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. 

SMARTPHONES MAKE PACKING LIGHT EASIER

In the past, I took a lot of gadgets on a trip. I would pack a cell phone, camera, travel alarm, CD disc player or walkman, mini tape recorder, notebook and calculator, just to name a few. Now a smart phone, in my case, an iPhone, takes care of it all. What a convenience it is to have so much handled by one device. So if you are serious about packing lighter and you haven't taken the leap yet, I seriously suggest  you look into a smartphone when you are eligible for a cell phone upgrade. If you are part of the very few who do not own a cell phone, then skip the basic models and go directly to the all inclusive phones. You will be glad you did.

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.