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When it comes to luggage, we all have had our share of
problems: cologne or perfume leaking all over your clothes, accidentally
opening up your luggage and dropping clothes in the airport or hotel
room, or, simply having your luggage not show up at the airport after an all day adventure flying the friendly skies. Here are a few
tips to help you avoid these problems, to ensure your luggage arrives on time and in
excellent condition, and to give you peace of mind while traveling.
To avoid liquid-covered clothing and shoes, use plastic bottles when packing. Only fill them to the ¾ mark in case they are crushed or the contents freeze and expand. Another good idea is to pack them in freezer bags to keep any spills contained.
When it comes to valuables, leave them at home if at all possible. Use locks on your luggage if you have them. Always put your valuables in carry-on luggage, not in checked baggage, which will be a safer option. If you do put valuables in your suitcase, place them in the bottom or hidden compartments so that a quick look in the suitcase won’t reveal them.
Some airports offer a shrink-wrap service for a small fee. This is a good idea to protect both the outside of your suitcase and the contents inside.
All travelers face the possibility of losing luggage. The best way to defend yourself from serious problems is to have a well-packed carry-on bag. This is the ideal place to store your travel documents, itinerary, and coupons. Also, keep valuables, such as jewelry and electronics in your carry-on. Keep a small booklet including addresses and phone numbers of friends, relatives, and your doctor, a copy of your credit card numbers and contact information, and a copy of your travelers checks.
Just in case you experience cancellations, delays, or your bags are lost put together a one-night stay package for your carry-on. This may include a toothbrush, underwear, contact lens supplies, moist
"towelettes", etc. Don't forget to put your medication in your carry-on. When it comes to medication, be sure to keep them in the original containers to avoid any security problems. Finally, keep a few one dollar bills on your person, to use for tipping porters and taxi cab drivers.
You’re getting ready to pack up for your vacation, and you need a little help?
- Start by making a list about 2 weeks before the trip. Carry the list with you during the day, and write down ideas as they occur to you. Add to and edit the list as necessary. There are a few things that might not occur to you which you might want to remember…
- Bring a clothespin or large safety pin to close drapes that might not meet in the middle or even for clamping closed a bag of snacks you have in your room.
- Bring water along, especially if your flight is longer than 3 hours.
- A pocket calculator is helpful to figure exchange rates in foreign currency…and hopefully avoid getting ripped off.
- Most overseas hotels do not provide washcloths, so come prepared with a few of your own.
- You never know when there will be a screaming infant on your flight or an all-night disco in your hotel, so bring along some earplugs. Your suburban ears may not let you sleep with the city noise.
- Take a small stash of trail mix, dried fruit or nuts in case you get hungry on a tour or at night when the restaurants are closed.
- Make Xerox copies of all your important travel documents: passport (picture page), tickets, ATM card, credit card, driver's license, traveler's checks, etc. If they get lost or stolen, you will know exactly what you're missing and have the numbers handy. Obviously, keep this paper separate from the items you've copied!
- Finally, take along some individually wrapped candies - not chocolate if you're going someplace warm. Offer these to hotel staff, taxi drivers and others you’d like to be nice to. It's a great way to break the ice and meet new people.
