Travel Packing Tips

When you're traveling far from home, you want to make sure that you're well prepared for any surprises that come your way. Yet, it's hard to keep track of all the little details that go into planning your trip - after all there's so many things to take into account. Have you packed the right clothes? Do you have enough money to tide you over for the duration of your stay? Are all your travel documents in order? So, for your convenience, we've compiled some handy travel packing tips to help you get started with your travel packing preparations. Check them out.

• Pack whatever you plan to take then put half of it back. Most people tend to take far more clothing than is really necessary. (If you are an expert packer, ignore this statement)
• Never bring more than you can carry yourself
• Try to pack clothing around the same color scheme so that you can mix and match, and minimize on accessories
• When traveling with a companion try this idea supplied by one of our site visitors. Pack one of your outfits in your companion's suitcase and have him/her do likewise. Doing this will be invaluable should one person's bag be delayed upon arrival at your destination. (If both are lost, oh well, at least you tried your best!)
• A full but not overstuffed suitcase helps keep clothes crease-free. Before you pack, decide how much you need and select a suitcase or carry-on accordingly
• If your traveling requirements call for electrical appliances, be sure to bring convenient, travel size units that are both lightweight and compact
• Pack a collapsible or expandable bag to carry items you purchase on the return leg of your trip (We have a habit of buying souvenirs)
• When packing a hard-sided suitcase, begin by putting all the heavy items like shoes and toiletry kits on the bottom, near the hinges. Then place clothes that won't crease (such as sweaters, socks, T-shirts) around the heavier items to prevent them from sliding around and creasing other clothes
• Try to pack clothes with fabrics that require little care (wrinkle-free, cotton-knit etc). Also try to visualize what clothes you will need on a particular trip (with regard to climate, events you will attend etc)
• Distributing the weight in a suitcase evenly makes the case easier to carry
• Wrap toiletries and the like in plastic in the event that items may break or leak and use plastic containers
• Make sure to pack a small pouch with commonly needed incidentals such as aspirin, bandages and a small sewing kit. Small sample sizes are available at most chemists
• Place your shoes in plastic bags to prevent them from soiling other clothes
• Before you pack shirts, trousers, dresses or other items that might crease, make sure to:
• Close all buttons and zips
• Fold each item along its natural creases
• Any creases on your clothes can be removed by hanging them in a bathroom filled with steam
• Include a few plastic bags for dirty or damp clothes
• Make sure the last items you pack are the first things you need when you arrive at your destination

•Passport/Visa	•Foreign currency	•Emergency phone
•Insurance health/travel	•Airline/train tickets	•Reservation info
•Traveler’s Checks	•Car rental info	•Wallet/purse
•Medication	•Underwear	•Travel itinerary

• Undergarments	• Shoes	• Swimsuit
•Shirts/blouses	• Jewellery/watches	• Pajamas/robe/slippers
• Sweaters/sweatshirts	• Suits/dresses	• Jeans/pants/sweatpants
• Socks/nylons	• Rainwear/umbrella	• Coats/gloves/hat

• Brush/comb	• Shampoo/conditioner	• Lotion cream
• Toothpaste/brush/floss	• Razors/Shaving cream	• Suntan lotion
• Deodorant	• Manicure items	• Insect repellent
• Soap	• Facial cleansers	• Feminine hygiene  products
• Medication/aspirin etc	• Contacts/cleaning solution

• Electricity converter	• Travel maps/guidebooks	• Sewing kit
• Hairdryer/curling iron	• Currency converter	• Laundry soap
• Travel iron/steamer	• Sporting equipment	• Clothes line
• Camera/extra batteries	• Money belt	• Eyeglasses
• Film/video tape	• Games/Walkman/book	• Keys for home
• Glasses/sunglasses	• Travel alarm/watch	• Binoculars
• Language translator	• Snacks	• First-aid kit

A holiday abroad requires a lot of planning, without which you might find yourself in uncomfortable situations that may ruin your entire trip. When traveling abroad, here are a few things you need to know about:

Travel Documents
When traveling abroad, you are required to carry a valid passport, which is the one proof of identification that is accepted around the world.

In addition, the country you plan to visit might require you to obtain a visa. Check with your travel agent or the embassy well in advance. Obtaining these documents takes time, so plan accordingly.

Money Matters
Carrying cash abroad can be risky. It is best to use other forms of currency, which are insured against loss or theft. Here are several options:
Travelers Checks: This is the safest way to carry your money. It is available at banks and travel agencies and easily converted to cash. To safeguard your travelers checks, keep a copy of the serial numbers separate from the checks.
Euro-checks: These are generally acceptable in Europe, and can be used with a guarantee card, like the checkbook you have at home. If you travel often, Euro-checks can be your most convenient option.
Credit Cards: Many restaurants and shops around the world accept credit cards. You can also withdraw cash against your credit card; however, you will be charged a transaction fee.

Health
Find out if the country you are visiting has any vaccination requirements. This information will be available from the embassies of the countries you plan to visit.

Getting Around
Most countries have very good and reasonably inexpensive public transport networks. Rail is often the most leisurely way of travel between major cities.

You can also choose to drive. However, keep in mind that road conditions in other countries may not be the same as they are at home. If you are driving, make sure you know and obey the rules. Also, carry along a valid international driving license. Car Rental can be arranged through major companies at most airports and some hotels.