PACKING SMART
Not a frequent traveler, but want to pack like one? See the tips below to help you pack lighter to avoid paying extra baggage fees and to ensure you move through security checkpoints with ease.
- Choose outfits in which you can mix & match and wear individual items more than once. This will save you from packing multiple articles of clothing.
- Check to see if your accommodations have a laundry facility or services. The option of doing laundry mid-way through the trip allows you to pack half the amount.
- Research your trip; consult the weather channel and know the activities you will be participating in during your trip.
- Start by packing your bag with shoes first. They are known to take up the most space in a suitcase. Coordinate several outfits to utilize the same shoes.
- Fold your clothes in reverse order to maximize the space. Also, rolling your garments is known to be the best solution to get the most space out of your luggage.
- Purchase travel-size toiletries. This will not only save room in your bags, but is necessary if part of your carry-on luggage. Using the hotel provided toiletries or packing samples (perfume, shampoo/conditioner, etc.) is another space-saving option. Even better – purchase your favorite brands in travel sizes at your destination and eliminate the need to pack them.
- If you are filling a travel-size container with shampoo – only fill ¾ of the way full. This allows room for pressure during the flight and saves you from cleaning up a mess. In addition, make sure to pack all toiletries in a zip lock bag.
- Pack any medication in your carry-on luggage so you aren’t stranded without them if your checked baggage is unexpectedly delayed or lost. Keep medicines in their original, labeled containers. Bring copies of your prescriptions and the generic names for the drugs.
- Leave your valuables behind. If you don’t want to chance losing it, it isn’t worth taking on your trip.
- Include an extra set of clothing in your carry-on luggage if needed for an unexpected baggage delay, etc.
- Tie a brightly colored ribbon of the same color to each piece of your luggage to easily identify them at baggage claim.
TRAVEL SAFETY
Being smart about your surroundings will ensure your travels are safe. See the tips below to help keep you protected and out of harm’s way.
- Get travel insurance to protect against canceled trips, flights, lost baggage, medical evacuations, etc. Don’t leave home without it.
- Choose a hotel in a well-lit, busy area such as a downtown or residential area. Hotels in business districts or on the ‘out-skirts’ may be less-expensive, but can be less protected for tourists.
- Use a money belt instead of a purse.
- Keep your hotel door locked at all times and leave any money or valuables in the hotel safe – do not leave them unattended in your room while you’re out.
- Keep a low profile. Don’t spotlight yourself as a tourist, most thieves find tourists are venerable targets.
FLY FISHING
- Practice, practice, practice those 80’ casts or those “dead drifts” before your trip, not in front of that once-in-a-lifetime fish.
- There is no guarantee of landing that big-game fish and sometimes the trout just aren’t hungry that day. Tomorrow is another day.
- Each fish is special. Take a moment to enjoy that first bonefish or that trophy brown trout.
- Have fun out there, even with that undershot cast or missed set. The more wound up an angler gets, the less fish they catch. Just breathe…
- Your guide is doing their best to help you catch fish, even if the wind is howling or its pouring rain.
- Destination angling takes us to some pretty spectacular places. Learn a little local history, See the sites. Experience new foods and the local culture. Make the most of this trip of a lifetime.
- Remember to take in the scenery and take photos of your surroundings, not just the fish.
- Get your gear ready the night before and be on time. Don’t keep the guides waiting.
- Listen to your guide. Tip your guides daily.
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
- Traveling abroad is an exhilarating experience and one that requires extra preparation. See the tips below for special planning that may be needed for your travel overseas.
- Know if your medical insurance fully protects you when traveling abroad. Call your insurance company and ask if your policy covers for emergency expenses such as medical evacuation.
- Register your name with the local US Embassy.
- Make sure you have a signed, valid passport,with an expiration date 6 months past your trip, and a visa, if required, and fill in the emergency information page of your passport.
- Leave a photocopy of your passport and itinerary with someone at home. Should this be lost or stolen, it may be sent to you to avoid delays returning back home.
- Familiarize yourself with your destination and ensure you understand the ‘lay of the land’ – understand their culture, laws and needed vaccinations.
- Do not leave unattended luggage in public areas and do not accept packages from strangers
