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

PACK LIGHTER TO OFFSET HIGH CHECKED BAG FEES

To avoid the high cost of checked baggage consider carry-on luggage. Here I am with an under the seat bag from Solo that is packed for a two week cruise. Go to my sight mimipackslight.com to find out how.

PACKING LIGHT BECOMES A "LIFE PHILOSOPHY"

The more I learn about packing and how to manage my travel with fewer things, the more I learn about doing the same with my everyday life. When I ask myself, "What do I really need to survive yet still maintain a good life?" I find that the list gets smaller and smaller. As most homeowners insurance companies will tell you, family photos are usually the most personally valued. They are for me too so I shall put them up near the top of my list. I need a home of some sort to live in, a bed, and a table and chairs. A sofa would be nice and a flat screen TV across from it would be even better. An iPhone dock for music, some pots, pans, dishes, flatware, glasses, a couple rugs, lamps, towels, blankets, sheets and clothing should round it off.  Oh yes, A blow-dryer and a few toiletries would be needed along with the basic appliances (refrigerator, stove, sink, etc.) that we have all grown accustom to. Well, thats it for now as my goal to pack light morphs into one that lives light.

QUINCY BOG

Taking a short day hike at Quincy Bog outside of Plymouth, NH can be a delightful experience if you pack right. Hiking shoes are great but not required yet bringing a bottle of water and wearing some insect repellent are highly recommended.

Biking the country roads in New Hampshire

Even a bike ride in central New Hampshire can be a charming event. Here I am with a basket of flowers. Not a bad way to approach the day!

THE COOLER STOOL

While at an Eddie Bauer outlet last week. I came across the Cooler Stool. I saw it as a possible "Pack Light" find. It is a foldable stool with an attached soft thermos which includes an outside pocket for a water or beverage. It is lightweight, foldable and easy to store in a car trunk or boat. It is OK for temporary use but I liked it more as a footrest. It folds flat when the thermos is empty but that might prove to be a problem when it is packed with food or drinks. I bought two regardless.

RED GATE FARM

Traveling the charming back roads in New Hampshire is a special treat for me and made even more so when I happen upon a unique shop like Red Gate Farm. Here, Janice Maves stands proudly in front of one her beautifully made quilts. An artist in her own right, she incorporates bold color and contemporary design into the age old craft. Her shop is located at 188 Highland Street in Plymouth, NH and is well worth the trip.

THE COUNTRY COW IN CAMPTON, NEW HAMPSHIRE

I find that one of the joys of travel is the discovery of the unique and charming. Vermont and New Hampshire seem to have cornered the market in this department. Last week while I was enjoying the breathtaking views of mountains, streams, ponds and lakes, I came upon an old favorite, The Country Cow. Honestly, I am not fond of the name, but the views, the views, well, they are spectacular! Overlooking the very scenic Blair Bridge, just sitting at a window table makes one want to return to New Hampshire's White Mountains region every year. Now for the great news, the food is good and very reasonable. Early bird dinners are $11.99 and include a salad and beverage with the house dessert for an additional $1.00. Their are additional specials nearly every day and live music on Thursday.