Every destination has its own challenges and situations to figure into the equation when you are planning a trip and packing. With every trip there are lessons learned and new items to figure in as well.
Two “lessons learned” came when I flew back from Bucharest after a Viking River Cruises “Passages to Eastern Europe.” I took along my big suitcase because I “needed” clothes for day, evening, jewelry, lots of shoes… Well, I am sure you get the picture. In addition to all this, I bought souvenirs and, in the end, my 28 inch suitcase was overweight to the tune of 100 Euros. So, working with eBags, I was able to try a 24 inch spinner. Not only was it just the right size for everything I needed for my two weeks in Vietnam and Cambodia, there was enough room for all my souvenirs and it was not overweight.
Another situation I found myself in when I flew home from Bucharest was several flight cancellations due to weather. In addition to the 14-hour flight, I spent two days and nights at the Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport, rented a car and ended up sleeping in the backseat because flooding blocked my route and there was no availability at any hotels.
I finally got home safe and sound, but my legs and feet were swollen. I never wore compression socks because I thought they were all white. After a search online, I found several cute styles at BrightLife Go. I wore one pair and packed a second pair for my return flight and did just fine this time — no swelling!
An ongoing problem for everyone is wrinkled garments, so working with Chico’s, I tried out a sundress and palazzo pants in their TRAVELERS collection. I couldn’t believe how great they looked after packing and hauling them halfway around the world.
A situation I often face is protecting my camera when it’s raining. Well, I discovered a camera rain sleeve featured in Outdoor Photographer magazine. The Op/Tech USA sleeve allowed me to protect my camera and be able to continue shooting. It comes in several sizes and is easy to carry in your camera bag. It worked perfectly when I was in Vietnam and Cambodia recently during monsoon season.
Another item I long ago stopped buying but now know how important they are is a destination guidebook. Having a comprehensive reference is invaluable while planning a trip and while on-the-road. National Geographic and JonGlez are two publishers offering excellent guidebooks.
For security, always carry an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) wallet or purse to make sure thieves don’t take your credit card or passport information. Lewis N. Clark has a large selection of RFID safe gear including a backpack/purse that I hauled all over Vietnam and Cambodia. It was roomy enough to carry everything I needed, but lightweight and with the cross body strap, easy to carry while on the go.
And last, but not least, Avon sells a combo bug spray/sunscreen. I brought the aerosol along to SE Asia and shared with my traveling companion. Results? No sunburn, no bug bites and one can lasted us both for two weeks!
What’s your favorite travel safely, convenience or innovation product? Comment here and let readers discover other great solutions!
Fantastic tips!! Thank you!!
Great Tips! I’ve been on the road a lot the last few years and for me lack of internet has wasted a great deal of time and money. In the countries I am able to , a data plan for internet, will become a must for me. A phone plan like Project Fi from Google allows you to buy data at a reasonable cost and make your phone a portable hot spot.
And for countries like Japan, where you have to buy pain relievers at the pharmacy, Advil and or Tylenol brought in your carryon can save you a night of pain if experiencing a tooth ache or headache while waiting for a pharmacy to open.
Thanks, Marilyn! I bought the Rainsleeve when I first saw your recommendation, and I’ve already had a chance to use it…no more stashing the cameras and missing pictures just for a drizzle!
And always a couple of small external batteries…
Rob…good point on the meds (I always have a vey small bottle filled with Advil, Ibuprofen and Immodium, even at home).
But another medication thought: Take careful notes of what you take at home, and shop for it while you’re away. You could be surprised. The Voltaren gel that has a $40 co-pay in my drug plan sells in Europe for about €7 over the counter. But be sure that it’s exactly the formula and dosage that’s been prescribed.
If you travel outside the US remember to keep prescribed and store bought drugs in their original packaging for those Customs searches – just in case. But most basic stuff can be had in supermarkets for under a dollar. Aspirin – Paracetamol – Ibuprofen – Gel and tablets. Immodium . Vitamins and Omega 3.