Travel Tips

Traveling is something that every one does irrespective of the mode Travel Tips or distance. People travel on pleasure, work and some do it just for the heck of it. Traveling without these tips could be hazardous to your health.

We have some helpful free tips for frequent Travellers as well as those seasoned Travellers. Whether you are on a business trip or vacation, traveling alone or with the kids, in the U.S., these Tips can defnaitely help. We have tips to help you before you go with planning research, packing and preparing for a road trip, etc.

Last Updated - 28th September 2005

Before You Go Tips

A little research and planning can go a long way to insure you’ll have a safer, more economical and enjoyable trip. A little preparation will also help to keep your property safe while you’re traveling. But, who can remember all the little details when you’re rushing to get away? We can help find the resources needed for planning and remind you of all those little details so you can relax and enjoy your travels.

What type of research should I do before I travel?

Do some research, learn as much as you can about your destination.
Check to see what type of weather the area has so you can plan accordingly.
Check to see what type of paperwork and documentation you will need to travel.
Find out what type of diseases are common to the area you’ll be visiting and take actions to prevent your exposure to those diseases.
Check your own medical coverage to see what type of coverage you’ll have when away from home. Consider purchasing trip insurance.
If you plan on driving, get your car ready and investigate the local road conditions, laws and other driving requirements.
Do some research about the costs of local items so you can set your budget. Don't forget to budget for taxes and tipping. Many governments charge high taxes for travel related services.
Check the dates of local major holidays or festivals, since services may be limited on those dates.

What credit cards do I need to take with me?

Take your major credit cards, such as, Visa, Master Card and American Express.
Make sure they are really credit cards and not just debit cards with a credit card company’s logo on them. Many locations require a credit card and will not accept a debit card, so they may have limited use on your travel.
Leave all your local store credit cards in a secure location at home; there will be no need to carry them with you.

Contact Your Credit Card Companies before you leave

You should notify them of your trip. They may delay you if they are unaware you are traveling. The unfamiliar spending patterns might cause them to suspect that the card is being used fraudulently and delay your approvals.
They will be able to explain many of the services that they can provide while you are on your trip.

How can my credit card company help prepare me for my trip?

You can arrange to pay bills that will come due while you are gone.
They will be aware that you will be making charges from another country.
They will be able to give you an idea of how acceptable their credit card is in that particular country.
They can verify acceptance at certain foreign locations.
They’ll be able to see if your PIN number will work in the countries you are visiting. They can also issue you another PIN number if your current PIN is unacceptable to the foreign bank’s system.
They can explain cash advance, ATM, foreign purchase and foreign exchange rate policies and fees.
They can explain any services they offer, such as, extra insurance for your rental car, luggage or purchases. Make sure the coverage offered extends outside the United States and will be valid in all the countries where you’ll be traveling. Also, be sure to note any other exceptions.
They may need to give you another phone number to call in case you need to reach them. The 800 number listed on the back of your card may not work from foreign locations.
You can find out if they charge a currency conversion fee, so you can find the most economical card on which to place your foreign purchases.

Should I use my credit card when I travel?

Yes, using your credit card can be more valuable than using cash, so use it when you can.
You’ll probably be able to get a better exchange rate than changing money to spend yourself.
You’ll be in a stronger position; the credit card company can often charge back disputed charges.
Many times your credit card will offer an extra guarantee or warranty when you purchase items with your card, but you’ll want to read the fine print for exceptions.
You won’t have to risk your safety by carrying and displaying large amounts of cash.
If you lose your card, most credit cards have a low maximum liability limit if you quickly report the card as lost.

Should I use my ATM card while traveling?

Yes, with the ability to draw out small amounts of cash as needed, you can avoid the risk of traveling with large amounts of cash. Using your ATM card can also be a good way to get cash in foreign countries.
The ATM will issue money in local currency.
You should exchange at the bank’s wholesale exchange rate. You may still want to shop around to different banks since some will charge a high usage fee for their ATMs. Although, even high ATM fees may be less than others will charge for currency exchanges.
Don't wait until you're out of money to go to an ATM, the machines can run out of money or break down.

How can I make sure I’ll be able to use my ATM card while traveling?

Call your bank to make sure your PIN number will work in foreign countries.
Find out your daily limits and plan ahead. You may need to take out money little by little or ask to have your daily limit increased.
Use your ATM card before you go, to make sure it is still good.
If you go through many airport security checks, remember that the security scans can demagnetize your cards. You might want to ask for a visual inspection.
Don’t wait until you’re out of money to go to an ATM, the machines can run out of money or break down.

Where can I get quick access to cash while I’m traveling?

www.visa.com/pd/atm/main.html
Visa’s ATM locator web page. This site provides a searchable database that locates ATM’s belonging to the Visa, Visa Electron and Plus ATM network worldwide.
www.mastercard.com/atm/
MasterCard’s ATM locator web page. This site provides a searchable database that locates
ATM’s belonging to the MasterCard and Cirrus ATM network worldwide.

What should I know about using travelers checks?

If the particular brand of travelers checks are accepted in the country and area you’ll be visiting.
How widely they are accepted within the countries and areas you’ll be visiting.
Any fees for purchasing and using the travelers checks.
The travelers check company’s loss, replacement and refund policies.

How can I protect my travelers checks while traveling?

Take the same precautions you would to protect your cash. Be sure to learn and follow the procedures required if you lose your travelers checks. You’ll also need to make copies of your travelers checks before you go and keep separate from them the following information.
The serial numbers of the travelers checks.
The denomination of the travelers checks.
The date and location of their purchase.
The phone number to call to report them missing.

How can I protect my health when I travel?

If you have any food allergies, learn the names of those foods in the languages used in the countries you’ll be visiting. This way you’ll be better equipped to stay on the look out for them.
Find out what types of diseases are common to the area you’ll be visiting and take actions to prevent your exposure to those diseases.
Find out what types of vaccinations you will need to enter the country, there may also be medications you’ll need to take before, during and even after your trip. Get you vaccinations done early in case you have a reaction and need some recovery time.
You should consider a dental appointment if you haven’t had a check up in a while.
Be careful what you eat and drink.
Carry complete health information with you on your trip.
Consider joining Medic Alert or IAMAT, the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers.

Where can I find information that will help keep me healthy while traveling?

www.cdc.gov/travel
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Travel Information web page. This site contains updated information and articles on diseases. It also includes guidelines for travel to areas that have suffered a recent natural disaster. The most valuable section of the site is the destination section. This area of the site contains detailed specific information on diseases common to particular regions of the world, along with the recommended precautions and vaccines advised to avoid those diseases.
www.who.int/ith/english/index.htm
The World Health Organization’s International Travel and Health web page. This site contains information on recommended vaccinations and general health advice for travelers.
www.who.int/ith/english/region.htm
The World Health Organization’s Geographical distribution of potential health hazards to travelers web page. This site contains information, divided by regions of the globe, on potential health hazards for travelers within that region.

Where can I find information that could help me to secure proper medical care while I’m traveling?

www.sentex.net/~iamat/index.html
The International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers homepage. This is a nonprofit organization that helps travelers to avoid illness while traveling abroad. It also helps guide travelers in 125 countries to competent medical care with doctors trained in Western countries that speak either French or English in addition to their native tongues. There is no charge for membership in this organization, but donations are appreciated to help continue IAMAT’s work.
www.medicalert.org
The Medic Alert homepage. This is a nonprofit organization that provides bracelets that identify diseases or allergies from which you suffer. The bracelet also contains a phone number that can be called so medical personnel can have access to your medical records 24-hours a day. There is a registration and yearly membership fee to receive this service.

What health information should I carry with me?

Complete and take with you a personal medical history. Your doctor should be able to help you complete the history. It should include:
Your Insurance Company’s name and address.
Trip Insurance contact information.
Contact person in case of emergency.
Your blood type.
A copy of your eyeglass prescription.
A list of current medications with their generic names, brand names can vary in foreign countries.
A list of allergies, including any known food or drug allergies.
A list of immunizations with their dates.
A basic description of your past and present medical condition, including past hospitalizations and any current problems.

Do I need Trip Insurance?

Check with your insurance agent to see if your current medical coverage will cover you outside the country.
Even if you are covered, you may still be expected to pay the bill in cash and be reimbursed from your insurance. Make sure you receive a completely itemized bill, in English, if possible.
Medicare and Medicaid do not provide payments for medical care given outside the United States.
If you don’t have any coverage that will apply, you should strongly consider travel insurance that will cover you outside the country.
Be sure to read the trip insurance policy carefully, noting any deductibles, exceptions or exemptions for pre-existing conditions, activities, diseases or areas of the world.
You also want to see if the policy covers any medical evacuation costs, especially if you plan on traveling to an area of the world that may not be able to provide you the type of medical care you will need.
You may be making your travel plans months in advance. Many things can happen in that time that would cause you to have to cancel your trip and possibly lose your deposits.
You are susceptible to travel delays, often ones beyond your control, which can cause you to miss all or part of your trip.
Check the policy to make sure you are covered for expenses caused by travel delays, as well as, cancellation coverage.

How can I protect my safety while traveling?

Do the research so you’ll know the particular risks you face.
Know the local laws and abide by them.
Dress conservatively and try to blend in.
Take care when choosing your hotel and transportation providers.
If you haven’t left your valuables at home, leave them in your hotel’s safe.
Don’t draw attention to yourself, avoid wearing flashy jewelry and don’t display large amounts of cash. Carry only enough cash to make it through the day and leave the rest in the hotel’s safe.
Avoid traveling alone.
Be careful about sharing your travel plans with strangers.
Stick to the main roads and avoid taking shortcuts down narrow alleys and/or poorly lit streets.
Always be aware of what is going on around you.
Only use taxis, tours and other transportation services with official markings. Only select transportation from official pickup points at transportation hubs.
Never accept gifts or packages from unknown parties.
Approach any "special deals" with caution, especially if you have to go off the beaten path to get them.
Take precautions to protect your money and avoid pickpockets.

How can I avoid being the victim of a pickpocket?

Don’t travel in narrow alleys or poorly lit streets.
When possible, avoid having crowds of people surrounding you.
Carry a dummy wallet and put your money in your front pocket.
Place a rubber band around your wallet, it will make it much more difficult to remove from your pocket without your knowledge.
Carry your purse under your arm.
Carry your money under your clothes.
Know some of the pickpocket's tricks.

What are some of the pickpocket’s tricks?

There are lots of situations that pickpockets use to create opportunities to relieve you of all that heavy cash. Be especially aware of your money when you find yourself in the following situations.
Getting bumped by someone else.
Having something spilled on you or someone pointing out a spot on your clothing.
Someone approaching you and asking for help or directions.
Someone causing a disturbance that draws everyone’s attention.
Being surrounded by a crowd, especially if you are surrounded by groups of children.

What should I do to keep my property safe while I’m traveling?

Make an arrangement with a neighbor, friend or relative to check your home periodically.
If a friend or neighbor cannot collect your mail, make arrangements for it to be held at the Post Office.
Arrange for lawn care or snow removal. Ignoring these areas will make your house stand out in the neighborhood and announce to everyone that you are gone.
Arrange for someone to start your car during very cold or very hot weather.
Purchase automatic light timers for lights and a radio. Plug a cheap radio into a timer so you can have some noise in the house during part of the day.
Check your insurance for expiration dates and coverage for your automobile, home and the valuables that you’ll take with you, as well as those you’ll leave at home.
Put your valuables and jewelry in a safety deposit box. If you don’t have, or can’t get access to a safety deposit box, you still want to hinder a hurried burglar by hiding valuable items in your house.
Notify the local police and security system company to immediately consider any alarms as real. Leave with them the names of anyone responsible to watch over your house.
Move houseplants away from direct sunlight, water thoroughly and wrap pots with plastic. Most plants can then live without further watering for two weeks.
Empty the refrigerator of items that might spoil.
Cancel or hold your newspaper delivery.
You might want to turn your refrigerator to its lowest setting.
Turn water heater down to the lowest setting.
Turn your air conditioner up in summer. You want to reduce your bills, but you may have to keep the house from getting too hot to protect your pets and electronics.
Turn your heat down or off in spring or fall. Be sure to leave the house warm enough in the winter. You may want to reduce your bills, but you may need to keep the house from getting too cold to protect your pets and water pipes.
Leave shades or drapes as you normally do.
Lock all doors and windows including basement & garage.
Unplug electronic items, such as, your computer to protect them if you have a storm while you’re gone. Remember to unhook your phone line from the modem. Unfortunately, you may have to leave it all hooked up if your computer is your only answering machine. Make sure your surge protectors are properly installed.
Pack the car inside the garage, with the door down, so people driving by won’t find out you’re leaving.
Disconnect the garage door. Unplug it if you can, don’t pull the fuse for the garage door until you verify the fuse isn’t hooked up to something that needs to stay on, such as, your refrigerator or maybe a freezer in the garage.

What information should I leave with my house sitter?

Plan to leave your house sitter with the following information.
A complete trip itinerary with a list of where you’ll be staying with address and phone number.
A security system lesson if applicable, keys to the doors and mailbox.
Leave them a copy of your passport so they could fax it to you in case you lose your copy.
Plant care and watering instructions.
Pet care instructions.
Have your house sitter stop by at random times. Make sure they put out your trash, you don’t want to be the only house without garbage on garbage night. See if they can share some of their trash with you if you won’t have any to put out while you’re gone.

What outgoing message should I leave on my answering machine?

The same one you usually do. You don’t want to announce to the world that you won’t return their call immediately because the house will be empty and unguarded for a while. Most answering machines have the ability to update you on your messages if you call in and use a special code to retrieve those messages. The answering machine’s manual should have instructions on how to retrieve your messages with an incoming call. If your answering machine doesn’t have this feature, and you are worried about a delay in receiving important messages, consider buying a new answering machine with this feature.

How can I get access to the Internet when I travel?

www.kinkos.com/mapquest/
This site contains a searchable database with contact information and maps for Kinko’s in the United States and several foreign countries.
www.cybercaptive.com
This site contains a searchable database with contact information and web links for over 4000 cybercafes, public Internet access points and kiosks in 135 countries. They also offer some premium information services for a fee.

Plan your trip.

Months Ahead

Start looking for special deals and other discounts for which you may qualify.
Do some research on the area you’ll be visiting and on the way you’ll be getting there. This is especially important to start your research early if you are planning foreign travel.
Check the valid dates on your passport if you are planning on leaving the country.
Take care of medical and dental checkups and vaccinations if necessary.
After consulting your physician, consider starting an exercise program to prepare your body for the extra exertion you’ll experience while traveling.
Make reservations.

THREE WEEKS AHEAD

Watch the weather, so you’ll know what to expect and can pack accordingly.
Check with your credit card company for available spending amount; ask your bank for an increase if needed. Don’t forget about the deposits that will be charged and leave some room on the card for emergencies.
Check the valid dates on your credit card to make sure they will remain valid while you’re traveling.
Notify the Credit Card Company that you’ll be traveling, so they will expect charges from your destination.
Check your ATM and debit card for both daily and total limits.
Remember your PIN numbers or get new ones issued for all your credit, debit, ATM and phone cards.
Purchase automatic light timers to switch on and off in the evening.
Check your driver’s license to make sure it will remain valid while you’re traveling.
Check cameras, purchase new batteries if necessary, and film.
Make an arrangement with a neighbor, friend or relative to check your home periodically.
If a friend or neighbor cannot collect your mail, make arrangements for it to be held at the Post Office.
Arrange for lawn care or snow removal. Ignoring these areas will make your house stand out in the neighborhood and announce to everyone that you are gone.
Arrange for someone to start your car during very cold or very hot weather.
Arrange boarding for your pets.
Start breaking in the shoes you’ll be taking with you on your trip.
Add some yogurt to your diet to strengthen your digestive system. This is especially important if your plans include travel to foreign countries where you will be exposed to elements that are hostile to your digestive system.

TWO WEEKS AHEAD

Reconfirm all your reservations.
Get traveler’s checks from the bank.
Make arrangements to purchase some foreign currency if you are traveling abroad.
Check your insurance for expiration dates and coverage for your automobile, home and the valuables that you’ll take with you, as well as those you’ll leave at home.
If traveling by car, get the car checked and have the oil changed. Don’t wait until the last minute, it may take time to get an appointment and parts may need to be ordered. You also want some time to drive around town and make sure that whatever they fixed stays fixed.
Put your valuables and jewelry in a safety deposit box.
If you don’t have, or can’t get access to a safety deposit box, you still want to hinder a hurried burglar by hiding valuable items in your house.

ONE WEEK AHEAD

Reduce the amount of fresh items you buy at the grocery, such as milk, fruit and other perishables you’ll need to throw out before you leave.
Get out the suitcase and start your packing.
Be sure your luggage is marked with identification on the inside and out.
Start adjusting your sleeping and eating habits closer to your destination’s time zone to help avoid jetlag.
Make at least two lists of credit card numbers and travelers check serial numbers.
Make several copies of your passport. Leave one list at home and keep the other with you in case you lose your passport. Do not keep the copies on your person, rather keep a copy in your suitcase and/or give your traveling companion a copy.
Notify the local police and security system company to immediately consider any alarms as real. Leave with them the names of anyone responsible to watch over your house.
Check prescriptions for necessary refills; bring a list with the drug’s generic name listed since the brand names available can differ in other areas.
Pick up all your items from the dry cleaners.

ONE DAY BEFORE

Pay bills that will come due while you are away.
Walk around with your packed luggage to evaluate your comfort with the weight of the luggage.
Move houseplants away from direct sunlight, water thoroughly and wrap pots with plastic. Most plants can then live without further watering for two weeks.
Empty the refrigerator of items that might spoil.
Cancel or hold your newspaper delivery.
Fill the car with gas before you pack the car. Check the fluid levels and tire pressure, since your tire pressure will effect the ride and gas mileage you get on your trip.
You might want to turn your refrigerator to its lowest setting.
Set automatic light and radio timers. Check the bulbs to see if they will last for your entire trip.

THINGS TO DO THE DAY YOU LEAVE

Turn water heater down to the lowest setting.
Turn your air conditioner up in summer. You want to reduce your bills, but you may have to keep the house from getting too hot to protect your pets and electronics.
Turn your heat down or off in spring or fall. Be sure to leave the house warm enough in the winter. You may want to reduce your bills, but you may need to keep the house from getting too cold to protect your pets and water pipes.
Leave shades or drapes as you normally do.
Plug a cheap radio into a timer so you can have some noise in the house during part of the day.
Lock all doors and windows including basement & garage.
Unplug electronic items, such as, your computer to protect them if you have a storm while you’re gone. Remember to unhook your phone line from the modem. Unfortunately, you may have to leave it all hooked up if your computer is your only answering machine. Make sure your surge protectors are properly installed.
Pack the car inside the garage, with the door down, so people driving by won’t find out you’re leaving.
Disconnect the garage door. Unplug it if you can, don’t pull the fuse for the garage door until you verify the fuse isn’t hooked up to something that needs to stay on, such as, your refrigerator or maybe a freezer in the garage.
It may seem glamorous to travel like royalty with all those trunks, but any experienced traveler will tell you, the less you bring the better. This is especially true now, with all the new Airline luggage restrictions. But, how can you pack light and still have everything you need? And don’t forget about all the wrinkles. Sure your business suit looks like it is made of raisin skins, but at least you smell good since your cologne spilled all over your clothes. We can help you to take a little extra care and planning in packing so you’ll be able to pack light, avoid the damage and wrinkles.

What should I consider when shopping for new luggage?

If you’re looking to buy new luggage, you should consider luggage with these features:
Retractable rollers, rollers will make it easier to make it through the airport. You’ll also want retractable rollers, so the rollers won’t be pulled off.
Removable straps. Straps make luggage easier to carry, but they can get caught on conveyor belts and either break or damage your luggage.
A lock, preferably one that doesn’t dangle off the luggage too much.
Carry-on luggage in a size that will be allowed under the recent more restrictive carry-on size limits.

How can I find out about my Airline's luggage restrictions and limits?

Check out their web site for information and limits.

What should I pack in my carry-on luggage?

A passport, for all travel outside the U.S. and identification purposes.
Wallet
Driver's License and/or other proper photo identification required for domestic travel.
Insurance cards for both your medical and automobile insurance
Credit cards
Travelers checks
Coupons
Airline, Cruise or Train tickets
Itinerary with confirmation numbers and addresses and phone numbers of where you'll be staying
Travel brochures and maps
Lots of crisp one-dollar bills for all those tipping opportunities
A small amount of local currency for immediate use to hold you over until you can make it to a currency exchange, if you're planning foreign travel.

What is the best way to carry my medications?

Carry them in your carry-on since it will be less likely to be lost than your checked luggage. Your carry-on will also do less harm to temperature-sensitive medication.
Carry your medication in their original bottles to help avoid security questions.
Bring along the generic names of your medications since brand names can vary.
If you have any questionable drugs or particularly large supplies, you might want to bring a letter from your doctor stating you have a legal right to use these drugs.
If you are traveling outside the United States, check to see what you can take with you. Something legal here might be illegal elsewhere. It could get dumped, or you could get dumped in jail.

How should I pack the liquids I bring with me?

So your clothes aren’t covered in the liquids, use plastic bottles in your packing. Only fill the bottles to the ¾ mark incase they are crushed or the contents freeze and expand. You also might want to pack them in plastic freezer bags just in case.

How can I avoid damaging my film?

High-speed film is the most susceptible to damage, but all your film is at risk.
Carrying your film in your checked bags used to be a safer bet, but with stronger bomb detection devices, your film is now more likely to get fried.
Buy special carrying cases designed for protecting film.
You can ask for a manual inspection in the United States and some foreign airports to avoid the x-rays if you place your film in your carry-on bag.
The walkthrough and hand wand security devices shouldn’t effect your film.
The safest bet for film is to buy it after you arrive and develop it before you go. This may not be the cheapest route, but it is the best guarantee to keep your memories safe.

What should I do with my valuables?

Leave them at home in a safe place if you can.
If your luggage has locks, you should use them.
Shrink wrapping your luggage will not only protect the outside of your bags, but also the contents inside.
Do not carry valuables in your checked luggage, they will be safer in your carry-on bags.
If you do place any valuables in your luggage, hide them in the lower sections of the bags so a quick look inside won’t reveal them.

How can I keep my items neat in my luggage?

Pack your liquid items in less than full plastic bottles, they might freeze and expand if you’re traveling by plane or putting them in a trunk and traveling through cold weather. Place the bottles in freezer bags with a seal to further protect your items.
Bring along a plastic trash bag to keep your dirty items separate from your other clothes.
Pack your shoes in shoe bags or old socks to keep their dirty soles from touching your clean clothes.
Pack carefully to avoid wrinkles.

How can I avoid wrinkles?

Don't over pack your bags.
Travel with clothing that is less likely to wrinkle.
Roll up T-shirts or underwear and wrap your items around them at a fold line. This will help keep a crease from forming.
Take the proper size luggage for your trip. Too big a bag will allow your items to move around and make damage and wrinkles more likely.
Button the buttons on shirts so items will hang properly.
Use plastic dry cleaner bags between items. Make sure the dry cleaner bags do not have any advertising printed on them. The ink can rub off and end up on your clothes.
Unpack as soon as possible.
Hang wrinkled items in the bathroom while you shower to help steam out the wrinkles.

How can I avoid losses on my trip?

Don’t pack valuable, perishable, and fragile or items sensitive to the heat and cold in your checked baggage. Try to avoid these items altogether, but if you must take them, they will be safer in your carry-on bag.
Never leave your luggage unattended or take your eyes off your bags.
Learn your destination's airport code and make sure the correct one gets put on your bag.
Avoid taking luggage with flashy brand names, as it will make them more attractive to thieves.
Avoid carrying your laptop in a bag that lets everyone know you are carrying expensive electronics.
Use the locks on your luggage.
Clearly label your luggage on both the inside and outside of your bags.
Remove any items that are hanging off your luggage and could get caught on conveyor belts.
Place a trip itinerary in your luggage so your bags can easily be returned to you.
Place a unique bright marking on your luggage so you can easily identify it. This way others will recognize that their similar looking bag did not have the markings and leave yours alone.
Switch some of your items with those of a traveling companion. That way if your bags go missing, you’ll still have some items with you.
Cover your hands when you are entering ATM or phone card numbers so others can’t copy them down and use them.
If an airline loses your items make a claim before you leave the airport; some Airlines will not honor claims made after you have left the airport.
Carry a list of all your items in your carry-on and leave one at home, to help you make a complete claim form if your items go missing. Carry a copy of the final list in your carry-on bags, you’ll be able to use it to fill out claim forms with the airline if they lose your luggage.
Consider purchasing trip insurance that offers protection for your property.

How can I pack light and still have everything I need?

The more you travel, the more you know that traveling with the smallest possible amount of luggage is the best way to go. But, how can you cut down on your luggage burden?
Call ahead to the hotel to see if they offer any laundry services. See if they include items in your room such as, robes and toiletries that will reduce your packing needs.
Coordinate your outfits around a central color so you’ll be able to mix and match.
Check the weather, so you can bring the most appropriate items. Remember to account for seasonal and daily temperature fluctuations and also keep in mind that increases in altitude will decrease temperature.
Plan your outfits so you can layer instead of bringing lots of coats.
Take a solid color sweater that will match any outfit to use to keep you warm
List all the items you are taking and check to see if you really need each item, in other words, is there something else you could take to kill two birds with one stone.
Take small sample sizes of toiletries that will last just long enough instead of huge bottles.
Don’t waste an inch of your luggage space, pack underwear and socks inside your shoes. This will also help your shoes keep their shape. Pack your belts around the edge of the luggage.
Take some old clothes with only one last wear in them. You can then toss them out and use the room for the souvenirs you’ll want to bring home.

Airline Travel Tips

There are particular rows of seats to avoid when traveling by commercial passenger jet. These are the rows of seats directly ahead of the "Exit Rows". These rows of seats usually do not recline because the airline needs to provide plenty of room to exit in case there is a problem requiring a rapid emptying of the plane. Ask the clerk when checking in to NOT give you seats in the rows immediately in front of the exit rows
Get more legroom when traveling in coach on commercial passenger jets. Airlines try to get the maximum income from the space on the jets so the rows of seats are rather close together. The way to get more legroom is to ask for seats directly behind the bulkhead. The bulkhead is the partition separating business class from coach seats. The seats directly behind the bulkhead have much more leg space than seats in the other rows
Be sure your Imunizations are curentrm.
DeyYour Trp if are not well.
Reserve a Seat by the wing if you are prne to AirSikns.
Allow ample time to check in and reac your departure Gate.
Carry Your Medication with you
Wear loose, comfortable clothing and comfortable shoes that have been worn previously.

INFLIGHT :

Eart Lightly
Drink Water and Fruit Juices
Do Not place anything under the seat in front of you so you can stretch and excercise your legs.
Stand and walk about the cabin periodically.
Relaxe and Enjoy Your Fligh