Using the information gleaned on this site and other internet resources, as well as during my own experience, I have compiled a list of travel tips to make most any trip more efficient and more enjoyable. There are obviously much more things that could/should be considered but I tried to pick the ones that were the most important to me. If you wonder whether I do follow my own rules, the answer is a resounding and proud "Yes!"
This is naturally intended more for the ambitious travel newbie who wants to improve his/her game. The old stogies will know these tips and many others. Feel free to add!
On Safety and security:
Read this for luggage theft prevention:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trave...spicious+items
And this for list of suspicious items:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trave...uspicious.html
1. Make a pre-trip packing list. Make the list itemized per bag (but write the entire thing on ONE sheet of paper), so you know what is in which bag. This comes in handy as a reminder when you look for a particular item and don’t remember where you packed what. It also comes in handy as a proof should your luggage get lost.
2. If possible, wear passport and travel documents as close as possible to your body. Not in your jacket or coat, and not in your briefcase or purse, either. All these things are easily stolen, forgotten or misplaced. It’s aggravating enough for the lost item but even worse for the trouble you’ll have due to the lost travel documents.
3. Mail a pdf scan of your travel documents to your own inbox and carry the same copy on a flash drive. Even if your clothing does not allow for the documents to be carried on your person at all time, you will still be able to carry the flash drive.
4. Put valuables and metal objects like watches, belts, coins and jewelry into the closed pocket of a coat or in the closed briefcase BEFORE you even stand in the security line. This will make things almost hassle-free and quicker for you. It also makes it harder for anyone to steal those items.
5. Your shoes go first through the X-ray machine. Your most valuable item goes last. This way your most valuable item is BEHIND you in line. You can always keep an eye on it and there is little chance that it will “overtake” you and fly off to God knows where. Only push your most valuable item in right before you need to go through the metal detector.
6. Use “Search-Alert” TSA locks, that indicate when the lock has been opened by TSA, to prevent “un-noticed” access. Alternatively, use colored zip ties or tamper proof tape.
7. Put your contact data not only on the luggage tag but also on the INSIDE of the bag. Use destination or office addresses only, not the home address. Do not use the full name, only J. Doe.
8. Split your credit cards and money. Leave some in the hotel and take some with you. If any gets stolen or lost you still have a back up. This is similar to cross-packing. When two people travel together, pack some items of each in the other’s bag.
9. Know where you’re going. Plan ahead and take a map. In public transport sit close to the driver and/or close by an exit.
10. A rolled up newspaper, a solid metal pen and keys can make formidable weapons. Strike brutally and violently once (or even thrice but in quick succession), then run. If attacked by a group, hit the leader. More importantly, avoid confrontation!
On packing:
11. Utility maximization: Maximize the utility of each item you bring. Some examples: A bathing suit can be an extra pair of underwear. A plaid can serve as a scarf, rain cape, blanket, carry pouch, tablecloth, room divider etc. Use belts, cardigans, jackets and sweaters that are reversible with two colors. Two light sweaters are better than one heavy sweater. This can become a really nice game if you think of it as a challenge.
12. A ¾ length jacket with many pockets, a hood and take-off sleeves replaces a coat, a purse (daypack) and an umbrella. It can be worn over a suit and does not get in the way when sitting down. It also stows easier than a coat.
13. Be UN-prepared. Don’t pack stuff for every eventuality. Traveling in America and Europe, almost any common thing you might need is usually less than 15 minutes away e.g. extra shoelaces. That said, I do pack a flashlight, a 5g sewing kit, two safety pins, and a universal sink stopper (if I know I’ll be doing laundry). Check the long-term weather forecast. If the chance of rain is less than 50%, don’t bring an umbrella or rain jacket.
14. Wear your heaviest clothes and shoes, pack the lightest.
15. Shoes, toiletries and books go in the bottom and rear of any bag. If it is a wheeled bag, this will also be the optimal position to pack these items. The center of gravity will be lower, the bag won’t tip over so easily, will be easier to maneuver and other items won’t get crushed.
16. Lay low on toiletries and cosmetics. It will make packing the 311 bag easier. The weight will be greatly reduced especially when you ditch those awfully heavy toiletry cases. Most weigh close to a pound, some more; even when empty! Use another Ziploc baggy instead. One cologne/perfume in a sample size will do for the trip. Most places have the basic products on hand. You will not die from using hotel shampoo, you won’t be any uglier but you’ll be richer, smarter and travel more comfortably.
17. Wrap silk ties around folded shirts, place belts around the perimeter of the suitcase once it is packed (you only travel with one reversible belt anyway, but just in case). Stuff the extra pair of shoes with underwear, socks and fragile or valuable things. It helps the shoes keep their shape and protects the other stuff while maximizing space.
18. Use packing cubes wisely. There is no need for each thing to have its own cube. This will only add weight, bulk and work. Use of a packing cube is justifiable if it contains things like cables, headphones and power supplies that are fragile and will clutter the suitcase while possibly ripping up your clothes. Cubes are well used if they work as a compression folder for clothes. In other words: if your clothes in the cube are not compressed, you are adding extra weight and bulk without any gain. Packing pants in cubes is non-sense. But cubes can be excellent cores for bundle packing.
19. Use the right bag for the job. If you pack light enough and smart enough, you can comfortably make a two-week trip with a 22” rollaboard carry-on. If you pack really smart, you will be able to do the same thing with a shoulder bag that shouldn’t weigh more than around 10% of your body weight.
20. Debrief after each trip. Which items did you use and how often? Which items did you not use? Which items do you wish to have had and how badly were those really needed? You will soon be the real travel pro!
On Etiquette:
1. Be friendly, helpful and respectful! The others are only traveling or doing their job, just like you.
2. Don’t carry more than you can handle yourself. This is particularly bad for women but nowadays I wouldn’t count on a chivalrous helper to lend you hand.
3. Bags go in narrow side (wheels or top handle) first, d#*n it!
4. Bags go in ONLY close to your seat. Do not take up overhead space in the front of the cabin and then move to the back. That is outright anti-social.
5. Personal items are called personal items because they stay with you. They do not go in the bin. Once everybody has stowed the bigger bags, if there is still room, you can put the personal item.
6. Put your coat on top of your big bag or as the last item before closing the hatch. Do not take valuable bin ground space for your coat.
7. Do not poach anybody’s seat. Sit in your assigned seat first, and then ask the person in the coveted seat for a switch. If you have a justifiable seat change request, offer a seat that is at least equivalent or better. E.g. don’t ask a person in a window or aisle seat to quit their seat and sit in your center seat so you can sit with your partner. Accept “NO” for an answer without being upset. Doing you a favor is one thing, but doing you a favor and sacrificing one’s own comfort is another thing entirely.
8. Be careful and give a warning when you recline your seat. The person behind you might have a drink or laptop on the tray. Reclining your seat suddenly and without warning can spill the drink and break the laptop’s screen. You’d be responsible for the bill.
9. Avoid air travel with small children that cry, if at all possible. If it is relocation, a medical emergency or similarly important event, by all means, bring the child. If you are just flying around on holiday and you cannot control the child properly, rather think of alternative vacation plans that do not require the use of trains or planes. There are natural potions that will help quiet the child down. These are entirely harmless for the child. Consult with your pediatrician. You, the child and everyone else will have a better trip thanks to this little preparation.
10. If you weigh twice what a person of your age and size should weigh, do yourself and your fellow travelers a favor and book two seats (at least if you fly economy). Or at least, try to book a flight that is most likely not booked out and book an aisle seat.
Till