the most popular theme park in the
world, attractions, rides, characters, the works, there is no
doubt that nobody goes to Disney World to get headaches. To
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Travel Tips - Packing the Perfect Suitcase
The thrill of planning a trip will often light you up and consume all of your time. You look through guidebooks, talk to friends about their experiences, and research your itinerary on the internet. Still all this planning and research will not make the task of packing any less daunting.
Who hasn't stood at the foot of their bed with empty suitcases spread on top, the night before a big trip, filled with anxiety because you still haven't packed?!?! You try and try to think about exactly what you should be packed, throwing things in and then taking them out. And you wonder, why didn't any of the guidebooks mention packing? Where are the travel tips for packing?
Well, hopefully this guide will help you, so that you can confidently pack and enjoy the moments leading up to your trip, rather than being stressed over the contents of your bag.
Luggage - I recommend taking one carry-on and one checked suitcase. Shorter trips may allow for a carry-on only, but I would never take more than one checked bag no matter how long you are traveling. Remember, when you get to your destination, you will need to carry your luggage and you don't know how far you'll be lugging it. While we're talking about lugging your luggage... I would recommend selecting a suitcase or pack that had wheels, but that you can also hand carry. There are many varieties of large backpacks with wheels. The reasoning is that if your wheels break off (a common occurrence along cobblestone streets), you will still be able to carry your pack.
Shoes - Bring a pair of sneakers (or boots) for outdoor activities such as hiking, and a dressier pair of closed-toe shoes for museums, dinner's out, or other city activities. If you are traveling to a hot locale, then also bring a pair of sandals that can go from beach to dinner. Resist the urge to bring 10 pairs of shoes!!! As someone who loves shoes, I always want to pack a wide variety... but we must avoid packing too many shoes! They take up space, are heavy, and are an unnecessary addition.
Shorts - When traveling to a hot climate, shorts are often considered a requirement. Still, remember that in many cultures shorts are not considered acceptable. For example, many museums and churches such as the Vatican will not allow you to enter if you are wearing shorts (or have exposed shoulders for that matter). Bring only a pair or two of shorts, and make sure that you have other light weight options for hot weather.
Basics - Bring enough socks
and underwear to last for every day of the trip (up to two weeks) so that you will not need to do laundry. For longer trips, understand that you will likely need to do laundry on the road if you do not want to bring ridiculous amounts of luggage. As far as shirts, pants, skirts, and the rest... Bring clothes that could be worn during the day or at night, and as a general rule bring half as many items as you have days. Wearing items twice should be no problem, and you will significantly lighten your load.
Rolling - To avoid wrinkles and use your precious packing area to the max, fold your clothes in half (in the long direction), then roll as smoothly and tightly as possible. When you arrive at your destination, your clothes will unroll wrinkle-free. Stuff socks and underwear into your shoes and carefully place the shoes on top of the rows or rolled clothes.
Toiletries - Bring all of your toiletries in travel size containers. Full size shampoo bottles add unneeded weight to your pack. After selecting your toiletries, place all items into zip-lock bags. If a bottle bursts during travel, you will be much relieved to have the protection. If you are bringing make-up, keep it to the bare necessities, avoid bringing extras like eyelash curlers. Any prescription medication should be accompanied by the actual prescription and if possible, a note from your physician. Keep the medication, as well as your toothbrush and toothpaste in your carry-on, just in case your luggage is lost.
If you follow these basic packing rules, you will find that the process of packing and carrying your luggage will be much easier. Additionally, you will be able to enjoy your travels much easier knowing that you have brought what you need, but can still carry the load.
Enjoy your trip (and your packing!)!
For more travel tips check out <A HREF="http://www.yourlifepassion.com/TravelTips.html">Your Life Passion's Travel Tips
Also check out <A HREF="http://www.yourlifepassion.com/TripoftheWeek.html">Our Trip of the Week Destinations! for new and exciting travel ideas.
About the Author
Michelle is a travel, art, and architecture buff who has recently moved to Seattle after living in Honolulu, Chicago, Gloucester Massachusetts, and Delft Netherlands. In between studying and working in design, she dreams travel and works to help others compare and select vacation options via the <A HREF="http://www.yourlifepassion.com/">Your Life Passion Website!
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