Hi there!
I'm usually scattered brained and tends to forget things especially when I'm too excited. I'm planning to take a trip to Alaska. It's going to be my first solo trip. Can you give me any tips to avoid mishaps? Any do's and dont's that I should remember? thanks a lot!

Search the internet for 'standard' packing lists for trips.

Make a copy of the list, soft copy is preferable.

Modify the list to fit your circumstances.

List must haves: passport, all travel documentation, segregated on your list by each type of document.

When you have finished changing the list, which should not be before about 3-5 days before you leave, print the list out.

Use it as a checklist bible.

Dumb stuff like deodorant is OK to miss, there will be more available wherever you go.

I've traveled so much that the list is etched in my brain. Drives my wife crazy.

You just need to get organized Espcially when you are traveling solo (since you don't have anyone to fall back on if something goes wrong) so you don't lose your passport/ID, money, credit cards, etc. I use a small leather purse that I always wear in transit.

I have a packing list and a "do before you leave" list on my blog.

Start here: http://mytimetotravel.wordpress.com/...take-part-one/

thursdaysd - I'm not the backpack type. I like my things close and where I can see them.

Since 1985, I have used my trusty dark blue LeSportsac.

It will hold everything I need and more. With 5 different pouches, all zippered, it makes pickpocketing difficult. It just won't wear out. It also has adjustable straps.

At different times, I've carried a 12 pack, and 5 bottles of wine..

It goes with me on every trip, business and pleasure. With more than 1.4M miles on AA alone, it's gotten a lot of use.

Rastaguy - I'm not sure why you would think that a backpack means that your stuff isn't "close". And when I travel all my valuables are in my day pack, in front of me,.

thanks for the tip. I'll keep that in mind. Do you think it's better to over pack than to over pack?I have trouble estimating the number of clothes I'll bring.

lavenderfaith - the objective is to get everything in one 22"-24" suitcase, with a day pack that is not so full that you can't cary it with you every day.

Remmember that you are the only one to know that you wear the same shirt/blouse for 3-4 days in a row. Wash your undies along the way. Find some small packets of Woolite to use. This place is not cheap, but they have the small stuff. www.minimus.biz

Take small versions of all your toiletries and dispose as you go.

Shoes, wear the heaviest ones during the flight. Take only what you absolutely need. You probably won't have a night where the Manolos are needed, so don't pack them.

Dress so that you can layer, if necessary.

I've managed to get my wife into one 24" suitcase for a 2-3 week trip, and she's an all out clothes horse and has literally hundreds of 'product' for hair, face, eyes and body.

This is what happens when one sells cosmetics for Nordstom for 10 years.

If you are relying on ATM's take at least two different cards so you have access to a different account if your first one doesn't work. I had this happen to me.

You want to pack as light as possible. You can wash things out if need be along the way. Especially when you are solo no one to watch your bags, you want to be able to easily manage what you bring. Less is better! You can wear things multiple times when traveling, don't feel you need a fresh outfit for every single day.

While traveling, have a specific place for each valuable item and always return it there when you've finished using it..such as wallet, camera, chargers, glasses, itinerary with reservations, etc.

I want to travel in Madrid. Because i heard that Madrid is very beautiful city and also famous for bullfighting.

markWhite, Over packing is never a good idea. Err on the side of taking less. You can easily wear the same clothes several times when you are traveling.

For Alaska,dress in layers!

lavenderfaith, for Alaska you should pack light layers and at least one waterproof layer. Plan on spending more money and taking fewer clothes than you think you will need. Alaska is expensive and you will not want to carry around a lot of excess baggage. Buy things like batteries and toiletries before you travel. They will cost more in Alaska. Bring a camera and binoculars. Ziplock bags in various sizes will help you keep things dry. Have a well edited packing list and use it. Enjoy your trip!

Don't forget to check behind the shower curtain before you leave your hotel. I've been known to leave behind a trail of half empty shampoo bottles. And if you are using a safe in your room, put one shoe in it. That way you will remember for sure to empty it out as you pack to leave.

Remember that packing list they told you to print out? Take a copy with you. Look it over each time before you leave a hotel to make sure you have everything.