BUY TRAVEL INSURANCE WHEN YOU LEAVE THE COUNTRY

It is a good idea to check with your health insurance company before you leave the country. You may find that you are not covered in another country. Purchasing a travel policy could be the answer for you. Ask your travel agent to recommend a reliable insurance company or go on line for other options. You will sleep better knowing you are protected. 

SAFETY TIPS DURING TRAVEL

When you are traveling, you are out of your element, and are often very easy to spot. Looking at a map can distract you and when you are distracted your guard is down. Not that maps are bad, they are not, but it is best to get a good idea of where you are going before you leave the hotel, cruise ship or wherever. A "smart" phone with your location programed in is better to use as it is not as obvious. Remember though, not to put your pocketbook or day bag down on the ground while you are getting your bearings.

Other safety tips include:

1)    Don't wear flashy jewelry.

2)    Don't pull out wads of cash.

3)    Wear a money belt if you are in a big city that you are not familiar with.

4)    Don't walk around alone at night.

5)    Don't give out your room number or key to strangers.

6)    If you lose your key have a "new" one reprogramed at the front desk.

7)    Keep a whistle with you at all times.

8)    Keep a small amount of cash, credit card and photo ID in a separate pocket.

9)    Keep a cell phone with you at all times.

10)  Let someone know your itinerary.

TEN OF THE BEST PACK LIGHT TRAVEL TIPS

1)   Make a list of what you will need.

2)   Pack more tops then bottoms (slacks or skirts).

3)   Pack clothing of polyester and wrinkle free fabric blends.

4)   Pack a sweater or jacket that coordinates with most of the outfits you will 

       wear.

5)   Pack comfortable shoes that coordinate with most of the outfits you will wear.

6)   Remember "When in doubt, take it out."

7)   Pack a small umbrella and raincoat that fits in its own bag.

8)   Don't pack white slacks, pack black ones instead.

9)   Pack a compression bag for wet bathing suits or dirty clothing.

10) Use sample or trial sizes of your favorite toiletries or cosmetics. 

HURRAY FOR ONLINE SITES LIKE TRAVEL SMITH

When I am looking for specific items for travel I usually hit the internet first. Sites like Travel Smith are excellent. The dress shown above is actually a formal full length black skirt. It has an elastic waist which also lets me use it as a strapless dress. Paired with the right top it looks elegant and because it is made of a polyester blend it is wrinkle free and stain resistant.

KEEP YOUR TRAVEL GIFTS SMALL

When picking out gifts for family and friends while your on your trip, try to think small. Often the traveler has to pick up another bag for all the purchases they have made during their travels. This can be avoided by picking out articles that are less bulky. For example, choose a baseball cap over a sweatshirt, destination charms and patches over T- shirts. For little children inflatable balls and toys are usually as desirable as much larger stuffed animals. Think in terms of size and weight especially if you are taking a plane where it could cost you to check the bag. On Spirit Airlines there is even a fee for overhead carry-ons. Those additional charges could negate your bargains, not to mention the hassle of having to lug them around. 

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

It makes common sense to check the climate and weather of your destination before you take off on your trip. Most of us do this regularly but there are times when we just assume what the temperature will be. Several years back I took a trip to Key West, Florida in the middle of January. I thought all I would need would be a couple of bathing suits, a few pairs of shorts and tops, sneakers, socks, underware and a hat. Wow, was I ever wrong. The thermometer registered 41 degrees as I got off the plane. I was freezing and needed a jacket or sweatshirt pronto. What a surprise it was to me to find out that the stores didn't stock these items in Key West. I don't make that mistake anymore. I go online to the weather channel and regardless of the forecast in the tropics, I bring a light weight sweater and poncho or a reversible jacket.

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.