What Clothes To Pack
1. Coordinate your clothes around one or two basic colors. This cuts down on the number of shoes and accessories you have to bring.
2. Take as few clothes as possible. Plan on laundering. One person suggested one week's worth of clothes. I take fewer unless they are my washable silks.
3. Wear and carry washable silk clothing whenever possible. It is as warm as and as cool as cotton. It dries overnight and 10-15 pieces take no more room than two pair jeans. There are some other manmade fabrics that travel as well if not better, but they cost quite a bit more.
4. Plastic rain coat can double as a bathrobe or windbreaker.
5. Take older clothes that can be discarded along the way. Great for growing children. Many places, the local people are pleased to get these castoffs. There are travelers who take nothing but old clothes so they have that much more room for bringing souvenirs home.
6. Jeans - I never take them as they take so long to dry. If both the time and money for laundering are concerns, take lighter weight pants.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
The 5 smartest vacation photos you've never taken
The 5 smartest vacation photos you've never taken
Use your digital camera as a "visual notebook" to record things you may find useful later on — not just for photos of your family at your destination. Here are some ideas:
'Return to owner'
Take a photo of a sign you make that says "This camera belongs to ..." and lists your name, contact information, and (perhaps) the promise of a reward. Set this image to "read-only" to make it difficult to erase. Keep it as the first picture on your memory card. If strangers find your lost camera and start looking at its photos, they'll know it belongs to you.
'Where was that again?'
Snap the location of your parked car, or take a picture of your hotel door with the room number on it. At the end of your jetlagged day, whether you're in an Orlando parking garage or Las Vegas resort, you'll appreciate having the photo to remind you of where you need to go.
'See? My car was fine when I left the lot'
Sometimes sneaky rental car companies will "ding" you for rental car damage you didn't cause. Avoid surprises on your bill by capturing "before" and "after" views of your vehicle. (Skip taking photos if an attendant walk arounds the vehicle with you and notes any damage on a form you both sign.)
'Which temple was that one again?'
Let's say that on a vacation you see dozens of the same category of sights: a Madonnarama of paintings at European art galleries; a Buddhathon of temples in Cambodia. Be sure to record the context of what you're photographing by shooting up close the text of a street sign, historical plaque, or a relevant page of your guidebook.
'Darn it. I wish I could print out this webpage'
Let's say you're using your hotel's computer to look up some information, such as a map for a museum's location, but you don't have access to a printer — or maybe don't want to pay a silly printing charge. Simply take a photo of the screen, and then use your camera's built-in LCD screen to view it as you walk.
Use your digital camera as a "visual notebook" to record things you may find useful later on — not just for photos of your family at your destination. Here are some ideas:
'Return to owner'
Take a photo of a sign you make that says "This camera belongs to ..." and lists your name, contact information, and (perhaps) the promise of a reward. Set this image to "read-only" to make it difficult to erase. Keep it as the first picture on your memory card. If strangers find your lost camera and start looking at its photos, they'll know it belongs to you.
'Where was that again?'
Snap the location of your parked car, or take a picture of your hotel door with the room number on it. At the end of your jetlagged day, whether you're in an Orlando parking garage or Las Vegas resort, you'll appreciate having the photo to remind you of where you need to go.
'See? My car was fine when I left the lot'
Sometimes sneaky rental car companies will "ding" you for rental car damage you didn't cause. Avoid surprises on your bill by capturing "before" and "after" views of your vehicle. (Skip taking photos if an attendant walk arounds the vehicle with you and notes any damage on a form you both sign.)
'Which temple was that one again?'
Let's say that on a vacation you see dozens of the same category of sights: a Madonnarama of paintings at European art galleries; a Buddhathon of temples in Cambodia. Be sure to record the context of what you're photographing by shooting up close the text of a street sign, historical plaque, or a relevant page of your guidebook.
'Darn it. I wish I could print out this webpage'
Let's say you're using your hotel's computer to look up some information, such as a map for a museum's location, but you don't have access to a printer — or maybe don't want to pay a silly printing charge. Simply take a photo of the screen, and then use your camera's built-in LCD screen to view it as you walk.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Your first-aid kit
Your first-aid kit
Pharmacist Laura Mandos of the University of the Sciences suggests:
•Bandages and Neosporin for cuts. For larger injuries, bring tape and gauze.
•If the water isn't safe, saline solution is a sterile wash.
•Hydrocortisone cream. Provides topical relief for poison ivy, poison oak, or stinging nettles.
•Benadryl. Good for allergic reactions — and in a pinch, it doubles as a sleep aid.
•Imodium. Your go-to solution for diarrhea. (For an upset stomach, try ginger ale.)
•Prescription meds. Pack extra, in case you get stranded.
Pharmacist Laura Mandos of the University of the Sciences suggests:
•Bandages and Neosporin for cuts. For larger injuries, bring tape and gauze.
•If the water isn't safe, saline solution is a sterile wash.
•Hydrocortisone cream. Provides topical relief for poison ivy, poison oak, or stinging nettles.
•Benadryl. Good for allergic reactions — and in a pinch, it doubles as a sleep aid.
•Imodium. Your go-to solution for diarrhea. (For an upset stomach, try ginger ale.)
•Prescription meds. Pack extra, in case you get stranded.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Travel Insurance
Read the fine print
Not all medical insurance covers travel abroad. Break your leg while hiking in the jungle and a medical evacuation could set you back $10,000 or more. So ask your insurer about exclusions before you go, and consider buying a supplemental policy.
Not all medical insurance covers travel abroad. Break your leg while hiking in the jungle and a medical evacuation could set you back $10,000 or more. So ask your insurer about exclusions before you go, and consider buying a supplemental policy.
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