Travel Tips

Around our house we're starting to get traveling on the brain. Chris leaves in less than a month for his 11 day trip to England, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, India and Bahrain. I've never traveled internationally, so I'm trying to translate my usual travel tricks to this trip. He'll be country hopping a lot, as well as needing to dress business professional/casual.

Dubai

Here are some of my favorite tricks.

• Pack treats. For the first leg of trips, I like to pack a hard boiled egg, steal some salt and pepper packets in the airport and I've got myself a powerful, little, self-contained snack. I also pack instant oatmeal packets and ask for hot water with beverage service. A friend just suggested Cup of Noodles, but they aren't quite as compact as oatmeal packets. And at any given time, the odds are good that I will have a plastic spoon in my purse, so this works out well. (Don't ask. I'm not sure why!) Pack an empty Nalgene so you can fill up once past security, and tote it around while you're site-seeing. My mom loves the single serve Crystal Lite packets for emptying into water bottles. You can't go wrong with raw fruits or veggies, jerky, granola bars, cookies, crackers or trail mix. And as tight as I am, I'm willing to splurge for some airport food to round things out and keep me satisfied. (I know myself. Discomfort is the enemy!) It's smart for me to overpack in the snack department.
  

• I found a cashmere travel set (blanket, slippers and eye mask) at DownEast a few years ago for about $4.00. I love using them in the airport, on the plane and in hotel rooms. I'm living the life of luxury, even if my initials aren't TMD. :-) A pair of cheap foam earplugs lives in my toiletry bag. I also love my pashminas for traveling. They make good airplane blankets, and my travel outfits always feel a bit more put-together with a scarf. Comfort, comfort, comfort. You have to make it, since airplanes are not inherently comfy!
  

• Pack light. It is always my goal to fit everything I need in one carry-on suitcase. I make that my goal even when Chris and I are traveling together. One suitcase.
  There aren't many things that are essential (travel documents and passport are!!), and if I happen to forget something I get to go shopping! I never have to wait at the luggage carousels or worry about lost luggage. If you check bags, pack one change of clothes (at least underwear) and essential toiletries in your carry on.
  Also, pack your personal item (e.g. purse) full of things to keep you entertained. Save your magazine subscriptions until the airport/plane ride. Cheap books. iPods and laptops.
  

• Lighten your load once you get there. I read a tip the other day on Rick Steve's that suggested packing clothing slated for donation to a thrift store. Then, as you acquire souvenirs you can leave the clothing behind in your hotel room. We've held off adding some of Chris's clothes to the D.I. pile for this exact purpose.
  

• Pack clothes that are mix and match. I love taking a casual skirt because it makes me feel that much more put together. Bring options for layering. I also like bringing jewelery, because it's tiny small and helps in the feeling presentable department.
  

I know these might be common hints, but hopefully some can help you on your next trip. What are your tricks? Any ideas specifically for Chris's trip? Other than buying me jewelery at the Gold Souk, of course!