August 20, 2004, Newsletter Issue #15: Start Packing!

Tip of the Week

You can start by asking your travel expert for basic advice. If possible, before you even book your package, find out if he or she has actually stayed in a Fijian bure, visited the Great Barrier Reef in December, taken a bite out of the Big Apple, or whatever applies in your case. For example, if you’re going to an all-inclusive resort, you’ll want to know what sorts of clothing are commonly worn. If you’re going on a Mediterranean cruise, you’ll want to know whether or not to bring formal wear, cash for tipping, etc.

Your travel expert can advise you about the probable weather conditions to expect during your trip. You can also check out Weather Underground’s great websites or take a look at my newsletter , Honeymoon Weather, of April 2, 2004. Some very warm locales can get cool in the evenings. Some dry spots can become suddenly quite damp. You’ll want to plan ahead, if possible, so we’ll work on what clothes to take along over the next weeks. But there’s more to smart packing than clothes!

Find out whether or not your accommodations will include an iron and ironing board. If not, you’ll want to take along a bottle of wrinkle releaser (Downy makes a good one) that you can just spray onto creased or rumpled clothes.

Another question might be whether or not your rooms have a coffee maker. If you’re like me, you may want a cup of java before even heading out to breakfast. When traveling in North America, I take along a small (one-pint) electric water kettle, ground coffee, a two-cup coffee cone and filters. Also, your rooms may contain a hair dryer, Internet portal, or outlets that will charge your laptop, electric shaver or cell phone--maybe not. If you’re traveling abroad for the first time, be advised that our standard a/c appliances are generally incompatible with foreign outlets, so you’ll need an adaptor. No point in carrying useless gadgets!

Here are a few (probably obvious) non-clothing items to consider packing, no matter where you’re going:

A small clothing brush/lint remover

Manicure set and miniature sewing kit (not in your carry-on bags

Sun block and appropriate hats

Extra glasses, contact solution, sunglasses

Birth control (?), plus any prescription medications, all packed in your purse or carry-on luggage in their original containers.

Flip-flops and comfy shoes for sightseeing

Razors, brushes, toothpaste and floss, lotion, cotton swabs, makeup and small versions of all the stuff you simply can’t live without at home. Even in paradise, you’ll want to condition your hair, wax your mustache, or whatever.

A small first aid kit, including over-the-counter painkiller.

Gum and breath mints (trust me on this one)

Batteries and film for your camera

Travel alarm clock (check with the hotel)

If possible and/or necessary, some small-denomination cash from the country you’ll visit (for tips, cab fare, incidentals).

I’m packing for a short trip right now and, again, my best advice is to pay attention to what you use every day, find out if it will be available where you’re going and, if not, pack it!

As always, if you have any questions about anything honeymoon-related, feel free to ask me at the honeymoon site at lifetips.com.

Yours for TheBigDay,

Jill

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