May 30, 2003 08:24 AM
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(Updated May 30, 2003 09:07 AM)
When you plan on a vacation, you need to plan on your packing at first. You have to decide on what to take for yourself, your dresses, personal items and if you are making an International travel, that means you will be taking gifts for your relatives and friends as well.
If it is a short one-day trip to a picnic spot, you are just going to pack your food items in a basket, a big water cooler, lots of disposable tumblers, plates, forks, spoons, paper tissue etc.
It you are planning on a vacation, which involves plane travel that will have a different kind of packing. Camera is the most important thing that we take with us for all vacations. You must not put your film in your checked baggage. The new security systems can destroy your film. Consider putting your film in your carry-on.
Airlines are much stricter about your luggage. They check how many pieces you check in, how much they weigh, and how large they are. When you go to the airport, the airlines supply their check-in counter areas with luggage sizers, which are metal frames in which you can test your carry-on. . Place your carry-on inside the sizer. If it doesn't fit, you are supposed to check it in. So make sure your carry-on is no longer than 22 inches. Traveling light is always good.
Traveling light has a number of advantages. First, if you travel light you are often able to take all your luggage as carry on. When your luggage is carry on you won't lose your luggage. If you really need to change your clothing or get something out of your bag you can. Another advantage of traveling light is you are able to handle your luggage yourself without anybody’s help.
When packing your dress, you should select clothing, which can be mixed and matched, and colors, which coordinate. If you are traveling for more than a week you will be washing your clothing during the trip. The fabric used in the clothing can make a significant difference in your ease of travel. You will want to have wrinkle-resistant or wrinkle-proof clothing so that you don't have to iron. If you are washing your clothing yourself, you want your clothing to be made from a fast drying fabric such as washable silk, or polyester. Levi's can take about two days to dry. Still you can pack a pair of Levis, if you are comfortable with it. Wearing it for the travel makes it so easy that you don’t even have to pack it.
If you are heading for cold weather, you must pack a set of long-underwear. They can make a real difference in keeping you warm. A nice wool sweater (dark color) is extremely useful. Besides keeping you warm, a sweater can make you look dressier than you are. A jacket or a blazer can also be packed in.
You can pack a hat, if you are going to some sunny place, to reduce the risk of sunburn, to keep your head cool, and to protect your eyes from too much light. Don’t forget your sunglasses.
Regarding the shoes to be packed, you have to take into consideration the local weather conditions of the destination you are going to travel. In colder location, insulated boots are wonderful. In hotter location, sandals are great. You should always pack a pair of shoes that you would be comfortable wearing for a whole day while walking several miles. There is no harm in keeping a second pair of shoes for any emergency.
For travel you don't have to take full-size items like normal size bar of soap or a tube of toothpaste, but you can use the travel/sample size.
Your business cards are indispensable if you are on a business trip, but consider taking along some cards even on vacation. You never know whom you'll meet, and it's a good way to network
If you are like me, you will also pack in a magazine or two to read when you get time during the travel. I hope these tips are useful. Comments will be appreciated!
