EMERGENCY ROADSIDE KITS

If you are hitting the road in your car, there is nothing like the security one feels with a Travel Pro Justincase emergency road kit. (shown above) Loaded with goodies, Justincase comes with 66 pieces of emergency essentials that your car should never be without. From the trusty standards like booster cables, tire sealant, flashlight, batteries and a first aid kit, Travel Pro has put in gloves and a poncho too. Detailed instructions are also included and since I have never had to jump start my car, I know I will appreciate the info. if it is ever needed. The bag and its contents are light weight and well organized and it takes up very little room in the trunk. I keep one in my car at all times.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

SPIRIT AIRLINES UNDER THE SEAT BAG DIMENSIONS

Spirit Airlines has set the ultimate challenge for me (so far): no fee for a personal item that fits under the seat. For an airline that charges for seats, checked luggage, overhead carry-ons and virtually everything else, including water, this may be their last freebie. For me it is much, much more. It has taken me years of scaling back on my packing list just to get two weeks' worth of cruise wear, all into a carry-on bag that fits into the standard overhead bin for most US airlines. Next I asked myself if this could be done in a bag that fits Spirit's Personal Item dimensions of 16"x14"x12". Well, I put it to the test for a one-week cruise with three outfit changes per day, and it worked. Go to mimipackslight.com to see what I packed!  

WRIST WALLETS

One of the benefits of my passion for travel is that my friends know the best gifts for my birthday; are always the ones related to travel. Besides beautiful luggage from Travelpro, a Buxton phone and camera pouch, matching makeup and toiletry bags, on my last "Big Day," I received a Banjees wrist wallet from my friend Alli. If you are not inclined to wear a money belt around your waist, a wrist wallet is a good compromise. The Banjees has a small security zipper and one size fits all, makes it perfect for practically anyone who feels the need for added safety. I keep a personal ID card, some cash, a copy of my health insurance card and a credit card in mine. For women, who often are in need of pockets, the wrist wallet provides a handy place for those important items. As an added bonus, the reversible Banjees wrist wallet, is made of a soft fleece-like material that is black on one side and tan on the other.

MARCEL DUCHAMP PACKED LIGHT!

The French avant-garde artist Marcel Duchamp was known for packing very light when he took a weekend trip. He never took a suitcase, but he did take two shirts, one worn on top of the other (he liked to layer!) and a toothbrush which he stuck in the pocket of his jacket.

THE PIER SHOPS AT CAESARS IN ATLANTIC CITY

When in Atlantic City be sure to stop by The Pier Shops at Caesar's. Located in a beautiful mall in what used to be an old entertainment pier, The Pier Shops include approximately 80 retail stores and restaurants. AC's Apple Store finds its home here as well as many high-end shops like Gucci and Tiffany & Co. Along the southern side of the building, on the top floor, one can find a brief moment of relaxation as one steps onto the sandy interior "beach" and relax in an Adirondack chair. The floor-to-ceiling windows provide a beautiful view of the ocean and boardwalk. Every hour there is a spectacular light show at the rear of the mall. It can be viewed from all three floors and is not to be missed. There isn't a charge for the show, and it is always a big hit for children.

ATLANTIC CITY AT NIGHT, SPECTACULAR!

Flying into Atlantic City on a clear night is spectacular. Our pilot took us north wrapping around AC's peninsula with breathtaking views of the casinos. Harrahs, with its changing colors and displays, was exceptional.

LUGGAGE SCALES

With many airlines charging for checked luggage, you might want to invest in a luggage scale. In the past I have used a regular bathroom scale to weigh my packed bag. Since packlight people don't normally travel with their bathroom scales in tow, the portable scales are a convenient option. The Travelon Ergonomic Digital luggage scale works very well. The only flaw is that the product itself adds extra weight. Personally, I find it easy to use but don't take it on trips. There are several varieties on the market. Go to your favorite travel store and ask for a demonstration. 

PACK BINOCULARS!

If you are short on time while you are visiting a popular travel destination, ask the locals what they would do if they had only a few hours in their area. You might be surprised by what they come up with. During our last trip to Disney World, we found ourselves in such a situation. We asked a pizza delivery man and the front-desk clerk at our hotel for their ideas. They gave us the same suggestion that my son made, "lunch at Sanaa." (Thanks, James!) The Sanaa Restaurant is located at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. It does not require a ticket to Disney World, but reservations are highly recommended. Try to get a window table because the views are spectacular. Overlooking an African savannah-like setting, the wild animals roaming there often come up to the restaurant windows for a peek! During our lunch we saw zebras, giraffes, an ostrich, along with a variety of other exotic birds. Don't forget to bring your binoculars!

*Special note to vegetarians and vegans: Sanaa has separate menus for both. The food was excellent.

MAKEUP KITS

Makeup kits provide a wonderful way for the female traveler to scale back on toiletries.  Unfortunately they are not always obtainable. Most cruise ships carry them and they are usually available at department stores during the Christmas holidays.  I now use my Clinique kit everyday.  It comes with 5 lipsticks, 4 eye shadows, black mascara, blush and powder. With a small size of my favorite liquid foundation (3 oz or less), eye liner and makeup remover pads, I’m ready to go.  Lancome makes a good kit, too.  I find their lipstick a little on the weak side but they include an eye pencil.  Many of the major makeup companies have these wonderful travel packs so check them out at your favorite department stores or online. Amazon.com lists the Shany Deluxe Makeup Kit for $25.00 with favorable reviews. Regardless of where you find them, makeup kits are well worth it.   

PACK A HAT

When packing light you don't want to forget to pack a hat. Protecting your head and face from the elements has become a major health and beauty precaution today. My mother packs about eight or nine hats when she travels, but that's another issue all together. She really could get away with one hat, especially if that hat happens to be a reversible one like the one above (the opposite side is black). With a couple of scarfs or ribbons, a few silk flowers and some safety pins, she could have a variety of different looks. If you happen to choose a hat that could get smashed in your suitcase, don't pack it, wear it.  That's what it is meant for anyway!

SHOES ARE ALWAYS A PACKING ISSUE

A friend recently brought up the "shoe issue" to me.  Shoes always seem to be a challenge to the traveller. Tip: Include wearing your heaviest pair on the first and the last travel days.  For me, these would be my sneakers.  If you use a base-color theme (see my website: www.mimipackslight.com) as I do, then you would pack a comfortable walking shoe and a comfortable dress shoe in your base color (I use black) or one that complements the other outfits you have packed.  Remember to wrap your shoes in bags before putting them into your suitcase.  I use the plastic bags that I get for my groceries at the supermarket. For warmer climates you can expand the look of your travel wardrobe by using a favorite product of mine.  Shown above are Onesoles. These are shoes with interchangeable tops.  You buy the soles that feel best on your feet -- these soles usually come with at least one top -- and then you purchase others from the vast assortment that the company offers. Go to www.onesole.com for a retail store nearby or to buy online. I purchased a pair of low-wedge soles a couple of years ago and still get compliments for all the amazing tops.