Friday, July 25, 2014

Whether it’s their first trip abroad or their tenth, most travelers learn something valuable each time that will make the next one easier—packing lighter, for example, or pre-booking theater or museum visits.

That’s what makes advice from travel blogger and veteran nomad Geraldine (Deenie) DeRiuter so useful and spot-on. Here are top tips from DeRuiter’s Everywhereist website that should help make your next trip easier:

• Pack a hat – In winter it will keep you warmer. In summer, it will provide needed shade.
• Pack a reusable water bottle – If you’re going somewhere where the water is drinkable, a reusable bottle can save you up to $7 every time you don’t have to buy bottled water.
• Don’t pack that second dress outfit – Unless you’re on a cruise, or at the same hotel for several days, you will never wear that second dressy outfit. Leave it home.
• Choose a travel bag with wheels – It’s more agile and user-friendly than either a backpack or duffel bag.
• Don’t pack anything you haven’t worn before – Especially shoes, but also fabrics that may not travel well or underwear that may bind or twist.
• Pack those awful, worn tennis shoes – At some point on your trip, you won’t care what you look like – only that you are comfy.
• Don’t carry your wallet in a back pocket – Or a handbag just on your shoulder. Zipped or deep front pockets and an across-the-body handbag are safer.
• Take a small notebook – Although you think you will, you will not remember your guide’s name, the name of the artist you liked so much, or the name of that quaint little village.
• Call your credit card company beforehand – Let them know where you will be traveling and check on any applicable fees.
• Make photocopies of your passport – Leave one with a friend and tuck another into your travel bag.
• Color coordinate your clothes – Take only clothes that mix and match, so whatever is clean will work.
• Take a few pocket packs of tissue – Toilet paper is not a given in many parts of the world.
• Roll T-shirts and other unwrinkleables – They will take up less space in your suitcase.
• Never check your toothbrush, prescription meds, or deodorant. Put them in a carry-on along with an extra set of underwear.
• Don’t pack anything you can’t afford to lose – either financially or emotionally. Things happen.

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