Its Travel Tips Tuesday MKF 18/12/02

[Coma123]

Hey all I'm going to be travelling starting tomorrow for quite awhile all over the place. Doing some backpacking and can't wait.
Anyway that means I won't be around here as often which is a bit of a bummer.
Anyway as the thread says. Anyone got any travel tips. Stuff you take or do or whatever.
Have a great day everyone.

[SJ]

A good travel tip is to carry some tea tree oil,good for insect bites.

[Culzean]

Hmmm....travel tips.

When we travel, the first thing I do is logically state that we will only be gone for a few days, therefore we only need to bring two pairs of pants, a couple shirts, one pair of shoes, etc.

Ang will then commence to empty the closet and all the drawers and somehow get half of the total contents packed into two suitcases.

So, my tip - if you travel with a packrat don't bother arguing. You'll never win.

Oh, and pack munchies. Lots of munchies. And a bottle of water. And make lists before you go. I love lists. You can check them off. They're really fun.

Have a great time!

[WebWarlock]

I take my Handspring Visor with cell phone. That way regardless of where I am I can check on what is going on the net!

Other than that I pack my own weight in Code Red Mt. Dew, cause you just never know.

Warlock

[darkmagicwillow]

If you're going sightseeing. pack a compact pair of travel binoculars. They make everything better from distant mountains to cathedral ceilings.

And maps. Pack lots of maps. You need to know where you are, and they're fun too.

[tommo]

Toilet paper. Because you just never know...

[WiccansIllusion]

Bring a book and balance out the weight. Backpacking can get pretty borring alone, depending on what sort your doing. If it's city traveling, I haven't done that yet, but I'd make sure you have stuff you like to eat at all times, cause it'd pretty much suck if your in some foreign city and can't eat the food!

[kukalaka]

Backpacking or not, I never travel without a book. Preferably with thin paper and small writing.

And my small "cuddle-pillow", but I guess that's just me being weird.

Especially when backpacking: A flashlight.

Depending on where you go to: Ballpoint-pens. Lots of them. A friend of mine tells me they're a big hit as small gifts in Nepal. And somehow I doubt that's the only country.

And while we're at it: Where do you go?

Have a wonderful and safe trip!

[Still Waters Run Deep]

I could write a book on travellers tips, most learnt the hard way.

Pack half of what you want to take, It will still be too much:
If it does'nt go into one backpack and a shoulder bag, then you've got too much: Remember to keep room for stuff you pick up on the way:
Dont take more than a couple of T shirts, cos you *will* buy lots more:
Don't keep your cash in one place - spread it around, so you will always have a reserve.
Photocopy your passport, air tickets and travellers cheques, so that if they are lost/stolen you can at least show that you had the stuff.
Don't send postcards home, they will bankrupt you in no time at all!
As Ruth says, you *will* need toilet paper. Keep it for those times when there are *no alternatives*.............

..............and seriously, although intelligent Kittens hardly need reminding, but I'm saying it anyway - if you're heading into Islamic countries, even friendly ones, forget about any female equality, and make sure you cover up, take a long batik skirt and a head scarf.

Also if you are travelling in the developing world, take some sterile hypodermic needles with you, together with a couple of syringes. If you need them, then you can control the cleanliness to some degree. Be *very* careful about what drugs you take with you tho. make sure they are in their proprietry boxes etc. Take a prescription too. If you wear glasses, take your prescription and 2 extra pairs [I always end up breaking or losing mine].
Since you are travelling for more than a few weeks, you have to be self sufficient, and since you can't take the kitchen sink with you, the next best thing are documents, so that you can the things you need!

and finally, have fun, travelling is the best way to learn about what this world has to offer, and to show everyone that all us westerners are'nt Dubya's lap-dogs.

Brought to you by the *kitten Travel Agency*

[bearthirteen]

comfortable shoes.
never take safety and security for granted. in other words, watch your stuff and don't trust anyone.
smile.
ask questions about anything.
get lost - its fun! unless you are rushing to catch a plane, train or bus.
try anything once.
eat only things that have been freshly cooked. unless you have a stomach of steel.

wish it was me going all over the world....have a safe trip!

[unionjill30]

I'm horrible when faced with travel. I never know what to take, so I end up packing about five times too much stuff and I never end up needing and/or using a majority of it. However, there are those few times when I am extremely limited on space and I'll impart my little bit of knowledge on the what-to-bring list.
1. A small backpack or a messenger bag seem to be the best choices for carrying your stuff. If extra space is needed, pants with lots of pockets are your best bet.
2. Credit cards and cash are a necessity. Credit cards are best, but sometimes you have to have cash. Just make sure to keep it in a safe place. This comes back to the pants with pockets. If one pocket is in an inconspicuous place and has a zipper, it's a perfect place for you money.
3. A book is essential. Getting bored is such an easy thing to do. Plus, sometimes you just need to stop and take a break and relax.
4. Bring a few bottles of water. This is self-explanatory. Also, some snacks are good. Granola bars travel well and are really good.
5. A personal CD player with about ten of your favorite CDs can never hurt. This way, you don't find yourself with annoying songs in your head that won't go away. Plus, you'll have something fun to sing along with.
6. Bring a cell phone. You might get lost or need something or a million other things that require a cell phone. Maybe it's just me, but I feel lost without my cell phone.
7. You've gotta love those Swiss. Get a Swiss Army knife or an equally functional multi-function tool. They really do come in handy at the weirdest times.
8. Last but not least is the black Sharpie marker. They're great for a million different uses. You never know when you'll need one.

[Rosenberg]

Well, Ive done a lot of traveling, but there arent too many tips I can think of that havent already been mentioned. Toilet paper (or Kleenex) is something that is a good idea to have with you, especially if youre going someplace like Switzerland where the paper is the consistency of corrugated cardboard. Its even better to have on hand when there isnt any paper at all to speak of.

I usually like to take a walkman or a CD player with me on flights or train rides; this is especially useful if you dont want to get involved in a discussion with the person sitting next to you. Just put the headphones on, close your eyes and shut out as many annoyances as you can. Reading a book is also a good way to eliminate bothersome seatmates, although it doesnt always work because your eyes are open, so people still think they can interrupt you by asking what youre reading.

I almost always make a list of what to take before I go and mark off the items as Im packing. I start making the list far enough in advance so I can jot down things as they come to mind. I also take along a couple of zip lock bags of laundry detergent and dryer sheets because most hotels will have washers and dryers where you can do a load of laundry which can help to cut down on the amount of clothes you have to take with you. Ive found this to helpful if Im going to be gone for more than just a few days. And pack about half of what you think you want to take, because somehow you tend to come back with a lot more than what you took with you. I also have a travel wallet, travel belt and travel socks (they have a little elastic compartment in them to store your money in) so that I dont have all my money, credit cards, passport, etc, in one place. Oh, I forgot to mention adapters. They come in handy if youre taking electronic gizmos with you.

[Kalita]

My number one tip would be, secure your valuables! My Dad was hit by a pickpocket once while overseas, lost a good whack of cash and travelers' cheques, plus his credit cards and driver's licence.

Thnakfully his passport was elsewhere on his person... but I certainly learned a good lesson from that one!

[kukalaka]

Yes, there's that smart rule: Cook it, peel it or forget it. Be especially careful with ice-cream. But I guess that's pretty much common-knowledge.

And some extra-plastic bags never hurt. They're small, lightweight and good to put wet stuff in. Or sit on. Or whatever.

[Repost Moderator]

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Thanks!

[feena191]

A camera if you're anything like me - if it moves, or is old, or pretty, or pretty much *there* I take a photo of it!

And maybe a notebook to make a diary of things you do & see.

Feena
-x-

[jixer]

Hello Kittens-

I'm not sure how it will do in American airports but a Swiss Army knife (one with a Phillips screw driver) or Leatherman Micra is always with me. Besides being handy they can be traded if needed. Guys and gizmos is a fairly common theme.

Stay alert, not just for security but also for the moments of beauty too many people miss.

Good luck!

Jixer

[thrilledbymaclay]

Just alot of repetition of what others said...

Pack heavily, so heavily that you get tired carrying your bags from the car to the doors of the airport Kidding, of course. Less is *always* more. You'll have so much more energy to appreciate the things around you if you're not exhausted.

I use a travel necklace thingy for my cards, passport and money. I photocopy it all, keep a copy on my person, one in my bag and one at home with my family, just in case. Security is so important. Also, an international prepaid calling card for emergencies doesn't hurt, and provides some security and the opportunity to call someone who'll know what to do in case you don't.

It kinda depends where you're going, but you'll probably wind-up buying shirts, so you won't need alot.

Notebook and pens/markers (PLURAL) were very useful for me... Not just for writing diary-style stuff but for directions, addresses, etc.

This might sound silly, but I brought a small tarp and it was ridiculously useful. I sat on it, covered myself with it, rolled it up for a makeshift pillow, separated my body from various "iffy" surfaces, used it as a bag (oooo, you could even tie it up with a stick of you wanted! you could be a hobo ), etc. Mine was pretty tiny and lightweigh. I think it might have been part of a tent at some point.

Meds, prescriptions, etc. Very important.

Don't. trust. anyone. ever. Sad and hard sometimes but true.

I think I learned everything else about travelling from Xena. So watch some repeats. Don't forget to avoid that silly attempt at a series finale. Come on, that woman will never die

Good luck, be safe, see lots!

Elise

[mscheckmate]

Jixer, American airport security wouldn't allow you to take your Swiss Army knife on the plane. They wouldn't even let my gf's elderly aunt take a pair of tweezers on board.

My dad always gets pulled out of the boarding line to be searched. (Possibly due to an unfortunate combination of his surname and his tall, dark and handsome appearance. )He would tell you to wear slip on shoes that can be easily removed.

[darkmagicwillow]

Kalita, yes, a money belt for your passport, credit cards, and other valuables is essential.

Jixer, a pocket tool/knife is essential too (though it's worth checking which tools yours has as I was quite surprised to realize that mine didn't have a corkscrew after buying a bottle of wine for lunch one day), but you have to put it in your stowaway luggage, not your carryon, these days.

[samiamiguess]

A list of contact numbers and addresses for both home and where you intend going. Just in case things go pear-shaped....

Happy travelling,
Sonya

[relativegirl]

[quote:86711b65e1]Quote:

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Oh, I forgot to mention adapters. They come in handy if youre taking electronic gizmos with you.

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[/quote:86711b65e1]

Electric gizmos? Electric gizmos!!!! I so need to travel with you, Rosenberg.

[Warduke]

Macromedia has issued a security patch for their Flash player.

Read the info and get the new player here.

[Unregistered(d)]

i'd like a good country for my honeymoon. my girl said yes, this morning. so i'll marry her as soon as i can.
does anyone know where i could go.
i'm so happy

darkmagicwillow, i was more thinking of an island. under the sun, ya know. europe is too cold. but thanks

[tommo]

Nice sig, E. You Welsh all of a sudden, hm?

[darkmagicwillow]

Congratulations, angel1273!

I love France, though don't limit yourself to the busy streets of Paris as enthralling as they may be. Some of my favorite places in France were the small towns like Amboise in the Loire Valley amidst the beautiful chateaux or Colmar in the east in the hilly wine region of Alsace.

[Kishu9]

well...any kitten from Netherlands?? coz' me & some friends are planning to travel(backpacking) from Netherlands - Germany - Switzerland - Italy. & I get the idea that the best way of doing so is get a Europass. But exactly how did this railpass work?

[FlereImsaho]

Saw this tip on the news recently. If you are dropping someone off at the airport, it can be faster to drop them off at the pickup point than the dropoff point. This might not work everywhere. At SeaTac (Seattle airport) coming inside from the dropoff area only means going up one more level, and you can use an elevator. The time savings comes from avoiding the traffic jam in the dropoff lanes. On a day like today, Christmas Eve, this could save a bit of time and maybe reduce stress a little.

[darkmagicwillow]

If you're from Europe I can't help you, but if you're not, I know some good sites about European railpasses for people from outside Europe. Either way, use Deutsch Bahn for schedules all over Europe. I'd also recommend staying in St. Goar on the Rhine; there are wonderful views of the Rhine and its castles, great food at the ruined castle Burg Rheinfels there, and K-D runs river cruises down the river from there which is a great way to sightsee.

Non-Europeans interested in railpasses for Europe should start with Rich Steves' Railpass Guide.