Travel Tips by Sharon Wingler

What to Pack?

February 29 2008

Twelve things to pack that might not occur to you Your vacation is coming up and youre wondering what you'll take. Could you use a little help from a pro? Few people pack a suitcase more often than I do. My twenty-nine years as a flight attendant have made packing almost second nature to me. Yet packing for a big vacation is more special and involved than packing for a little business trip. Two or three weeks in advance of your trip I suggest starting a list of things to take. I carry my list with me everywhere I go because ideas often occur to me while Im busy doing something else. I add to the list and edit it as I get closer to D-day (Departure).

There is nothing too small or too obvious to write on your list. I once almost left for Europe without my passport. So write down every item you intend to take and check off each one as you pack it. Heres a list of things I always pack things that might not occur to you:

Clothespin (or large safety pin or paperclip). Great for closing drapes that dont quite meet in the middle or for clamping closed a bag of snacks that you might have in your room. Corkscrew. Most countries produce their own wine. Its nice to have a bottle in your room to drink as a before dinner or bedtime treat.

Water. If your flight will be longer than three hours, consider taking a large bottle of water to drink. Also take a small spray bottle of water for your face. Its refreshing, soothing, and your only source of humidity for the entire dry, dry flight. Pocket Calculator. This is all youll need to figure exchange rates in foreign currency. Tape measure. Pack a tiny one to help you figure out foreign sizing when you shop. Washcloth. Most overseas hotels do not provide these so come prepared with your own. Earplugs. There may be a screaming infant on your flight. There may be an all-night disco in your hotel. The maid may vacuum the room upstairs at 7am. Your suburban ears may not let you sleep with city noise.

Large box of tissues. Most hotels overseas provide only a small packet of tissues if they provide any at all. Keep a fistful of tissues in your daypack to also use as toilet tissue when necessary.

Snacks. Take a small stash of trail mix, dried fruit or nuts in case you get hungry on a tour, in the night or when the restaurants are closed.

Xerox copy of all your important travel documents: passport (picture page), tickets, ATM card, credit card, drivers license, travelers checks, etc. If they get lost or stolen, you will know exactly what youre missing and have the numbers handy. Obviously, keep this paper separate from the items youve copied!

Candy to share. Take along some individually wrapped candies - not chocolate if youre going someplace warm. Offer these to hotel staff, taxi drivers and others youd like to be nice to. Its a great way to break the ice and meet new people.

Your "life story". You will meet many people in your travels. They will be as curious about your life as you are about theirs. Its nice to have photos to show of your family, friends and home. Include pictures of your pets, garden or hobbies as well as postcards of your town. You may be able to eliminate some of the things that I choose to bring. You may also think of things which, for you, are indispensable. Thats why its a good idea to start early in making your list and laying out the things you plan to take. Have fun with this and do not obsess if you forget something. It is a great adventure to shop for a "foreign" tube of toothpaste or bottle of lotion!