Shopping for a Trip

A little planning and some judicious shopping can go a long way towards making travel pleasant. Of course, I am famous for being the one who just grabs a few things, tosses them into a backpack, and takes off. This is because I used to travel a great deal, and have learned which things are absolute necessities for me. The list of necessities will be different for different people and for different trips, of course. Things that will serve a business traveler going to a meeting out of town and staying little more than overnight, will be different from the things you would need on a lengthy cruise vacation. There are a few things that are simply essential. Many of them come in small travelers kits, which are perfect. I found that a travelers sewing kit, which usually includes a few safety pins, needles and thread, can be invaluable. You can buy a very small one at almost any dollar type store! If you are in the habit of taking vitamins, you know that you can very quickly feel the difference if you go a few days without them. However, carrying around bottles of what looks like drugs can upset the customs officials. Buy childrens vitamins - the brightly colored ones in different shapes. There's no arguing with what those are. If you do take a prescription drug on a regular basis, be sure it is in the proper bottle with your name and your doctor's name on it in case there is a question. Over the counter drugs should be in their original container. Many of the more common remedies can be purchased in small handy travel containers. Many people can use the small bottles of shampoo, soap, and so on at the motel or hotel. Sometimes you may not be going to stay at hotel or motel that has them. Those of us who have allergies have to plan ahead and take our own. Almost every brand of personal care item these days does offer a small travel size. If yours does not, and you travel often, go ahead and snatch a couple of those little bottles from the hotel, or buy a small size of another brand, rinse them out thoroughly, and refill with your own brand for the next trip. The same applies if you have a particular facial care or make up item you use daily. Men, don't forget your shaving things. Another quick hint for those with allergies. If you share my allergies to certain laundry soaps, you will find that the sheets at some hotels will irritate your skin. This isn't much fun. I got around it by taking a blanket that rolled up into a small bundle with me when I traveled. (Sometimes blankets of this sort are sold as "car blankets", which you would keep in the trunk of your car should you be stranded in the cold) Not only can you roll up in it and sleep on top of the bed clothes if you find they irritate you, if you get cold on the train or plane (as I often do) you can snuggle down under your own handy blanket. I think at least one nice fluffy mindless novel is required equipment for any trip. No matter how well planned, trust me, at some point you will end up sitting around waiting with nothing to do. When you are done with that novel, leave it behind for another bored traveler (register it at bookcrossing.com first!) and pick up another one at the next store you come to. Good luggage will go a long ways towards making your trip enjoyable. I've traveled with my junk stuffed in a black plastic trash bag - and with one of those great new suitcases with the wheels on the bottom and an adjustable handle. Guess which was more fun! You don't want to spend half your trip worrying if your suitcase is going to spring open or disintegrate, or dragging around something that is cumbersome to move around. Quality luggage is one item you should not skimp yourself on. Bargains can be had on quality luggage. If you have plenty of time, check out your local Goodwill or used items stores. Sometimes someone will buy a new set of luggage for a special trip and then never use it again. Eventually, it winds up at the Salvation Army store, or in their garage sale, or on eBay. Shopping for clothes for your trip is a whole different subject, and will depend largely on where you are going and how long you plan to stay. Keep in mind you want things that are as light as possible, and that will roll up into a smallish bundle for packing. Items that you can mix and match will make a long trip easier to pack for. Materials that do not wrinkle easily are a good idea, especially if you have a special occasion you will be dressing for. Make a list of the things you need to take well ahead of time. You will probably find yourself adding things as you think of them! You can use this for a shopping list before your trip if there are items you need to purchase before you depart. Then as you begin to pack to leave, you can go down your list to be sure you haven't forgotten anything. Nothing like getting to the beach and discovering you forgot to pack your swimsuit. Have a great trip!