Little Travel Tips
CAMERAS:
A great camera is essential. Let your photos be your souvenirs. If you can’t take decent photos, buy postcards!
You don’t need a huge, expensive professional camera to get great photos! We used a compact digital camera - Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W200 (12.1 mega pixels). Be sure camera is set to maximum pixel size for future cropping or enlargement.
A couple of 4 or 8 GB memory sticks was more than enough memory space for our 1,500+ pictures plus 3 movies. Bring at least two memory sticks (cards, whatever is camera-specific) in case you lose one or one malfunctions. Don’t forget to pack the battery charger and an extra battery -and keep the battery always charged and in your waist pack.
Forget disposable cameras! This is not the time or place to cheap-out!
SOUVENIRS:
Souvenir suggestions that take up little room in luggage and don’t break easily include: olive wood objects like spoons, Komboloi (worry beads), jewelry, linens, magnets, coins, and small books.
Use cash, it’s easier, or use credit cards for big purchases. I like the security and anonymity of cash. We ordered our Euros from our local Wells Fargo Bank two week ahead.
PACKING:
If in doubt, do without! Pack as little as possible -you’ll be glad you did. Can you live without pajamas during the trip? I did! Raincoat? (What are the odds it’ll rain while you’re there?) I chanced it and only needed it for a few hours but I survived. I had only one long sleeve garment: a white shirt for warmth in the planes and modesty in churches.
Compromises!: Oh yeah, I went so far as to leave behind ALL jewelry, make up AND hair stuff! Didn’t miss lugging any of it around. I may have been more attractive in photos with them but it saved me time & energy. I rarely travel with jewelry so I don’t have to worry about loss or theft. Buy some there if you’re having withdrawals. It’s a great excuse to give your partner for spending money! : )
Buy special quick dry clothing: shirts, pants, undergarments, socks, etc. They are worth the investment because you’ll need less.
Roll your clothes and if they aren’t small enough, decide if they are really essential or leave them behind.
Bring various sizes of zip lock bags. I bag almost everything (shampoo; toothpaste/brush; photography stuff). We like to separate our dirty laundry using the large/jumbo size.
Three pair of shoes each for men AND women: tennis shoes, stable sandals with adjustable straps, and water shoes. Be practical, not fashionable.
iPod touch: an excellent way to keep in contact with home thru email. We found it easy to get either an unsecured wireless connection or a hotel password protected connection.
Pack concentrated laundry detergent in zip lock bags.
Waist pack with room for water bottle , paperwork, maps, chap stick, extra camera battery and alternative memory stick. You’ll be wearing your sunglasses and hat/visor.
SEE PROOF OF SMALL
LUGGAGE IN PHOTO:
This is at the END of our
trip with souvenirs too!
We each survived 17 days with 22” backpacks on wheels with removable mini backpack for plane, beach, day trips, etc. Ours are Victorinox, expensive but worth every dollar.
From my husband Rick:
Country specific plug-in adapters are a must too. You do not need 240 volt converters because most cell phone, ipod, and camera chargers are both 240/120 volt compatible (check yours before you go).
Before you leave home:
Make two copies each of passport, driver’s license, and credit cards. Trade with travel partner for back up and leave one copy home with family/friends.
Get the international telephone numbers to report lost or stolen credit cards. These are different than the numbers on the back of the cards.
Call the bank/credit card companies ahead of time to alert them of future charges originating outside the USA.
Last but not least...Don’t worry too much about the language barrier. Try to learn a few phrases; they will appreciate your efforts. Ultimately, Good manners and smiles go a long way!
