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The Guide to Lightening the Travel
Load
Traveling with light luggage is a very basic, and simple guide. Yet it still
remains as the most violated one. Selecting the best travel
accessories* will help lighten the luggage load.
Surely, you have to pack everything that's needed for the trip.
Don't leave anything behind that would definitely be used, but
be practical about packing those things you "might need" or take
along "just in case". Your luggage might become a real heavyweight
burden. |
TO TOP
of Best Travel Accessories
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Selecting the best travel accessories* is a very important
consideration.
Here are some guidelines to determine what
to pack for those trips:
1. Consider the number of days for the trip.
If the trip will be within one to three days, all the things that a
traveler may need could fit in hand-carried luggage. Decide on the
number of clothes needed and add another set, in case of accidents.
More than that would just weigh down the baggage unnecessarily.
If,
upon arriving, you determine that the trip must be extended, you can
always shop for clothes or have the used ones washed. If you pack a
few accessories, just
mix-match these for a different ensemble.
2. Determine the nature of the trip. What type of events will
you
attend during the trip?
This will help in deciding what type of clothes to take. If you
barely have time to run or exercise in the morning, then, it will be
unnecessary to pack running shoes. If there is barely time for
social gatherings, then leave the formal evening outfits at home.
If unsure of the schedule during the trip, then choose clothes that
may be worn for casual and formal meetings and even formal dinner
parties.
3. When packing, roll the clothes carefully to maximize the space of
the suitcase. Place the heavier garments on the lower part of the
suitcase to balance its weight. The smaller garments, such as the
socks, should be placed to fill the spaces between the larger
clothes.
4. Ship accumulated souvenirs home instead of carrying them
home together with your
luggage. If these are fragile, make sure they are insured.
Another option is to have some clothes shipped home instead, and
pack the souvenirs with the luggage or in the hand-carried bag.
5. Our favorite 'Seasoned Traveler's' Tips and Suggestions on
selecting the best travel accessories and relaxation ideas:
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Put wrinkle free
articles in large plastic zip lock bags, roll them tightly to
remove the air, zip them closed and then lay them flat in your
luggage. |
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Pack a few extra
larger size zip lock bags for dirty clothes.
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Visiting a
foreign city? Buy a street map with English titles before
leaving home. Laminated maps are perfect when you're in Rome,
for example - trying to find your way to the Coliseum on a rainy or windy day. |
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A neck pillow* is
a welcome travel accessory, especially for long airplane
flights -- |
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-- so is an eye
cover*. It helps make napping easier on a long flight or if
your jet lag mixes up your body clock as you cross into new
time zones
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Don't forget ear
plugs* if noisy passengers keep you awake |
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A money belt*
that fits around your waist under your clothes will safely
hold your travelers checks, money, and other essential
documents |
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Carry a small
bottle of hand cleansing lotion in your purse or brief case -
clean hands are refreshing - and healthy |
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- same for
facial wipes or tissues. |
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Carry a small
magnifying mirror* in your purse |
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A travel tooth
brush* and small tube of tooth paste come in handy when taking
a long trip |
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Choose a battery
operated portable alarm clock* with easy to read numbers that
glow in the dark. |
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A good book,
magazine or word puzzle publication will help pass your waking
hours on a long flight. |
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Try to find one of the
popular fabric travel bags* that fold into a small and compact
size and pack it with your main luggage. It'll come in handy
when returning home with some of the extra items one always
seems to acquire on vacation trips. |
Lightening the load and
minimizing travel stress can help you arrive at your travel
destination less tired and more refreshed.
RESOURCES:
(*)Many of these
convenience items are available in popular local and online specialty stores
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