GOLFERS - CLEAN YOUR CLUBS, BALLS AND SHOES Traces of fertilizers used on the golf course can actually set off explosive-detection machines.
PROTECT YOUR LAPTOP COMPUTER Tape your business card to the top of the computer to avoid mistaken switches when you reclaim it after security screening.
BOARDING PASS HOLDERS with neck strap keep you photo ID (driver's license), Boarding Pass, and Passport (for international flights) handy and visible for those times you'll need to show them to Airport Security Personnel. To maintain your privacy, flip it over so your ID doesn't show when not needed.
DON'T LET A THIEF STEAL YOUR VACATION (or business trip). Protect cash, traveller's checks, passport and airline tickets by keeping them in a Money Belt, Neck Pouch, Hidden Pocket, etc., worn beneath your clothing. Men - put a large rubber band around your wallet, and put it in a front pocket. Pickpockets are professionals and can take it without your noticing!
PLAN ON GETTING "BUMPED" if you want to earn a free ticket or cash. Airlines often over-book flights and reward people who volunteer to be bumped with free tickets, travel vouchers, and/or cash. Schedule your flight early in the day (or a day early) so you can catch a later flight when you volunteer to be "bumped". Let the gate agent know you are willing to be bumped when you check in.
IF YOUR FLIGHT IS CANCELLED Head for the nearest phone (or use your Cell Phone) and call the airline reservation system instead of fighting the crowd at the counter. Before you leave, look up and jot down the numbers.
PACK CAMERA, FILM AND JEWELRY IN YOUR CARRYON. The checked baggage X-Ray machines will ruin film in one pass, where film can survive five carryon X-Ray machine passes. You don't know who will go through your checked bags, and TSA says they're not responsible for loss or damage - protect jewelry and valuables by carrying them with you in your carryon.
AVOID DVT (Deep Venous Thrombosis or blood clots in the veins) Try to get up and walk every hour, or move your legs around in your seat. Since you often can't get up/out to exercise, wear stockings that gently apply compression to your feet and ankles and calf (we recommend TRAVEL SOCKS - yep, we just happen to sell'em!), remove your shoes and wiggle your toes.
AIRPLANE AIR CAN BE HAZARDOUS TO YOUR HEALTH Avoid dehydration from the dry air by taking a bottle or two of water, and sipping frequently. Use eye drops to keep your eyes happy and your favorite lotion to keep skin from drying out. Recirculated air can carry germs - avoid swapping germs with your neighbors by wearing a surgical mask - especially if your immune system is compromised by illness. Cabin pressure is less than "normal" (unless you live in the high mountains) and alcohol can affect you more than at sea level. Use moderation in your alcohol intake. Planes (and crying children) are Noisy - Earplugs can make life more comfortable. Earplanes(R) brand ear plugs minimize problems with pressure changes as well as blocking harsh noise with a ceramix filter. Speaking of comfort how about a travel neck pillow too!
PACK HEALTHY SNACKS IN YOUR CARRYON Delayed flights, no food service, nothing on the menu you like - an apple, a few granola bars and/or some peanuts, etc. can come in handy.
SWEET! Scientists have found that eating melatonin-rich tart cherries can be a natural way to boost your body's melatonin levels to hasten sleep and ease jet lag. Reccommended comsumption of cherries for international flights: eat dried cherries one hour before desired sleep time on the plane. After arrival, consume cherries one hour before desired sleep each night for at least three consecutive evenings.
TAKE ALONG A SASE (Self Addressed, Stamped Envelope) OR TWO If security won't allow you to carry items aboard, you can mail them back to yourself. You'd be surprised at the number of Swiss Army Knives we sell to replace confiscated ones.
CHECK YOUR DESTINATION TAG during Airline Check-In, especially for flights outside the U.S., or your luggage might end up in MNL (Manila) instead of MIA (Miami); or DKR (Dakar, Senegal) instead of DAC (Dhaka, Bangladesh). It's also a good idea to put a copy of your day-by-day itinerary (including addresses and phone numbers for where you will be staying) in an outside unlocked pocket of your bags (checked and carryon). If it goes astray, they'll know where to send it to catch up with you. Also include your home, or office phone number. Put your e-mail address on itinerary and luggage tags.
MAKE PHOTOCOPIES OF ALL DOCUMENTS, ID'S ETC. Driver's License, Passport, Traveler's Checks, Airline Tickets, Medical Insurance Card, Credit Cards, Rx for medications or eyeglasses - keep a photocopy in your bag, and leave a copy at home with someone you trust - you can even mail a copy to yourself at one of your destination hotels. Makes it much simpler if things are lost or stolen. If going overseas, take along an extra copy or two of your passport photo. Where possible, take Rx's in original container with pharmacy information.
TAKE YOUR MEDICINE Where possible, take Rx's in original container with pharmacy and doctor information (ask your pharmacist to use the smallest possible container). Generic Rx names change from country to country. Your original Rx container will identify both generic and brand name medication prescribed as well as the prescribing doctor and the pharmacy's phone number. To quote TSA "Please make sure your medications are properly labeled with a professionally printed label identifying the medication and manufacturers name or pharmaceutical label. The prescription medicine must match the name on the passenger's ticket.
TAKE REVERSIBLE BELTS Avoid packing two belts by using ones that are black on one side, reverse to brown.
AISLE OR WINDOW SEAT? In high risk areas, request a window seat. If the flight is hi-jacked, terrorists tend to mistreat or pull out people in aisle seats. If travelling alone, choosing an aisle seat eliminates stepping across strangers when you want to get out of your seat. Aisle seats often fit a larger bag under the seat in front of you than window seats where the fuselage can curve into your foot, carryon space.
GO TO THE REAR OF THE PLANE Passengers seated at the rear are often boarded first, giving you the best shot at finding space for your carryon bag. Meal service often begins at the rear also, assuring you the best chance of getting the meal you'd prefer (assuming there is a meal service - if not, refer to the note above about packing some snacks).
CHAMOMILE CAN CALM YOUR JITTERS Nervous passengers might consider taking a few chamomile tea bags - They're tiny, flat and light. A double strength brew acts as a sedative. Unlike alcohol or various pills, chamomile will allow you to relax without leaving you heavy headed and drooping all over your neighbor. Just ask the flight attendant for hot water when coffee and tea are served.
CHECK OUT YOUR ROOM When travelling to third world countries, take a look at your room before paying for it. Take a brief tour of the hotel before checking in - Books and Hotels can look better on the outside than on the inside. If the desk clerk loudly announces your room number, ask for a different one - strangers may be within hearing and harass you later. Don't leave valuables in your room when you leave (not even in an in-room safe), place them in management's safe.
WHEN DINING ALONE Take a book or magazine to the table. You'll feel more at ease and look more natural.
DON'T DRINK THE WATER - IN THE SHOWER! Local flora can live in the shower and shower water. To make sure you don't get any in your mouth when showering, hold a sip of mouthwash in your mouth. It will remind you to keep your mouth shut. Sorry - no singing in the shower in countries where you can't drink the water! Steve Hillmer recommends taking a small bottle of Hydrogen Peroxide to assure cleanliness - use it on your hands after washing and drying. Use it on scrapes and cuts, and to remove blood and stains from clothing. Spray questionable cups, glasses, sinks, public telephones, etc. You can even spritz a spray or two in your mouth if you feel you've been breathing someone's germs. Use bottled or boiled water for brushing your teeth (peroxide will do in a pinch).
IF YOU ARE TRAVELING WITH A COMPANION - Pack half of your belongings in his/her suitcase, and vice versa. If one piece gets delayed, you still have some clothing. Carry at least a day's clothing for each in your carryon bag(s).
CREATE PERSONAL GREETING CARDS ON YOUR COMPUTER with your Name, Address, Phone and e-mail address as well as a picture of yourself(s). Give them out to people you meet - it will make you much easier to remember. Make another card for your reference, listing important names, addresses, phone numbers, etc. Steve Hillmer includes the kid's and wife's birthdays and cell phone numbers and keeps his "cheat sheet" in his wallet.
TAKE ALONG RECENT WALLET SIZE PHOTOS of everyone in your travel party - children especially, in case you get separated. Photos of your luggage can help if it ever gets lost or misplaced. Use a family photo as a bookmark - a nice reminder of those at home, and a good conversation starter.
NO HABLA THE LANGUAGE? When visiting foreign countries where you don't speak the language, pick up a book of hotel matches, or a business card. When you're out sightseeing and want to return to your hotel, just show the card or matches to a passerby or cab driver. People the world over are pleased when we try to speak a few words of their language. At least learn how to say "Please" and "Thank You" in the local language.
A LITTLE EXTRA TISSUE CAN BE WORTH MORE THAN MONEY Take along Kleenex, toilet tissue and toilet seat covers - they can come in handy even in the U.S. When the roll is about 3/4 used, flatten it and put it in a zip lock bag. Remember, Charmin doesn't exist in foreign countries, you'll wish you had some with you! NOTE: many foreign toilets are the "squat over the hole" variety - remember, you're there to experience new and different things!
KEEP RECEIPTS FOR ALL PURCHASES Tuck 'em in a ziplock bag for Customs when you return home. Pack all purchases in one bag so you won't have to search if customs asks to see them.
FOREIGN CURRENCY (MONEY) EXCHANGE RATES You can purchase foreign Currency at Bank of America, at several on-line sites, or in the country you're visiting when you arrive. Banks usually have the best exchange rates. The So Calif Auto Club has a Euro Travel Pack with a variety of Euro denominations. Canyon Crest Travel has American Express Traveler's Checks in Euros and 6 other currencies. It's a good idea to have a small amount of local currency for things like Taxi Fares, Coffee, etc. Many people find it's easier to use a Credit Card and let your Credit Card company take care of the exchange rates (at a small fee). Check with your Credit Card comany to make sure. Our CURRENCY CONVERTER is a full transaction calculator that stores the exchange rate in memory even when turned off. It allows you to quickly see what you are paying in US Dollars or see what is a given $ amount would be in the local currency.
For information on the Web:
oanda.com - exchange rates for 164 currencies, and a handy conversion calculator
markets.pe.com/pe?Page=currency - Be sure to capitalize the P in Page. Here, the Press Enterprise presents a handy matrix of exchange rates for 6 forien currencies
Currency Matrix
Example of Exchange Rates from the Press Enterprise website on July 18, 2007
| USD | EUR | CAD | MXN | GBP | JPY | AUD | |
| USD | 1.000 | 0.724 | 1.044 | 10.761 | 0.487 | 121.705 | 1.139 |
| EUR | 1.381 | 1.000 | 1.441 | 14.863 | 0.572 | 168.101 | 1.573 |
| CAD | 0.958 | 0.594 | 1.000 | 10.311 | 0.466 | 116.620 | 1.092 |
| MXN | 0.093 | 0.067 | 0.097 | 1.000 | 0.045 | 11.310 | 0.106 |
| GBP | 2.054 | 1.487 | 2.144 | 22.105 | 1.000 | 250.010 | 2.340 |
| JPY | 0.008 | 0.006 | 0.009 | 0.088 | 0.004 | 1.000 | 0.009 |
| AUD | 0.878 | 0.636 | 0.916 | 9.446 | 0.427 | 106.834 | 1.000 |
PACK A COLLAPSIBLE BAG INSIDE YOUR LUGGAGE Use it as a Shopping Bag, Beach Bag, Picnic Bag, to bring purchases home, or as a dirty laundry bag. No matter how carefully we pack, we never have enough room. Pick up a luggage tag for this bag too.
BATTERIES INCLUDED Take extra batteries for everything (including hearing aid batteries). They can be hard to find and expensive. You don't want to waste sightseeing time in a frustrating search.
TAKE A WASHCLOTH In many countries, washcloths are unknown. Take a wash cloth, kitchen handy-wipes, or one of the new microfiber washcloth mini towels. A sink stopper is great for sinks and tubs that don't seal. Woolite and cold water detergent (we like BioSuds) allow you to do a little hand laundry. Remember the peroxide for stains.
AVOID "MONTEZUMA'S REVENGE" by taking along a water filter that will remove all the "nasties" as well as improve the taste. Even the water in the airplane can be harmful! We like Aquamira(R) filters that fit a sport water bottle (you guessed it, we sell 'em). If you're not sure about the hotel water, or the quality of bottled water, filter it all to be safe.
BETTER THAN CANDY Take along inexpensive, easy to pack gifts and games for people and children you meet. Balloons (fill 'em at a faucet and play catch with water balloons), Frisbees, Inflatable plastic Beach Ball, Travel Chess, Checkers, Backgammon, Tic-Tac-Toe, Flash Card(R) disposable flashlights, Picture Calendars, Pins, Pens, Scarves, Tee Shirts or Baseball Cap with team or college logos, Silk Flowers or Corsages, Stickers and Decals. If you have a Polaroid Camera, take plenty of film - 'everyone likes a picture of themselves. Tee/sweat Shirts or Baseball Caps with team or college logos and themes are vry popular the world around.
INSTEAD OF AN ADDRESS BOOK use self adhesive address labels to make several copies of names and addresses of people you'll want to write or send postcards to - just peel it off and stick it on and it's ready to mail. Take along some of your printed return address labels to give to new friends you'd like to hear from.
PASSPORTS NOW NEEDED FOR TRAVEL TO/FROM CANADA OR MEXICO Allow plenty of time to get or renew your passport. Make a color photocopy of your passport (enlarge to avoid 'counterfeiting' questions) and keep the copy in a safe place. If your passport is lost or stolen, in order to get a replacement, you'll need an extra set of your passport photos!
KEEP UMBRELLAS AND/OR RAINCOATS IN AN OUTSIDE POCKET OF YOUR BAG to make sure they're easy to get to. A Poncho can protect both you and your purse or tote bag. Wear or carry bulky coats and jackets aboard the plane with you - chances are good you'll need it when you arrive, and you won't fill your case with it.
HAVE YOU GOT PROTECTION? The sun can burn (and lead to skin cancer) and Bugs can bite leading to itchy bumps or more! (Remember, we have West Nile virus even here in Southeern California) Take and use a wide brimmed hat (we like Tilley Hats), Sun Protective Clothing (Royal Robbins(r) travel clothing has an SPF 30+ ratings) and Sun Screen. To fight the Bugs - Buzz Off (tm) clothing by Ex Officio ('permanently' treated with Pyretherine, a synthetic copy of an extract from chrysanthemum plants) and all natural Badger Anti0Bug Balm discourages biting pests withut resort to DEET containing insect repellants
DON'T GET CAUGHT PAYING FOR OVERSIZE OR OVERWEIGHT BAGGAGE Many airlines now enforce size and weight rules with extra charges if it's too big, too heavy, or too many pieces. Double check with your airline, but most domestic airlines now limit carry-on bags to a total of 45" (length + width + height -usually a 21 or 22" case) and 40 lbs. Checked bags should total less than 62" (L + W + H) and weigh less than 50 lbs. Some European airlines refuse to carry bags over 50 lbs - lighten it or leave it! Overseas airlines are usually more restrictive on Carryons, often limiting them to weight (we've heard of 8,13, or 16 lbs.) What you were allowed on your last trip may not be what you'll be allowed now! Our basic rule on carryons is to use the smallest, softest bag you can. Large Tote Bags, Student type Back Packs, even soft Brief Cases all work well. Travelers have told us that often soft carryons are not weighed when there's a weight limit, Wheeled bags almost always are.
For more information about baggage regulations click here.
CUT DOWN ON WEIGHT/SIZE OF YOUR BAGS - Pick a color scheme and plan to mix 'n match so 4 garments can make 5 or 6 outfits and need only one pair of shoes. Women - use scarves to assessorize outfits, and as a wrap/travel blanket. Use Royal Robbins(r) travel pants whose legs zip off to make shorts - they're also made of ultralight nylon fabrics. All Royal Robbins(r) travel clothing is designed to take less room/weight, and dry overnight when you launder them.
17 COUNTRIES, 6 WEEKS, AND ONE (OR TWO) PAIR OF UNDERWEAR - To quote the package of the Ex Officio men's and ladies Travel Underwear. Give-N-Go(tm) Stretch Fabric of nylon and spandex is light weight, moisture-wicking, breathable, odor resistant, and will dry in a couple of hours afteer hand washing, wringing out, and wringing again rolled in a towel. Seasoned travelers save room by packing just one or two pairs. They wash one at night and wear the other. Many people also say they are the most comfortable underwesr they've ever worn (Steve Hillmer included)!
CAN I PUT IT IN MY CARRY-ON OR CHECKED BAG? For the full list, download the "Permitted and Prohibited Items List" from the Travel Security Administration's website at www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm (or go to www.tsa.gov and choose "Our Travelers" at the left of the navigation bar near the top of the page, then "Air Travel" from the column on the left, then "Prohibited Items" at about center of of the list on the left. ). An abbreviated version is shown below. Liquid, or gel cosmetics (including things like chapstick) carried on must be 3 oz or less, and all contained comfortably in a 1 quart ziplock bag. Toothpaste must be in a container originally 3 oz or less. Parially used and rolled up larger tubes of toothpaste ar NOT allowed in your Carry-On. Remove the bag from your Carry-On bag and present it for inspection at the security station. Full water bottles are NOT allowed, though you may carry empty ones and fill 'em later. Larger container of prescription or over the counter medications like Cough Syrup, Eye Drops, KY Jelly, etc. must be kept separate from the zip lock bag AND declared to a Security Officer BEFORE screening.
| CAN I TAKE IT Personal Items |
Carryon | Checked |
| Cigar Cutters | yes | yes |
| Corkscrews | yes | yes |
| Cuticle Cutters | yes | yes |
| Eyeglass Repair Tools | yes | yes |
| Eyelash Curlers | yes | yes |
| Knitting & Crochet Needles | yes | yes |
| Round-bladed butter knives | yes | yes |
| Nail Clippers *without nail file | yes* | yes |
| Nail Files *non metal | yes* | yes |
| Scissors plastic or metal with blunt tips | yes | yes |
| Scissors metal with pointed tips | NO | yes |
| Umbrellas | yes | yes |
| Walking Canes | yes | yes |
| Sharp Objects | ||
| Box Cutters | NO | yes |
| Ice Axes Ice Picks | NO | yes |
| Knives (any length) | NO | yes |
| Meat Cleavers | NO | yes |
| Razor-Type Blades (excluding safety razors) | NO | yes |
| Sabers, swords | NO | yes |
| Scissors - metal with pointed tips | NO | yes |
| Medication and Special Needs Devices | ||
| Diabetes-related supplies Equipment* | yes | yes |
| Nitroglycerine pills or spray* | yes | yes |
| *(if properly marked with professionally printed label identifying the medication or manufacturer's name or pharmaceutical label) | ||
| Prosthetic Device, tools & Appliances | yes | yes |
| Electronic Devices | ||
| Camcorders | yes | yes |
| Camera Equipment* | yes | yes |
| *Checked baggage screening equipment will damage undeveloped film. Put film cameras in carryon, or hand carry. Digital cameras OK both places but safer in C/O | ||
| Laptop Computers | yes | yes |
| Mobile Phones | yes | yes |
| Pagers | yes | yes |
| Personal Data Assistants (PDA's) | yes | yes |
| Flammable Items | ||
| Aerosols (except limited qty toiletries) | 3 oz in ziplock | yes |
| Gasoline, Propane, Butane | NO | NO |
| Lighters - any kind if filled with fuel | NO | NO |
| Lighter Fluid | NO | NO |
| Strike-anywhere Matches (up to 4 books of Safety matches permitted as carry-on) | NO | NO |
www.travel.state.gov
Passport information. Embassy and Consulate locations. Travel Warnings and Press Briefings.
www.bootblog.com
Chat with people who have been there, and who live there. Insiders in more than 100 countries are available to answer trip-planning questions. What should we see, what should you avoid. How do you get from "here" to "there" within your destination country or city.
www.fodors.com/blog
By editors of Fodor's quidebooks, this site features updated quidebook entries and news. Useful links to other travel sites, including restaurant blogs, search engines and in-flight magazines.
www.igougo.com think "I Go You Go"!
With over 350,000 members and 4,000 destinations at last count - one of the largest on-line travel communities! Entries organized and searchable by destination, interest, member or keyword. Won a Webby award for best travel site.
www.hillmerstravelcenter.com - Information of Foreign Electricity, Travel and Packing Accessories.
www.hillmerscybershop.com - Purchase products from Hillmer's on-line.
www.oanda.com - For Currency Exchange Rates for 164 countries around the world. It has a handy calculator that lets you enter US Dollars and find out how much it is in the Foreign Currency, or you can enter an amount in the Foreign Currency and it will calculate how much it is in US Dollars.
markets.pe.com/pe?Page=currency - (Be sure to capitalize the P in Page) For a more simplified matrix of several world currencies showing what a US Dollar is in the Foreign Currency, or what one unit of the Foreign Currency is worth in US Dollars.
www.ricksteves.com
Who but Rick Steves teaches the skills that you really need when traveling through Europe.
www.wikitravel.org - Similar to Wikipedia, this online collaborative travel guide is built by it's users. Most entries list hotels, restaurants and attractions, and the more comprehensive entries include information on culture, demographics and history. You can post information and photos of places you've visited - share your experiences (good or bad) and become a guidebook author!
thorntree.lonelyplanet.com - Need a Travel Agent in Vietnam, or budget accomodations in an out-of-the-way Central American beach? Try Lonely Planets Thorn Tree, a bulletin board where globe-trotting travelers post questions, answers, trip reports and all manners of advise. Geared to the Inteernational Traveler.
www.wunderground.com - Hoping for hot, sunny days or snow-packed slopes? Visit the Weather Underground. Click on "trip planner", enter the city or country you want to visit, plug in your dates and up pops a historical database of the weather conditions during those dates in past years. It not only tells you the average highs and lows, but calculates what the chances are for a hot, warm, freezing or rainy day.
TO QUOTE ANN McALPIN, AUTHOR OF "PACK IT UP" - "The two most important things to take with you on any trip is your Sense of Humor, and an Open Mind." Have a great trip! If you have any travel tips or suggestions to share, we'll be glad to include them in the next version of this web page.
One of the first things to do when considering international travel is to consult the Consular Information Sheets about the country or countries you are interested in visiting. These sheets are available to be viewed online, www.travel.state.gov, and contain information about things such as the country's governmental structure, entry and exit requirements, and exisiting medical facilities.
Will your trip require you to have a passport and/or visa? The Consular Information Sheet provides this information. If you do need either a passport or a visa, be sure that they are signed and valid before heading to the airport. www.travel.state.gov. Also, take a moment to fill out the emergency information page in your passport.
Familiarize yourself with the local laws and customs of the country to which you are traveling. Remember that the U.S. Constitution does not follow you--when you are in a foriegn country, you are subject to its laws.
Visit your doctor and ask about appropriate vaccinations. Certain countries require vaccinations before you are allowed to enter, while other vaccinations are simply recommended. Vaccinations are important because they not only protect you, they decrease the chance of you bringing a disease home.
Consider registering with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate that is nearest to your destination. This registration will make your presence known in the country in case it is neccessary to contact you in an emergency. www.travel.state.gov
Finally, be sure to leave a photocopy of your passport or other citizenship documents and a detailed copy of your itenerary with a friend or relative back home. Having such information in the hands of someone you trust could prove invaluable in a time of crisis.