Tips of the Trade

Here are a few things I can't travel without...

 Eagle Creek makes these packing cubes, they are like 15" x 8" or so - you fold up your clothes, put them in, then toss the cube in your suitcase or duffel bag.  The one of the left is for shirts, it even comes with a folding board (for OCD folks like me), fold up 5-10 shirts, wrap the flaps and toss it in.





I always bring a power strip, though some hotels are getting better about making outlets accessible, not all of them have. 

With all the gizmo's and gadgets we need to stay hooked in to the rest of the world, this is a can't live with out.  This one comes with a USB plug as well for your unusual gadgets.



And a few other things...

• Pack a night light for the hotel bathroom, at 3am you wont get lost.
• Use your phone to take a pic of you parking spot in the airport lot (use landmarks)
• Create a "HOME" bag, a Zip-lock bag with:  House and Car keys, cab money, and anything else you might need as you work your way home, so you don't have to go through you luggage.
• Leave nothing to chance, keep photo copies of your passport, reservations and credit card info (including phone numbers, in case you need to call your CC company.)
• Only pack what you need, does your hotel have a blow dryer?  Then keep yours at home.  Use those amenities that the hotel provides, why pack shampoo if you can get it for free and not risk the leak.