Packing List:
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Pre Departure
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• Passport
• Visa
• Health Documentation
• Transportation Tickets
• Frequent Flyer Cards
• Emergency Information
• Insurance
• Hotel Reservations
• Traveler's Checks
• Currency
• Credit Cards
• Guide Books and Maps
• Trip Cancellation/ Medical Insurance
• Personal Identification
• Copies of Airline Tickets & Passport
• Special Event Reservations
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Travel Gear
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• Main Travel Bag (Travel Pack/ Duffle Bag/ Luggage)
• Packing Accessories (for clothes, small stuff and toiletries)
• Security (Passport Carrier/ Locks/ Luggage Tags)
• Document Organizer
• Everyday Bag
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Everyday Basics
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• Travel Clothing
• Raincoat/ Umbrella
• Travel Footwear
• Visor or Brimmed Hat
• Camera, Lenses, Film
• Radiation Shield for Film
• Video Camera, Tapes
• Binoculars
• CD/ Cassette Player
• Electric/ Phone Converters
• Travel Alarm
• Language Books
• Reading Materials
• Address Book
• Travel Journal
• Pen/Pencil
• Scarf/ Bandana
• Games/ Playing Cards
• Snacks
• Water Bottle
• Hand Sanitizer/ Towlettes
• Travel Neck Pillow
• Eye Shade/ Ear Plugs
• Portable Door Lock
• Tissues/ Toilet Paper
• Keys
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Maintenance Items
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• Flashlight Batteries/ Bulb
• Matches or Lighter
• Extra Batteries
• Sewing/ Repair Kit
• Duct Tape
• Travel Iron or Steamer
• Sink Stopper for Hotel Sinks
• Zip-close Plastic Bags
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Travel Health
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• Travel Health Booklet
• Pain Reliever/ Aspirin
• Cold Medicines
• Contact Lens Items
• Diarrhea Medicine
• Laxative
• Insect Protection
• Sun Protection
• Sunburn Relief
• Antibiotic Cream
• Malaria Medication
• Motion Sickness Medicine
• Personal Hygiene Items
• Personal Prescription
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Home Checklist
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• Stop deliveries
• Have Post Office hold mail
• Arrange care for pets, lawn and plants
• Set-up a timed lighting system
• Notify local police of absence
• Leave house key and trip itinerary with a neighbor
• Empty refrigerator
• Eliminate possible fire hazards (unplug appliances, etc.)
• Turn down thermostat
• Turn off water heater
• Store valuables in a safe place
• Lock all doors and windows
• Reconfirm with airlines
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Toiletries
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• Comb / Brush
• Toothbrush / Paste
• Dental Floss
• Deodorant
• Soap-Personal & Laundry
• Skin Care Lotion / Creams
• Make up
• Mirror
• Manicure Articles
• Hair Care
• Sunscreen / Lipbalm
• Razors / Shaving Cream
• Hair Dryer
• Towel / Washcloth
• Travel Bottles (for shampoo & laundry soap)
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Security Packing Tips From Maggellan
When packing for increased security, travelers should consider:
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Obvious and not-so-obvious weapons. Travelers may not be allowed to
take razors, razor blades of any sort (including small twin-blade disposables),
nail files, manicure scissors, corkscrews, or small pocketknives into the
cabin.
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Frequent unpacking and repacking. Both carry-on and checked luggage
may be searched. Using packing organizers, like Eagle Creek's Pack-It(R)
System, makes it easier for authorities to examine the contents of a bag
without leaving clothes in a rumpled mess.
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Increased scrutiny of electronic devices. Travelers with laptops may
be asked to turn them on at security checkpoints. Many travelers may prefer to
pack their laptops inside their checked luggage using a padded computer case,
such as Eagle Creek's Computer Vault. Travelers may want to leave any
non-essential electronics at home.
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The need to protect bags from tampering. Small luggage locks or
security seals, such as PrivaSeals, ensure that zippers stay zipped. Travelers
should be sure their bags are easy to identify.
Packing Tips From LLGMA
Next to flight delays and long lines at the airport,
packing is probably the least pleasant part of travel. Deciding what to
take--and making it all fit--frustrates even the most seasoned traveler.
However, that does not have to be the case. With careful pre-planning and some
useful tips on how to keep clothes neat and organized, packing can be quick,
efficient and easy. Packing expert Michele Marini Pittenger of the Luggage
& Leather Goods Manufacturers of America (LLGMA), the national trade
association representing manufacturers and distributors of luggage, personal
leather goods, business cases, business and travel accessories, and handbags,
offers these tips on carefree packing.
Packing List-- After settling on a
vacation destination, the first thing travelers should do is make up a list of
what they will need. This accomplishes two things: it speeds up packing and
lets the traveler know what might be missing in the event of lost luggage. This
list should be kept in a wallet or handbag in case of the latter.
Soft- or Hard-Sided Luggage-- Next,
consider soft-or hard-sided luggage. The choice depends on personal preference
and what is being packed. For instance, when packing delicate equipment,
hard-sided luggage is preferred. However, soft-sided luggage is available in
durable fabrics like Cordura(r) nylon and ballistic nylon, a puncture and tear
resistant fabric, as well as leather, canvas and vinyl.
Packing-- After opening the bag on a
smooth surface, the traveler should place shoes, hairdryers, toiletries and
other heavy objects in the bottom of the case opposite the handle. Wrinkle-free
items such as jeans, T-shirts, lingerie and sweaters can be rolled to cushion
heavier items. Next, add suits, slacks and dresses. Start with the heaviest
clothing first and leave the ends of the clothing hanging over alternate sides,
folding one garment over the other to simplify packing. A jacket's collar
should be at the hinge of the case to allow the width of the shoulders to
remain smooth. Then, button the jacket and fold the sleeves over the front.
Each item should be placed one atop the other by alternating edges so the case
is fitted evenly and smoothly. Zip trousers closed and fold along natural
creases. Plan to use the wide side of the case for wide-shouldered clothing and
wide skirts. The narrow direction of the case should be used for slacks and
narrow items. Then, fold the clothing beginning with the item second from the
top and working to the bottom, always smoothing the wrinkles while folding.
When all the ends are folded into the suitcase, the entire ensemble will be
interwoven and can be removed together. Its removal does not disturb the entire
ensemble.
Benefits of Packing Smart-- There are
three reasons for packing in this manner:
Selecting the Right Luggage-- For
overall success, whether it be a garment bag, carry-on, or pullman, selection
depends on packing lists and mode of transportation.
Features, Features, Features-- Travelers
should take advantage of the features and packing systems their luggage offers;
they save packing space and create organization. Features to look for when
selecting luggage include:
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Telescoping hanger rods
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Reverse-fold designs
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Packing fixtures
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Framed pockets
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Wetpacks
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Wheel Systems
Accessories-- Before leaving home,
travelers should find out if their hotel offers hairdryers, irons and other
amenities. If so, there is no need to waste packing space. If amenities are not
available, bring along sample sizes of cosmetics and toiletries. Fill small
plastic bottles or use unbreakable plastic containers with tight-fitting lids.
Frequent travelers keep a pre-packed toiletries/cosmetic case in their bag. If
the hotel does not have irons, hang clothes in the bathroom--with the door
closed--when taking a hot shower. After 15 minutes, the steam smoothes most
wrinkles.
Everything, Including the Kitchen Sink?--
For those who pack too much to carry, many wheeled luggage systems have
built-in luggage carts that hold up to three pieces of luggage, making it
easier to transport bags. They are simple to use: raise the recessed handle,
loop the retractable strap through the luggage handle, tilt and push or pull.
Virtually every type of bag is available on wheels--garment carriers, pullmans,
carry-ons, duffels, even backpacks!
Lost Luggage?-- Last but not least, if
a carrier loses a traveler's luggage, they should go immediately to the baggage
or customer service office, which is usually located near the baggage claim
area. Fill out the proper report and refer to the packing list made at the
beginning of the trip. Receipts for newly purchased luggage, expensive clothes
and other items of value help when making claims.