Be prepared for your trip and pack the "Perfect Suitcase"
Essentials you can't leave without!
There's a saying in the travel industry "there are two types of travelers: those who pack light and those who wish they did". With that in mind, you truly want to resist the temptation to bring all the "what-if.." shoes and clothing, and be as minimal as you can. Still, there are some things you just shouldn't leave behind and they are listed below. Before we get into that, I know that some people have their own "system" for packing. Some lay everything out on the bed so they can see where to put their belongings within the suitcase. I'm more of a "grab and go" type of person, so to make sure I don't forget anything, I write out a checklist with all the things I need to pack. This will give me a mental visual of how much to take.
First of all, pick out suitcases that are easy to identify. Or use bright luggage tags. Try not to use a common blue or black suitcase that can accidentally picked up by someone else. Don't use expensive, designer luggage that is easy to be spotted by unwanted eyes. To avoid losing them, don't bring expensive jewelry or items you're emotionally attached to.
Choose hard-shell suitcases that will provide better protection for your belongings. Plastic also keeps any bugs or dirt from attaching, as opposed to a fabric suitcase that could also allow moisture inside, in case of rain.
Use clear containers to "compartmentalize your belongings" and easily access them when you need them.
Ask your hotel if they have a hair-dryer so you don't have to take one. Ask them which specific toiletries they provide on a daily basis so you don't have to bring them. Remember, it's all about keeping it simple and minimal!
Dress in layers. Bring black pants and skirts, so you can easily "dress up or dress down" just by changing your top and shoes. Stick to neutral colors so you can easily mix & match.
Roll your clothes so they don't get wrinkled. If bringing back delicate items such as wine bottles, wrap your clothes around those on the way back or pack some bubble-wrap.
If you are going to Europe or a place with cobblestones, make sure to pack shoes with a grip on the bottom, not leather-soled. NEVER bring new shoes to wear.
Break them in before you go. Always pack shoes first, at the bottom of your suitcase, especially if you have an upright roll on, so the weight stays on the bottom.
If you're going out of the country: check on any visas you may need to apply for or vaccinations for that country. Also, check that your medical insurance is valid abroad or make sure you've purchased travel insurance before leaving.
ESSENTIALS TO PACK:
1. A travel book on the destination. Getting to know the history and culture before arrival will give you an advantage and make you feel more confident in asking about things. If you're traveling abroad, pack a phrase-book for basic travel language needs. Locals will appreciate your efforts to communicate with them, even if it's just a greeting, at the very least.
2. Cash. You should have at least $100 US and the equivalent in the local currency of the country you're visiting. In case there is no ATM readily available, this is your "immediate necessity" spending money, such as making phone calls, paying for coffee and a sandwich during your layover, paying the cab driver, etc.
3. Zip-lock bags. These are extremely useful, especially to keep your liquids from spilling in your suitcase during travel.
4. Hand-washing detergent packs (so you can pack less and wash clothes as you go).
5. Bring two credit or debit cards in case one doesn't work. Let your bank know when you'll be gone so they don't block your cards.
6. Hand Sanitizer and Small Tissue packs. As shocking as it may sound, some bathrooms, both public and private facilities, may not have toilet paper or soap to wash your hands.
7. Photocopies of your important documents (passport, credit cards, medication prescriptions), emergency contacts, and medical instructions. Keep the photocopies in a safe place, but separate from your actual documents. So if you lose one, you have the other.
8. Alarm clock, in case there isn't one in the room.(hotels offer a wake-up call service, but you still may not want to risk missing your 6:00am flight).
9. A duffel bag. You know you're going to shop. You may actually end up going over the weight limit for baggage allowance. Having a duffel bag with you will give you enough flexibility for a last-minute "extra weight removal" so you can carry it on with you instead of paying extra $$.
10. Flip flops. Many hotels do not have carpet and your little toes could get a little chilly on the tile.
OTHER USEFUL ITEMS:
- A small travel umbrella (although I just prefer to buy one on site, in case I need it. Then I just leave it at the hotel for other guests to use and "pay it forward"!)
- Compression stockings (unbelievably helpful!! They help prevent your feet from swelling up and looking like a ham-sandwich during a long flight!)
- Trash bags (separate dirty laundry from other clothes inside your suitcase)
- Journal (keep a record of your travels)
- Pocket calculator (for calculating exchange rates when shopping)
- Binoculars, if you wish to see more detailed views of the countryside’s villas and castles.
- Wash-cloths (for the ladies who use these). Many European countries don't use these and if you do find them in a hotel... they are most likely paired with the "bidet".. so for your own face's sake, bring your own.
IF YOU'RE TRAVELING ABROAD:
- An outlet adapter - for your electronics that need recharging. Make sure you get the right one for the country you're visiting (available online, at Radio Shack or Best Buy)
- A cell phone. Some USA carriers now offer cellular service in Italy (AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint). However, the roaming rates are through the roof. A better solution is to rent an international cellular phone (such as the service offered by PlanetFone www.planetfone.com) or set up a Magic Jack (www.magicjack.com) account or Skype (www.skype.com) to talk for free.
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