Great Tips for Fabulous Trips

Overseas Travel | What to Bring

Packing Tips

The most important advice anyone can give you about packing is to travel light! Airlines now have strict rules on the amount and size of both carry-on and checked baggage. Plus, less luggage means shorter waits for baggage claim, less need for porters and easier Customs inspections.

Choosing Luggage

Before you pack, check the condition of your luggage. Airlines can refuse to accept fragile or damaged pieces.

If you have to purchase new bags, choose luggage that is lightweight, roomy and easy to carry, yet durable enough to withstand rough treatment. Choose material that will not sag or rip as it moves along the conveyor belt and be sure that each piece has a secure lock. Keep the keys on your person or in your hand luggage.

A suitcase with wheels, or a baggage caddy will also help make trips through the airport, bus terminal or train station easier, especially if porters are not available.

Try to limit your luggage to one suitcase and a carry-on bag. Most of the new carry-on baggage restrictions do not apply to purses, coats, diaper bags, or camera equipment, but they often do apply to briefcases.

Baggage restrictions may vary from flight to flight depending on the design and passenger load of each plane, but a good rule of thumb is two bags per person. The flight attendant has the final say as to whether your bags can be taken on board as carry-on luggage or whether the baggage must be checked as cargo.

These rules have been made with your safety and comfort in mind. Check with the airline or your ASTA travel agent for detailed information on baggage regulations.

Planning Your Wardrobe

Choosing a wardrobe of basics will help you deal with space limitations. Select clothes that will coordinate around one or two colors. Organizing your wardrobe may be easier if you make a list of things you plan to take with you on your trip. This list will also come in handy if your luggage is lost or stolen while you are away.

Think of travel activities ahead of time: business engagements, sports plans, the length of your stay, and how often you will need to change clothes.

Check seasonal weather conditions for the area to which you will be traveling and include the necessities such as a raincoat, or warm clothing as appropriate.

Prepare a kit of miniature toiletries in small plastic bottles to save space and weight. Don't fill bottles to the top if you are flying because the pressure may cause the contents to expand. These should all be packed in a heavy plastic bag in case of leakage.

For international travel, it is advisable to take along an electrical adapter kit for your hair dryer, shaver or travel iron. Most European countries run on 220 volts rather than 110 and your electrical adapter kit will not only convert the electric current, but also accommodate foreign plug designs.

When deciding what to take with you, anticipate articles that you may want to purchase at your destination. And, always include a collapsible nylon tote bag that will fit easily into your luggage to accommodate new purchases and other articles that seem to expand upon repacking.

Packing

» Pack tightly. Packing loosely wastes precious space and causes clothes to wrinkle.

» Shoes should be packed in shoe mittens or an old pair of socks to protect other clothes from being soiled. You may also want to stuff your shoes with underwear and socks so that they won't be crushed during your flight.

» Suits, dresses, shirts and blouses should be packed in plastic dry cleaner bags to limit wrinkling.

» Roll pajamas, nightgowns, sweaters and other casual wear to fit into small spaces where possible, but don't cram your suitcase full. If you have to force your luggage to close, remove a few items to prevent broken hinges or zippers along the way.

» You may want to consider the "interweaving method" of packing for your next trip. Drape longer garments such as dresses and pants across the suitcase with the ends hanging over the sides. Then fold shorter items such as jackets, shirts and blouses around the longer garments so that the clothes cushion each other. Placing a piece of tissue paper between each layer of clothing will also discourage wrinkling.

» Always carry your travel documents, medication, jewelry, traveler's checks, keys and other valuables in your hand luggage. Items such as these should NEVER be packed in luggage that you plan to check.

» If you plan to fly with skis, golf clubs or other special luggage, check with the airline to see whether special containers for these items are available. Many airlines provide this service free of charge.

Security Tips

LOCK YOUR LUGGAGE to avoid accidental openings due to rough handling or cabin pressure and carry the keys in your hand luggage.

REMOVE OLD CLAIM CHECKS to avoid confusing baggage handlers about your destination.

IDENTIFY YOUR LUGGAGE both inside and outside with your name, business address and telephone number and make sure the outside tag is securely fastened to your luggage. This will help if your luggage is lost or stolen and will save time when you are picking up your bags at the claim area.

A COPY OF YOUR ITINERARY with your business address and your destination should be included in your luggage in the event you and your bags get temporarily separated. This information will help minimize any delay in retrieving lost luggage.

CHECK YOUR LUGGAGE EARLY to ensure that your bags not only make your originating flight but your connecting flight (if you have one) as well.

TRAVEL INSURANCE IS IMPORTANT if you will be traveling with valuables not covered under the normal luggage allowance provided by the airlines. Check with your ASTA travel agent for information on obtaining a supplemental policy.

REPORT LOST LUGGAGE IMMEDIATELY before you leave the airport. Make sure you have a complete list of the contents of your bags as well as a detailed description of the luggage in question.

TRAVELING OVERSEAS? Read our checklist for good advice.