BACK TO REI

I just couldn't resist another REI experience. Here Tammy shows me a teeny-tiny clothes line with bead clips to hold clothes ready for drying. I won't need it for my Cruise Challenge because the cruise shower will come equipped with its own expandable clothes line, but maybe for my next trip. What I really need are binoculars like the old opera glasses that fold flat for pack-light storage. They don't have the kind I want at the store, but Tammy thinks they may have them on the REI website. We wander around together, and my guide points out folding plates and nesting wine glasses, collapsible water bottles (I need one that can stand on its own), inflatable travel pillows, tiny towels that absorb well and dry quickly, small sewing kits (a bit too big for my purposes) with foldable scissors. All in all, REI has an incredible array of items for the traveler as well as the outdoor adventure/sports enthusiast.

A VISIT TO REI (RECREATIONAL EQUIPMENT, INC.)

My friend Steve told me that I would love REI. Was he ever right! The store has rows and rows of incredible camping and outdoor sporting supplies, and the customer service is excellent. Tom, in the photo above, patiently guided me down the aisles, carefully explaining the merchandise at hand. I had told him about my pack light concept and blog so he was well aware of my need for practical and well-made products that would take up little space in my suitcase. They were out of the GoToobs that Steve had bought for me, but they had plenty of other travel containers to consider. I ended up buying a light-weight expandable bag that folds up into its own 3-inch pouch as well as a package of paper toilet seat covers. As a first time shopper to REI I really was pleasantly overwhelmed. I will definitely return to report on other must-have "packlightables."

CRUISE CHALLENGE TOILETRY LIST

Now that my transatlantic Cruise Challenge is less then a week away, I am finally finishing my toiletry list. Today I checked out the Travel/Trial Size section at CVS; tomorrow I will go to Target where the extensive array of products offered makes me feel like a kid in a candy store. My toiletries will include:

 toothbrush (foldable)

 two 2-oz. tubes of toothpaste 

 5-oz. antiperspirant deodorant

 3-oz. tube of moisturizer

 3-oz. each of shampoo and conditioner

 2 razors

 1-oz. vial of baby oil (to remove makeup)

 3-oz. tube of sunscreen

 snack bag filled with QT swabs and cotton balls

 sanitizer hand wipes

 (I will keep a pen-sized spray tube of hand sanitizer    in my pocketbook)

 Sally's trial size nail polish

 1-oz. jar of nail polish remover

 2 emery boards

My makeup will be a Clinique travel kit, and I will list the contents of my over-the-counter medical/first aid kit in a future blog.

RC'S JEWEL OF THE SEAS FOR MY TRANSATLANTIC CRUISE CHALLENGE

I will be taking Royal Caribbean's Jewel of the Seas on my transatlantic Cruise Challenge. After speaking with the cruise lines's customer service department, I learned that my sailing will only be hosting two formal evenings and not three as I thought. The ship will also have two "smart casual" evenings and eight regular (or informal) nights. I plan on taking my full-length black skirt to wear for at least one of the formal evenings. Later, I will wear the same skirt as a sleeveless dress with a bright colored scarf as a belt at the waist. If I had had three formal nights on the crossing, I would have worn the long skirt twice on formal evenings with two very different tops. The tops one wears are critical as most people spend more time on a cruise looking at you from the waist up. Keeping this in mind, I will intersperse my black-base clothing with bright colored and light-weight patterned blouses and sweaters. In addition, I will use long-sleeve tops over certain dresses to make attractive skirt sets, thus making my wardrobe appear much larger then it is.

MY TRAVELPRO UNDER-THE-SEAT BAG CRUISE CHALLENGE

For me, packing light, has become a life philosophy, not just an efficient way to place things in a suitcase. Over the last few years I have been traveling about learning the tricks of frequent travelers who opt for just one carry-on bag. It is not only practical, but it makes their trips easier to manage. Less can be better, and in the case of travel, definitely less stressful. With that said, I started Mimi Packs Light hoping that I too could scale down my luggage to just one carry-on so that I could teach others to do the same. That done, I have now set up my Cruise Challenge to see if I really can go on a transatlantic cruise with just one small bag (Travelpro under-the-seat bag) and still have plenty of outfits to showcase. The entire trip will be 14 days, and I expect to wear 36 different outfits. That leaves 35 outfits to pack as I will be wearing some clothing as I board the ship. Over the next few days I will be blogging about the suitcase and its contents, how certain items were selected, how I will coordinate outfits and how I will place them in the suitcase. Please join me on this journey, which I hope will be fun as well as educational.

SIZE MATTERS

My transatlantic cruise leaves next week so I'm seriously reviewing all my packing options for my under-the-seat-bag Cruise Challenge. Nearly everything I pack must be scaled down in size or weight. Today, I went looking for light-weight socks at Boscov's department store. Shown above are two different types of casual/sport socks by Goldtoe. Each package contains three pairs. It is clear to see how the ones on the right are the better option for a pack light traveler like me.

MY BANK AMERICA CREDIT CARD BENEFITS

I called my credit card company today to get an update of benefits that come with my signiture visa. There were some pleasant additions that I did not know about. Besides, the all popular, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, I was pleased to find out about the Lost Luggage Reimbursement of up to $3000 per trip for checked or carryon. Other benefits include, Travel and Emergency Assistance, Roadside Dispatch, Warranty Manager Service with warranty registration and extended warranty protection, Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance which provides accidental death and dismemberment coverage protection while traveling on a common carrier and my favorite, Purchase Replacement which within the first 90 days of the date of purchase, Purchase Replacement replaces or repairs certain eligible items. Of course, I must use my Bank America Signiture Visa to get these benefits and certain exclusions, restrictions and limitations do apply. So before your next trip or just to enlighten your knowledge of, contact your credit card company and find out about the benefits of the credit card or cards that you plan on using. Bon Voyage!

STAIN REMOVAL WHILE TRAVELING

Often, while traveling, I have found myself in the awkward situation of having to remove a stain. Many of us like our coffee and when it spills we need to act quickly. With most clothing, it is best  to clean from the reverse side by dabbing with cool water rather then rubbing, which can spread the stain. Later, when you have more time, it can be soaked with a liquid soap. Wine Away, which can be purchased in a 2 oz spray bottle, is perfect for the traveler who likes to consume red wine. So if you are busy visiting the vineyards of Napa Valley or Sonoma, CA, keep a container handy in your day bag. For gum, put the stained area in a bucket of ice and then chip it away after it has frozen. For chocolate, grease or lipstick, pre-soak the effected area in cool water and then dab with liquid soap dish detergent. Remember not to use hot water as it can set the stain. If blood gets on your clothes, soak in cool water and then dab with a bit of baking soda (I always bring a small vial of baking soda for an upset stomach). Remember to always check your clothing labels first and dry clean if that is indicated. Another great pack light item that I always take on a trip is a Tide stick. I have had great success with this product and always keep one close at hand.

KEEPING TRACK OF YOUR DOCUMENTS

Keeping track of your documents has gotten easier with the use of the internet. Before I take off on a trip, I check with my travel agent or airline carrier as to which documents I will need. I then photograph them with my iPhone and send a copy to a secure email account. This can be done with a camera and scanned or imported to your computer too. I do this with the credit and bank cards I carry, as well as, my passport and driver's license. I make sure I copy the card contact numbers for security purposes. This way, I am protected if they are lost or stolen. It is a good idea to do the same with your itinerary, health and auto insurance cards. For the road warriors, a list of all your hotel, auto and airline club numbers, will come in handy when you don't want the bulk of all those perk cards in your wallet.

TOILETRY TUBES, VILES AND CONTAINERS

Most people don't get excited when they see toiletry tubes, viles or containers, but I do. I am always on the lookout for products that help me pack more efficiently, practically and can reduce the space taken up in my suitcase. The GoToob, shown above, is such a product.  It is available at REI, the sports equipment and adventure, camping store. Drug stores, dollar stores and travel shops often carry empty toiletry containers as well. They are perfect for taking your favorite products and can be rinsed out and used again. I like to use the clear, see-through bottles since they make identification easier.

CHECK THE WEATHER FORECAST BEFORE YOU PACK

It is always a good idea to check the weather before you pack for a trip. Today, that is easy with the internet and cell phone apps if you have a smart phone. There is nothing worse then packing for a week at the beach just to arrive to clouds and rain and find you have not packed a sweater or sweatshirt. Several years ago I took a trip to Key West in January. The temperature dipped into the high 40's and I had to find something to keep me warm. You can imagine how surprised I was that not even the local Kmart had sweatshirts. They told me it never got that cold in the tropics and they sold only t shirts for the tourists. I always carry a  plastic rain protector that I buy at the Dollar Tree. They come in packs of two so I usually put one in the glove compartment of my car too. They come in handy and are so cheap that it doesn't matter if you lose one or if it gets ripped.

TRAVELING BY PLANE WITH YOUR DOG OR CAT

Preplanning is crucial when traveling with your cat or dog on a plane. Make certain that your airline knows well in advance that you will be traveling with a pet. The U.S.D.A (the US Department of Agriculture) sets and enforces the regulations you need to know about when you transport a pet. The particular airline you will fly on will also have their own requirements, so get the information you need when you book. If your pet is small enough that it fits into a carrier that can be placed under the passenger's seat, you may opt to have your dog or cat join you in the cabin. Otherwise, your animal will need to be in a regulated crate placed into a temperature controlled cargo area. Make sure your name and phone number, flight number and destination are clearly marked on the crate or pet carrier. Also, put on the outside of the container, any special instructions and a bag of food if the airline allows it. Do not put in any lose food, water or hard toys into the carrier. You must obtain an "Airline Veterinary Health Certificate" normally no more then 7 to 10 days before your trip. Your Vet can supply this. Your Veterinarian will also know if it is advisable to give your pet a tranquilizer since they can cause adverse reactions in some animals due to the altitude and cabin pressure.

SOME ADDED TIPS
Your pet must be fully weaned and over eight weeks old

Non-stop or direct flights are best

Exercise your pet before the flight

Your pet should be given food and water within four hours of check-in (but not too much)

Water should be given to your pet before, during and after the flight

Animals traveling internationally should have a pet microchip

The crate or pet carrier must meet "IATA" and your airlines particular specifications

Contact the airline AGAIN, at least 48 hours in advance, to remind them about your pet since animal spots are limited
Be aware that added fees and weight restrictions may apply

Arrive at the airport early 

Familiarize your pet to its crate or carrier in advance of the trip

Place a favorite soft toy in the carrier if the airline allows it

Keep a photo of your pet with you in case your animal gets lost

When transporting an animal other then a cat or dog, contact the airline directly for their specific policy