travelnecessities Mrs. Shomaker's Travel Planning:
PACKING:

1 nightgown or t-shirt
4 -5 pants/shorts/bottoms of some sort (6 at most)
4 -5 tops of some sort (6 at most)
1 wind breaker with hood
1 casual skirt or sundress (NOT dressy dress)
10 pairs of socks, underwear
1 bra (2 at most)
1 reliable pair of tennis/walking shoes
(sandals ONLY if you can't wear tennis shoes and if they are worn in)
2 extra teeshirts (for sleeping in or wearing) (3 at most)
1-2 bath towels
1 pillow case (do not bring a pillow)
soap
commercial shampoo w/conditioner already in it--don't take separate bottles
toothpaste/toothbrush
hairdryer ONLY if you can not survive without it
barrettes, hair bands, head bands, etc. (more than you normally use)
any other feminine items
deoderant (full container)
bandaids, neosporin
needle and thread or VERY small sewing kit for minor repairs
minimal make-up accessories--no more than one small pouch
any travel guides, language guides or books for plane trips, try to limit yourself to 4 items
pack of snack items--like crackers, etc.  (enough to last you the week)
VITAMINS ARE A MUST!  (kids chewables are fine)
Aspirin/Tylenol/etc. of some sort is a MUST! Most over the counter medicine is O.K.
sunscreen and a comfortable hat/scarf  if you have one
swimsuit or appropriate attire for pool/beach (if the opportunity becomes available)
CAMERA, AND AS MUCH FILM AS YOU CAN CARRY-TOO EXPENSIVE IN EUROPE
WOOLITE OR LAUNDRY LIQUID IN A SMALL BOTTLE
Spending $ in the form of AMEX traveler's checks and cash dollars (half and half)

COMFORT BEFORE BEAUTY--DO NOT BE VAIN!

DO NOT take more than 2 pairs of shoes
DO NOT take a whole new outfit for each day
DO NOT take pillows or blankets
DO NOT take more than 4 small books or 3 large books
DO NOT take any item that is even the slightest bit uncomfortable ever!!!
TRY NOT to take sweater material tank tops or shirts...cardigans are O.K. because you can take them off when you get hot.

REMEMBER:

1.  You need to carry on your person an entire change of clothes on the flight over.

2.  Ideal luggage consists of a suitcase or larger carry-on with wheels, a bookbag rolled up in the suitcase empty, and a carry-on containing the change of clothes including under garments, crackers, a bottle of water, a book, and all necessary documentation and money.

3.  A money belt can be helpful, but only the type worn under your clothes--either around your neck or waist.  DO NOT TAKE THE KIND WORN OVER YOUR CLOTHES IF POSSIBLE. Other ways to protect your valuables include:  a bookbag always carried in the front; a small wallet purse worn at all times; hidden places on your person such as shoes; etc.

4.  Disposal cameras are a good alternative to expensive cameras;  they take up room in packing, but as you use them, you create room for souvenirs.  Also, you don't have to risk such a large loss if something happens to a nicer camera.

5.  NO JEWELRY!!!!! FOR ANY REASON!!!!!

6.  No regular purses or pocketbooks.

7.  No keys from home, etc.  Anything you won't need, don't take.

8.  ALWAYS KEEP YOUR PASSPORT AND CASH ON YOU.  ATMS and credit cards are important for emergencies, but there are airport before you leave into the currencies you will need on your trip.  Not only will you already have the currency you need when you cross international borders, but it may help you to control your spending when you are dealing in currencies with which you are not familiar.  In addition, the rates here will be lower.  It is safer and more useful to take traveler's checks unexchanged.  DO NOT LOSE YOUR TRAVELER'S CHECK RECORD.  KEEP IT ON YOU WITH YOUR PASSPORT.

10.  Get to the airport at least 3 hours ahead of time.  Be ready to check in at the gate at least 2 hours and 15 minutes ahead.  Once you've checked in, feel free to go get a snack, etc.  HOWEVER, IF THE WEATHER IS BAD IN THE REGION, STAY IN THE VICINITY OF THE GATE.  YOU MAY BE ABLE TO GET AN EARLIER FLIGHT IF THE AIRLINE KNOWS THAT LATER FLIGHTS WILL BE CANCELLED.

9.  Try to exchange most or your American dollars at the airport.  THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT many places where cash is critical.

11.  Your health insurance may not cover you overseas;  you need to talk to your insurance provider for more details.
Last updated  2008/09/28 06:40:12 PDTHits  276