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