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Flying tips<\/h2><\/li>
<\/span>Tips for air travelers<\/a>
Be aware of restrictions on the size and number of bags you may bring onto your flight. Many airlines now charge a fee for every checked bag or have lowered the maximum permitted weight limits for checked luggage. For a clear overview of what the airlines are charging for checked bags these days, and how large and heavy your luggage is allowed to be, read Airline Baggage Fees.
Do not lock your checked bags except with TSA-approved locks; otherwise, if your bag is selected for random screening, agents will have to break the lock to get inside.
Do not overpack your bag. Screeners will have a difficult time closing your luggage if selected for inspection, which will only lead to wrinkles and the potential for lost articles.
Carry all film with you onboard, as screening equipment for checked luggage can damage undeveloped film.
Place any packed belongings you don't feel comfortable with strangers handling in clear plastic bags.
Do not stack books and other documents on top of each other; instead, spread them out throughout your bag.<\/li>
By: IndependentTraveler.com<\/li>
1594 of 1710 people found this tip helpful. Did you?<\/div>
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<\/span>Outsmart the airlines<\/a>
With the airlines weighing bags to increase their fees, you can put many heavy items in your pockets. You could even sew extra large pockets inside of your jacket to carry more onto the plane and transfer them back into your carry-on later.<\/li>
By: IndependentTraveler.com<\/li>
2354 of 2771 people found this tip helpful. Did you?<\/div>
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<\/span>Earplugs and neck cushion<\/a>
When I'm flying, I always pack earplugs. Many times there is a poor child who is frustrated with being stuck in a tiny place for too long. Crying can be difficult to deal with for hours. Put the earplugs in and then the earphones. Find some nice music and voila! The sounds become relaxing. The other item is an inflatable neck cushion. It takes away the neck cramps when the music lulls one to sleep!<\/li>
By: IndependentTraveler.com<\/li>
1124 of 1216 people found this tip helpful. Did you?<\/div>
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<\/span>Put a \u201cFragile\u201d sticker on checked luggage<\/a>
If you simply must check luggage, ask them to put a \u201cFragile\u201d sticker on it, which helps ensure your bags will be put on top of the pile and be first off the plane. Also, yours is not the only black suitcase, so slap a sticker or red ribbon on it \u2014 anything that will help you pick it out in the crowd. Think airport security is scary these days? Try making it through customs with someone else\u2019s bag.<\/li>
By: NationalGeographic.com<\/li>
1062 of 1107 people found this tip helpful. Did you?<\/div>
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<\/span>Split up clothes when travelling with others<\/a>
When you are flying somewhere and especially if you have a few stopovers, divide the clothes between different suitcases\/backpacks\/bags etc. If one persons luggage doesn't arrive at the destination, they'll still have clean clothes available. Airlines generally don't compensate lost luggage for the first 24-48 hours so this will save you money if it happens to you.<\/li>
By: TravellersPoint.com<\/li>
830 of 885 people found this tip helpful. Did you?<\/div>
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<\/span>Static Control when flying<\/a>
Bring a couple of unused dryer sheets in your purse or carry-on to alleviate the embarrassing static cling of your clothes and fly-a-ways of your hair during\/after a flight. Quickly run one under your pants\/skirt and then over your hair and, voila! No more static! Plus, it leaves you smelling clean like a freshly finished load of laundry!<\/li>
By: Anonymous<\/li>
629 of 825 people found this tip helpful. Did you?<\/div>
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<\/span>Flights: meal clear up<\/a>
Flight attendants are often take ages to clear up after meals or handing out drinks during a flight - leaving you wondering where to put the remains so the table can be put away. Take a few small freezer bags (with tie handles) - put your rubbish in this and hang the bag over the coat-hook\/table clip in front of you. Result - no rubish and ice cubes safely stowed.<\/li>
By: MartinW<\/li>
599 of 736 people found this tip helpful. Did you?<\/div>
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<\/span>Tips<\/a>
If you\u2019re traveling with a pet you might want to ask your vet about a light medication for your animal. We call it \u201cdoggy dope.\u201d It will lessen the stress on your furry friend and you both will arrive at your destination a little less harried!<\/li>
By: Anonymous<\/li>
159 of 324 people found this tip helpful. Did you?<\/div>
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<\/span>Update phone book\/contexts<\/a>
Do not post about your trip online! That gives thefts an open window (literally and figuratively)<\/li>
By: Anonymous<\/li>
336 of 381 people found this tip helpful. Did you?<\/div>
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<\/span>tip for heavy suitcases\/ how to bring more<\/a>
- Wear a lot of things
- If you don't have room for jewelry - just wear it!
- Wear your heaviest shoes
This frees space in your suitcase and lets you take on more!<\/li>
By: Anonymous<\/li>
714 of 801 people found this tip helpful. Did you?<\/div>
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<\/span>store shoes in shower caps<\/a>
Many hotels provide shower caps in the bathroom. Use them to store shoes to keep the rest of your clothes and belongings clean.<\/li>
By: Anonymous<\/li>
280 of 302 people found this tip helpful. Did you?<\/div>
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<\/span>Beauty liquids<\/a>
Put cotton rounds in a leak proof container
Soak them with toner, make up remover etc
Save room in room the TSA Quart bag.<\/li>
By: Anonymous<\/li>
257 of 297 people found this tip helpful. Did you?<\/div>
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<\/span>Packing<\/a>
Always have more than one copy of packing list<\/li>
By: Jessie Marie<\/li>
292 of 342 people found this tip helpful. Did you?<\/div>
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<\/span>You only need to take one pair of underwear!<\/a>
If you are traveling for several days, underwear can take up a fair amount of space in your luggage, especially for men. So, why not just ditch that extra weight and regain some space by only taking one pair?
After traveling extensively for work, I learned to save that space by purchasing quick-drying underwear. There's no need to spend a premium on underwear labeled \"quick-dry\", though. Just look for features that will help the garment dry overnight.
For women, consider purchasing non-cotton underwear with mesh. Look for ones that have lacy panels and they can substitute for lingerie! For men, there are new options to the tired heavy cotton briefs. Consider non-cotton, thin briefs or boxers. You may even find some with those sexy mesh panels as well! Although they may be a bit pricier than the standard fruit-of-the-loom, you will only need to take two or three with you, regardless of how long your trip will be! Once you find the perfect drawers that will dry overnight, you can significantly decrease the number that you must pack! Here's how:
1. If you are staying at the same location throughout the trip, you only really need to pack one pair (assuming you wear a pair on travel-day). When you shower and put on the clean pair, immediately wash the dirty one. I usually use soap or shampoo and wash them while I'm still in the shower. Hang them up and they will be ready for the next day! I have a special hangar with a clothespin that will hang from the shower curtain rod. Only you and the housekeeper need to know they're there! Just keep alternating and washing! CAVEAT: I usually throw in two pairs just in case I have an underwear emergency and split a seam or something but I've never really needed the extra pair.
2. If you will change hotels during the trip, you will need to take two pair of underwear (plus the pair you are already wearing). I made the mistake of not having that extra pair one (and only one) time. After driving to my next destination with a pair of wet underwear hanging in the car window I've never made that mistake again! Okay, maybe I did but a few minutes with the hotel room hairdryer took care of it, privately.
3. I have never tried this but I have some friends who purchased disposable underwear for a cruise. They said that they felt nice, almost like the non-disposable variety, but they do cost a bit and, initially, you'll still start off with those 14 pairs filling your luggage. It only helps out on space towards the end of the trip as you throw them away. One thing I thought was hilarious was that my friend said the disposables could even be washed and re-worn a couple of times. They could have just gone with #1 or #2 above and saved a few bucks!<\/li>
By: TravelingOne<\/li>
60 of 92 people found this tip helpful. Did you?<\/div>
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Packing tips<\/h2><\/li>
<\/span>Nalgene\/Small Bottles<\/a>
Use nalgene\/small bottles to pack toiletries and other small items. There are several sturdy and (very nearly) waterproof ones, with clear\/see through ones being preferable (easier for security purposes). You can also use small bottles to repack shampoo or lotions so that you don't have to always carry a big bottle with you. This is especially useful if you normally take these items in your carry-on luggage, which as of early 2007 is much more restricted than before.<\/li>
By: TravellersPoint.com<\/li>
614 of 665 people found this tip helpful. Did you?<\/div>
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<\/span>Rolling your clothes<\/a>
Backpackers swear by this method. Rolling works well with pants, skirts and sports shirts. Lay the item face down, fold back the sleeves and then roll from the bottom up.<\/li>
By: IndependentTraveler.com<\/li>
1466 of 1589 people found this tip helpful. Did you?<\/div>
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<\/span>Fold clothes together<\/a>
Take two or more garments, for example trousers, and lay half of one pair on top of the other. Fold the one on the bottom over the pair on the top. Then take the other and fold it on the top. This gives each pair some cushion where you've folded it so it's less likely to crease or wrinkle in the folds.<\/li>
By: IndependentTraveler.com<\/li>
712 of 798 people found this tip helpful. Did you?<\/div>
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<\/span>The bundle approach<\/a>
This ingenious method of packing, which we learned from Judith Guilford, co-founder of the Easy Going travel store and author of the \"The Packing Book,\" has now become our favorite. It's a bit difficult to explain without a demonstration, but we'll do our best. You need luggage that opens up and lays flat to do this. You will also need a flat, soft, pouch-like rectangular \"core\" with dimensions that are at least 1\/2 to 3\/4 the size of your luggage compartment. This can be a pouch filled with underwear or something similar.
Start with your sports jacket or the longest, most wrinkle-prone item you have. With the collar or waistband flat, place it against the bottom edge of the bag and drape the rest of the garment over the opposite side of the bag. Take another garment and place it in the opposite direction, flattening and smoothing out both garments in the bag and draping the remainder over the side. If you have trousers or other narrow items, do the same with them in the narrow direction of the bag. Keep alternating your items, ending up with the most wrinkle-resistant clothes you have.
When you finish, place your \"core\" in the middle. Now you're going to start folding the garments over the core and each other in the reverse order you put them in. If you fold something over and there's excess draping over the sides of the bag, tuck it underneath the bundle you are creating.
What you will end up with is a bundle of all of your clothes that looks like a pillow. You can pick it up in one piece. It's compactly packed and doesn't waste an available space in your luggage. Plus, because of the way things are folded, your clothes will wrinkle less.
To find something in the bundle, lay it flat and unwrap until you reach the layer you want. Take the item out and refold the remainder. If done properly each layer should result in a self contained bundle at each layer.<\/li>
By: IndependentTraveler.com<\/li>
353 of 462 people found this tip helpful. Did you?<\/div>
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<\/span>For delicate items, try tissue paper<\/a>
For delicate items, try tissue paper. Lay the item face down and place tissue paper on top. Fold it up with the tissue paper inside. Use additional layers of paper as you fold the garment so it is completely wrapped in and around paper. This is easy enough the first time you pack, but becomes a pain if you have to keep repacking. We only use this approach for evening clothes that we don't want to crush.<\/li>
By: IndependentTraveler.com<\/li>
145 of 194 people found this tip helpful. Did you?<\/div>
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<\/span>Sheet\/Bedding Casing<\/a>
Most comforters, sheets and pillowcases are sold in sturdy, rectangular, clear plastic casings. These casings, which are quite durable and usually have a zipper, closely resemble \"packing cubes,\" zippered containers that help travelers organize luggage. In fact, they're pretty much the exact same product. You can save a Jackson by saving your sheet casings: a set of three packing cubes retails for $17.95 plus shipping on RickSteves.com. I actually prefer using plastic sheet casings to retail packing cubes, which are usually opaque, because the clear casings allow me to easily find my belongings.<\/li>
By: IndependentTraveler.com<\/li>
268 of 313 people found this tip helpful. Did you?<\/div>
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<\/span>Toiletries packing tips<\/a>
If you are staying at a major chain hotel that will offer complimentary toiletries -- use them! Don't bring your own 24-ounce shampoo and conditioner bottles to the hotel and then stuff the hotel ones in your suitcase to take home. If you don't use them on the road, you'll probably never use them at home.
There are lots of products that have multiple uses. Opt for a shampoo\/conditioner combo. Bring a tinted moisturizer with SPF. Let your moisturizing body wash double as a shaving cream. Share your shampoo, soap or toothpaste with your traveling partner. Buy a make-up compact that contains more than one color, such as an eyeshadow quad.
Lose the bulky containers. Instead, try zip-top bags. We stuff and pour everything we can into them, including hair products, lotions, cotton balls and even sunscreen. (Note: Do not put large liquid-filled zip-top bags in your carry-on luggage; according to TSA regulations, liquid-filled containers may be no larger than 3.4 ounces by volume.) To prevent spills, put all of your liquid-filled baggies in a larger plastic grocery bag -- and be sure not to pack it next to any fishing rods or freshly sharpened pencils.<\/li>
By: IndependentTraveler.com<\/li>
609 of 676 people found this tip helpful. Did you?<\/div>
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<\/span>Jewelry and Valuables<\/a>
Rule of thumb -- if you can't imagine living without your grandmother's wedding ring or your expensive Movado watch, it's best not to cart it overseas, where tourists are common targets for thieves and luggage often gets lost in transit. You may think you look like an icon of style, but to criminals and con-artists you appear as an icon of opportunity. It's also wise not to look like a million bucks if you're trying to bargain with the locals, and sparkly jewelry may set you apart from the natives when you're trying to fit in.
If you must bring your jewelry, keep it in the hotel safe except for special occasions such as dinner in a nice restaurant, and be sure it's covered by appropriate insurance. Most homeowners' policies will not cover jewelry if it's lost or stolen while traveling, so you may need to purchase a separate policy.
Pack any valuables you buy while on your trip (and any of your own that you decide to bring) in your carry-on. As we all know, checked bags sometimes disappear into the mysterious black hole of lost luggage.<\/li>
By: IndependentTraveler.com<\/li>
326 of 361 people found this tip helpful. Did you?<\/div>
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<\/span>Don't pack more than one guidebook<\/a>
Some of us are practically addicted to these little gems of information. Then again, a stack of books can be quite heavy. One good, comprehensive guidebook should do the trick.
If you are convinced that each of your 11 guidebooks offers unique and vital information about your destination, cart them to your office or the library and photocopy your favorite sections.
Lonely Planet offers mix-and-match guidebook chapters that can be downloaded a la carte on its Web site. This allows travelers to purchase and pack only the sections they need.
Research the location of an Internet cafe or two at your destination before you leave. If you are afraid of not having access to travel information during your trip, you can always find it on the Web.<\/li>
By: IndependentTraveler.com<\/li>
182 of 208 people found this tip helpful. Did you?<\/div>
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<\/span>Plastic Bags<\/a>
It is always handy to have a few plastic bags around certain items, especially toiletries. Not only does it counter any leaking, the bags can also come in useful to keep dirty clothes in, as garbage bags or even as a makeshift umbrella. Ziplock or other airtight plastic bags are the best.<\/li>
By: TravellersPoint.com<\/li>
475 of 495 people found this tip helpful. Did you?<\/div>
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<\/span>Suitcase lovers<\/a>
For those using suitcases without a divider. A piece of cardboard makes an excellent divider and helps keep your clothes organized and neat as you are able to lay them out flat on the cardboard. It also makes airport inspections a lot less of a hassle as you can lift out your divider with clothes on top easily.<\/li>
By: TravellersPoint.com<\/li>
371 of 429 people found this tip helpful. Did you?<\/div>
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<\/span>Items with batteries<\/a>
When packing a flashlight or torch (or any other item with batteries for that matter), turn the batteries around so that if the item is accidentally turned on, you won't empty the batteries. Don't forget to turn the batteries back around when using the flashlight.<\/li>
By: TravellersPoint.com<\/li>
478 of 508 people found this tip helpful. Did you?<\/div>
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<\/span>Shoes<\/a>
If you want to make sure everything else in your bags stays clean and odor free, place the shoes inside old socks and then inside airtight plastic bags (ziplock).<\/li>
By: TravellersPoint.com<\/li>
492 of 549 people found this tip helpful. Did you?<\/div>
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<\/span>Saving Space<\/a>
Put small clothes in your shoes to save space while packing!<\/li>
By: Anonymous<\/li>
218 of 255 people found this tip helpful. Did you?<\/div>
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Tips for packing light<\/h2><\/li>
<\/span>Limit your footwear<\/a>
Female travelers commiserated over how tough it is to find cute yet comfortable shoes. Many said they travel with at least three pairs: walking shoes, basic ballerina flats, and flip-flops.<\/li>
By: Frommers.com<\/li>
515 of 570 people found this tip helpful. Did you?<\/div>
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<\/span>Don't Pack things you can buy there<\/a>
Yes, things you can buy at home are often more expensive overseas. This is especially true in Europe, so a traveler who's flying across the pond may want to pack extra everything in the interest of saving money. But again -- think of the luggage weight fees. Simple items that you may need but can probably live without, like aspirin, nail polish remover, extra razors or reading material for the plane, can usually be purchased at drug and convenience stores in many destinations.
Remember that if you decide to buy a lot of your items abroad, you will have to create room in your suitcase to cart them back home. Buy sample-sized items if you can to save space and money.<\/li>
By: IndependentTraveler.com<\/li>
328 of 369 people found this tip helpful. Did you?<\/div>
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<\/span>Discard old clothes along the way<\/a>
Lighten your load as you go, leave behind worn-out T-shirts, old pajamas, no-longer-white socks, and other items that need to be replaced.<\/li>
By: Frommers.com<\/li>
278 of 337 people found this tip helpful. Did you?<\/div>
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<\/span>Packing light: clothes<\/a>
Clothes tend to make up the bulk of most travelers' suitcases, and reducing the number of outfits you pack can lighten your load significantly. No one wants to run out of clean underwear in the middle of the Brazilian rain forest, but it's possible to find a comfortable balance between wearing the same stinky jeans and T-shirt the whole trip and changing your outfit three times each day like a celebrity.
If you're going on, say, a seven-day trip, spend a week before you leave keeping track of everything you wear. Make a list, or, if you learn better with visual aids, keep these items together in a laundry basket. Then figure out which items you can do without.
Bring clothes in neutral colors that you can mix and match, and only pack shoes that can be worn with multiple outfits.
Check the weather at your destination before you leave, and pack accordingly. If the weather deviates significantly from the forecast, you can always buy a sweater or rain poncho and keep it as a souvenir.
Many travel supply companies sell small packets of laundry detergent (you can also find these at a laundromat). It only takes a few minutes to wash your clothes in your hotel sink and hang them on a hanger to dry. When you wake up the next morning ... hello freshly washed clothes!<\/li>
By: IndependentTraveler.com<\/li>
496 of 532 people found this tip helpful. Did you?<\/div>
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<\/span>The Golden Rule<\/a>
Take half of the clothes you were planning to bring and twice the money. I cannot stress how true this is.<\/li>
By: NationalGeographic.com<\/li>
1462 of 1616 people found this tip helpful. Did you?<\/div>
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<\/span>Mix and match<\/a>
Bring three shirts and three \u201cbottoms.\u201d That\u2019s 9 outfits.<\/li>
By: NationalGeographic.com<\/li>
571 of 614 people found this tip helpful. Did you?<\/div>
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<\/span>Jackets and sweaters<\/a>
Jackets and sweaters take up a lot of precious bag space and weigh you down. Unless you\u2019re going to Russia in winter, layers work just as well.<\/li>
By: NationalGeographic.com<\/li>
165 of 182 people found this tip helpful. Did you?<\/div>
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<\/span>If you can bear it, stay away from jeans<\/a>
They absorb dirt (and odors), are bulky and take days to air dry. Cotton and khaki are the way to go.<\/li>
By: NationalGeographic.com<\/li>
770 of 883 people found this tip helpful. Did you?<\/div>
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<\/span>If it\u2019s important and can\u2019t fit into your daypack, leave it at home<\/a>
Stuff gets stolen no matter where you go. As big as a pain as it is, I am constantly carrying my computer, cameras, etc. on my back \u2014 and in crowded places, as ridiculous as it looks, in front of me.<\/li>
By: NationalGeographic.com<\/li>
314 of 340 people found this tip helpful. Did you?<\/div>
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General travel tips<\/h2><\/li>
<\/span>Nylons<\/a>
Duct tape is the ultimate fix-all travel item. Nylons are a close second. You can use old nylons to bind up a broken suitcase, to tie around your luggage for easy identification in baggage claim, as a laundry line in your bathroom or to use for washing delicate items (instead of a mesh bag). Keep your old soap scraps, stuff them in an out-of-use stocking and you have a free exfoliating soap scrubber to use in the shower<\/li>
By: IndependentTraveler.com<\/li>
236 of 298 people found this tip helpful. Did you?<\/div>
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<\/span>Kindle<\/a>
Books are sexy. So are vinyl records. But save yourself the extra pounds and fill your Kindle with every book\/country guide you need and stick to your iPod.<\/li>
By: NationalGeographic.com<\/li>
369 of 435 people found this tip helpful. Did you?<\/div>
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<\/span>Local Tourism Offices<\/a>
The best source of information is usually local. Check out Tourism Offices to find unbiased feedback on the best accommodation to suit your needs. Excercise caution in countries where you feel the information might not be so unbiased!<\/li>
By: TravellersPoint.com<\/li>
110 of 135 people found this tip helpful. Did you?<\/div>
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<\/span>Organise things to do<\/a>
Make a list of things that you plan to do while away. Do some research on the internet about your holiday destination. There may be special events on that you can only attend if you book in advance. Planning what you're going to see will make it a lot easier to relax when you're on holidays!<\/li>
By: TravellersPoint.com<\/li>
217 of 233 people found this tip helpful. Did you?<\/div>
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<\/span>Water Shoes<\/a>
Water shoes are invaluable to protect sensitive feet from hot sand, rocky\/slippery ocean shores or hard boat decks. Get an inexpensive pair and be sure to rinse the salt water out after a day's wearing. <\/li>
By: Anonymous<\/li>
213 of 227 people found this tip helpful. Did you?<\/div>
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<\/span>Travel Clothing<\/a>
If you're a frequent traveler, invest in travel clothing, such as vests, pants, shirts and jackets that have extra hidden pockets. Stow your gear away in these pockets and keep the pickpockets at bay! <\/li>
By: Anonymous<\/li>
225 of 252 people found this tip helpful. Did you?<\/div>
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Money & documents tips<\/h2><\/li>
<\/span>Carrying cash<\/a>
The golden rule for travel money is never keep all your eggs (money) in one basket (your bag or wallet). If you get robbed or lose your stuff, you lose everything. Even if you plan to use a bank card for everything, carry a useful amount of cash in an easy-to-change currency hidden somewhere separate from the rest of your valuables.
Everyone has their own trick for hiding the emergency stash. Money belts, secret pockets, a ziplock bag tucked into the lining of your suitcase, an old film canister in your washbag \u2013 after all, when was the last time you heard of somebody stealing a washbag?<\/li>
By: LonelyPlanet.com<\/li>
622 of 644 people found this tip helpful. Did you?<\/div>
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<\/span>US dollars, British pounds and Euros are the easiest currencies to change<\/a>
Particularly in the developing world. Even if all the banks and moneychangers are closed, you can usually find a shopkeeper who is willing to exchange a few bills. Keep enough aside to support yourself for several days and use smaller denomination bills, so you don\u2019t have change everything at a disadvantageous rate.<\/li>
By: LonelyPlanet.com<\/li>
141 of 150 people found this tip helpful. Did you?<\/div>
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<\/span>Traveling with credit cards<\/a>
1. Make sure your credit or debit card is accepted in the country you plan to visit.
2. Call your bank and tell them where you are going and when, so they don\u2019t block your card the first time you use it on your travels. Many banks allow you to do this online.
3. Never let your card out of your sight. Most credit card scams require time alone with your card \u2013 if you don\u2019t see an electronic-point-of-sale machine, play it safe and pay with cash from an ATM.
4. Keep the emergency phone number handy \u2013 that means the local police and the international number to cancel your cards if need be.
5. Check the layout of the keypad on the ATM. Loads of travellers lose their cards by entering the right pattern but the wrong numbers on a foreign ATM keypad.
6. Always carry back-up cash or travellers cheques. ATMs rely on an electricity supply and a phone signal, two things that are notoriously unreliable in the developing world.
7. Be aware of bank charges - banks charge a fee for every withdrawal, and most offer poor exchange rates for credit and debit cards.
Identity theft has made some people reluctant to use their main bank card overseas, but lots of companies offer pre-paid cards that take the risk out of travelling with plastic. Charge the card with as much as you like, and you can use it like a debit card when you travel. As an added bonus, most cards offer favourable exchange rates, and you can recharge the card by phone or SMS.<\/li>
By: LonelyPlanet.com<\/li>
383 of 391 people found this tip helpful. Did you?<\/div>
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<\/span>Traveler's cheques<\/a>
While cash is great in an emergency, it does have one big disadvantage \u2013 if it gets stolen or lost, you\u2019ll never see it again. Travellers cheques on the other hand are accepted by banks and moneychangers all over the world and are easy to replace if lost or stolen. So long as you have the receipts and the emergency phone number, you can get new cheques in a matter of days, though you may have to travel to a local agency to pick them up.
The global proliferation of ATMs \u2013 they even have them high in the Himalaya \u2013 has made this a less fashionable option. Cheques are no longer as widely accepted as they used to be, and changing cheques can involve drawn-out bureaucracy and yards of red tape. If you do take cheques, Thomas Cook and American Express are the most widely accepted brands.
Before you buy cheques, contact the issuer to find out how widely cheques are accepted in your chosen destination, and which currency the cheques should be drawn in. If in doubt, carry cheques in US dollars, the unofficial second currency in most of the developing world. Bring a mix of denominations, keep the receipts separate from the cheques, and save the emergency phone number somewhere safe.<\/li>
By: LonelyPlanet.com<\/li>
89 of 108 people found this tip helpful. Did you?<\/div>
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<\/span>Wiring money<\/a>
Western Union and Moneygram have agents all over the world where you can receive a wire transfer from home, but you pay a premium for the service \u2013 sometimes as much as 30% of the transfer amount. Just pray you have an understanding relative!<\/li>
By: LonelyPlanet.com<\/li>
51 of 68 people found this tip helpful. Did you?<\/div>
Yes<\/span><\/a>
No<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
<\/span>Split up your valuables<\/a>
Split up your bank cards, cash, travellers' cheques and credit cards as much as possible in different pockets, your bags and wallet when packing. In case you do get robbed, at least you won't be strapped for cash (unless you have all your bags AND your wallet stolen of course!).<\/li>
By: TravellersPoint.com<\/li>
239 of 247 people found this tip helpful. Did you?<\/div>
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No<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
<\/span>Avoid being pickpocketed<\/a>
No matter what city you're traveling to, tourists are always prime targets for pickpockets. Be smart about where you stash your valuables. Bags that you carry in front of you, like messenger and cross-body bags with secure closures, are good options. Just remember to place valuables like your wallet in harder-to-reach inside pockets, and use any outside pockets for things like maps, lip balm, and tissues.
If you're going to be in areas that are particularly crowded or notorious for pickpockets, carry your money, credit cards, and ID in a security pouch or money belt that you wear underneath your clothes. Look for versions with slash-proof straps like over-the-shoulder styles from Pacsafe (www.pacsafe.com). Eagle Creek (www.eaglecreek.com) and Magellan's (www.magellans.com) both make belts with hidden zippered pockets that discreetly conceal cash.<\/li>
By: Frommers.com<\/li>
446 of 460 people found this tip helpful. Did you?<\/div>
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<\/span>Old wallet<\/a>
If you go through a new wallet every year or two, hang on to the worn-out wallet and use it as a decoy when you're traveling. Keep most of your money and credit cards in a second \"real\" wallet or money belt, and then put some small bills in the dummy wallet. If you run into thieves in a foreign land, throw the criminals your dummy wallet and make a quick getaway.<\/li>
By: IndependentTraveler.com<\/li>
637 of 665 people found this tip helpful. Did you?<\/div>
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<\/span>Hiding Money (Women)<\/a>
Wearing a bra that has inserts for added padding\/pulling out cover for nipple area.
Put small very important valuables (money, cards, etc.) in a plastic bag, if you're a \"sweater\" roll it in a small sweat proof fabric. <\/li>
By: Lizzy<\/li>
177 of 202 people found this tip helpful. Did you?<\/div>
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Money saving tips<\/h2><\/li>
<\/span>Free samples<\/a>
Ever notice how the rows of travel-sized toiletries at your local drug store resemble free samples? The only difference is that travel-sized bottles aren't free. They can cost upwards of $4 apiece, and those costs really add up if you purchase a handful of travel-sized items. Instead, stock up on free samples. I'm willing to bet you have a number of sample-sized toiletries sitting in your bathroom cabinets that are fated for the trash can. If you don't have free samples sitting around, it's easy to score some. A number of product Web sites offer free product samples available through the mail, and sites like Walmart.com and Free Samples Blog will show you how to get them. Keep in mind that most companies require you to submit your e-mail address and other contact information in order to obtain a free sample. Be sure to uncheck the \"Yes, I'd like to receive product news and offerings\" box if you want to stay spam free, and don't enter your contact information on a company Web site without reading (and feeling comfortable with) that company's privacy policy.<\/li>
By: IndependentTraveler.com<\/li>
370 of 414 people found this tip helpful. Did you?<\/div>
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No<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
<\/span>Old towels<\/a>
At home I reuse my old towels untold times; they're good for dusting, cleaning up messes, lining animal beds and much more. On the road, my old towels take on new and exciting roles as disposable airline seat covers (these cost $14.99 from PlaneSheets.com and look very much like large towels), airplane seat cushions (just fold it a few times) and suitcase padding (wrap it around your breakables).<\/li>
By: IndependentTraveler.com<\/li>
241 of 331 people found this tip helpful. Did you?<\/div>
Yes<\/span><\/a>
No<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
<\/span>Old pillowcase<\/a>
Commandeer your teenage son's drool-soaked SpongeBob SquarePants pillowcase -- it's time he advances to more sophisticated bedding anyway. But don't throw it out! Travel supply stores sell similar sacks and pouches for $10 or more. Use that ratty pillow case as a dirty laundry bag (secure the top with a rubber band or tie it with something stringy if you want some closure), a shoe bag or a disposable just-in-case-this-spills bag to protect your liquid-filled bottles and tubes.<\/li>
By: IndependentTraveler.com<\/li>
354 of 406 people found this tip helpful. Did you?<\/div>
Yes<\/span><\/a>
No<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
<\/span>Paper shoes<\/a>
If your local nail salon gives you a pair of paper shoes with your pedicure, don't toss 'em the moment you exit the salon. Air travelers must remove their shoes and walk barefoot (yuck!) through the airport security checkpoint ... unless they have disposable paper shoes, which are permitted by the TSA. You can purchase disposable shoes from companies like Airport Booties ($10 plus $4.95 shipping for a pack of 10 pairs). Or you can snag a free pair of TSA-approved disposable shoes while treating your feet to some pampering before your next getaway.<\/li>
By: IndependentTraveler.com<\/li>
234 of 277 people found this tip helpful. Did you?<\/div>
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No<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
<\/span>Use a yogurt container as a tie protector<\/a>
Browsing on travel supply Web sites, I came across the innovative \"Tie Caddy\" ($5.95), which keeps packed ties wrinkle-free. There's also the \"Scarf Caddy\" for ladies. Both products are clear tubes filled with a \"patented winding mechanism\" that curls scarves and ties into neat rolls. While empty yogurt containers don't have an inner winding mechanism, they work fine as a scarf- or tie-protector if you don't mind taking the time (it took me about 60 seconds) to roll the thing up yourself. Make sure you clean out the yogurt container before you stick your husband's tie in there (unless he's been acting like a jerk lately).<\/li>
By: IndependentTraveler.com<\/li>
233 of 285 people found this tip helpful. Did you?<\/div>
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<\/span>Make your own reservations<\/a>
Many hotels and airlines offer additional discounts and specials for booking online.<\/li>
By: Anonymous<\/li>
213 of 266 people found this tip helpful. Did you?<\/div>
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No<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/div>
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