A DOZEN QUICK REMINDERS FOR STRESS FREE TRAVEL!!!

1. Arrive at the airport early. This will help in a number of ways – you won’t be panicking in long lines as your flight time approaches and you still need to get through another long line in security. And, if you want to change your seat to the emergency exit row or the bulkhead, you at least stand a fighting chance.
   


2. Please get a passport. If you don’t need one now, you soon will and this is the absolute best way to verify your identity and nationality. Also, be sure that you know the Expiration Date on your passport since many overseas trips or visas require that your passport be valid for up to 6 months after you return.
   
   
3. If you are taking a cruise, be sure to log into the cruise line’s website as soon as you have made your final payment and fill in the Immigration and other necessary information. It will save you a lot of time when you are boarding the ship and whatever you do, never pack your passport! We once saw a couple of passengers delayed boarding while the cruise line located their baggage so they could retrieve their passports.
   
   
4. Here are a few more items you should never pack – Prescription medications, cameras, jewelry and your trip and/or cruise documents.
   
   
5. For Your own Peace of Mind - Make a copy of your passport and credit cards and keep them in a safe place, different from where the original documents are kept. And, when in a hotel or on board a ship, please remember to use the safe for your valuables and important documents.
   
   
6. Keep a supply of Zip Lock bags in all sizes. They are useful to carry make-up, liquids, gels and creams so that they do no leak all over your clothing. Larger sizes are also great for sorting groups of clothing like underwear, socks, children’s outfits, etc, etc…
   
   
7. Wear comfortable slip-off shoes when flying and wear or carry a pair of short cut socks. When you have to remove your footwear to get through security, they will slip off and back on easily and your feet won’t get cold or dirty as you walk through the security screening area.
   
   
8. If you are on a cruise, remember that you will have to put your luggage in the hallway outside of your cabin the night before you disembark. Do not pack everything – you will have to dress the next day for your journey home. Always keep a small carry-on bag in your cabin to carry your last minute toiletries, medications and the clothing or pajamas that you wore the night before.
   
   
9. For Airline flights, invest in a good pair of noise-canceling headphones. They can be used to watch the movie, listen to music or just give you a chance for a good nap or to read your book. Also, your neighbor won’t keep talking to you if they think you are listening to something.
   
   
10. Things you need to bring along: Sunglasses and a good sunscreen especially when visiting the Caribbean, Mexico or the Bahamas at any time of year. A good pair of walking shoes, particularly for Europe where there are a lot of cobblestone streets. Always a good idea to bring along a simple first aid/medicine bag with some aspirin/pain relievers, antacids, allergy medications, topical antibacterial (Neosporin type item), band aids, motion sickness preventatives and the like. And… Don’t forget to bring your camera, extra batteries, film, memory card or whatever is needed. These items may not be easy to find while abroad and may be very expensive.
    
    
11. Put some identifying marking(s) on you luggage so that it can be easily identified. Remember that all black luggage looks the same at first glance. Place identifying information inside each piece in case an external tag gets separated.
    
    
12. Most important – remember to smile and keep your sense of humor – you’ll need it! A kind word goes a long way!