Packing Hints and Suggestions

• Government regulations require identification outside luggage.
• For safety, use a business address instead of your home address.
• For fast identification of your luggage, put a colorful wool ribbon on the handle or large, stick on label on the side of the suitcase.
• Take fancy, expensive luggage if you must, but be aware it attracts thieves who assume the contents are equally expensive and worth stealing. Instead, consider cheap, plastic suitcases that sell for under fifty dollars in most cities. If they last for 30 or 40 trips before wearing out, your per-trip cost to use the bag amortizes to a dollar or so.
• Place copy of itinerary inside suitcase, with name, dates, flights, etc., for luggage "catch-up" if lost.
• Traveler’s checks are safe. Use a money belt, put valuables and prescription medicine in purse or carryon, not suitcase. Thus, if suitcase is lost or delayed, you have the really important stuff.
• Leave expensive jewelry home (less tempting to thieves); take costume jewelry instead.
• Ask for manual check of cameras and film. One exposure to x-rays may not harm slow film, but they will accumulate if you go through several machines and can fog film after a while, although some airports claim that new machines will not fog film. The new, digital cameras are not affected by airport x-ray machines.
• For jet lag plan a simple first evening and take it easy the first day.
• Going abroad? Check medical and accident policies to see if they cover you.
• Put complete make-up on from your kit before leaving so you know if anything is missing. Aerosol cans must be partially used to allow for expansion. Tape container tops, pack in clear plastic zipper-lock bags. All liquids should be in plastic bags and have room in bottle for expansion from heat or altitude.
• Photocopy eyeglass and medical prescriptions, in case you lose medicine, etc. Pack medicine in purse, not suitcase. Make sure all medicine is labeled and in the original container(for possible customs inspection).
• Night flights: take a sweater. A cashmere sweater makes a good undershirt. If you find sleeping on a plane to be a problem, try one of those inflatable pillows. Get one with a cloth cover. They will keep your neck warm and your head in proper position to avoid stiff neck. For better sleep, don't drink alcohol on plane, but do drink lots of water.
• Buy some inflatable hangers (available in special travel stores and better department stores), to separate garments, faster drying. Take swimsuit for salons, pool, beach.
• Scotch tape is handy to mail packages, clean lint from clothing, emergency fix for hemlines.
• Take a small sewing kit and some Band-Aids.
• If you depend on eyeglasses, consider buying one of those inexpensive repair kits. They contain a tiny screwdriver, assorted screws, nose pads, etc. If your hotel has a concierge, don't hesitate to ask for help with such needs. They are usually well stocked with items for emergency repairs of glasses, clothing tears, etc. Ask.
• Use warm bulb from hotel lamp to iron out wrinkles. Remove from lamp first, of course.
• Hang garments in hotel bathroom or shower stall first night, turn on hot water until steam fills area. Leave hanging overnight to get rid of travel wrinkles in clothes.
• Leave photocopy of itinerary with family, office, friend, in case they need to contact you.
• Leave a copy of your travel documents (driver’s license, birth certificate and/or passport) and credit cards with someone at home in case you need to have them faxed to you after losing your set. 
• Need pants, skirt hanger? Try top drawer of bureau.
• Notify airline in advance for kosher, dietetic, seafood meal when you make your reservation.
• Prepare stick-on labels at home to send postcards, letters, while on trip.
• Keep seat belt lightly clasped at all times you are in seat.
• Packed troubles in a box and leave behind.
• If you are traveling with someone, pack half your clothes in his bag, and carry half his in your luggage. Then if one bag gets lost, you at least have half your things.

Hot tips from our friends

• Try this folding technique to reduce wrinkles.