If you are traveling by air, you are generally allowed two checked pieces of luggage per person and one carry on bag. The carry on bag should be able to fit comfortably under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bin. The restriction on liquids is still in effect. All liquids, creams and lotions must be in containers of three ounces or less and contained in a quart size Ziploc bag.
Most experienced travelers understand the importance of carrying important items in their carry on bag, rather than their checked bag, especially if an airline has lost their luggage before. Your passport, tickets and any travel documents should be in your carry on bag, along with any vital medication, spare glasses or contact lens and prescriptions. A basic change of clothing is also a good idea.
Virtually all airline tickets today are electronic, although if you do have a paper ticket you should carry a copy of it in case you lose it. It is a good idea to make photocopies of your passport (the inside page with your information on) as well as any other travel documents. Keep these copies in a separate place. And you should also carry with you a list of important phone numbers to call in case your purse or wallet containing passport, tickets or credit cards are lost or stolen.
Many experienced travelers only take a carry on bag, regardless of the length of their trip. Traveling with just a carry on bag eliminates the often long wait at the baggage carousel, and, of course, the airline cannot lose your luggage.
One method of packing lightly is to put everything you intend to take out on the floor or bed in front of you, then consider each item individually and ask yourself "How often will I use it?" and "Do I really need it?" If you will only use the item rarely, you should consider leaving it at home. When packing your suitcase, place larger and heavier items on the bottom, and smaller items on the top.
Many items can be purchased inexpensively and easily, rather than having to take them with you. Simple toiletries, film for your camera and beach clothing can easily be found just about anywhere. Items that you feel you should take, but may not need, such as waterproof clothing and first aid items can be purchased when you arrive at your destination, if necessary. Most hotels now carry a selection of basic toiletries for guests who may have forgotten something.
Consider packing clothes that can easily be mixed and matched and will complement each other, rather than taking several different outfits. For example, a pair of neutral trousers will match several different sweaters or shirts. Most travelers can get by with just two pairs of shoes, a sturdy but comfortable pair for walking and sightseeing and a more stylish pair for wearing with dress clothes.
Shirts, suits and pants that do not crease easily or can be drip dried are also useful items to bring along. Most people find that a couple of changes of socks and underwear are usually adequate. Take along a plastic or mesh bag with you so that you can easily keep clean and dirty clothes separate. Many travelers have learned to wash small items of clothing in a hotel sink or bath.
Of course, the best way to ensure that you have everything is to make a checklist of what you are taking, and check the items off as you pack them. Some seasoned travelers start packing a few days beforehand to minimize the chance of forgetting anything important. If you are taking an item which can only be packed at the last minute, a note on your suitcase or on the front door can help you not to forget it.
In general, the most important items you will need to pack are going to be tickets and any travel documents, foreign currency and credit cards, camera and spare film, toiletries and medication. Some other things you may consider to be essential are spare batteries for various devices, an adaptor for plugging in appliances overseas, a book reading light, a wristwatch with an alarm and earplugs.
And if you have some spare room in your bag, don't forget your address book and a traveler's journal.
Traveling broadens our perspective of the world in which we live. Going to foreign countries provides exposure to different cultures, different food, and different languages. Many countries encourage international tourism as a way of boosting their local or national economies, but there are some countries and cultures which view foreigners with suspicion and do not particularly care for strangers in their land. Even in some popular "civilized" travel destinations it is easy to become a victim of thiefs and criminals who will take your luggage, assault you to steal your jewelry and valuables, or cheat you in the price of taxi fares or other services. Your best protection is to be alert, book your tours through trustworthy agencies, and never travel alone to an unfamiliar destination. Make sure that you know the traditions of the land where you want to travel before you start your trip.
Planning a trip can be exciting, as long as you take the necessary precautions. Travel advice will help you decide what you need to bring with you, like travel clothing and supplies. Contact your travel agent if you have any questions during your trip preparation.
Travel arrangements
Scheduling your trip involves careful planning. Travel agents can help you to organize some of your preparations. First of all, take care of your travel documents. Some countries require only passports, but others require passports and visas. Do not wait until the last minute to obtain your passport because this may require several weeks. To get the best deals for your transportation and hotel accommodations, you will need to make your reservations well in advance of your travel. The best bargains can be obtained during the off-season when demand has diminished. Airlines that provide food service can accommodate special dietary requirements if you give them at least 24 hours advance notice.
Along with your passports and visas, you may need to take along vaccination certificates, and prescriptions for any special medicines that you need. Before embarking on a trip, check to make sure that you are allowed to travel with your medicines. Some medicines sold over the counter in the United States may be considered illegal in other countries and vice versa. There is nothing more unpleasant than starting a vacation on the wrong foot by having to explain to the customs authorities why you are carrying so many "drugs".
As a result of terrorist activities, airports have increased their security inspections before allowing passengers to board. Get to the airport with plenty of time to manage the check-in congestion. Also, don't exceed the container size limits of carry-on liquids, gels, and aerosols, otherwise, your toiletries will be confiscated. All liquids, gels and aerosols must be in three-ounce (84 milliliters) or smaller containers, and they must be placed in a single, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag.
Travel Checklist
The following checklist can help you to prepare for your trip.
Trip Preparation
- Visas
- Passports - check the expiration date two months before your trip
- Vaccinations
- Hotel reservations, take along confirmation numbers
- Travel reservations, take along airplane tickets
- Travel insurance to cover the duration of your trip
- Money or foreign currency (cash, traveler's checks, credit cards)
- Carry some emergency cash in a thin sock attached with a safety pin to the inside of your underwear.
- Car keys, house key. (leave unnecessary keys at home)
- Stop the newspaper and mail.
- A pile of newspapers or a stuffed mailbox tells thieves that you are not at home. You may come back from your trip to an empty apartment or house.
- Turn down thermostat at home
- Arrange for someone to water your plants and take care of your pets.
- Don't forget to leave the keys and itinerary.
- Do not pack your travel documents or money in a suitcase that may get lost. Take your important documents and money in a wallet or purse that you can access at all times.
- Make sure that your luggage has a tag with your name, address, and telephone number.
- Tie a colorful ribbon or attach distinctive stickers to your luggage so that you can identify it easily, and other travelers will not take it by mistake at a busy terminal.
- dental floss, toothbrush, nail clippers, nail file
- contact lens preparations
- camera, batteries, recharger, voltage converter, small flashlight, travel alarm clock, hair drier
- swimming suit, beach towels, sun block cream
- slippers
- sleeping bag, backpack
- Cell phone
- A printed list of emergency phone numbers or address book may be handy if your cell phone batteries die or you lose the phone.
First Aid
- aspirin or analgesic
- decongestant or cold/sinus medication
- antiseptic spray
- mosquito repellent, anti-itch cream
- anti-diarrheal
- special medications
Food
- food supplements
- vitamins
- canned food, can opener
- For international travel, do not take fruits and non-sterile foods such as dried sausages because they can spoil and are usually confiscated by customs.
Car Trip
- Check tire air pressure, including spare
- Tools for changing a tire
- Check oil and gas level
- Flashlight
- Maps
- Sun block, sunglasses
- This is important on a long trip when the sun may be shining on your arms and face for a long time.
- Trash bags, moist towels, napkins
- Insulated bag for cold drinks and fruits
- Take water for drinking, for the radiator, or windshield washer.
- Soft drinks may be OK for you, but they cannot be used for the car.
- Granola bars or other emergency food
- You may be stuck in traffic for a long time when you least expect it.
- Before a hike, spray insect repellent on your shoes, socks, and pant cuffs to discourage ticks and insects from crawling up your legs
- Hunting equipment (rod and reel, guns, ammunition, bows, arrows)
- Make sure that you have proper permits for guns and licenses for fishing and hunting.
- You may need a tape measure and a spring scale to make sure that your catches are of legal size. Use guns safely!
First Timer Tips
So you're about to finally make that first step into the weird and wonderful world? Good for you - you won't regret it! There are a few things you should know before you leave to help you on your way. While on the road we recommend you follow your gut-instinct, but some things are worth knowing about before you leave...
TRAVEL LIGHT!
Don't pack what you don't need, especially if you're backpacking. There is nothing worse than lugging around a pile of bricks on your back when arriving in a new city and trying to find a place to stay. Just remember, if you need something, you'll be able to buy it on the road. It is easier to travel with a pack than with a suitcase - suitcases don't like crowded streets, rocky roads or stairs (and subways have a lot of them)!
AVOID JETLAG & AIR SICKNESS
Flying internationally causes jetlag because of the fact that you are crossing three time zones. Some precautions to take include:
a) drinking plenty of water and no alcohol intake;
b) sticking with a bland diet;
c) adjusting your watch according to your destination's time clock and attempt to adhere to your arrival schedule - the sooner, the better.
d) take some sleeping pills on that long flight over, sleep is golden and you'll be thankful for it when you arrive
DON'T DRAW UNWANTED ATTENTION TO YOURSELF
When travelling in some countries, it is best to leave your jewellery at home - the richer you look, the more of a target you'll become for pick-pocketers. You also might want to take one 'nice' outfit in your backpack to blend in with the locals. Wear shorts and hiking boots in cities such as Venice and you stand out like a sore-thumb. And don't forget to spend some time away from the tourist traps - immerse yourself in the local way of life!
CARRY THE CORRECT FORMS OF CURRENCY
Exchange just enough money to cover your expenses for your travels. There's nothing worse than being stuck in a new country on your first day with no local currency. Make sure your ATM card can be used in the places you are visiting (you'll find a logo like the 'Cirrus' one on the back of your card) - some places in South America won't accept this so ensure you have enough cash on hand. It is safest to take a mixture of currency with you - a credit card, some cash, and perhaps some travellers cheques. This will cover your butt just in case that credit card declines or a machine won't accept your ATM card.
RESPECT THE CULTURE OF LOCAL CUSTOMS
Some countries, especially in the Middle East and Asia, dress more conservatively than we do. You shouldn't wear shorts or sleveless tops in these places, so ensure you have some other forms of clothing packed in your bag. It is also handy to have a long-sleeved top packed in your daypack - places like St Peters Cathedral in Rome require you to cover your arms when entering the building. You don't want to miss out on the opportunity to see such fabulous places just because you don't have the right top with you!
PACK A GAME OR TWO
There will be times where you will be sitting around waiting for flights, buses, places to open, etc. Ensure you pack a travel game, diary or something to occupy yourself with.
BE EDUCATED ABOUT WHERE YOU'RE GOING
Always read up on the city before you get there. It pays to know a little about the basics such as transportation, weather, do's & don'ts and an orientation of the city. Once you're there, go to a Tourist Information Centre first - that way you can get an idea of what is going on, so you don't miss out on the good stuff.
CARRY THE RIGHT THINGS WITH YOU
Always take an extra pair of clothes in your hand luggage - there's nothing worse than being in a new country, where you don't speak the language and where the airline has lost your luggage - at least you can have a clean change of clothes this way.
DON'T FORGET TO USE YOUR FAMILY CONNECTIONS
Very distant relatives are close enough when you need somewhere to sleep - and assure them you'll return the favour if they ever come down to this neck of the woods. Oh and hey - phone your Mum sometimes! - she wants to hear from you. (Thanks to Anita P for tips #8 & 9 - a $50 travel voucher is coming your way!)
In light of all these tips, just use plain common sense and intuition. Travelling should not be overwhelming or dangerous. In fact it should be one of the most rewarding and memorable experiences in your life... Enjoy!
Do you have any tips to share with first-timers? Let us know! You could win yourself a $50 STA Travel voucher.
Both Grant Eckert & Www.komailnoori.com are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Grant Eckert has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Security, Depression Cure and Mortgage. About Author:Grant Eckert is a freelance writer who writes about topics concerning travel and vacation planning including . Grant Eckert's top article generates over 90500 views. to your Favourites.