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1. We swear by lists. Lists come in handy all the time. Having one paranoid soul in the house who makes lists for everything, actually helps, especially before traveling! If there is no such person, it’s time to pick up a pen, or at least start typing on the keyboard.

2. While packing for traveling, the type and duration of trip have to be kept in mind of course. For most types of trips, these essentials will do the trick though. Make a note:
> Passports and Tickets
> Electronic Money (ATM/Debit Cards, Credit Cards, Travelers Checks)      
> Foreign Currency (if required)
> Travel Insurance
> Travel Books/Travel Guides for your destination
> Travel Accessories such as                                                                                                          > Wallet and/or Waist Pouch (which is handy and safe)
        > Travel-sized Toiletries & Cosmetics
        > Travel comfort products (Neck pillows, ear plugs, sleep mask, fleece blanket
        > Miscellaneous Items – If there is no space crunch, these things may come in         handy – umbrella(s), a mini tool kit, small kit with needle and thread, a             small scissors and a small nail-cutter
        > Electrical adapters or converters (if required)
> Common medicines (for fever, pain, common cold, travel sickness, anti allergic) and simple first aid
> Clothes and Accessories
> Digital Camera and/or Camcorder AND their chargers and extended batteries (if you have any)
> Mobile AND charger
> Baby essentials, if traveling with baby (stroller & car seat, diaper bag with diapers, bottles, formula, few disposal   bags, baby toiletries, baby medicines, change of clothes, baby eatables, baby books and toys)
> Kids’ stuff, if traveling with kids (Kids eatables, travel games, interesting books)

Do Not Carry: Excessive Cash and Jewellery

3. For ease of travel, carrying backpacks and wheeled luggage is a very good idea. If traveling with a baby with lots of stuff in a diaper bag and no stroller to carry it for you, a backpack which contains the baby stuff is much easier to handle then a shoulder bag.

4. If traveling by air, remember to pack luggage according to flight restrictions. It is great to have a luggage scale in the house to make sure you don’t have to shell out extra money at the check in counter. Also, try to keep the hand baggage to a minimum for convenience. However, consider keeping some essentials in the hand baggage in case your check in bags get delayed or lost. Since airport and in flight restrictions are tighter, it is best to check out the airline website for latest information on check-in baggage and hand baggage restrictions. This way you can pack right. Label all your bags using luggage tags so that you pick the right bags when they come on the conveyer belt. Overstuffed check in bags should be encased in a luggage belt so that they do not open during the flight.

5. If traveling by train, and especially if it’s an overnight journey, remember to secure your bags with luggage locks.

6. If traveling by car, it is not a bad idea to pack some old newspapers or an old bed sheet/picnic sheet and few disposal bags for planned or unplanned picnics en-route or at the destination. Another important thing; before embarking on a long journey, get your car its regular tune up and oil check and perhaps a service. Your car should be able to enjoy the trip as much as you do, and not give up on the way.

Enjoy your Trip

1. If the airport or train station is your first stop at the destination and it’s a huge one, you should try to check out the airport or train station layout on their website so that you know the way out when you are there. You should know enough to exit the airport or station and reach the transport that will take you to your hotel. Hotel pickups come in handy here. In any case, if you have a map, that helps too. If you are in your car with printed driving directions, it should be easy for you.

2. The research that you did before the trip should really help you now. If you know about the attractions you want to visit beforehand, you can start soon after checking in. If not, you can chit chat at the front desk and get required information on what activities you can do while there. You can also find out from the locals about good restaurants to eat.                                                                                                                                 
3. Go for adventure activities, sight seeing, nature hikes or simply relax around. Capture all those special moments in your camera. Just make sure you are alert about your money, passports, travel documents and your other belongings. If traveling with kids, be alert about them too! If your toddler tends to wander away on his/her own, you can put a wrist band on her or a card with your contact details in his/her trousers.

Come Back Home

1. You’ve had a great trip. Now it’s time to go back home. The feeling of the holiday being over and returning to the same routine is a bit lousy, but there’s always a next time..

2. Before checking out, double check that you have not left any belonging in the room (your mobile on the side table, or your charger in the socket?) or the bathroom (your ring or your watch?).

3. If the hotel has a comments/feedback book, do leave your comments or suggestions in it. You may be heard and it may help others, so why not.

4. When back home and after settling in, don’t forget to download all the snaps you have taken. Select the good ones and give them for printing. Digital snaps on your computer and print snaps in albums, both are good memories.

5. If you care to or someone else in your house likes to, it is nice to put down memories of your visit in a print or online journal. This is for you to remember and for others to read and take benefit from. After all, maybe someone else’s reviews helped you to select your destination and hotel, remember?

Have a safe and fun trip!

                                                                                                                                            Back to Travel Tips Part I

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