Dear Simply Juicy Traveler,
This is the second installment of my Top Ten Travel Tips. These tips, you might even c
all them insider "secrets" were born as a result of my own travel mishaps. But, as all girls know, good secrets aren't any fun unless shared with others. By taking a few extra precautions, you can help ensure that your trip is memorable for all the right reasons!
6. Keep a small flashlight in your luggage, preferably a flashlight that doesn't need batteries. You never know when you'll need it! (I used mine in Florence when I blew a fuse, and Niagara Falls during a blackout.)
7. Give a friend or family member a copy of your itinerary. Include all pertinent information such as travel dates, flight numbers and any hotel/ship/tour contact information. This way they can contact you if a problem arises at home. Conversely, the itinerary may be helpful if you run into complications while away.
8. When traveling overseas, carry a photocopy of your passport in a location separate from the original. This copy will become your backup, in case you loose your passport. (My son left his passport on an aircraft in London two years ago, and was allowed through British customs with the backup photocopy...without it, we would have been on the next flight back to New York!)
9. Don't SUPER-SIZE your bag! Pack two smaller suitcases instead of one big one. Smaller bags are easier for the TSA to screen and faster to process. Chances are, you'll have fewer problems with your luggage. Your bags are more likely to make it on the plane with you and their contents less likely be stuffed back in (remember the recent surge in baggage complaints?) With two bags, it's also less likely that you'll go over allowed the weight limit.
10. Use GALLON sized zippered plastic bags to organize and store items in your suit case. (Note:Carry-on liquids need to be contained in a QUART sized zipper bag) With the knowledge that someone is physically touching my clothing during the screening process, I choose to pack certain personal items like my underwear, pajamas, and bathing suit in clear plastic bags. (By the way, pack ALL jewelry, medication and film in your carry-on baggage. I found a favorite silver necklace broken after my check on was searched.)
I look forward to sharing more travel secrets in future posts. If you've got a tip that you'd like to share, send it to eileen@simplyjuicytravel.com for us to post. You may actually help make someone's trip a happy one!
All The Best,
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