Once there was a girl… a girl's perspective of how the internet and California culture collides

I keep a few items on hand (most of them are everyday items, others for just when I travel) to make life a bit simpler. Most of these apply to domestic and some international destinations. I am much more wary of theft outside of North America though…

• I carry my passport in an oversized wallet. Most bars will take a driver’s license, but in case of an emergency I like to keep it on me.
• I also will travel with a small amount of currency for the country I’m headed to for quick airport purchases (and surprise taxes or fees!) and a bit of US cash to have when I get back home (to get out of the parkade). I travel most often to Canada, so I’ll hit up an ATM and take out as much cash as I can to cover my expenses. That way I’ll save myself individual transaction fees from using my debit or credit cards.  Any currency left over I just take home and save for the next trip… Just carry a daily stipend on your person and the rest secure at your home base or hotel safe.
• Keeping common meds in an old lady pill case comes in handy. Aspirin, allergy meds, lactaid, etc…  all expensive to buy on the fly. Keeping a few of each kind of med in a pill keeper makes you a walking pharmacy. I just keep a little slip of paper in one section which outlines each segment contents along with basic dose info so I don’t have to memorize it.
• Expandable shopping bag. I absolutely love my turquoise Eddie Bauer shopper. It folds up simply without needing to know oragami, has a tab with a clip on it, a belt loop,  and the folded pouch zips shut. I can use it as my primary wallet/camera case since when folded it is the size of my Canon point and shoot and a fits my ID, a few cards and cash. Then I can throw it on a belt, or clip it to a belt loop. If you need to carry more you can expand it and still keep the zipper pocket stuffed with small items.
• I almost always carry a bag big enough for a sweater or a change of shoes. Having a large purse can get heavy though, so I try to stick to messenger style bags so my shoulders don’t get tense from hefting too much weight.

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Here are some packing tips I’ve come to utilize that makes my travel a touch easier.

• I label everything. When you’re in the midst of security you really don’t want to be unsure as to what exactly the 6 tubes of creamy white stuff is. Also helps when you’ve gotten back from a trip and tossed your toiletries in a drawer for a few months… you’ll know easily what to grab for the next trip.
• I have a quart size bag that came with my suitcase, it has a handle on it which makes it super easy to snatch up, put on my wrist, and move out of the way after screenings. Keeps my hands free to grab my laptop and shoes. I just walk into the terminal and then reassembled my stuff.
• Solids. I don’t buy travel size products if its something I use on a daily basis and can be bottled in empty travel sized containers. The travel sized items I do buy are ones that are solids such as sunscreen, deoderant, moisurizers, and even some fragrances that can slip through security easily.

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How do you plan a trip? Do you plan out every detail or fly by the seat of your pants?

I always like to do a little research for my first trip to a new place, especially asking friends and family about the location if they’ve been there before.

Most important is figuring out weather trends to keep packing to a minimum… I’m notorious for packing way too many options, but I’m getting better at it.

What are your no fail travel tips for planning and packing?

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