Last night I was reading a book about Noah's ark to my sister's kids. One page had a picture of two kiwi birds, and I commented that they live in New Zealand.
"You sure have been to a lot of places, Aunt Marni," said my six-year-old nephew, Elijah.
He's right; I have been to a lot of places. At last count, I'd visited about 40 different countries--airport layovers not included--and I just added two more to the list. Which is why I feel qualified to post the following travel tips (in order of importance):
1. As long as you have your passport/photo ID and a credit card, you'll be fine.
2. Only take as much as you can run through the airport with.
3. Always carry some food with you, on your person, when you travel.
4. Always carry Benadryl, Pepto Bismal, and Tylenol or Advil when going to a foreign country. Yes, effective medicine exists outside the United States, but when you're sick is no time to start experimenting with drugs.
5. Pack your bulkiest clothes and shoes in your suitcase on your way to your destination, and wear them on your way home. That way, you have room to bring back the souvenirs you pick up during the trip.
6. Ziploc bags are very handy.
7. If you're not sure whether to take that sweater/scarf/jacket, take it. Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it (and have to buy one there).
8. You don't have to break the bank to have a good time when you travel, but don't pinch pennies either. Will you really be glad later that you saved that $15 on an entrance fee or once-in-a-lifetime cultural experience? When you get back, you're more likely to think of the great memories of your experiences than the fact that you're $15 down because of that one item. Put another way, it's not worth it to share an ice cream cone just to save a few bucks.
9. Just because you're on vacation is no reason to lose all sense of self-control when it comes to what you eat. Food is enjoyable, but so is still fitting into your pants at the end of the trip.
10. Take with you one item of clothing or outfit that you save to wear to dinner on your last day. You'll feel better going out for that last hurrah in something clean and fresh, particularly if you've been traveling for a long time or in rugged conditions.
What travel tips have you picked up over the years that you'd like to add to this list?
5 comments:
Awesome tips!
After having lost my bag in Italy so many times, I carry some items (a change of clothing and toiletries) in a carry on.
My bag...meaning my suitcases....not lost but delayed!
with the extra security now i buy toiletries ie toothpaste,deodrant,soap etc when i get to my destination-and leave them behind when i leave.and you can get most things almost anywhere now-so i tend to pack as light as possible
Both excellent suggestions! I've never thought of buying toiletries when you arrive, but it actually makes a lot of sense.
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