Knowing what to pack of course depends on your vacation destination, the time of year and the expected weather, however using these general tips will help you prepare for your trip.

Aside from the general clothing and toiletry items, consider packing the following items to make your vacation more enjoyable:

- An inflatable neck cushion is an invaluable item for long flights.
- Wear and carry washable silk clothing whenever possible. It is as cool as cotton for warmer days and surprisingly warm for cooler evenings.
- An extra folded flight bag takes very little room and comes in handy on your way home for the gifts and souvenirs you’ve picked up along the way.
- Check with your doctor to get the appropriate vaccinations. Pack enough medication for your entire trip as some prescriptions are difficult to find in exotic locales.
- Stow away some antibacterial wipes-they’re a convenient way to clean up on the go.
- Bring a voltage converter with you, along with an adapter (to fit electrical plugs into foreign outlets). Note that some adapter kits don’t include converters.
- Pack an extra pair of prescription glasses or contacts in case they are lost or broken.
- Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes are a must. Never pack new shoes.
- Wrap a long strip of duct tape around a pencil and bring it along for the ride. Duct tape is the magic fix for everything from torn suitcases to broken sandal straps.

Remember that many flights now have additional luggage restrictions, such as a general rule of thumb is checked luggage should not exceed 50lbs.  We recommend reviewing the Transportation Sercurity Commission’s (TSA) list on items that are not allowed in carry-ons or in checked baggage.

This entry was posted on Thursday, October 1st, 2009 at 7:25 am and is filed under Travel Tips. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.