Travel: Tips

START A TRAVEL PACK	When we first start thinking seriously about a trip, I start a travel package. I like to use the colored transparent plastic envelopes, about 9" by 11-1/2" that close with a string. Every piece of paper and sometimes other small things that have to do with the trip go in the envelope. Before the trip we take out what we need to carry on board with us, thin out the junk and carry the envelope in our luggage.
DISPOSABLE CLOTHING	We all have clothing that is about to get tossed but still can be worn. How about taking it and throwing it away when it gets dirty. Esp. good for underwear and nightwear. And let's face it, you'll never see these people again, so even outerwear is possible. Not recommended for honeymoons or romantic get-aways.
PRINT UP MAILING LABELS	Before we leave for a trip, I check my mailing list of family and close friends to make sure I have the latest addresses. Then, I print up a page of labels and stick it in my travel pack.
INTERNATIONAL TELEPHONE CALLS FROM ABROAD	Most of us have cell phones now, and this seems to be the best way to call home. But set it up beforehand, as your service may need your permission to call internationally. And not all phones work everywhere. Don't expect it to be cheap, but it is great to have in emergencies.
PACK IN PACKS	Use large sealable sweater or other plastic bags to organize your packing, esp. if you're using a duffel bag. It makes packing and repacking much faster. And helps when you have to find something. A must if you're traveling to the endlessly humid jungle.
STOCK UP ON BASICS, INCLUDING COUGH DROPS	Remember that there are no corner drug stores in many countries in Latin America and the South Pacific. Stock up on common items you may need. On almost every trip, some member has spent hours looking unsuccessfully for a place to buy cough drops.
TAKE SOME (RUBBING) ALCOHOL	This has dozens of uses, as a cleaning fluid, degreasing eyeglasses, easing insect bites' itching, sanitizing. No, you can't drink it.
TAKE A FLASHLIGHT	We have used our small hand flashlights on every trip we've taken.
SPLURGE FIRST AND LAST NIGHTS	Our favorite way to travel is to roughly plan our route, book (usually by the Web) a few nights at key or particularly interesting looking spots, and wing it in between. A nice combination of security and freedom. Almost always, we splurge at the more expensive places on the first and last nights, as we find it helps mentally and physically during those stressful times.

**Some tips from Molly, friend and fellow traveler...**
PURELY FOR MEDICINAL PURPOSES	The last time we were in South America, we took a bottle of vodka (güt Russian wodka) with us and we took a swig after every meal and occasionally rinsed our mouths or brushed our teeth with it and spat it out. We did not get sick at all on this trip despite being in the Amazon, participating in ritual ceremonies with communal cups and eating indigenous food with the natives.
	MARY'S NOTE: Oil of oregano (don't skimp on the cheap stuff) is another good thing to carry and take occasionally when traveling to places where you may suspect the food.
THEY REALLY ARE USEFUL	Take a Swiss Army-style pocketknife with you. You never know (even when traveling in the West) when you might need a corkscrew, a nail file or cut a loose thread. Of course, these days, it has to go in your checked luggage
MOLLY'S METHOD FOR MAKING THE MOST OUT OF LONG FLIGHTS	For any 5+ hour flight, get a "medium strength" sleeping pill that takes your size and weight into consideration. Tell your doctor that you want one that makes you drowsy but doesn't send you "deep-six." Try to get an aisle seat so that you can get up to go to the bathroom easily. Or, ideally in an empty block if the flight is not very full. Buy a package (50¢) of those disposable (I wash them in the sink and reuseon the next trip) squishable yellow ear plugs. Take your toothbrush and toothpaste in your purse. You may want to bring a pair of socks. Get a sleep mask (some airlines supply them) and an inflatable pillow. Take at least a quart bottle of non-carbonated water with you on the plane. Don't drink tea, coffee, soda or alcohol before or during the flight. Drink that entire bottle of water on the flight! Order vegetarian meals on the flight so that you get served first. Take 1/2 of a sleeping pill when you first get settled on the plane, after your meal take the other 1/2. When you start to feel sleepy, inflate the pillow, put in your earplugs and don the face mask. I often fall asleep as soon as I get on the plane, wake up for dinner and then go back to sleep, that way I get at least 4 hours of sleep on a 5 1/2 flight. If you have a layover, you can find a quiet place to go back to sleep and set your travel alarm to wake you. Or (this is usually my plan) go get a very good cup of tea (2 tea bags) or a double espresso. Then I usually feel pretty much awake by the time I've arrived at my final destination.
FINAL WAY TO BATTLE JET LAG	If you have time on the first day at your destination and feel like napping -- do it! But don't sleep more than 2 hours or that will screw you up in the evening. I try to stay up, like they recommend, until my regular bedtime. Though if I have a glass wine at dinner that's the end of that idea.

Have any tips to share?
email: mary@jackmaryetc.com