BERMUDA CRUISE STARTING AT $349

I love Bermuda and I love this incredible cruise bargain. Vacations to go fast deal #11410 from NYC to Bermuda leaves on October 30, 2011 and returns on November 6th. It is on the NCL Gem which is a beautiful ship. The deal gets even better as NCL throws in an onboard credit on select cabins. I really wish my schedule allowed it! Call 800-338-4962 and tell them Mimi sent you. Bon Voyage

INTERCHANGEABLE JEWELRY

I picked up some interchangeable earrings from SnapHappy at an antique mall but was very disappointed to find out that they do not have an internet site. If anyone knows where I can buy more please let me know. Inexpensive interchangeable jewelry is great to have when you travel. I never pack expensive pieces. Buy.com, trendystonejewelry.com and Bling Time interchangeable accessories gives the traveler a wide selection of items that coordinate well with todays style.

PLANNING A ROAD TRIP BY CAR?

In the next few weeks I plan to take another long road trip by car. So now it is up to me to make a few preparations. About.com cars gives some excellent tips including:

1.  Check your tires, tread and pressure. Don't forget the spare!

2.  Check the coolant

3.  Make sure any scheduled maintenance has been done

4.  Check the air filter. Clean it or change it after 10,000 miles

5.  Clean out your car. The weight of your car can effect the fuel use

6.  Join AAA. Roadside assistance is always a plus when needed.

Some of the things I keep packed in my trunk include:

1.  Fix-a-Flat. It is easy to use, just connect it to tire and inflate it.

2.  An Ikea tool kit with hammer, wrench, pliers and screwdriver

3.  A couple old rags

4.  A blanket

5.  A couple bungee cords

6. AAA's roadside kit that includes among other things, jumper cables, flares, shovel, emergency care guide, flash light and first-aid kit.  All the items fit neatly into a small, compact carrying case.

  

CHANGE YOUR LOOK WITH SCRUNCHIES

You can change the look of your outfit by adding scrunchies to the sleeves of your sweater or blouse. They can be secured with velcro dots, safety pins or a few quick stitches. Use the same color as your top or coordinate with another color from your pants or skirt. 

BUDGET TRAVEL MOBILE REPORTS 12.07 BAGS PER 1000 PASSENGERS ARE MISHANDLED

In a Budget Travel mobile article that I recently received online, 12.07 bags per 1000 passengers were mishandled by the airline industry last year. That's scary. Topping the list of reasons are: Forgetting to pick up your luggage in baggage claim or just leaving your carry-on bag in the overhead compartment by accident, if the routing label gets damaged or if the attendant types in the wrong destination code or if your bag is loaded onto the wrong plane. These reasons alone should make you consider packing lighter and carrying-on if possible. It is hard for me to think you will forget your carry-on if it is the only bag you travel with!

LIGHTWEIGHT DRESSES ARE A BIG HIT WITH TRAVELERS

Lightweight dresses like this one made by Sunny Leigh are perfect for the female traveler with an eye for style and a desire to pack smarter. It is made of 92% polyester and 8% spandex. That means it shouldn't need ironing and when it is worn with a complimenting pullover it looks like a skirt and sweater set too. It can be machine washed in cold water and tumble dried in a dryer or left to air-dry on a hanger. (I prefer the latter) This week it is on sale at Macy's for 1/2 of $69.00. We are talking $34.50 ladies!

AIRLINES MISHANDLE AND LOSE BAGS

According to LearnVest, American Eagle Airlines mishandled bags for 7.18 passengers out of every 1000. The average for all airlines is 3.49 per 1000. This can be a nightmare for travelers. Last year I was on a transatlantic cruise where two couples were stranded on a cruise ship with only what they had on their backs. They had to purchase clothes from the cruise ship but were certainly limited on selection. They spent their port stop entertainment searching out department and specialty stores. If possible, it is always best to pack everything you need in a carry-on. If, however, this is not an option, then pack a carry-on with at least one change of clothes, extra shoes, underwear, toiletries, jewelry and all medications needed for your trip. 

If you need tips on how to pack, please go to mimipackslight.com