Travel Organizing Tips

Be Preparednn- Check the Weather nYou may be going to a tropical island, but is it rainy season? Check the weather a day or two in advance and pack accordingly.n- Bring Comfortable ShoesnSo, you look like a tourist. Well, you are a tourist! And you'll be a much happier tourist if your feet aren't killing you. nnDriving?nUpgrade to the AAA Plus Membership, which offers 100 miles of free towing, free fuel delivery, emergency lock service and lots of other handy road-side benefits. You can also get trip planners, maps, and discounts on travel and lodging.nnPack Smartn1. Make a ListnMake a list of all items that you need for your trip. Pick a spot to lay things out. Pre-sort by category. Check off items as you pack them. Keep a copy of your listnn2. Pack LightlynThink about the steps you will have to take in order to reach your destination. You may have to carry your luggage up and down stairs, through train stations, airports, etc.nn3. Roll instead of FoldnTo add extra clothing space, roll your clothes instead of folding. Use tissue paper when rolling clothes to minimize wrinkles.nn4. "Containerize" your ClothesnUse packing cubes, packing folders, Ziploc bags, or other simple containers to keep like-items together and in order.nnGoing Far and Away?nIf you don't know the language, use pictures. If you are traveling to a country where you don't know the language, use your camera or camera phone to take photos of basic needs such as bottled water, toilet, taxi, etc. If you don't know the word for it, just show the picture.nnMoneynContact your credit card company to let them know you will be traveling, so they do not put a hold on your card. Use ATMs to get cash in the local currency. This will also allow you to get the best exchange rate of the day. Check with your bank to find out if they have international partners to avoid fees.nnTraveling by Air?nUse 3-1-1 for carry-on toiletries. 3.4 ounce bottle or less (by volume) ; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin.