Do not rush.

Replace the battery in your camera BEFORE you leave on your trip and also bring along extra film. It will give you peace of mind and avoid the exhorbitant costs of camera supplies in the tourist areas.

To John(ICBadger)-<BR> You speak the truth, my friend, at least in my (former) case. Two years ago my poor bf ended up with a nasty tennis elbow from hauling MY large, heavy, hard-sided suitcase from the luggage carousel in Cancun. (before anyone starts bashing me for not hauling it myself, let me add that I have a back injury and he WON'T LET me be the luggage-grabber.) Since then, out of guilt and thanks in part to the great advice from Fodorites, I've come to understand that packing light works and I now challenge myself to pack as lightly as possible - sometimes "lighter" than my bf does!<BR>ja

here are a few I've learned along the way:<BR><BR>1 - pack a small purse and carry a backpack (small-med) instead and use a suitcase with wheels. Backpacks don't fall off your shoulder when you are pulling a suitcase, etc.<BR>Also, if you are traveling with a man - he can carry the backpack without feeling embarrassed (instead of a purse) when you are siteseeing.<BR><BR>2. Research restaurants ahead of time. My husband and I have spent HOURS wandering reading menus and being frustrated when we picked the wrong place!<BR><BR>3. Get money at ATM machines - the rates are way better than getting the money ahead of time. Also, if you are robbed they only get what cash you have on hand.<BR><BR>4. Leave all credit cards except one in the room - locked in the safe!

I agree with jb: research restaurants ahead of time. That is the one thing we have failed to do on both European and United States' trips, and we have wasted a lot of time looking for places to eat. <BR><BR>With regards to credit cards, your traveling companion and you should each carry one card. In several instances, for whatever reason, one card has not worked, so we used the other's card.

I learned this from a previous thread like this, and am putting it into action tomorrow. (Yee Haw). Take a plastic funnel and small coffee filters, then you can buy coffee and use the heaters in the room to get coffee. I always want coffee right away, not nescafe, before breakfast. I've packed so light that if I didn't have presents to take we could both pack in a VERY small bag! Amsterdam, Galloway and Edinburgh here we come!

Take a Spray 'n Wash Stain Stick. Sounds funny but it really works, especially if you're traveling with children.

what can I say? i like this thread... =) ttt

Leave all your fine jewelry at home- If you plan to visit other countries while in England for example- go to a local travel agency and arrange that trip to Paris or Stockholm- it's so much cheaper than booking it in the USA!

I bring along a small mirror that can fit in the palm of your hand. It save my neck from being out when looking at the beautiful artwork on the ceilings. ie. the Sistine Chapel. Just hold it about waist level and look down into it. Saw an old nun many years ago walking through the Vatican Museums. <BR><BR>A travel size talcum powder carried in my purse, allows me to refresh my feet midday. Lots of wipes too

CANAM - That mirror idea is wonderful - never would have thought of it in a million years!<BR><BR>I have to say, this is one of the most interesting threads I've read lately AND its filled with a ton of great information!

Always learn a few words of the host language and make the attempt to communicate: good morning/evening, please/thank you, check please, etc. People always appreciate that you are making an attempt to speak their language, however badly. And sometimes it prompts them to open up and demonstrate their English with you in return!

I love that mirror idea!<BR><BR>If you plan to drive, learn the road signs first!<BR><BR>Use dry cleaning bags when packing - no wrinkles - really!<BR><BR>Ziploc bags, bubble wrap, & tape<BR><BR>Try new food.<BR><BR>Try to eat, shop, and have fun where the locals do - don't spend all your time in touristy places.<BR><BR>Set your watch to your destination's time as soon as you get on the plane. After you eat, take Tylenol PM and go to sleep.<BR><BR>Best advice I received here and most lasting: Keep a daily journal - mine is a treasure just scribbled on a Mead notepad - what we ate, saw, first impressions, what to do next time, etc.

ttt

<BR>Bring a light non-perishable snack for emergencies - you never know when you will be stranded and you will be thanking God that you did.

<BR><BR>To any two people traveling together. Pack half of your stuff in one suitcase and the other half in the other. This will help you avoid unpacking and re-packing both suitcases as you travel.

Pack a couple of souvenirs from your country or home state - i.e. T-shirts, book marks, key chains. I have given these to a tour guide, tour bus driver or hotel staff person as a token of appreciation. <BR><BR>If you send postcards, leave home with pre-printed address labels - it beats loosing your address book. <BR><BR>Ditto on the ziploc bags and learning basic phrases in the local language.<BR><BR>If your accommodations have a small refrigerator and you are in a hot climate - put some disposable wipes in the freezer section. Throw them in your backpack on your way out - they will be a cool relief later.<BR><BR>If your trip takes you to Italy - pack a thin quick drying towel. Italian towels leave a lot to be desired.

Remember that it's vacation from the very minute you leave work the last day you're there. Packing is vacation, going to the airport is vacation, standing in line at security is vacation etc etc. <BR>Approach everything like it's fun. Approach everything like you've been waiting weeks or months for this. <BR><BR>And remember that the worst things that happen make the best stories, and give the people around you the chance to really impress you with their kindness.

Janice, your attitude is wonderful! I had never thought of those things being part of my vacation, but they are. Next time I'm going to remember your advice -- thanks!

Pack a couple of souvenirs from your country or home state - i.e. T-shirts, book marks, key chains. I have given these to a tour guide, tour bus driver or hotel staff person as a token of appreciation. <BR><BR>If you send postcards, leave home with pre-printed address labels - it beats loosing your address book. <BR><BR>Ditto on the ziploc bags and learning basic phrases in the local language.<BR><BR>If your accommodations have a small refrigerator and you are in a hot climate - put some disposable wipes in the freezer section. Throw them in your backpack on your way out - they will be a cool relief later.<BR><BR>If your trip takes you to Italy - pack a thin quick drying towel. Italian towels leave a lot to be desired.