For the past three weeks, I have been tossing "stuff" in my suitcase in preparation for a 3-week vacation in Khon Kaen, Thailand. These are the things I will need there, but don't need here on a daily basis. Things like, my portable DVD player, digital camera, books and magazines, gifts, and other miscellaneous items.



Now it is time to get down to the nitty-gritty. I did my laundry last night so that I would be all set to start packing my clothes.

There isn't all that much to pack when going to Thailand. I will bring two pair of jeans, two pair of slacks, ? dozen dress shirts and another ? dozen T-shirts. Six pair of underwear and 6 pair of socks, along with one pair of shoes, a couple pairs of shorts and one pair of shower slippers, should complete the wardrobe.

My travel toiletry bag is always packed. I just need to make a quick inventory and insure that I have the essentials and I will buy the rest when I arrive.

The other electronics will get packed right before I leave. I will bring my laptop and cable along with my cell phone and charger. These are usually the last two items I pack and they go in my carry-on bag.

The gifts I bought for my girlfriend, her mother and brother will take up the bulk of the two suitcases. Hawaiian print material, T-shirts, candy, stuffed animal, sleepwear, and some small knick-knacks will round it out.

My carry-on backpack will hold the laptop and cell phone as mentioned earlier, along with the noise cancelling headphones, camera, a book and a magazine, some mints and gum. Of course, the ticket, passport, itinerary, some Hawaiian chocolate macadamia nuts, and other small items will fill up about half of the bag.

When I get to the airport, I will stop by the duty free shop to pick up some cigarettes, so I will have to leave room in my carry-on for them. And, if I see something nice, I may get another gift for my girl.

When I arrive in Bangkok, I won't have to worry about currency conversion right away. I still have some Baht remaining from my last trip. This will easily see my through my first night and then I can exchange some cash to Baht in Khon Kaen.

I have already notified my credit/debit card company that I will be in Thailand and what the dates are so that they don't put a hold on my card. And I have some dollars with me just in case. I like to have multiple streams of money to access. I don't like traveler's checks because of the cost and only being able to cash them during business hours at a bank. Debit ATM card is the most convenient way to get Thai Baht for me.

I will get out my checklist and go over it once again. But, I think I am just about ready to go.

All I have to do is get through 3 more days of work, wait for my 0430 shuttle, and then the 15 hour flight and I will be on a glorious vacation with my girlfriend. Amen.