| With today's heightened security in airports, it is | | | | on a short trip will prove to be aggravating. |
| perfectly natural to want to have your luggage with | | | | Thankfully, as hotels evolve even the "economy" |
| you when you travel. You want to be certain | | | | accommodations offer enough amenities so travelers |
| everything you packed for your business trip or | | | | need not pack everything and the kitchen sink. |
| vacation arrives intact, and vigilance can guarantee | | | | Coffee makers, irons, hair dryers, and other home |
| that. For extended trips, however, travelers are likely | | | | necessities are made available, though it is always a |
| to pack more, ultimately forcing them to check in | | | | good idea to check with your hotel to see what is |
| some of their luggage.It is important, therefore, to | | | | offered and what is not. For those traveling |
| pack efficiently and smartly any bags that must be | | | | overseas, if you need to take electrical appliances, |
| checked up front. Whether flying on a weekend trip | | | | make sure you have the proper adapters so the |
| or an extended stay overseas, know what is | | | | plugs will fit.Personal Grooming: When we forget |
| necessary to take and what is not as | | | | things like soap and shampoos, those little bottles at |
| essential.Clothing: Consider the trip, the places you | | | | the hotel are a blessing, yet you might not feel there |
| plan to visit and the length of your absence from | | | | is enough to suit your needs. Does this mean you |
| home. How many changes of clothing are necessary, | | | | should pack economy size bottles of everything? |
| and what types of clothing can you expect to wear? | | | | While the large bottles are nice, they are not always |
| Sometimes, you might find you have packed too | | | | necessary for a trip, and sometimes those bottles |
| much for a trip, resulting in wrinkled clothing upon | | | | can prove dangerous. Packed with clothing, there is |
| arrival. Or, you might find you have packed too many | | | | always the risk of damage, and opening your |
| formal items for a trip that didn't require it.Before you | | | | suitcase to find every outfit soaked with mouthwash |
| open your suitcase, determine exactly what is on the | | | | and smelling minty fresh.Determine what essentials |
| itinerary. Consult weather reports for your destination | | | | you need to pack - shampoo, makeup, toothpaste, |
| and, if possible, research attractions and restaurants | | | | etc. - and pack in a suitcase with a separate |
| for any dress requirements. If you are headed to an | | | | compartment. Medium size plastic bottles, no more |
| all-inclusive Caribbean resort, you might find all you | | | | than ten fluid ounces, is a good gauge. Make sure the |
| need is your swimsuit and one nice outfit! Check with | | | | bottles are not completely filled, in the event of |
| your hotel in advance, too, to determine what | | | | temperature changes in cargo that may cause the |
| laundry services are available or nearby. You may be | | | | plastic to expand or burst. Better yet, pack all bottles |
| able to pack half as much if you have such | | | | in an extra plastic bag to help ensure protection from |
| access.Accessories: Do you really need to pack an | | | | leaks.Knowing what to pack and how much is |
| iron? Can you live a few weeks without your laptop? | | | | beneficial to your enjoying a vacation. The less |
| Despite the gadgetry designed to make our lives | | | | encumbered you are by luggage, the less worry of |
| easier, it is not difficult to find that too many gadgets | | | | damage, theft, or loss. |