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Learning to pack light -- new regs present challengeBy Anne GarberVancouver, BC (Thursday, April 20, 2006) -- What a shock it was to discover diminishing baggage allowances on our annual trip to Europe last fall; and it's getting worse! Savvy travellers are finding ways and means to travel lighter and plan better. Tips for travelling light and minimizing stress:  Wear your heaviest or bulkiest pieces: a wool blazer, suit, sweater, boots. But also dress for comfort. I'll never forget the Princess type I saw boarding a plane bound for Hong Kong in a linen suit, with stiletto heels and -- honest! -- a wide-brimmed hat. On arrival, she not only looked as though she had slept in her clothing, but as if someone else had slept on TOP of her, too.
Don't over-pack your carry-on. If it has to be opened for inspection, you don't want everything falling out. Remember, though that you are usually allowed TWO pieces of carry-on, which could be a computer bag and an over-head-bin-size bag, or a camera or camcorder bag, plus another. Women's purses usually count as a bag, so take a small one that can be placed inside your official carry-on bag. Take clothes that do double duty, like pants with zip-off legs for conversion to walking shorts. When we travel, we wear all-black (including towels, if we bring them), which makes visits to the laundromat a snap. And no problems coordinating outfits, as everything "matches." Don't forget the empty spaces inside your shoes. Use them as places to stuff jewellery and socks. Invest in some travel-sized cosmetic products, or buy small generic bottles. Simplify your personal care products. Most of us carry around far more things than the few that we really use every day. Bring a selection of first-aid products, but don't become a walking pharmacy. Depending on the destination, you'll probably need little more than sun block, Band-Aids, Aspirin and a diarrhea medication to combat that common travel affliction. Note: Many medications are cheaper in Malaysia and in France -- but in the latter country, asprin is more expensive! We've discovered we can buy a number of prescription medications (like my husband's acid-blockers) far cheaper in foreign countries -- and in many, no prescription is required. Carry an empty Rx container or label to be sure the pharmacist understands the exact drug you need. Pack an empty thin nylon or canvas fabric bag inside your suitcase for souvenirs and duty-free purchases. Get rid of old luggage tags. Leaving them on may make you look like a seasoned traveller but they can confuse baggage handlers. Personalize your bag. A small coloured ribbon tied around the handle of a ubiquitous black suitcase distinguishes it from other similar ones. At evalu8.org, we recommend BagFinders. If you take your computer, carry it in a plain case, not one that has the brand name prominently displayed. As travel expert Doug Dyment of the website www.onebag.com says, "That Apple label actually says 'Steal me.' '' Maintain a packing list with the items that you should include. That helps you avoid forgetting necessities but also makes it easier to keep to the minimum. To make life easier and your check-in faster, dress defensively. Don't wear any jewellery or belt buckles that may trigger the metal detector. Even an under-wire bra may trigger it. Wear shoes that are easily removable. Keep a container of antibacterial hand cleaner in your purse and use it often. Nothing ruins a vacation faster than illness. A good resource for the dedicated light packer is The Packing Book: Secrets of the Carry-On Traveler, by Judith Gilford. For packing lists and other tips, check these websites: www.onebag.com or www.travelite.org. The Universal Packing List is a wonderful aid, too.
Anne Garber edits and manages the free consumer-support website www.evalu8.org, which highlights Travel, Movies, Books, Shopping, Food & Retail with impartial, expert-written consumer product and service reviews. You can write to Anne at: anne@evalu8.org . Back to TravelLady Magazine |
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