Tag: Packing

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I’m Ready to Go…I Think

First Time Abroad

If one of your resolutions for the new year include traveling abroad…that’s fantastic.

If this is the first time…that’s also fantastic. I’m sure you have read all the tips about what to pack, what to take in your carryon bag, when to book, and more.

In case you need a few more tips to remember…check out these useful suggestions.

Remember the outlets in Europe are different than here in the US. Check to see what country uses what types of plugs. Get the right one and take it with you if you want to use your own hairdryer, phone charger, etc.

Speaking of hairdryers, check the website of the hotel or vacation rental where you will be staying. Most times, there is one included in the room or apartment. You could save a bunch of room in your suitcase if you didn’t have to pack a bulky hairdryer.

Let your bank and credit card companies know you will be traveling. Also let them know the dates and places. No sense having a card declined because you are no longer in the US.

Take some cash with you. ATMs will often charge a hefty fee to take out cash. Also, know which banks and which machines are best to use for your bank.

Remember to dress accordingly in the country where you will be. Avoid wearing shirts with sayings that could be taken the wrong way, or clothes that look like they were made for working out. In the US we tend to wear our sneakers, sweatshirts, and yoga pants everywhere. That is not the case in many European countries.

Noise cancelling headphones are your friend on a long flight. Just remember to remove them when the flight attendant is talking to you.

Learn a few local phrases. Especially learn please and thank you. Even if the shop owner or hotel person speaks English, it’s still appreciated if you use their language.

Check your phone plan before you go. You may be able to use your phone, or it may cost too much. Check out something like an Orange card before you go. Remember to use WiFi at the hotel or apartment to save on usage.

Try the local foods. Eat at the same time the locals do. Why? Both will give you a much better experience in that country. You didn’t come all the way to Italy to eat a fast food burger, did you? I hope not.

Understand about tipping. This varies from country to country. It may be as simple as looking at your bill.

Be aware of your surroundings. Space may be limited in a restaurant or on a bus. Don’t take up more space than you need. The same goes for how loud you talk. Many countries speak quieter than you may be used to. Pay attention and try to follow their lead.

For more tips, check back regularly to read the latest from TSA, the State Department, and fellow travelers. Sign up for my website at https://.www.travelsandescapes.net to follow me wherever I go. Have fun traveling.

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Can I Take My Sleep Meds With Me? How About My Allergy Meds?

Did you know some popular prescription and over-the-counter medicines commonly used for things like pain relief, better sleep, allergies, or your common cold are illegal in some countries? That means you need to know what you can and cannot take into a country when traveling.

The United Arab Emirates and Japan, for example, are among the most restrictive nations. Many other countries ban or restrict importing narcotics, sedatives, amphetamines, and other meds you think are common. So…what should you do?

Plan Ahead

Laws vary by country and there is no central, up-to date repository. One travel consultant suggests asking your physician, travel medical insurance company, or local pharmacist four to six weeks before traveling. “When you inquire about your shots, ask about medications. Odds are they may not know off the top of their head, but they have the resources to find out.”

She also suggests checking with the embassy of your destination country. The US State Department website lists foreign embassies. It also lists insurance providers if you need one for health care abroad.

Label and Pack Your Medication Properly

Carry all your medication, from vitamins and supplements to prescription ones, in their original, clearly marked containers or packaging. You can put that in a clear plastic bag in your carry on luggage. Make sure the name on the prescription, the medicine container and your passport all match. If you lost the product information insert, ask the pharmacist to print a new one for you.

Also, check the TSA website for up-to-date rules and regulations on packing and carrying your medication when you depart. The standard rules for liquid carry-ons don’t apply to medications in liquid or gel form, but you need to inform them when you pass through security so they don’t confiscate it.

Obtain and Carry Necessary Documentation

Keep copies of your original prescriptions, if you can. Better yet, obtain a letter on official letterhead from your physician that lists the medicines you need and why they were prescribed.

Know the Names and Amounts of Active Ingredients

The documentation you carry should also indicate the generic and chemical names of the active ingredients, which determines permissibility, not brand names.

For example, the active ingredient in Benadryl, diphenhydramine, is banned in Zambia in over-the counter products. In Japan, it is allowed only if the amount in a tablet or injection is limited. However, a typical 25 milligram tablet of Tylenol PM in the United States exceeds the 10 milligram maximum amount in a tablet you can bring into Japan. Some countries restrict the overall total amount of an active ingredient an individual traveler can legally import, which may impact longer stays.

Bottom line…be prepared ahead of time.

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Off to Europe

Looking for a check list to help you plan your trip abroad? Check out these helpful hints.

Check your cell phone coverage. Do you have a plan that covers you in Europe? Do you need to add a plan? Or, are you planning on buying a SIM card once you land?

Make copies of all your documents. All. Email a copy to yourself and store it in the cloud. Give paper copies to your traveling partner, if you have one.

Register for STEP. I’ve mentioned this previously. The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program was created by the US Department of State to notify local embassies about your travel plans. You will be contacted in case of an emergency or security advisory in your destination. It’s free and easy to register. Though you may not need to enroll every time you leave the country, I always do.

Notify your bank and credit card companies of your plans. No sense having a credit card or bank deny a transaction because they didn’t know you were in Paris and not at home in Denver.

Download any offline maps you can. That way you will always be able to look at a map.

Pay attention to the exchange rate. If you don’t get any money ahead of time, you will want to know what it will cost you once you land.

Before you leave, charge all your electronics. Everything. If you have everything plugged in…don’t walk out the door without the devices and their chargers.

Remember to take a plug adapter to use in Europe or wherever you are going.

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Luggage…What Kind Do You Want?

What type of luggage do you like? If you’re shopping for new luggage, do you know what you’re looking for? What are your requirements?

You’re probably looking for something that’s durable…especially if you travel a bunch. Do you want a hard shell? Are you concerned it may crack if some airline baggage handler is having a bad day and tosses the luggage onto the belt?

Many new companies who make hard sided luggage have started using polycarbonate. This is a softer material that will flex a little when dropped on hard surfaces. In fact, contact lenses are made from this. It’s also scratch-resistant and lighter than some softer bags.

It doesn’t expand like a soft piece will, so don’t expect to overstuff it.

What about the wheels? Do you want four or two? Four are easier to maneuver. They also roll downhill if left unattended.

How about color? You’ll probably notice more color choices, prints, and patterns in hard luggage. Think about it getting dirty. It will. Is it easy to clean? Is it important to you to find your bag quickly on the carousel? If so, you may not want black.

What are your must-haves when purchasing new luggage?

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You’re Packing What?

Packing doesn’t have to be an issue. You’ve probably read tips and more tips for packing this way or that way. Everyone seems to have their own tips. Take a look at a few of these…then let me know what works for you.

You don’t really need to pack all the clothes you think you’ll need. Try to stick to a simple color palette and work pieces around that. I pack clothes that don’t wrinkle and can be rolled for efficiency and space in my bag. I also know ahead of time whether there will be a washer available. If not, I pack things I can wash in a sink.

There is no need to bring things ‘just in case.’

Plus, unless you’re going to a very, very remote spot…there will probably be shops. So you forgot to bring more than one pair of socks. I’ll bet you can buy them.

How many shoes do you bring? How do you pack them? Think about what you will be doing and bring the bare minimum. If you’ll be hiking or walking where they will get dirty, pack them in your laundry bag to keep them from getting dirt all over your suitcase.

I also check ahead of time to see if there is a hair dryer. Hotels, Air B&B’s, VRBO’s will all list it on their website. No need to pack one if there is one there.

How about your extra lithium battery? It has to go in your carry on luggage. Your corkscrew? It can go in your carry on if it doesn’t have a knife on it. If it does, put it in your checked luggage.

Did you buy the latest travel gizmo or gadget? It looked so cool in the ads. Now…you have to pack it. Before you buy it, decide if it’s really worth the space it’s going to take up.

If you’re going outside the US, be sure to pack the one travel gadget that’s worth it. Your adapter…you’ll need it.

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Can I Bring My Snow Globe?

Flying with Gifts…TSA Rules

Maybe you’re getting ready to fly somewhere this holiday season and have gifts. Or, maybe you’ve been somewhere and want to bring home some souvenirs.

Do you know the TSA rules and guidelines?

Avoid anything that appears to be a weapon. Even a toy weapon. This might be common sense…but TSA says those toys look like the real thing in a scanner.

Instead of putting them in your carry-on…place them in checked baggage.

Also, avoid strong liquors over 140 proof. This means absinthe, rum, or anything with more than 70% alcohol. It doesn’t matter if it’s in your carry-on. TSA will take it.

Speaking of three ounce liquids in your carry-on, this applies to ALL liquids, even bottles of liquor or wine.

I know it seems odd, but don’t gift wrap your gifts. They probably will be unwrapped. Instead, use gift bags, or wait until you arrive to wrap them.

Keep in mind if you are traveling from overseas…international food souvenirs like meats and cheeses will probably be tossed. This isn’t a TSA rule, but a customs and agriculture regulation.

Last…don’t bring home or take as a gift a snow globe. Yep…a snow globe. Especially if it is bigger than a tennis ball. Why? The liquid in them is most likely more than three ounces. Who would have thought?

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Where’s Rudolph When You Need Him?

Traveling doesn’t have to be a hassle this holiday season.

Maybe you’re waiting until the new year to travel. Regardless of when you’re taking your next trip, some of these tips may save some time and frustration.

Check in online…

If you can, check in and print your boarding pass before you leave home. If you’re checking luggage, try the curbside luggage check in. Many times, it is quicker. If you can’t do this at home or at your hotel, use the self-service kiosks instead of standing in the longer lines.

Travel with a carry on bag…

If possible, try to pack only a carry on bag. You can save time by not standing in any lines to get your bags tagged. If this isn’t possible and you have heavy or numerous bags, look at shipping them ahead of time to your destination. It may save you some money and will definitely save time.

Better yet, if you’re taking gifts, why not just have them shipped when you order them? If you bought the gifts locally, good for you. Wrap them and ship from your home post office instead of packing them.

Drive and still have fun…

If your road trip is long, think about taking enough breaks so everyone isn’t stuck in the car for hours and hours. You might even find a halfway spot to stop and have some extra fun. If you’re traveling in or toward weather issues, check the weather before and during your trip. Your route may have to change.

Buy attraction tickets in advance…

Going somewhere lots of other people are going? Check online to see if you can buy your tickets ahead of time. Print them at home or arrange to pick them up at the will call booth.

Speaking of attractions…think about reversing the way you visit. When we would go to Disneyland, we’d head for the back corner and work our way to the front. Why? Because most people start at the front of an amusement park, zoo, or other attraction and work clockwise through it.

 

 

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My Shampoo Exploded…Again

Plastic Wrap for Packing

Who knew plastic wrap would come in handy when traveling?

If you’ve opened your toiletries bag, only to find one of your nice little bottles of shampoo or conditioner has leaked all over everything…you’ll appreciate this tip. Maybe it’s because of a change in altitude or because you have a faulty seal of the bottle. What to do?

Add a layer of plastic wrap under the cap of the bottle. This should help the leakage problem.

Traveling with jewelry and don’t have a jewelry wrap to keep your chains untangled? Place your jewelry on a sheet of plastic wrap. Roll it over and over until you have a fairly flat piece. Pack it in your carry on and off you go.

I’ve not tried this, but other travelers tell me it works. If you’re taking a banana for a snack, wrap a piece of plastic wrap around the stem. It keeps the banana from getting messy and apparently keep it fresher longer. Plus, you have something to wrap up the peel in when you’re finished eating it.

 

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Why Pack These Things?

When traveling you might consider packing some of these things? Why? Read on.

Duct Tape

 Pack duct tape to protect your bag, fix broken zippers, rips, and torn handles. Don’t worry. You don’t need to pack the whole heavy roll. While the travel size package is nice, it’s cheaper and just as easy to wrap some around a pencil or a straw.

Whistle

I never used this, but some travelers wouldn’t be caught without one. I guess if I was traveling alone and wasn’t sure about the neighborhood, it would be great to have.

Decoy Wallet

Again…never used this. You could keep a small change purse in your purse. Put a few dollars and some coins in it in case you were ever robbed.

Reusable Water Bottle

These come in handy as they take up so little room. Once you’re through security, you can fill it from the water foundation or at a restaurant.

Laundry Bag

I always have some type of laundry bag in my suitcase. I really don’t want my dirty clothes smelling up my clean ones. Depending on how long I’m gone and if the apartment or hotel has a washing machine…I don’t have to keep those dirty clothes for very long. Don’t forget to pack some laundry detergent as well. If you buy the little pack-type detergent, leave it in its original bag. No need to have TSA grill you about your little packs of white powder.

Reusable Shopping Bag

Do you chronically leave a stack of plastic or paper shopping bags behind in your hotel room when you check out? Then you’re the perfect candidate for a reusable shopping bag that can be folded up and stowed in your day bag, then whipped out to hold the day’s purchases. And since reusable bags tend to be tougher than the disposable ones, they are handy for heavier purchases and can do double duty as picnic baskets and beach bags.

Emergency Snack

Okay…I am NEVER without this. A small bag of almonds in my purse has saved me many times. I get just enough protein and carbs to hold me over until I can find something other than street food that’s still alive. I also have a granola bar handy. You never know!

Extra Memory Card

 There has been only one time when I forgot to pack this. That was the time my camera’s memory was full and I had to spend extra time finding a store. Not good. Pack one.

Power Strip

Outlet shortage at the airport? A multi-socket power strip helps share the juice from a single public outlet. Forgot your charging iPod in your hotel room? By plugging all of your electronics into the same place, you’ll be less likely to leave one behind. One catch: Abroad, you’ll need to use an adapter and a converter

Bandanna

The list of obvious uses for a bandanna is long—hand towel, lens cleaner, eye mask, hair tie, headband, scarf, cooling device (when dampened), but this versatile carry-on can also work in a pinch as a pillow when you tie it around a bundled-up sweater, as a sling for a sprained arm, or…whatever works for you.

Travel Mug

To prevent damage, transport sunglasses or delicate souvenirs in an empty travel mug with a wide mouth. Make sure it’s got a secure screw top. During your trip, the mug can be an ecofriendly to-go cup or a great decoy for stashing valuables in your hotel room. I mean what thief would steal a coffee-stained thermos?

Silicone Travel Bottles 

TSA-approved mini bottles are old news to an experienced traveler like you. But their rigid plastic shells waste expensive moisturizer, sunscreen, and hair products that can’t be squeezed out. I’ve tried. Replace them with squishy travel bottles made from transparent, soft silicone. These are easy to clean, more flexible to pack, and good ’til the last drop.

Safety Pins

The safety pin…almost as good as duct tape. This multifunctional travel tool can clasp the zippers of your day pack together to deter thieves, serve as a missing button, or zipper pull.

Now that you have an idea of what to pack, let’s talk about what NOT to pack.

More clothes than you need

Since clothes tend to make up the bulk of your suitcase, this is an area where you can consolidate. And, here’s where a list comes in handy. So does planning your wardrobe around neutral colors.

I’m not saying you need to wear the same things day after day.

If you’re staying where there is a washer…you will have to pack less things. Remember to bring detergent. No washer? Pack things that can be washed in the sink at night. By morning, you’ll have clean clothes.

If you check the weather before you go, you’ll also have a better idea of what bulky items you can leave at home. Dressing in layers may work better than packing heavy sweaters.

 

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You Weigh How Much?

Walking towards the check-in counter at Paris’ DE Gaulle airport last month, I noticed a man kneeling on the floor frantically taking things out of his extra-large suitcase.

Upon looking closer, he was transferring some of those things to another bag and he was tossing other things in a pile. Listening to him mumble to himself, he was cursing the airline for telling him his bag weighed too much.

Apparently, he didn’t think to check the airline’s weight limit for checked luggage.

Do you?

Did you know airlines don’t all have the same guidelines for weight? It’s best to check with the airline you’ll be flying on to find out how much your bags can weigh. If you weigh your bags at home, you may think your scale is accurate. But, that doesn’t count. It’s the airline’s scale where your bags will be weighed that is important.

Or, you could make sure your bag weighs less than the limit…just in case.

If you want to compare airlines, use this site https://www.skyscanner.com/tips-and-inspiration/airline-baggage-sizes-fees-carry-checked-luggage for a quick reference.

Then double check the airline.

Don’t be that man on the floor throwing his shoes and jeans into a pile.