Many people who drive a small vehicle on vacation have found that the trunks of those vehicles will not accommodate more than one suitcase. Therefore, I pack my clothes in garbage bags rather than my suitcase.
It’s easy to arrange this soft package around some of the other, more rigid contents of my trunk. In addition to avoiding putting my clothes in suitcases, I also don’t pack my shoes in my suitcase but leave them free to be put between my other items.
National parks are some of the most amazing, breathtaking places on earth. And, they also have some of the most impressive souvenir shops! I like to pick up the official illustrated guidebook for each national Park I visit.
They’re filled with fantastic information, history, facts, spectacular photographs — and they are very reasonably priced. In addition, when purchasing a guidebook from a Park, you’re contributing to the operation of the entire Park System.
In short, these guidebooks are perfect mementos for some of the most memorable and beautiful destinations you will ever visit.
No need to buy fancy vacuum-packed bags for space-saving packing. Use one gallon-sized Ziploc bag for underwear, another for bras, and another for socks.
Fold (or roll) the items and put them in the bags (I can fit a week’s worth of each in one bag). When all items are in the bag, squeeze to force the air out, and zip it.
I put these in the lid portion of my suitcase, so security sees the bags clearly if they open my suitcase. Of course, an added benefit is that my things take up much less room than they otherwise would.
Airlines are skilled at canceling flights at a moment’s notice. Whether you’re traveling for business or for pleasure, this can be an enormous hassle — especially of you’re traveling with kids. Before flying out, be sure to program the airlines’ customer service number into your cell phone.
If your flight is canceled, you can call customer service immediately, as you head for the ticket agent line. Starting the rebooking process immediately, gives you a better chance of being re-booked on the flight of your choice.
To make the most out of your international trip, whether business or pleasure, skip the bus and taxi. Sure, they make getting around easier, but you’ll miss the flavor and excitement of your destination. Instead, ask your hotel concierge or front-desk clerk for a map and directions. Review them a few times to be sure you’re clear, and highlight your route — then hoof it.
But the most important tip: Write your hotel’s name and phone number on the map, just in case you get lost.
Even in large capital cities, walking brings you closer to the local culture, providing pleasures you might otherwise miss.