ROLL, FOLD OR BUNDLE?

I am often asked if I roll clothes when I pack. My answer is "seldom." That is because rolling often causes more creasing then laying things out flat or bundling. Bundling when packing refers to laying clothes on top of one another and then folding them over, similar to wrapping a gift. It is my preferred method of packing. I rarely roll unless it is for pairs of socks that I place within the cups of certain bras and swimsuits to maintain their shape. The other socks that I pack I lay out flat. Laying clothes out flat and or bundling are the most efficient and best uses of my suitcase space.

RED ROCK CANYON, NEVADA

Driving just about 20 minutes west of Las Vegas one finds themselves in beautiful Red Rock Canyon. This spectacular desert area is dominated by majestic red sandstone and grey limestone cliffs and mountains. The almost silent landscape seems in direct contrast to the craziness of the Las Vegas strip. It is well worth the trip though. Make the first stop The Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center. It is open daily from 8AM to 4:30PM and costs $7.00 a car load. Besides the educational center, desert gardens, shop and restrooms one is given entrance to the 13 mile scenic loop drive. This drive is not to be missed.

THE NEW YORK TIMES TRAVEL SHOW

I attended the New York Times Travel Show today at the Javits Center in NYC. A leading show for travel agents and other travel professionals, it is also open to the public this Saturday and Sunday Feb. 26 and 27th. The hours are 10 to 6 PM Saturday and 10 to 4 PM Sunday. Its like taking a walking tour of the world with seminars from some of the industry leaders like Rick Steves and Arthur and Pauline Frommer. Cultural performances and hands on projects for the kids round out the event. The cost is $15 per person and is free for anyone 18 and under. 

LEAVE YOUR GOOD JEWELRY AT HOME

When I am asked about traveling with good or expensive jewelry, I always respond with, "Don't." It is never worth the risk for me to take valuable jewelry on a trip. That is the time to use costume pieces which are so much in vogue these days. There is so much out there for $20.00 or less. Many cruise ships have shops onboard that specialize in coordinated sets of necklaces and earrings or bracelets for only ten dollars. They are affordable, fun and I've never heard of a tear shed, after a piece was lost! If you must travel with good jewelry, remember to document and insure it, and keep it in the hotel or cruise ship safe when you are not wearing it.

MY TOP TEN FAVORITE US CITIES TO VISIT

I love traveling around the US. Each of my favorite cities has its own character and in some cases, a soul. Here they are. Washington DC, New York City, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Tucson, Savannah, Boston, Seattle, Las Vegas and New Orleans.

GREAT TRAVEL ITEMS

When going on a trip or just restocking my day bag or pocketbook, I always include a tissue pack, antibacterial spray or wipes and a stain remover pen. These items are standards for the savvy traveler. One never knows when a public restroom will be out of toilet paper, or in some cases, if the water at the sink flows freely. If you are like me. stains miraculously appear on clothes. The Tide To Go stick has worked wonders for me and even removed blueberry stains on a favorite shirt.

PACK LIGHT SOCKS

When it comes to packing, I am always on the lookout for light weight products that would work for me. Rite Aid sells Phillip Edwards socks for only 99 cents. These socks are made of 97% polyester and 3% spandex. They are light, thin, and come plain or whimsical in design. Because  of the cost, I don"t expect them to last a long time, but they are perfect for packing and I love them. For more pack light ideas check out www.mimipackslight.com

WASHINGTON DC

Washington DC is my favorite US city to visit. It is a wonderful destination for families too. Packing requirements are simple, as most places accept casual attire. I usually pack a pair of jeans, black slacks and comfortable black shoes along with 4 tops, a neutral colored sweater, scarf and gloves.(Depending on the weather) Wearing casual and very comfortable pants, sneakers, top and pullover on my first travel day of a long weekend, assures enough clothing for almost any situation. Since I do a lot of walking in DC and I mean a lot, it is very important for me to have shoes that fit well and can withstand the time I put into strolling to, fro and around the museums and monuments I visit. The museums at the Smithsonian are free, providing a very economical bonus to the thrifty traveler. That makes the city perfect for families too. Daily and weekly passes are available for the metro, hotel prices are down on the weekends and the educational and cultural opportunities, unsurpassed by any other US city.

PACKING PANIC!

Often, even the most seasoned travelers will fall prey to what I call

“PANIC PACKING.” This usually occurs the night before or morning

of a trip.  It is when reason takes off before the traveler and although

the suitcase has been packed, repacked ,and the list checked, all of a

sudden the traveler feels they may need just a few extra items. Why not

put in three more sweaters just in case, and oh yes, two extra pairs of

slacks, and shoes to match and maybe even .................. Well, you get

the point, one bag becomes two bags or more.  AVOID THIS by 

following my “Pack-Light” process. Check it out at www.mimipackslight.com

HOW I FIND A FLIGHT

When I need to book a flight, the first thing I do is head to the computer and type in www.sidestep.com. Sidestep.com is a travel search company that uses over 200 different websites to help me find a great price for my flight. There are other sites like kayak.com which also offer good deals but if I find an acceptable one with sidestep I usually stop there. I try to be flexible with my travel days knowing that the best prices for domestic flights can usually be found on Wednesdays. Tuesday and Saturdays often offer good buys where as Fridays and Sundays are typically the most expensive. The first flight of the day is often the best deal so keep that in mind when you go to book. Bon Voyage!

BANK AMERICA CUSTOMERS GET FREEBIES TO MUSEUMS!

If you are planning a trip in the US and you are a Bank America credit or debit card customer, then it is a good idea to check Bank America's MOU program. MOU stands for museums on us. It is a partnership program that grants free admission to card holders on the first free weekend of every month. The cultural institutions, about 150 in all, include art museums like the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston as well as The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. For a little history check out the National World War Museum at Liberty Memorial in Kansas City MO or the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque, NM. For children, you might try, the Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia or the Bronx Zoo in NYC. How about the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville for a little foot tapping? Regardless of the cultural institutions that you like, Bank America's MOU program is worth looking into.

SALLY BEAUTY STORES HELP WITH PACKING LIGHT

When I look for packing light beauty supplies like nail polish, eye shadow and liners,I usually stop by a local Sally Beauty store. Loaded with all sorts of economical and tiny sizes, Sally's offers a wide selection for the traveler to choose from. I have used the 99 cents Sally Girl nail polish for years now. Even though the size is small, there is enough for two manicures, one pedicure and plenty of touch ups in the tiny bottle! I also like the foundation  rice paper for quick nose powdering. It takes up little space and is such a convenience.