BENEFITS

• You’ll find it easier to travel. I’ve seen backpacker with rucksacks so unwieldy that they were forced to catch taxis everywhere to arrive to the hostel. With a lightly packed bag, you can simply walk around on your own.
• You’ll reduce your carbon footprint by a surprisingly large amount. I recently calculated that saving 15kg of luggage will save between 100-200kg of CO2 emissions on a return flight from London - Tenerife.
• You’re more likely to get on the plane. If you are running late and you need to check in your bags, that’s another delay you don’t need.
• You’ll save money on excess baggage fees, taxi fares, porters and the like.
• You’ll never meet a traveler who, after five trips, brags, “Every year I pack heavier.” The measure of a good traveler is how light she travels. You can’t travel heavy, happy, and cheap. Pick two.
• Limit yourself to 20 pounds in a carry-on-size bag. A 9” x 22” x 14” bag fits under most airplane seats. When you carry your own luggage it’s less likely to get lost, broken, or stolen. And when you arrive you don’t have to wait around for your bag. After you enjoy that sweet mobility and freedom, you’ll never go any other way.
• Pack light . . . and pack smart. Post-September 11, you can’t bring knives, scissors, nail files, or cigarette lighters in your carry-on bag [though these items can be packed in checked luggage]. Even before 9-11 some airlines were limiting carry-on luggage weight as well as size. Call your airline for details. If you have to check your bag, mark it inside and out with your name, address, and emergency phone number.

TIPS

• How do you fit a whole trip’s worth of luggage into a small suitcase or backpack? Simple: Bring very little. Whether you’re traveling for three weeks or three months, you pack exactly the same.
• Spread out everything you think you might need on the living room floor. Pick up each item and scrutinize it. Ask yourself, “Will I really use this snorkel and these fins enough to justify carrying them around all summer? Will I use them enough to feel good about carrying them over the Swiss Alps?” Regardless of my budget, I would buy them in Greece and give them away before I would carry that extra weight over the Alps.
• Don’t pack for the worst scenario. Risk shivering for a day rather than taking a heavy coat. Think in terms of what you can do without—not what will be handy on your trip. The world’s getting really small: you can buy Dial soap, Colgate toothpaste, Tampax, Nivea cream, and Bic razors in Sicily. Tourist shops in major international hotels are a sure bet whenever you have difficulty finding personal items. And if you can’t find one of your essentials, ask yourself how 300 million Europeans can live without it.
• Unless you plan to camp or sleep out a lot, a sleeping bag is a bulky security blanket. Even cheap accommodations provide bedding.
• If you’d like the ease of a backpack without forgoing the “respectability” of a suitcase, try a convertible suitcase/backpack with zip-away shoulder straps. These carry-on-size bags give you the best of both worlds.
• As for backpacks, sturdy stitching, front and side pouches, padded shoulder straps, and a low-profile color all are virtues. Many travelers figure an internal frame is worth the extra money and get a high-tech bag for $150 to $200. Packing very light, I manage fine without the extra weight and expense of these fancier bags.
• Pack your bag only two-thirds full to leave room for picnic food and souvenirs. Use stuff bags [one each for toiletries, underwear and socks, bigger clothing items, camera gear and film, and miscellaneous stuff such as a first-aid kit, stationery, and sewing kit]. Roll and rubber band or zip-lock clothes in airless baggies to minimize wrinkles.
• You should have no trouble drying clothing overnight in your hotel room. I know this sounds barbaric, but my body dries out a damp pair of socks or shirt in a jiffy. It’s fun to buy clothes as you travel—another reason to start with less.
• During the tourist season [April through September] most concert halls go casual. I have never felt out of place at symphonies, operas, or plays wearing a decent pair of slacks and a good-looking sweater. Women who prefer slacks don’t pack skirts and have no regrets.
• Some churches, mostly in southern Europe, have modest dress requirements for men, women and children: no shorts or bare shoulders. Except at the strict St. Peter’s in Rome and St. Mark’s in Venice, the dress code is often loosely enforced. If necessary, it’s usually easy to improvise some modesty [buy a cheap souvenir T-shirt to cover your arms and borrow a nearby tablecloth for a skirt/kilt to cover your legs]. In southern cities—no matter how hot it is—grown men look goofy in shorts.
• Try to go without electrical gear. Travelers requiring electricity need a converter to make their American appliance work on the European current and an adapter [three flat prongs for Britain and Ireland, two round prongs for the Continent] to allow the American plug to fit into the European wall. Many travel accessories come with a built-in converter. Look for a voltage switch marked 120 [U.S.] and 240 [Europe].
• Many budget hotel rooms have only one outlet, occupied by the lamp. Hardware stores in Europe sell cheap three-bangers that let you keep the lamp on and still plug in your toothbrush and Game Boy.

Before you start packing consider what you are going to use for packing. When you travel with kids things to keep in mind are the mess factor. You are better off using a bag for your toddler that is waterproof and easily cleaned. Your what to pack travel checklist should consist of at least the following:

– Diapers – required and extras in case of emergencies
– Blankets – you should take at least two blankets for your toddler
– Plastic bags / ziplock bags – for storing diapers, clothes and rubbish. This will just help keep mess to a minimum.
– Tissues / wipes - essential when you travel with kids, things to keep handy
– Sanitizer wipes –these are the best option for cleaning up any mess when it comes to your kids.
– Toys / books – to keep your toddler entertained, long trips can be very hard on children so you want to provide adequate stimulation.
– Clothes – enough for two changes a day. You never know what accidents or spills will happen so take a change of clothes on the plane, boat or in the car as well as two changes per day.
– Sun hat – a sunburnt toddler is not going to be fun on a long trip.
– Juice boxes, sipping cup – something that won’t spill, you also want to keep hydration levels up when traveling.
– Food – snacks for the trip
– Laundry soap / pre-laundry stain stick – This could be a lifesaver for removing nasty stains while away from home.
– Car seat – this is essential for travel by car or plane.
– Stroller – another item that will help you enjoy your time as you won’t be worried about carrying your toddler or them having to walk long distances.

These are essential items you need to have on your what to pack travel checklist to ensure you are able to enjoy your trip. Some other items that you need to think about when considering how to pack light when traveling with toddlers are items that will help you as a parent. These include changes of clothes for you in case of travel emergencies, snacks and drink for you, a separate bag for you and your toddler, something to read and your camera. These will just make it easier for you to relax and enjoy the trip.

Have more fun travelling light!!!

Pets are definitely an important part of the family. If you haven’t travelled with your pets before, why don’t you start now, take them on a vacation along with you. Here are some helpful tips to make the experience enjoyable for all.
Whether you travel by car or plane, be sure your pet is properly identified with a current tag or a microchip. Grooming [bathing, combing, trimming nails] before a trip, plus having its favorite food, toy, and dishes available will make your pet more comfortable. Have both proof of rabies vaccination and a current health certificate with you when crossing state or international borders. Before undertaking any trip, consult your veterinarian to be sure that all required vaccinations are up-to-date and to receive a health certificate within ten days of travel.

By Air –

• Federal regulations require that pets be at least 8 weeks old and weaned at least 5 days before flying. Generally, a health certificate (which is not more than 10 days old) must be available before pets will be permitted to fly. A valid rabies vaccination certificate will also be required.
• Contact the airline well in advance for specific regulations and to secure your pet’s reservation. Try to book a nonstop, midweek flight and avoid plane changes if possible. During warm weather periods choose early morning or late evening flights. In colder months, choose midday flights.
• Arrive at the airport early, exercise your pet, personally place it in its crate, and pick up the animal promptly upon arrival. Do not take leashed animals on escalators.
• Make sure that the crates are:

o Large enough to allow the animal to stand, turn around and lie down.

o Strong and free of interior protrusions, with handle or grips.

o Leak proof bottom that is covered with plenty of absorbent material.

o Purchased in advance so the pet can become acclimated to the crate prior to travel.

o Appropriately and clearly labeled. Include your name, home address, home phone number, and destination contact information, as well as a designation of “Live Animals,” with arrows indicating the crate’s upright position.

o Ventilated on opposite sides, with exterior rims and knobs so that airflow is not impeded.

• Ask your veterinarian for feeding instructions. Air travel on an almost empty stomach is usually recommended.

By Car –

• Cats should be confined to a cage or crate to allow them to feel secure and to avoid having a pet under your feet while driving.
• Stick to your regular feeding routine and give the main meal at the end of the day or when you reach your destination. Feeding dry food will be more convenient, assuming your pet readily consumes it. Dispose of unused canned food unless it can be refrigerated.
• Take along a plastic jug of cold water in case other reliable water sources are not available.
• Remember to include a leash with your pet’s traveling supplies.
• Give small portions of food and water and plan to stop every two hours for exercise.
• Pets should not be allowed to ride with their heads outside car windows. Particles of dirt can enter the eyes, ears, and nose, causing injury or infection.
• If you must leave your pet in a parked car, be sure to lock all doors, park in a shady area, and open windows wide enough to provide ventilation without enabling your pet to jump out or get its head caught. Be aware of weather conditions. You should not leave your pet in a parked car when the temperature and/or humidity are high or when temperatures are near or below freezing.

Camping –

• Travel to country settings with your pet presents its own challenges. Skunks, raccoons, porcupines, snakes, and other wildlife can bite or otherwise injure your pet. Keep your pet within sight and on a leash. Be considerate of other campers. Be sure to ask your veterinarian about flea, tick and heartworm prevention before you leave.

These are just simple tips to help you, do check with your veterinarian for further details.
Have fun travelling with your family and your pets!!!

Couple of years back, well even now some parents think way too much when it comes to taking their kids outdoors [meaning on trips and vacations], especially babies. But nowadays I see more and more parents getting to know the ways to take their kids out along with them for a vacation or even camping. I’ve given couple of tips [mostly recommended by parents] which i came across, to help you take your child out on a camping trip.

• In a tent take a portable playpen for them to sleep in.
• Use Rubbermaid tote box as a baby bathtub.
• Use toddler size camping chair with holes in it for his or her sippy cup, so it doesn’t sit on the ground.
• Keep your child’s skin covered with long sleeved top and pants so that they don’t get bug bites.
• Don’t let the youngsters get over – tired while camping. Keep them on their home routine of taking naps, eating regular meals, etc. which will probably help reduce the crankiness that can result in crying/noise for those around you.
• Don’t forget to take the favorite toy, stuffed animal, etc.
•  Always keep a watchful eye as there is a whole new world to explore.
• Let the baby get messy & dirty, you don’t have to worry about it. After all what is camping without a little mess.

Just remember to be safe and have fun. Once the baby gets used to the camping trips; it will be much easier for you to take them out on much long distance vacations as a toddler. See you later!!!

Who doesn’t like to travel? Well some people actually don’t, most of us do right?! In this blog we are going to give you remarkable locations to travel to, great vacation spots, necessary guidelines to travel and many other travel – vacation related resourceful ideas to keep you safe and the people whom you are traveling with safe. After all, we vacation to take a break from our busy lives.  We hope this blog will help you enjoy your trip rather than getting stuck with unwanted problems. Happy travelling!!!

I am finally free to start posting again.It is ages since I had to stop because of travelling and working .

Thank you to those who have emailed me.
I have just stumbled again on Emerson’s speech to the Scholars which he made in 1837.Every time I read it I am inspired. It is even more appropriate now I imagine where people forget that vocation is much more than just work…..

“They did not yet see, and thousands of young men as hopeful now crowding to the barriers for the career do not yet see, that if the single man plant himself indomitably on his instincts, and there abide, the huge world will come round to him. Patience, -patience; with the shades of all the good and great for company; and for solace the perspective of your own infinite life; and for work the study and the communication of principles, the making those instincts prevalent, the conversion of the world.”

Spring is here in the UK and it is time to emerge from the winter’s reflection and start blooming!!!