Step 1:  GET THE RIGHT CARRY-ON LUGGAGE.  Choose a suitcase that fits in the overhead compartments. The roller bags are really great with easy pull arms and rollers. Choose one that is lightweight and well-made. Definitely compare the bags, because some of them are heavier frames. Secondly, choose a shoulder bag that is also light-weight, well-made and one that is not too large.  The whole idea for your travel gear is to stay as light as possible to make traveling easier, yet still have everything you need at the same time. The shoulder bag should be slimmer with a zipper and a cross strap.  Using a cross strap takes the load off your shoulder keeping the bag from pulling down on one side to evenly distribute the weight. Think of using the bag daily as you walk around, something that doesn’t get in your way, but is big enough to hold a camera, lip balm, sunglasses, some money, a map, makeup, sun block, and medicines.  It could also work as an overnight bag with an extra shirt, undergarments and toothpaste. Think of carrying it around all day. Would it be a burden or fit just right?

Step 2:  LAY OUT YOUR ARTICLES so that you can see them.  For longer trips start to prepare a month or two in advance. This provides you a window to really decide what you need, shop and see the items before you pack in a relaxed way. Set out your suitcase and then group your daily outfits in one area, your toiletries in another thinking in complete outfits for each day and for events you may be attending. In this way you will exactly what you need. Think per day, per night, events, toilet articles, first aid, medicines, books and information. All of these should have their own pile.  Think lightweight, layered, small and no excess packaging.

Step 3:  Shop for clothing that is MIX AND MATCH, WRINKLE FREE.  Coordinating your clothing with tops, skirts and slacks that allows you to mix them up. Think of wearing clothing in layers.  Pick shoes that match multiple items and are lightweight. There are many new brands that have stylized walking shows that are nicer than tennis shoes, but can also be used the same way for climbing or eating some wear. For example Coach brand at Macy’s makes really great designs that makes them more attractive then tennis shoes, but are half the weight. Skechers are also well designed and easy for walking. Give thought to what you really need and how you can use it more than once.  There are also lightweight slacks and pants made out of rip-stop nylon with zipper pockets that are warm and cool, but also look nice.  Packing one good pair of blue jeans is important, however, lightweight slacks give an alternative while providing comfort and versatility. It provides a break from blue jeans every single day and also helps you look nicer for going to a restaurant or in a church.  Of course, packing for specific events will require certain types of clothing. However no matter what the trip, PLAN TO WEAR LAYERS OF CLOTHING, a tank top, a shirt, a sweater creates a triple layer that can be adjusted for hot or cold weather with a jacket on top. Peel off layers if the day warms up. Sweaters can be tied on around the waist.

Even if you are in the tropics, at night you may need a sweater, or on top of a mountain the temperature goes down.

Step 4:  GET RID OF EXCESS PACKAGING.  When buying toiletries such as cosmetics, medicines and shampoos, most of these items come in some sort of outside wrapper.  As long as the bottle is labeled, outside wrappers are unnecessary.  Make sure medicines are properly labeled.  Think of how much of the product is needed over the time of travel. A large bottle of shampoo is not thrifty for traveling.  Also shampoo is something that can usually be picked up at a local store. If you are out in the middle of nowhere, plan to take enough to cover your needs.

Step 5:  Buy the mesh travel pouches that are clear on one-side or purchase LARGE PLASTIC ZIP-LOCK bags for packing.  Fold your clothes for flatness and then place in the bags. OR you can roll up your clothes evenly for more compact packing and keeping things nice. I use both methods depending on the items.  The clear bags allow customs checks to see what is in your suitcase without tearing it apart. Additionally, you can see your own items and take out what you need easier.

Step 6:  Try to PACK COMPLETE OUTFITS. Think about what you  will be wearing for that day and lay out the outfit.  What is the top, slacks, socks, undergarment?. Then pack the complete item together in your plastic bag. This is a super organizer and makes packing simple. At the same time it prevents you from forgetting an important piece of your outfit.

Step 7:  AVOID WEARING EXPENSIVE JEWELRY ITEMS when traveling. Honestly, I wear a cheap watch and very simple earrings that match all my outfits. I love jewelry, so it’s hard to cut this back, however, no need to attract unwanted attention. You can still look nice without expensive items. If you are swimming or hot tubbing, wear small hoop earrings that can be worn in and out of the water.  If you have jewelry for a special event such as a wedding, make sure to securely check it at your hotel, as long as the hotel is reputable. Also consider insurance for your jewelry when traveling.  Do not leave your jewelry out on your dresser or bedside table when you are gone from your room, because honestly it’s asking for trouble.  With simple jewelry, you can forget about it and not worry. The whole point in traveling is to be safe, make it easy and enjoy yourself.

Step 8:  TAKE MEDICATIONS WITH YOU.  Of course, with a medical condition it is important to make sure that proper medications are secured for individual needs. Also obtaining shots, malaria pills, whatever is needed for the destination to prevent and treat illness.  BASIC MEDICATIONS that should go on any overseas trip should include diarrhea medications such as pepto bismol or kaopectate, immodium ad, bandaids, antibiotic ointment, preparation H, cold medications, painkillers, benadryl for allergic reactions, herbs for sleep and for stomach, etc.. Unfortunately when traveling, exposure to all kinds of bacteria around the world occurs and it is easier to catch a cold or get diarrhea from foods, water and simply touching things. Having medications, hand wipes and simple treatment items can make all the difference in keeping your trip a happy one. Don’t plan on buying it there necessarily, because you never know when you’ll get sick. Usually it’s in the middle of the night or out somewhere far away from a store. This way you have what you need, when you need it and you can also help others.

Once when traveling with my family, a party of about ten of us, I took a special kit in my own gear for medical needs, knowing other members of my family hadn’t traveled much and may not be taking some of these medications. We went to San Pedro Island off the coast of Belize, a small island with a tiny town.  After a few days, my sister comes running to my room. I had announced to my family I carried certain medications in case they needed them.  However, this time if was for a couple in their early 30’s staying in the hotel. I grabbed my med kit and went to their room.  The young daughter about 3 years old had cut her foot very badly and was crying very loud.  The parents were obviously stressed. I found out that both of them were doctors, but for some reason they did not take any medications with them on their holiday weekend. As they opened the first aid kit, they found cleaning wipes, antibiotic ointment, butterfly band-aids, gauze and tape, aspirin and Tylenol. Immediately I watched as both of them relaxed. The look of relief and sudden smiles on their faces meant the world to me. I was so glad I had packed those small, but important items. They of course, immediately knew what to do, cleaned their daughter’s wound, applied antibiotic ointment, strategically loaded on the butterfly bandages, and then wrapped the area securely.  The little girl stopped crying when her parents relaxed and took care of her.  These two doctors responded with utmost respect to my preparedness and it completely changed their situation.  I guarantee you, after that incident they travel with the BASICS. I have found that people who travel a lot are the most prepared and other travelers will often save you.

Step 9:  A few helpful SUPPLEMENTAL MEDICAL ITEMS to take include acidophilus packets, vitamin C tablets, Zicam cold prevention or Airborne for airplanes, cough lozenges, Afrin nose spray and an antibiotic prescribed by your doctor if you come down with a horrible cold. I also like to take a small aromatherapy candle, essential oils and some sticks of incense.  Packets of antiseptic gels, noxema cream for sunburns, sunblock and mosquito wipes are also travel essentials. Head-on, a homeopathic roll on a stick works well for travel headaches and muscular aches. Ear plugs come in handy for noisy environments and sea bands for the wrists help prevent nausea for air and sea-sickness. Packing a HOT WATER BOTTLE is also excellent to keep you warm and ease aches and pains. The hot water bottle is easier to pack than you think. It is flat and can easily be put in a zip compartment on the side of your travel suitcase or lay it out flat in the bottom of your suitcase.  It makes a lot of difference in places where you can’t control the heat. Think about what items will make you comfortable when traveling and keep you healthy.  Please note that most of these items are small or can be bought in packets or small 4oz. tubes. Pack your medical supply kit in a single small medic type zipper bag.

Step 10:  ALWAYS HAVE A BOTTLE OF WATER.  At the airport, you have to buy the water after you have gone through the luggage check.  Buy a bottle and keep it in your shoulder bag. It doesn’t have to be a large bottle, but enough that you can take medicine with it if needed.  When traveling, purchase larger bottles of water for your hotel room and to place in your car. Never be without water when traveling. Always buy bottled water and try to use it for brushing your teeth as well. Although germs are everywhere, you can stay off infections and bacteria drinking good water. No need to test the local waters. Some people go ahead and drink it, but I have learned not to do this if I can avoid it. It’s better to be healthy and feel good when traveling, than take the chance of catching the local bug. If you are camping, it doesn’t hurt to have water purification tablets and boil the water.

Step 11:  Take a HAT that you can roll up. For RAIN, there are very simple lightweight poncho style jackets you can throw on. The kind to have are the ones that fold up into nothing and can be put packed flat in your outside compartment of your luggage.

Step 12:  Make copies of your important documents. Have A SET OF COPIES of your passport, airline itinerary, hotel information and driver’s license.  Pack copies in your shoulder bag, in your larger suitcase and a set should go to a friend or family member with your complete information in case you need to call for assistance.

Step 13:  Use an under the shirt, AROUND THE WAIST MONEY BELT. This belt is very flat to the body, lightweight with a zipper. In it keep your money and Idenifications.  Only keep in your day shoulder bag enough money for the day that you think you will use. Also, individuals should have their own money.  Each member of the party should always have some money in case you are split up for any reason as well as personal documents. Around the waist belts are better than the kind that go around the neck on a string.  Stories of someone coming along, clipping the string, pulling it fast and disappearing with your money are known in many places in Europe.  Using traveler’s checks is also important, but you must copy the numbers of the checks with your set of copies, so that American Express can replace your missing checks. Some saavy travelers that are more paranoid event have compartments sewn into their clothing that are out of site. Having your money in a couple of different places is a good idea, but the majority of money is best in a traveler check and in the around the waste money belt. You need some of both, because there are places that only accept cash.

Step 14:  Obtain currencies before you go.  American Express needs a little time to gather certain currencies, so talk to them a few weeks before you go to order currency.  It makes it a lot easier than changing your money at the airport in the middle of the night.  Plus, no one sees you changing your money at the airport. Best not to draw a lot of attention to yourself.

Step 15: Pack a fold-up rip stop nylon bag that has a zipper in your side compartment of your suitcase. This extra bag comes in handy for day shopping. Things such as food, groceries, something you may wish to buy as a gift, to carry a towel and items to the beach, many uses. You use the bag while you’re there and then pack it up when you’re done.

Step 16: Books and magazines. When using travel books, I use paperbacks that I don’t mind tearing apart into sections. I usually remove the covers of the books so as not be earmarked as a tourist, especially popular books such as Let’s Go Europe, etc. Think slim and lightweight reading materials.