My iPhone is my travel pal

For all the obvious reasons - being basically a tiny computer with apps for just about any need, it is invaluable for travel.

I have put my permanent packing list into a grocery list app that lets me check off everything as I pack it, both before I leave and as I'm repacking my stuff, ready to leave for home.

Of course there all of the communications and GPS uses as well, plus lots of possibilities for entertainment on the road.

Games
Movies
Music
Alarm clock
Phone
GPS
Checklist
Maps
Calendar
Camera
Video camera
Calculator
Tip calculator
Weather
Flashlight
Personal alarm
Yellow pages
Phone book
Compass
Notepad
White noise / relaxation sound machine
Voice recorder

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

The Girl Scout motto: be prepared!

Because I have no need to carry a massive bottle of shampoo or conditioner with me on a short trip, I keep travel size bottles on hand and I just refill them when they are empty.

It doesn't matter if the brand name on the bottle is no longer the brand inside--you only need clear markings that tell what item is inside. Bottles with screw on tops are less likely to get squashed and spilled in your luggage as flip tops are.

I keep my collection of filled travel bottles together in their plastic zip storage bags that I toss into my suitcase. They are always ready to go and together ready for packing.


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Toilet paper in a strange land

I realized when we were in Mexico that public bathrooms may not have toilet paper. Sometimes business owners hold on to it for paying customers only and you have to request it when you use their bathroom. (I understand that. Tourists, especially Americans, can be obnoxious when they think they are entitled to special treatment, and I'll bet they feel free to use as much toilet paper as they want in someone else's bathroom.) The first place I used the bathroom in Mexico was pretty nasty, but I bought a bottled Sprite before I asked permission to use their facility. I was thirsty anyway!

For the older folks in our group, this was a real culture shock to them, and they weren't happy to have to ask for toilet paper.

I know many people go to great lengths to find special, expensive rolls of travel toilet paper to carry around with them, but I realized that was overkill.

All I really needed to bring with me was a few pocket packs of tissues. I didn't need to carry more than one pack with me at a time, and if I started running low, I could always tuck another pack into my purse or pocket without worrying about much bulk.

Added bonus- the packaging keeps the tissues clean and tidy when tossed in with other stuff.

I wound up using more than expected because a few of us in our travel party were dealing with colds and allergies. I can't deny a sweet boy a few tissues for his runny nose, can I?

Special note: my all-time favorite over the counter cold and sinus medicine is Aleve D Cold and Sinus. It works on whatever sinus type problem I'm having, lasts 12 hours, and doesn't make me drowsy at all. :)

Hidden Pockets For Travelers

http://www.saf-t-pockets.com/traveltips.asp

20 tips - girlfriend getaways

http://www.girlgetaways.com/articles/2006/AR2006042101291.html

I LOVE the travel clothes washing kit!!

Bring a laundry kit. Pack a one-gallon Ziploc bag and a travel-size shampoo container refilled with detergent. These come in handy when you need to wash hosiery, bras, and other delicate undergarments. Put a few drops of detergent into the bag and fill it partway with water. Place the item you want to wash in the bag, close it up, and shake it around for a few minutes. Instant washing machine! For larger pieces of clothing, I've used the plastic laundry bags supplied at most hotels. Just hold the open end tightly. —Erika Kumada, Mount Prospect, Ill.

Travel Sizes

http://www.minimus.biz/default.aspx

Minimus is a terrific site where you can buy travel-sized items, including sample sizes of foods that you can't buy in a store. :). If you enjoy making gift baskets or trying new products, you will probably love Minimus. 

What if I lose my ID?

I scanned and emailed copies of my birth certificate, driver's license, and credit card to my own email address under a misleading name. I figured that if I needed them, I could go on board the cruise ship to the internet cafe, get myself a few minutes, and download what I needed in case of emergency.