TRAVEL TIPS FOR A FUN VACATION

THE ADVICE SISTERS know that Spring and Summer are peak times for travellers, so we put heads together on the question of how to make any vacation easier and more fun. Here are our top TEN picks to make your trip trip easier and more fun:

1. Get a head start on your vacation by getting information about what the places you are going have to offer from your library, bookstore, travel agent or the Internet. It's fun to anticipate all the memories you'll make as you sightsee, shop, sample local cuisine, etc. Check out online newsgroups for others’ opinions of what’s great where you’re going.

2. Bring enough of what you need to be comfortable, including two sets of prescription glasses and prescriptions for medications. You may find it difficult to replace these if they become broken or lost. We once witnessed a woman relaxing in a chaise wearing thong sandals when a huge gust of wind suddenly swept the ship and blew her sandals right off her feet into the open sea. The woman shrieked "SHOE OVERBOARD, SHOE OVERBOARD!!"Then sheepishly admitted to all within earshot, "these were my only shoes!"

3. Make sure you bring enough cash or travelers checks to cover incidentals such as tips. If you’re planning to take taxis and eat in local restaurants cash is a must! Bring a small amount of the local currency for each country you plan to visit from home. That way you'll be able to take a cab or buy a cold drink as soon as you get off the plane or ship. Your plane may be significantly delayed leaving absolutely no time to wait on line at the airport money exchange. To quote one such traveler: "If I hadn't had that Spanish lira from home, no way would I have made the ship!"

4. Foldable and expanding bags are lifesavers! Use them as laundry bags or for taking home souvenirs that don't fit in your regular luggage (we got a samovar from Moscow home that way!) Use them to tote things to the pool, beach, or shore excursions. Pack them with luggage tags already attached. We also love zip-lock bags and use them for all kinds of things during our vacations. Suntan lotion, shampoo, fragrance and other items that might leak are contained if they spill in a zip lock bag. They also keep wet bathing suits (and sand!) away from dry items. Food and snacks keep better too. Finally, zip lock bags can help you keep your luggage from smelling like the grand bazaar if you buy anything highly fragranced like spices or soaps. 5 Carry on a bag with items you'll need to be comfortable should your luggage not make it. This does NOT mean you drag so much stuff on board that you feel like a beast of burden, but do carry common sense items, such as medications and a change of underwear. If, for example, you're coming from a cold to a warm climate, take shorts, sandals and sunglasses so that you can enjoy being outside in the tropical sun while you're waiting for your luggage to arrive.

6. Pack only HALF of what you THINK you need. Luggage gets really heavy after a while, even if it rolls on wheels. Check before you pack on any airline restrictions on the number and size of luggage pieces. Remember that at many train, plane and bus stations YOU will be the porter!

7. It may sound like a no-brainer, but remember to keep your passport on your person along with your other important documents until you reach your destination. Do not pack it in your luggage! The Advice Sisters witnessed a family group that almost were left behind when one of their members realized that she had packed her passport in luggage that got sent to the wrong destination. Fortunately, the luggage arrived in time for them to board.

8. Bring something to read that you think you'll enjoy. Don't count on being able to pick up some extra reading material in foreign ports unless you read the language.

9. You’re more likely to get unframed art or posters home in one piece if you bring a mailing tube from home. If it fits in your luggage on your return, fine. If not, you can always mail it before you leave for home.

10.  To help set the relaxation mood, we like the idea of pre- ordering a bottle of wine and some snacks for your cruise cabin or hotel room prior to your arrival. Given a week’s notice, most cruise lines or hotels are happy to arrange this for you.

Bon voyage! Have a GREAT trip!

Love & Happiness

THE ADVICE SISTERS

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