2 weeks in Newfoundland

One way to help protect your home while away on vacation is to make it seem like the homeowners are currently there. This can be done by setting up timer lights throughout the house. Lights can be placed on timers both indoors and out which will present an at home atmosphere. Those who perpetrate breaking and entering crimes will be less likely to target a home which has lights on and may opt for houses which are dark and obviously no one is home.

If you have any of these (AAA, Hertz, Avis, Hilton, etc.), going abroad may be a good opportunity to use them.

In case all your money, or all your gear, is lost or stolen.

Memorize PIN codes to credit cards so that you can use them with ATM machines to get cash.

Where pickpockets are a problem, carry your wallet in your front trousers pocket.

Use ziplock plastic bags for any items that could leak or possibly break in transit.

These see-through, zip-up mesh containers keep your clothes tightly packed and well-organized.

It's pretty amazing how much you can put into a backpack if you do a good job. By using rubber-bands, squeeze clothes down to a minimal size.

Easily stolen, so don't bring anything too valuable.

Ditch the bulky bath towel. There's only one way to go when traveling - microfiber travel towels. They dry quickly, are soft, incredibly absorbent, and roll up to take virtually no space.

Must be pretty sturdy. Glass may not be a good idea for some journeys.

Also handy for pulling out splinters

Ask your doctor to provide you with a letter for any prescription medications that you are taking with you. Keep medicine in original containers, if possible.

If you require prescription lenses in your glasses, take a spare pair of glasses with you. There is nothing worse than having your glasses break or losing them on holiday and having no spare pair to fall back on.

For international travel: consider unlocking your cell phone SIM card so you can use your phone there (purchase a local SIM in your destination).