My Mélange

Travel Tip Tuesday : Carry-On Measurement Restrictions by Airline

By now you better know that I am a huge proponent of traveling light. Carry-on only is what I reccommend, for reasons too many to mention today.

But contrary to many beliefs there isn't an industry standard.  Each airline actually has their own requirements in terms of carry-on bag dimension and weight. And they differ greatly.  Mainly by weight.

I have put together a little guide, to take the confusion out of carry-on travel.  It is important to have this info before choosing an airline to fly with and before leaving the house (with a possible overweight bag).

I have listed airlines that travel from the U.S. to both France and Italy.  It is in no way a complete list of all airlines, but more-so the ones with which I am most familiar.

The restrictions listed are for economy class only. Honestly, if your in first class, you probably have no worries about checking bags.  In fact, you may not bring bring any baggage and just buy a new wardrobe once you get to your destination.  Lucky you.

If I have left one airline out that you know of, or would like me to add a specific airline to the list, please let me know in the comments and I will do my best to update the list and keep it a current, living-breathing document available for you to consult whenever you are considering carry-on only travel.

Restrictions will be different for domestic flights, usually more generous.  All weights and measures are provided in Imperial. Inches and pounds.

You can use this site to convert to metric.

In the chart below, bag refers to a carry-on, while pi refers to a personal item, like a purse or laptop bag.

# of Bags Max Dimensions Max Weight 

American Airlines 1 bag,  1 pi  L + W+ H = 45 in. 40 lbs

Air France 1 bag, 1 pi 22 x 14 x 10 26 lbs

Alitalia 1 bag, 1 pi 18 x 14 x 10 11 lbs

British Airways 1 bag, 1 pi 22 x 18 x 10 13 lbs

Continental 1 bag, 1 pi 22 x 14 x 9 none listed

Delta 1 bag, 1 pi 22 x 14 x 9 40 lbs

Eurofly 1 bag L+ W + H = 45 in. 11 lbs

KLM 1 bag, 1 pi 22 x 14 x 10 22 lbs

Luftansa 1 bag, 1 pi 20 x 16 x 8 18 lbs

Northwest 1 bag, 1 pi L + W+ H = 45 in 40 lbs

Swiss Air 1 bag L + W + H = 45 in. 18 lbs

United  1 bag, 1 pi L + W + H = 45 in. none listed

US Airways 1 bag, 1 pi* 26 x 14 x 11 40 lbs

Virgin Atlantic 1 bag 22 x 14 x 9 13 lbs

* US Airways actually restricts the dimensions of your personal item to 21L x 16W x 8H.

The information contained here was current when published. However, we all know the 

airlines change their policies like you change your underwear- so for the most up to date 

information, I suggest you consult an airline's website directly.

Don't forget to check out Cherrye's Travel Tips today!

Travel Tip Tuesday - Ten Tips for Being a Good Houseguest

A few weeks ago, a good blogging friend of mine wrote to me, telling the story of the horrible experience she had putting up a family member in her home for a ten day vacation.

She was nice enough to open her house, for free, to a cousin who was old enough to know better and I was just appalled at some of the things this so called "houseguest" did.  I could hear and see the frustration in her voice and quite frankly I felt that she has been wronged- and I was going to do my part to try and make it right. 

I am not going to get into the specifics here, not because I'd like to protect the guilty (she deserves to be shamed) but, more so to protect my friend and keep her in her family's good graces.

I thought we could all learn a few things from her experience. So, I'll offer some tips on How to be a Good Houseguest.

For the purpose of this post, we will define houseguest as someone who is invited to stay, free of charge, in a friend or family member's home.  There is a big difference between a houseguest and a paying guest in a hotel. Please, keep this in mind.

1.  You are your own maid.  Whether you keep your own home spic and span or you live in the sheer filth of a pig sty, in someone else's home, you need to be a clean freak.  Make your bed, don't leave things strewn all over the house, straighten the bathroom, fix your own meal and do your dishes, clean up after yourself.  If you make a mess, clean it up.  Do not expect maid service as a houseguest!  End of story.

2. Ask and adhere to the house schedule.  There is a good chance that the family you stay with is NOT on vacation, and must go about their normal lives, with you in the way.  Schedule your shower, any food preparation and approved computer and electronic time around the family, so that you don't disturb them. This way you won't be spending hours in the shower, holding up someone from getting to their job- which incidentally pays for the house that you are staying in, free of charge.

3.  Contribute something.  Remember that boatload of cash you are saving, staying with family for free?  Well, why not pay it forward? Offer to take your hosts to dinner one night.  Or cook them dinner at home.  Buy some groceries, bring your host a bottle of wine.  Anything, really.  Just show your appreciation!

4.  Just because it is there, doesn't mean you should use it!  Ask before helping yourself to things in the home.  Ask to use the computer, the stereo, the TV.  If you want to watch a movie (when no one else is using the TV of course) make sure you have someone show you how to properly operate remotes and electronic equipment.  The last think you want is to break something or cause your host anguish over reprogramming or diagnosing an issue that you created.

5.  Don't bring unwanted visitors.  This is a big one!  Remember, you don't live in this home.  It is never appropriate to bring a stranger (read axe-murderer) into the home without permission.  And certainly not for a one-nite-stand sleep over. If you need to meet up with someone, do it in a public location- like a restaurant or a park.

6. Don't expect to be entertained.  Bring your own chock full, pre-planned itinerary and make sure to have plenty of things to do. You can certainly ask for suggestions, but don't expect travel agent or concierge service.  Nobody wants you lazing around the house all day in your pajamas, either. Unless otherwise discussed, you must assume your hosts will go about their daily lives- shuttling kids, working, shopping and things they must do during the day. They are not your personal entertainment. Nor should you expect them to be your personal taxi cab!

7.  The computer is not yours.  If you want to use it, again you ask.  If the only convenient time is 2am, then guess what?  That is when you use it!  Otherwise, bring our own laptop (hey, what a novel idea) or find a close internet cafe where you can surf to your hearts content!  And for goodness sake- do not visit inappropriate web sites or download programs and hundreds of vacation photos without permission!

8.  Remember who pays the utilities. Long after you leave, the utility bills will start rolling in.  No one wants to see an additional $75 phone bill or that you ordered 10 pay-per-view movies without even a mention. Don't use the hosts phone for calls.  Pay for any movies that you ordered.  Don't take 3 hour showers or leave every light on in the blessed house when you leave or turn the the air-conditioning on full blast, when the fan would do just fine.  Be aware that your presence will automatically increase utility bills and do your part to minimize those charges.

9.  Do your laundry.  Offer to wash your sheets and towels when you are leaving.  Remake the bed with fresh sheets before you go.  Clean your room.  Leave it just like it was when you arrived.  It should look like you were never there.

10.  Say thank you.  And then follow it up by sending a thank you note when you get home. This should go without saying, but Emily Post and Amy Vanderbilt wouldn't have it any other way.  It is the right thing to do.  And your host will be more likely to invite you back the next time.

As a little bonus, I am going to throw in a few tips for anyone considering opening up their home to someone for a vacation stay.  Please give it the serious consideration it deserves and make sure you set boundaries and communicate said boundaries long before your guests even set foot on your doorstep.

If your rules are not followed, or you feel you are being disrespected in any way, remember whose house it is and don't hesitate to supply your guest with an already prepared list of several nearby budget hotel options (handwritten on elegant paper and tied with a pretty ribbon of course) and show them the door.

I know some of you out there have horror stories just waiting to be told about unruly houseguests! Now is your chance.  Share your stories in the comments.  And what additional tips can you offer one for being a good houseguest?

And I know Cherrye's might have a few stories, since she runs a B&B.  Visit her for more travel tips today!

Travel Tip Tuesday - More Ridiculous Airline Fees

I while back, I had written about Rising Airline Fees. 

First it was charging for blankets, pillows and water.

Next came fees for checking a second bag.  Then some went a step further and charged a fee for checking any bag.  

And here we all sat wondering. Waiting for the other shoe to drop.  What would the next round of fees bring?!

Well, last week the wait was over.

And I am warning you.  You'd better sit down for this one.

US Airways and United will being charging a $5 fee- wait for it, wait for it- for actually paying another fee. 

That's right folks a fee on top of a fee!

And it is getting downright disgusting.  

Apparently if you pay your checked bag fee on-line when you book- you are receiving the "online discount" !? Oh, excuse me if don't jump for joy.

If you don't pay the fee online, you are penalized and charged five bucks at the airport.

United started charging the fee on June 10th, while US Airways will implement it on July 9th.

I mean c'mon.  What am I missing here?  Is it me or do the airlines think we are stupid? Am I the only one that feels like someone should just look you in the eye, remind you about the poor state of our economic affairs and simply ask me to pay five damned dollars more for my ticket.

I think I'd be more than happy to do it.  And the airline would benefit as well.  After all, think of all the money they will save on medical bills.  No more iirate, frustrated passengers slugging airline customer service personnel at the check-in counter with the very bags they are being overchanged to check. 

Savings should be in the millions!

And if you think that is the most shocking fee I have to tell you about, think again my friends.

Apparently, RyanAir, the discount European airline that already charges its customers for uh, checking in (5€ for on-line check in and 10€ for checking in at the airport) is exploring charging customers for using the lavatory.  A fee to pee. And for, pardon my French, barfing in a bag.

Let's think about that last one for a moment, shall we?  So, you are feeling sick on the flight.  You know it's coming. You press the call button, wait for the flight attendant to come, dig out your money to pay for your barf bag and wait for the flight attendant to return with it.

And by the time he/she does, instead of a barf bag- me thinks they should be charging me a clean-up fee. I'll save the coin and just use the seat pocket in front of me, thankyouverymuch.

I would never, ever, fly an airline that charged me for involuntarily carrying out bodily functions. Would you?

So, just as we did last time, we wait.  Wait to see what other stupid, dehumanizing fees the airlines can cram down our throats.

What do you think? Getting tired of these silly fees?  What ridiculous travel fees have you encountered or heard of lately?

Time to fly on over to My Bella Vita for Cherrye's Travel Tips.  And the best part- no additional fees to get there!

Travel Tip Tuesday | My Top Five New Travel Sites

Well, at least they are new to me.

Travel sites pop up on the Internet like spring daisies after a wet winter. I always keep my eye open for new favorites. Here's the short list of my Top Five New-To-Me Travel Sites.

1.  Do-Hop.  How can you not like a name that conjures up images of hopping from place to place- and having somebody routing you on? Do-hop is a lightening fast search engine for cheap airline tickets and flights.  It searches about 600 airlines around the world.  A search for hotels and even a travel guide section are bonuses.

2.  Ruba Travel.  A picture is really worth a thousand words.  And if you're like me, you can often see pictures of a place and think "Man, I have to go there".  Well, Ruba is your site!  Ruba is a collection of photo travel guides, put together by real travelers.  And some of these photos are stunners! The best part?  Each photo is linked to a Google map, so you can see exactly where it is.  Why not sign up and make your own Ruba guide?

3.  SimonSeeks.com.  They bill themselves as the "You Tube of Travel."  It's a travel guide site written by travelers, celebrities and journalists.  They submit quality stories and users rate them-the higher up the chain, the more the writer gets paid. Writers categorize their stories to make it easy for the reader to find what they are looking for.  You could enter "Churches in Rome" rather than just Rome to read what your interested in.  You can filter your results further by budget.  The site partners with many big name travel sites- so you can even book right from the site!

4.  Oyster Hotel Reviews.  This new site strives to compete with the big boys like Frommers, Fodors and TripAdvisor. A team of full-time journalists, take scads of pictures, sleep in the beds, talk to other guests staying there and then report back.  Instead of tiny snippets of info, you get more like a magazine length feature.  And each hotel reviewed has a small overview with a gorgeous photo and a short pro and con list. The best part- it's all impartial.  Reporters pay for their rooms!  And no red carpet treatment- hotel managment doesn't even know they are coming.

5.  Bing. It's a Microsoft product.  But let's overlook that unfortunate fact and give them a chance. Bing is calling itself a decision search engine (huh?).  It offers airfare and hotel reservation tools, but also brings in the addition of travel news and info.  It looks (and feels) an awful lot like Kayak and Farecast, but some have reported that Bing has returned lower fares than the others.  It's worth playing around with it- especially if it saves you some cash in the end.

Have you tried any of these new sites?  Share you thoughts!  Or tell us about a new travel site that I haven't mentioned.

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And Do-hop on over to My Bella Vita for Cherrye's Travel Tips!

Travel Tip Tuesday | What's the 3-1-1?

Unless you have been living under a rock for the past few years, you know that if you are going to travel with only a carry-on bag, you're restricted on the amount of liquids you can take with you.

Well, since I consider myself the Queen of the Carry-On Bag, I thought I'd help show you how easy it is pack those liquids accordingly.

People tell me that I am crazy. Can't believe that I can travel for 10 days, even 2 weeks, following these strict guidelines.  But I am here to tell you that regardless of my mental state (the jury's still out folks) with a little prior planning and some helpful tips- you can do it too!

The 3-1-1 rules basically state that ALL liquids in your carry-on bag must be in three ounce (or smaller) see-through containers in a single, clear, quart-sized ziploc bag. Sounds like no easy feat, but trust me-it can be done!

Wanna know how?  Let's get started then, shall we?

1.  The first thing I'll tell you not to do it purchase one of those silly ubiquitous kits with nothing more than four, 3oz bottles in a plastic case.  There is no way I'd be able to survive with only FOUR containers. Skip this kit and build your own using a regular quart-sized ziploc bag.

2.  Figure out what liquids might qualify for a medical exception.  If you have any kind of liquid medication or even contact lens solution that you can get a doctor's note or perscription to prove a medical necessity for, they can be brought in larger quanities and are not required to be in your one quart bag.  However, you must declare them to the security personnel before your luggage gets scanned.

3.  Replace popluar liquids with non-liquids. Be creative here. There are many products that you can eliminate. Hu-lo ladies - I am talking to you! One example is perfume.  They make perfume solids now that would not need to be part of your one quart bag.  Many companies know this and are jumping on the travel-friendly bandwagon.  You can refer to my other post for more ideas on how to ditch liquids from your Carry-On.

4.  Get the most out of the liquids that you do use by bringing products that can do double-duty.  I love multi-tasking products!  Hair condidtioner can also double as shaving cream.  You can more ideas in my Doing Double-Duty post.

5.  Share the load.  This works especially well if your travel companion happens to be of the male persuasion.  Think about it.  Men tend to need less liquids than women do, especially mine who happens to be folliculely-challenged, ie no shampoo, conditioner or hair gel needed!  If there are a few things you can't fit in your quart-sized bag, ask your travel partner if they can fit a few things in theirs.

6.  Ask yourself if you really need it?  C'mon - do you really need shower gel?  Can't you live with bar soap (a solid, and therfore isn't subject to the 3-1-1 restriction) for just a week?  Do you really need three different shades of lip gloss?  Pick the most neutral color that goes with everything and just deal with it! Paring down is the only way you are gonna make this work!

7.  Don't always use the whole 3 ounces. It is doubtful that you will need 3 ounces of hair gel or moisturizer for a week-long getaway. You may need only 1ounce, maybe even less.  Take much smaller quantities of your liquids and that way you can fit more products in your bag.

8.  Save samples and travel-sized products.  Not only can you use the products to take with you, but those really tiny containers come in handy for future 3-1-1 packing.  These are what I use in my quart-sized bag. As long as they are clear, they fit the bill.  An added bonus - it's good for the environment to recycle those containers!

9.  Just buy it there.  Rather than trying to jam something into your quart-sized bag, liquids that you'll need large quantities of are best left to be purchased at your destination. Sunscreen for a beach vacation is a perfect example. If there will be a few people sharing and it will be used often -it makes good sense to wait.  And so what if you have some leftover at the end of your trip?  Pay-it-forward. Leave it for the next traveler who may not have packed theirs either.

Do you have any helpful tips on packing your liquids to meet the 3-1-1 requirements?  Share them in the comments.

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Don't forget to hop on over to see what tips Cherrye has today!

Travel Tip Tuesday - Tips for Speeding through Airport Security

We all know how time consuming and stressful it is trying to get through airport security.  Impatient people pushing from behind you, trying to leaf through your stuff, trying to figure out what to put on the belt and what to leave on your person? Trying to keep your eye on your valuables so nobody steals them.

You feel somehow violated by the time you get to the other side!

Here are a few tips to help you sail through security!

1.  Dress the part.  Only wear slip-on shoes that can be removed and put back on quickly and easily. Leave the lace ups home.  Leave the jewlery and belts and any other accessories with metal home. It's no fun forgetting to take your metal bracelet off, only to set off the detector, hold up the line and get dirty looks from the crowd.

2.  All hands on deck.  You could use three hands for security-that is how busy you'll be.  Finish all drinks before you arrive at the security line and toss out your empty bottles.  This way you'll be ready to hold your passport/boarding pass in one hand- and fish out your items from your bag and onto the belt with the other.

3.  Unlock your luggage before you get on line.  Make it easy for the security team in case they need to inspect the contents of your luggage. The longer they struggle with your lock, the better chance you'll lose it because they'll cut it!

4.  Pack liquids in an accessable spot, not at the bottom of your luggage.  If you are going all carry-on, you need to place your zip-lock bag of liquids in a bin and place it on the conveyor belt.  Pick a spot close to the top of your carry-on, that is easy to access.  My wheelie has a separate zippered compartment on the outside which is a perfect spot for my zip-lock bag.

5. Laptops need to be taken out of a regular carry-on bag for inspection-but who has extra hands for fumbling around and opening it for the nice TSA folks? Instead, put your laptop in a TSA approved bag or neoprene sleeve and again, keep it easily accessible within your main bag.  Just place it in one of the bins on the conveyor and the laptop will sail through without issue.

6.  Try not to overload your pockets.  The less you have in them, the less time it will take to dig things out and empty them.  You may have a cell phone and some change.  Anything more or larger could be stashed in your carry-on bag until you get through the line.

7.  If you're going all carry-on and your airline offers early on-line check in, by all means take advantage of it!  In the long run, this will mean ONLY waiting on one line- airport security.  You'll be in a better frame of mind and come with a boatload of patience, which will certainly come in handy.  

8.  It is no time for jokes.  Don't utter the word BOMB or TERRORIST or anything similar to that.  It is the easiest way to get sidelined, singled-out, delayed and possibly deterred.  And don't show your annoyance or disdain for the process or the TSA employees.  Take deep breaths, be calm and just do what is asked of you.

9.  You know the old saying, practice makes perfect?  Well, in this case- it is so true.  Come up with a *plan* of how you forsee the security exchange unfolding.  Know what you'll do first, second, third etc. Keep rehearsing it in your mind and be very determined and focused once it is your turn.  You'll be prepared-which will make all the difference!

What say you?  What are your favorite tips for speeding through airport security?

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Hop on over the My Bella Vita to see what tips Cherrye's got today!

Travel Tip Tuesday | Seven Ways to Keep Cool in Rome's Heat

As we found out last week, Rome's temperatures can be unpredictable.  Down right scorching.  I swear I could see the heat waves rising right out of the cobblestones!

But that heat usually doesn't come until July and August, which is why we chose May for our visit.

As we also found out, the heat can certainly have a negative effect on your travels, especially if you were not planning on it.  It can take the wind right out of your sails.

Here are some tips on how to survive Rome in the blinding heat.  Whether you are prepared for it, or like us, otherwise.

1.  Do as the Romans do.  Romans have been living in this heat for centuries.  Follow their lead. Get up and at 'em early, head for lunch inside or outside under the cover of umbrellas and then straight home for il riposo (a nap) in your hotel.  Take a cool shower and head back out once the sun starts to go down- for dinner and an evening passeggiata.

2.  Fountain fill-ups.  Fountains filled with delicious, clear, crisp, spring water are ubiquitous in Rome. The water is free, cool, thrist-quenching and did I mention free?  You need to replenish often to combat the heat and to offset the dehydration you'll experience from consuming copious amounts of wine and espresso.

3.  Seek Shade.    When you are out and about, try to avoid the main streets of the city, because they are wide and get full sun exposure.  Instead, head for the smaller streets, which are lined with large buildings that provide shade.  Stick to the shady side of the streets.  You might be surprised by the hidden treasures you'll discover in the lesser known cobbled nooks and crannies.

4.  Extra Gelato Breaks.  As if you needed a reason to indulge in the cold, creamy goodness that only authentic Italian gelato can offer, let heat be the one. But, extreme heat ups the ante. You have my permission to partake as many times a day as needed to bring your body temp back to normal.  On really hot days, grab the fruit-flavored sorbetto, which can be more refreshing.

5.  Pack for the unexpected.  I suppose the weather is really never that predictable, so plan for anything.  I'm not suggesting bringing flip-flops in January- just in case, but if there is a possibility of real heat, come prepared. Bring at least one pair of comfy sandals.  Consider a few tanks which can be layered with a cardigan if it cools down.  Linen is a great breathable fabric that will keep you cool as well. Throw on a cute floppy hat, sunscreen and sunglasses in for good measure!

6.  Visit a Church or Museum.  Some have air-conditioning, but even those that don't are bound to be much cooler than the alternative, with their thick, floor to ceiling stone and marble interiors.  And churches have pews, so you are guaranteed a resting spot for hot, tired tootsies.  If you're lucky, like I was, you just might get to witness a Roman wedding, crying Ringbearer and all!

7.  Don't overdo it.  Don't pack your itinerary chock-full.  Allow for even more down-time. If you have to scratch things completely off the itinerary because the thought of standing out on the baked cobblestones for six hours on a tour of the forum would bring on heatstroke- I am here to tell you, it's ok. Really.  Most of the old stuff has been around for over 2,000 years.  I think you'll get another opportunity to visit again in the next 2,000.  Don't you?

How would you beat the heat in Rome or any other city for that matter?

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Cherrye is taking a little riposa of her own from Travel Tip Tuesday today, but she has been nice enough to provide a few oldies but goodies from her archives.  

Travel Tip Tuesday - 7 Tips for Making Travel Stress-Free

Newsflash: Travel Can Be Stressful!  Duh.

Planning, packing, arranging transportation, keeping on a schedule, flying, not-flying when you are supposed to be flying, making sure you didn't leave anything behind- it is enough to drive the sanest person crazy.

And being the type- A personality that I am- I tend to be wound up as tight as my undies in my luggage - so I need any little bit of advice on making travel stress-free.

Here is a few things that help me out- hopefully they'll help you as well!

1. Have a Spa Day.  Whether it's before you go- or after you get to your destination (I prefer before) it sets the tone.  A massage, maybe a mani-pedi- anything to get you in a pleasant mood, unknot those tight muscles and get you in a relaxing spirit.  And don't forget to do some Travel Yoga!

2.  Book travel at smart times. Consider booking your flight, train or driving times during non-peak times. Attempting to make a flight while stuck in bumper-to-bumper rush hour traffic will grate on the strongest of nerves and you'll end up chewing that polish off those freshly French manicured nails.

3.  Speaking of transportation- rather than relying  on public transportation, why not get a good friend or family member to drive you to the airport instead?  It might relax you, knowing that you're in good hands and that you can talk up a storm with a friend- taking your mind off that leg of the trip.  And unless they own a Yugo- It's a sure bet that the seats will be more comfortable!

4.  Don't overbook your intinerary.  You run the risk of being stressed, running from place to place- not even taking the needed time to actually enjoy and experience your destination. Don't schedule every waking moment - leave time to just be.

5. Try Pre-Packing. Always keep your bag packed and at the ready, except for your clothes.  Top-off liquids when you arrive home from your trip.  Replace anything you ran out of right away- that way when it's time to pack for your next trip- all you need is your clothes, camera equipment and electronics.

6.  Lists, lists and more lists.  Make lists of everything and check off as you go. Packing list, a list of chores around the house before you leave, a list for the house-sitter, a list for things you need to buy before you leave. This way- you are sure not to forget anything, spending less time wondering and worrying.

7.  Take enough time off.  Don't plan to work right up until the second you're due to leave and make sure to give enough time to unpack, relax and get used to the time-change on the way back, especially if it is an international trip you are returning from.  Build in an extra day on each leg of your journey- act as if it is part of your intinerary!

And if these tips don't work, you can always revert to my favorite tip of all - drink heavily and take Vallium!

What are your favorite ways to relax and ensure stress-free travel?

And speaking of stress-free travel- to ensure myself a pleasant travel experience, I'll be suspending my Travel Tip Tuesday posts for the next two weeks.  Instead it'll be all Roman fun- all the time!  Travel Tip Tuesday will resume on June 2nd.  You can browse the archives though!

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Now, hop on over to My Bella Vita to see what my travel buddy Cherrye has on offer today!

Travel Tip Tuesday -10 Last Minute Things Travelers Forget

We have all been there.  Forget something or better yet, forget to do something before we leave the house on vacation.

Hopefully, it's just your shower gel, which you can just buy at the nearest drug store when you get to your destination.  No harm-no foul.

But often, it's something bigger.  Much bigger.

Here is a list of things travelers forget at the last minute.  Hopefully by seeing them in print- you'll remember next time!

1.  Calling banks and credit card companies to let them know you're traveling.  Doing it will not only alert them of out of town/country activity, but it'll save you the headache of NOT having the card work when you try to use it- they may flag it as stolen!

2.  Holding mail at the post office.  The last thing you want is for mail to be falling out of your mailbox, advertising to local criminals that your house is the perfect target. 

3.  Copying your passport. Hide one in a safe place to take along and also give the other copy to a friend or family member, just in case.  Write down your credit card toll free number, in case you need to report the card lost or stolen.

4.  Bringing emergency cash for the trip.  You might need a taxi on the way there or back.  You don't want to be stranded or worse yet- take a pricey cash advance on the 'ole credit card! Ouch!

5.  Packing battery chargers for cameras, cell phones and computers.  They are often overlooked.  The same applies to voltage convertors and adapters.

6.  Leaving the keys for the house-sitter.  Why not make a spare set and give them out well before the trip?

7.  Making a list of emergency numbers and expected itinerary, in case of, well, an emergency. Nuff said.

8.  Pets.  Often overlooked, but never forgotten, sometimes pets get the short end of the, er, bone?!  My pooch has her *own* bag that always stays packed with the essentials and her own bowls at Grandma's. Make sure you have more than enough food for the length of your trip, enough toys and snacks to entertain and lots of walks and human contact to make up for your absence.

9.  Essential Tickets.  No, not your plane tickets, although that would be tragic, but often times people buy tickets to concerts, shows, special events, museums etc., well in advance, keep them in a safe place, only to forget them later.  Avoid buying tickets in advance if it can be helped.  If not- place the tickets in your suitcase as soon as they come in the mail.

10.  Making Reservations.  You want to plan a special dinner or a massage at your destination, but you forget to make the reservations.  If it's a popular place you may just be out of luck when you arrive. Make sure you arrange it before you leave, or at least remember to bring the phone number with you to reserve when you get there.  

Now it's your turn, fess up!  What is something you have forgotten before traveling?  And how do you now remember?

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Whatever you do, don't forget to pop over to Cherrye's blog today for her travel tips!

Travel Tip Tuesday - Preventing Illness & Injury During Travel

Everyone is up in arms about the swine flu- and I am no exception.  It made me think about the fact that all too often, we take being healthy while traveling for granted. Being sick or injured on a trip can either force you to cancel a planned vacation or ruin a trip by making you and your travel companions miserable. 

There are so many things that can go wrong- it is so important to try to avoid both illness and injury when travelling.  

So, I have provided some links chock full of information for preventing and dealing with health issues or injuries during travel.

First on everyone's mind is the swine flu.  Inside Mexico has some great instructions on how you can protect against it!

Deep Vein Thrombosis, or DVT, is something every flier needs to think about.  The Cranky Flier's brother happens to be a doctor and wrote a guest post on what you need to know to prevent it.

Speaking of flying, those with sinus problems, headaches and respiratory issues may be more susceptable to severe ear pain when changing altitudes.   Guardian has an in-depth article, complete with diagrams, on ear pain, symptoms, and treatments. 

Naseau and motion sickness can occur on airplanes, boats, cars and trains.  Here are 10 tips to Prevent Motion Sickness. 

You definitely don't want to be down and out with back pain.  Whether dealing with uncomfortable seats, sitting too long, wrenching your back picking up heavy luggage or having chronic sciatica- read about ways to prevent the back pain and how to treat it if you have it.

Protecting yourself from airplane germs and keeping healthy in general will go a long way in making your trip pleasurable and keeping your stamina up for all that sightseeing and eating that cultural cuisine. 

Blisters, corns, foot pain and swelling can occur both on flights and while walking around all day in hot weather.  Read an oldie but a goodie on My Melange for tips on preventing foot and blister pain. 

And just in case you do get sick, why not bring along a Natural Vacation Travel Kit that will serve as an all-natural portable medicine cabinet- should you find yourself feeling under the weather or hurt?

What are some of the things you do to prevent illness and injury when travelling?

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Now head on over to Cherrye's blog to see what she has cooking for Travel Tip Tuesday!