Travel Gear---any on-line sight to purchase?
Feb 16th, 2005, 04:41 PM
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Travel Gear---any on-line sight to purchase?
In planning for my 4 week venture, I need some travel packing gadgets.
Is there an on-line site that y'all use (ie. for travel irons, adapter for voltage, etc.).
Do you guys use those very TOURISTY passport/money holders under your shirt?
How about travel "packing bags," to reduce wrinkles?
Thanks.
Is there an on-line site that y'all use (ie. for travel irons, adapter for voltage, etc.).
Do you guys use those very TOURISTY passport/money holders under your shirt?
How about travel "packing bags," to reduce wrinkles?
Thanks.
Feb 16th, 2005, 07:35 PM
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Many of the travel gadgets you mention can be found locally at WalMart, Target, etc. American Tourister and Samsonite are two national brands you're likely to see.
Those touristy passport/money holders could save your vacation from being ruined by pickpockets. However, you don't necessarily have to wear it under your shirt. There are many different styles.
Some people like the packing bags; many others use large ziploc bags but they can actually CAUSE wrinkles in certain lightweight fabrics. If you don't want the airport inspectors pawing all over your underwear, etc., I'd suggest you use them.
If you want to do your shopping online, suggest you start with travelsmith.com, rei.com, and magellan.com. A google search will turn up others.
Those touristy passport/money holders could save your vacation from being ruined by pickpockets. However, you don't necessarily have to wear it under your shirt. There are many different styles.
Some people like the packing bags; many others use large ziploc bags but they can actually CAUSE wrinkles in certain lightweight fabrics. If you don't want the airport inspectors pawing all over your underwear, etc., I'd suggest you use them.
If you want to do your shopping online, suggest you start with travelsmith.com, rei.com, and magellan.com. A google search will turn up others.
Feb 17th, 2005, 02:26 AM
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>Do you guys use those very TOURISTY passport/money holders under your shirt? <
Yup. I love to see all those pickpockets gritting their teeth in dismay, knowing they can't get at my pasport, CCs and money.
Yup. I love to see all those pickpockets gritting their teeth in dismay, knowing they can't get at my pasport, CCs and money.
Feb 17th, 2005, 02:46 AM
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I'm a fan of packing in large ziploc bags, though you might want to try packing cubes for easily wrinkled items (or just not take any items that can get badly wrinkled).
Money belts are essential, in my opinion. If you are in touristy areas or crowded places, pickpockets are unavoidable. My favorite money belts are nude colored, have an elastic waistband and are made of silk. I recently purchased a new Eagle Creek one, but the Rick Steves' Travel store had one practically identical for 1/3 the price. There's nothing touristy about money belts if no one can see them!
Before you buy online, I'd suggest you look around at your local travel stores and the travel section of Wal-Mart, Target, etc just to get an idea of what suits you best. Then comparison shop online. The sites bettyk mentions are really good, though they can be a bit pricey.
Money belts are essential, in my opinion. If you are in touristy areas or crowded places, pickpockets are unavoidable. My favorite money belts are nude colored, have an elastic waistband and are made of silk. I recently purchased a new Eagle Creek one, but the Rick Steves' Travel store had one practically identical for 1/3 the price. There's nothing touristy about money belts if no one can see them!
Before you buy online, I'd suggest you look around at your local travel stores and the travel section of Wal-Mart, Target, etc just to get an idea of what suits you best. Then comparison shop online. The sites bettyk mentions are really good, though they can be a bit pricey.
Feb 17th, 2005, 08:02 AM
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Thanks so much folks...the help is appreciated.
As for Intrepid, I suggest you get a hobby other than "troll searching" My name is Peter Morea...pmgoosed was a nickname from my collegiate days. I have posted recently because in between passing three bar exams and looking for a legal job, I have felt the need to take four weeks and the rest of my savings to see Europe.
Sorry if I havent travelled to EUROPE as much as you, however I guarantee that through my ball playing days, I have gone to places you would have never thought of.
Special thanks to Elaine (who sent me a fantastic file on Paris and Prague) and the many others who ACTUALLY HELPED.
If you would like to respond, Mr. Intrepid, you can send your tool response to [email protected]
Thanks again to all others.
As for Intrepid, I suggest you get a hobby other than "troll searching" My name is Peter Morea...pmgoosed was a nickname from my collegiate days. I have posted recently because in between passing three bar exams and looking for a legal job, I have felt the need to take four weeks and the rest of my savings to see Europe.
Sorry if I havent travelled to EUROPE as much as you, however I guarantee that through my ball playing days, I have gone to places you would have never thought of.
Special thanks to Elaine (who sent me a fantastic file on Paris and Prague) and the many others who ACTUALLY HELPED.
If you would like to respond, Mr. Intrepid, you can send your tool response to [email protected]
Thanks again to all others.
Feb 17th, 2005, 08:20 AM
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Peter, welcome and please ignore those who may be less than gracious to you.
Another source for those packing cubes, luggage, and those passport holders is e-bags, an online retailer from whom I've made some good purchases. Their prices are good, and they give excellent customer service.
BC
Another source for those packing cubes, luggage, and those passport holders is e-bags, an online retailer from whom I've made some good purchases. Their prices are good, and they give excellent customer service.
BC
Feb 17th, 2005, 08:31 AM
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So many stores now have travel departments, why would you want to pay shipping charges? Check your local pharmacy first.
Besides, bying on-line it's like a catalog shopping - on a picture everything looks good. If you can't find what you need, then resort to Internet shopping.
Unless you are really looking for famous brand names... but then who'd see you money holder? The idea is to keep it concealed.
Besides, bying on-line it's like a catalog shopping - on a picture everything looks good. If you can't find what you need, then resort to Internet shopping.
Unless you are really looking for famous brand names... but then who'd see you money holder? The idea is to keep it concealed.
Feb 17th, 2005, 08:44 AM
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To answer your original question, try:
www.magellan.com
www.travelsmith.com
Other suggestions may be helpful, but that isn't what you asked. Personally I wouldn't be caught dead in a Walmart regardless of their prices. They are IMHO a retail cancer!
www.magellan.com
www.travelsmith.com
Other suggestions may be helpful, but that isn't what you asked. Personally I wouldn't be caught dead in a Walmart regardless of their prices. They are IMHO a retail cancer!
Feb 17th, 2005, 09:00 AM
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Dear Goosed, If you are travelling for 4 weeks, I'm guessing you don't want to haul bunch of stuff al over the continent. In choosing your gear it may be helpful to think about how often you will be moving and how you will be moving. If travelling by primarily by train, the gear best suited to you will be very different than if you are travelling by plane and taxi, or if you have one or two established travel bases. Also if you're staying at nicer hotels, they will have things like Irons and blow dryers in the room.
In my experience, the less stuff you have the better. One thing I always travel with is a good swiss army knife and a couple of good travel guides.
Have a great time.
In my experience, the less stuff you have the better. One thing I always travel with is a good swiss army knife and a couple of good travel guides.
Have a great time.
Feb 17th, 2005, 09:15 AM
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WalMart has a travel dept? Wow.
My reasons for not going to WalMart are not philosophically based as Giovanni's are. They are out of the way, have horrible parking & I can't find anything or anyone to help me.
My reasons for not going to WalMart are not philosophically based as Giovanni's are. They are out of the way, have horrible parking & I can't find anything or anyone to help me.
Feb 17th, 2005, 09:37 AM
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As an outdoorsman, I have my "never leave home" w/o it, Swiss Army knife (all the way back to the Boy Scout days). However, can I bring that overseas? If its in luggage is it ok?
Basically, all your advice is great folks. I am going to be staying four nights in each city, some a bit longer (Paris). As much as I hate to backpack, I am going to go with it because of the simplicity (that and I have a terrible shoulder so carrying a bag would suck).
I will be travelling by train except for my Ryan Air Flight to Paris and possibly one to Copenhagen, if go there.
For Paris I need a sportcoat (my friend is a chef so we will be doing the super restuarant/nightclub thing) and the plan is to wear the sportcoat on the plane and toss it in the backpack when I leave Paris.
Basically, all your advice is great folks. I am going to be staying four nights in each city, some a bit longer (Paris). As much as I hate to backpack, I am going to go with it because of the simplicity (that and I have a terrible shoulder so carrying a bag would suck).
I will be travelling by train except for my Ryan Air Flight to Paris and possibly one to Copenhagen, if go there.
For Paris I need a sportcoat (my friend is a chef so we will be doing the super restuarant/nightclub thing) and the plan is to wear the sportcoat on the plane and toss it in the backpack when I leave Paris.
Feb 17th, 2005, 09:51 AM
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You can pack your swiss army knife if you check your bag , otherwise it will be taken away.
I t sounds like a back pack is a great way to go if you're going to be moving every 4 nights.
You may want to invest in some quick drying travel pants. I'm sure stopping at the laundry mat is not going to be high on your list.
Forget the gadgets, with the exception of a good document holder. Again, enjoy
I t sounds like a back pack is a great way to go if you're going to be moving every 4 nights.
You may want to invest in some quick drying travel pants. I'm sure stopping at the laundry mat is not going to be high on your list.
Forget the gadgets, with the exception of a good document holder. Again, enjoy
Feb 17th, 2005, 12:36 PM
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I prefer the "leg safe" as well. Being a female, its just easier (and a little more appropriate!) to access than a moneybelt. Plus much more comfortable. I purchased it online but then found that my local Target carried one as well.
As for websites, I have used basically the same ones listed above: ricksteves.com, magellans.com and travelsmith.com.
Good luck with your trip planning and congrats on passing the bar exams!
Tracy
As for websites, I have used basically the same ones listed above: ricksteves.com, magellans.com and travelsmith.com.
Good luck with your trip planning and congrats on passing the bar exams!
Tracy
Feb 17th, 2005, 01:27 PM
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Again, thanks to everyone...oh Intrepid...you too! TC thanks for the congratulations on the exams. I am crazy enough to take a fourth...Florida, this Tues and Wed. Definately didnt prepare as well as last time...so I am crossing my fingers.
Feb 17th, 2005, 01:50 PM
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Peter,
Here are a few suggestions.
Do consider the zip-loc bags. You can find an assortment of larger sizes at luggage shops or even places like Walgreens (where they sell travel accessories).
Also the actual zip-loc bags for food storage work well in the 1 & harder to find 2 gallon sizes. Get heavy duty ones with the clasp. You won't believe how this reduces space, keeps your stuff organized, unwrinkled and keeps everthing from getting messed up when airport security goes through your stuff. I'm able to get a pair of jeans in a bag not much bigger than a sandwich!
Also consider the Victorinox Swiss Army luggage. You can sometimes find great bargains on it and other travel gear at REIoutlet.com
I've never liked the money belt, but always make sure that my wallet is in a zippered pocket.
Do make photocopies of your passport, credit cards, etc. before you leave and keep them separate from the originals.
Rick Steves also has a website that sells a fair amount of travel gear such as adaptors, moneybelts, etc. at reasonable prices.
Good luck!
JoeG
Here are a few suggestions.
Do consider the zip-loc bags. You can find an assortment of larger sizes at luggage shops or even places like Walgreens (where they sell travel accessories).
Also the actual zip-loc bags for food storage work well in the 1 & harder to find 2 gallon sizes. Get heavy duty ones with the clasp. You won't believe how this reduces space, keeps your stuff organized, unwrinkled and keeps everthing from getting messed up when airport security goes through your stuff. I'm able to get a pair of jeans in a bag not much bigger than a sandwich!
Also consider the Victorinox Swiss Army luggage. You can sometimes find great bargains on it and other travel gear at REIoutlet.com
I've never liked the money belt, but always make sure that my wallet is in a zippered pocket.
Do make photocopies of your passport, credit cards, etc. before you leave and keep them separate from the originals.
Rick Steves also has a website that sells a fair amount of travel gear such as adaptors, moneybelts, etc. at reasonable prices.
Good luck!
JoeG
