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

SAVE MONEY ON PHONE CALLS AT HOME OR ABROAD

Before I travel abroad, I call my cell phone company to let them know where and when I will be out of the country. In that way, I get an update on long distance call rates and specials offered by the server that I use. Other ways to save on long distant calls are by purchasing an International prepaid phone card (shown above). Remember to record the dial up number and code and email it to yourself for additional safe keeping. If you are taking your computer on your trip, download a software application like Skype to make inexpensive or free voice calls and chats over the internet. 

SUNSET MAGIC

Some of the most beautiful sunsets or sunrises can be seen over water. So if you happen to be lucky enough to have a river, bay, ocean, lake or pond close to your home, then go enjoy one of natures wonders. You really won't have to pack much, perhaps a folding chair with a thermos of coffee or a favorite drink will do. Bring a friend or loved one and your about as close to heaven on earth that I can think of.

BARGAIN ALCOHOL PRICES ON CRUISE SHIPS CAN BE EXPENSIVE

If you are flying home after a cruise vacation, think twice before purchasing the bargain liquors that the ship offers for sale. Many cruise ships keep your purchases locked away until the night before your departure. You then experience the dillema of transporting the bottles back. Since carry-on restrictions allow for 3 oz per liquid container, most likely the alcohol will need to be placed into your checked luggage. If you are not flying an airline like Southwest which accomodates two free bags up to 50 lbs, not exceeding 62" in size, you might have to pay for either a second or third bag or perhaps a weight surcharge. These fees can go as high as $100 per bag, so check with your airline to know for sure. Also, keep in mind that many a travel wardrobe has been destroyed by a broken bottle of booze.

HOW TO GO THROUGH AIRPORT SECURITY EFFICIENTLY

The airport security check in process can be unnerving at best. To help make it easier remember that you will be asked to take off your shoes, belt, jacket, coat and certain jewelry like your watch. I wear either sneakers with velcro straps or shoes that slip off easily. I try not to wear a belt or watch on airport travel days, but if I do, I put my belt and watch into my carry on during the security screening. I will also empty my pockets of change, etc. and put the contents into a quart size ziplock bag and place that into my carry on as well. You will be asked to remove your computer and all liquids for screening. Keep your laptop in a safe and convenient spot in your carry on and remember the 3,1,1 rule for all carry on liquids. All liquids that you carry on must be 3 oz or less, placed in a clear plastic 1 quart size bag and only 1 bag is allowed per passenger. If you require larger quantities of liquids they can be placed into your checked luggage.

MY SOLO UNDER THE SEAT BAG VERSUS MY TRAVELPRO ROLLING TOTE

My May transatlantic cruise is coming down to the wire. I have selected most of my clothing and will be packing a pair of Lindsay Phillips SwitchFlops as my main evening shoes. That is all great, but my subconscious is obsessing over my suitcase. I actually had a nightmare last night. I know I can do the two week trip with the Solo bag but the Travelpro is yet to be tested. Dimensions for the Solo bag are 16"x15"x9", for the Travelpro they are 13"x16"x8". For you mathematicians out there, you know those inches lost add up to a lot of space. So back to the dream, there I am onboard the ship with only half of what I wanted to pack. My goal is to pack 35 unique and different outfits not 18. What a challenge this is going to be!

THE SAK OR MY FAVORITE TRAVELON BAG?

The other day I saw an ad for the sax bag on travelsmith's website. The bag rolled for easy storage. I better get one of those I thought. My two week transatlantic trip is coming up soon and I might need it.

I thought it was going to be an easy decision as to which bag I liked best. It wasn't. The sax bag rolled nicely but so did the Travelon. Then I asked myself, "why do I need the bag to roll anyway?" The answer is, I don't. So then the problem of which would be better for me became clear, it was the size. The sax was bigger so it could acommodate more but the Travelon had more compartments and was better organized. It was also made with microfibers that made cleaning easier. The sax was made of high quality leather and seemed a bit more stylish. At this point, I still think I will take the Travelon bag on the trip but keep the sax for other adventures.

LET YOUR TRAVEL CLOTHES DO DOUBLE DUTY!

Letting your travel clothes do double duty expands your pack-light wardrobe. In the case of the sun dress above, which is actually a formal black full length skirt, it will do triple duty. I will wear it as a short skirt as well as a formal long skirt by topping it off with a long sleeve wrinkle free silk sweater. Always keep in mind that people often pay more attention to the tops you wear. Add interest to your wardrobe by wearing a bright colored scarf or clipping on a "funky" silk flower to your blouse. Be creative and have fun, thats all the rage these days!

FLIGHT TRAVEL WITH THE ELDERLY

When you are planing to take a trip with the elderly, the indisposed or small children for that matter, it is best to call the airline directly to see how they can help. They can assist you in making arrangements for a wheelchair to meet you at the main entrance of the airport and even locate seats that would best accommodate your charge. An isle seat located close to the restroom might be perfect for some while the bumper seats behind first class might offer needed room for others. Regardless, this is one time when it is better to speak to someone from the airline rather then trying to navigate through the internet. On occasion, the airline will even help the elderly go through the grueling process of the security check if they know the situation in advance. 

PERSONAL STUFF MAKES FOR GREAT PACK LIGHT OPTIONS

I took a break at a highway rest stop today and found these pack-light goodies. PS stands for Personal Stuff and personal stuff they are. It is a great concept having sample size packets of national products like Claritin, Benadryl Allergy, Day Quill and Chap Stick, but I was a little  taken back when I saw Sominex and Tylenol PM. Let's just hope the sleeping aids weren't for any of the drivers, and if they were, that those drivers waited until they got home or to their hotel before they popped them!

VISIT LOCAL FARMS

Spring is here and so are my annual visits to garden centers and nurseries. Maybe its because, just a few generations back, practically all my ancestors were farmers, that this time of year inspires that need to plant and get back to my roots. Regardless, it is always a joy to go out to the garden centers and see all those possibilities for my garden. But what about local farms? If you do a little searching on the internet via the Department of Agriculture for your particular state you can find local farms and events that allow access to the wonderful world of farming. Many are free and all offer the promise of a very interesting adventure for you and your family. So check it out and remember to pack plenty of water and disinfectant wipes or spray.