A Safer Way to Travel
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© 2000 by Pudsmom
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Pudsmom's Packing List
 Most people tend to think of vacations/traveling as happy times, when things
can't go wrong. WRONG. Things can and often do go wrong when you are traveling.
Being prepared can often mean the difference between a ruined vacation or an
amusing anecdote to share when you get home. With that in mind, there are
certain things you just shouldn't leave home without. Listed below are some
valuable additions to any traveler's suitcase.
 | A flashlight with fresh batteries |
Sure beats stumbling around in a dark hotel room in the middle of the night
when the power goes out.
| An assortment of Band-Aids and antibiotic ointment |
In case you forget that flashlight and go stumbling around in the hotel
room in the dark
| A prepaid calling card from a major carrier |
To keep in touch with those at home to tell them you've been stumbling
around in a hotel room in the dark
| A list with who to contact at home |
So the hotel, doctors, etc, know who to contact to tell them you've been
stumbling around in the dark
| A battery operated alarm clock |
So you know when to get up to stumble around in the dark
| An extra copy of your travel itinerary |
Tickets can be lost or stolen. Having a copy of your itinerary that
includes ticket numbers, etc, can often mean the difference between getting
home today or sometime next week.
| An extra copy of your driver's license and insurance information |
If your originals become lost or stolen, you'll be glad you had the
identification with you so you can get home again. Remember, the airlines will
not allow you to board without positive identification.
| A list of medications, prescriptions, and allergies as well as names
and phone number of your doctor(s). |
If something does go wrong, your healthcare provider will need the
information as soon as possible.
| Cash |
Stored safety away from your wallet or purse.
And finally the two most important things to take with you on any trip, no
matter how long or short...
A Word about Luggage
 Most people have a tendency to overpack rather then underpack.
Look at what you want to take with you. Can you carry it by yourself? All of it?
There may or may not be a skycap, bellman, or luggage cart available when you
need it most. Can you safely, without injuring yourself or someone else, carry
and/or move your luggage a great distance by yourself? Will you permanently
disable that luggage handler, skycap, or bellman if they try to lift your bag?
Can you afford the tip they are going to expect to move that overweight bag?
The Dreaded Carry-On Debate
Airlines are becoming more strict regarding their carry-on
policy. And with good reason. Size and weight limitations are a safety
consideration that cannot be ignored. How would you feel if you were sitting in
the aisle seat when the overhead storage bin opened unexpectedly to shower you
with your luggage? Would you survive the experience?
Another Word (or two) about Luggage
The luggage experience goes beyond the plane trip. Are you going
to be able to fit all of your bags into your rental car safely?  Without
overloading the vehicle? Not renting a car. Okay, so will the hotel's shuttle
accept you and your numerous overweight bags? Will you be able to find a taxi
that can carry you and your bags? What if you can't find an elevator or they are
out of service? Do you really want to haul all of that up and down the stairs?
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