SAFE AND SECURE HANDBAGS

The three bags shown above are from Travelon. All the bags have wide, adjustable straps  which are excellent for personal safety while traveling or just out and about. The largest bag  (to the right) has metal support within to give it even more security from a thief with scissors or a knife. They range in price from $34.99 to $59.99 depending on features. I found them at the Samsonite store at the Potomac Mills Mall in northern Virginia on my way to North Carolina. They can also be found online. I personally use the middle bag as my everyday pocketbook. It has numerous zipped pockets for added security and it is washable.

SIX KEYS TO PACKING LIGHT

1.)   Know the climate and expected weather of your destination before you pack.


2.)   Wear your heaviest and bulkiest clothing (shoes included) on your flights if you take them

3.)  For those "Just in case" moments; Ladies, pack the indispensable "Little Black Dress". Men wear a sports coat on travel day but pack a collard shirt, tie, belt and coordinating slacks.

4.)   Scale down on everything. Travel size toiletries, thin socks, light weight underwear, fewer shoes and polyester-spandex blends work well in keeping down the weight.

5.)   When in doubt, TAKE IT OUT.

6.)   If you are going away for three days pack for three days and not a week.

FOR MORE TIPS AND DAILY CHARTS GO TO:     mimipackslight.com
      

TABLETS, E-READERS AND NETBOOKS ARE PACKLIGHTABLE!

I learned a major lesson during my Cruise Challenge, never travel without a computer. But that might not be altogether true, for I made a visit to Staples today, and found out about some other smaller devices that might have worked out just as well. Here at the Staple's in Cape May Court House, NJ, manager, Deven Hamidy, shows off the tiny but potent Acer. The Acer 10" Tablet which sells for $449.98 can be manipulated by touch which I like since I have an iPhone. Read your book, play games, watch a movie, make phone calls through skype and enjoy Wi-Fi connectivity all on this tiny computer. It packs light too which is what I love. It seems like there are all sorts of scaled down computers out there ready to make our journeys easier and more efficient. Toshiba Thrive, Motorola Xoom, Samsung Galaxy and of course the iPad 2, to name a few. Treat yourself to a technology outing and see what appeals for your travels.