Travel Writers Offer Top Ten Packing Tips
Most people assume a travel writer should know a lot about the little things that trip you up when you take a trip--like packing. Despite good intentions, I always pack too much, yet sometimes manage to miss out on something I need or should have known I would need. I know, I know; I have heard the old rule, "Lay out everything you need, then cut it by half" before packing, but often forget it.
Well, the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) polled its 1,300 members recently to come up with some packing guidelines. For traveling overseas, these are their top ten tips:
1. Take a copy of your passport's first page, copies of all your credit card numbers and the phone numbers to call to report lost credit cards. Keep these in a separate location from your wallet or purse. It's also a good idea to leave copies of all these numbers with a friend or relative back home. Should you lose your passport or credit cards, having this information will be invaluable.
2. Take comfortable shoes.
3. Take two sets of all prescription medicines that you must take and pack them in different locations in case one bag gets lost. Also bring a copy of your written prescriptions, including those for eyeglasses and contacts.
4. Take an extra fold-up bag that you can unzip and fill with purchases as you travel. Make sure it is sturdy enough to bring back as luggage and include a name/identification tag for it.
5. Take your sense of humor and an open mind. (That's number one, in my book.)
6. Take a good guidebook. Sometimes they can be purchased in the country you are visiting, but it's best to bring one with you. Maps, however, are often cheaper and more available in the country you're visiting.
7. Takes lots of film. Film will most likely be fresher and cheaper in the USA.
8. Take a small flashlight, many countries have power outages and a flashlight can come in handy.
9. Take a small carry-on with an extra set of clothes. Should the worst happen and your bag is lost, you will have a change of clothes until your bag catches up with you. If you must take daily medication, bring a two-day supply with you in the carry-on.
10. Take photos of your home and loved ones. These do not add any weight and they make it easy to begin conversations with your new overseas friends.
Now, I should go practice what I preach. I hope this is of some help to every traveler!
