PACKING & CLOTHING TIPS

Perhaps the most important advice is to keep a low profile.  Don't draw attention to yourself by wearing ostentatious dress or by a display of wealth.  When traveling to many countries, there is no possibility of trying to pretend you're a resident of that country.   However,  you can try and minimize the impact of your visit on the local community by avoiding as much as possible loud talking and mannerisms which mark one automatically as a "tourist."  Pack heaviest items first.  On the bottom of the suitcase, pack shoes, travel alarm, etc.  Don't over pack.  An old traveler's trick is to lay out everything you'll need, then take half and return the rest to your closet.  The best advice is "when in doubt, leave it out!" Use luggage space wisely.  Stuff hosiery into the toes of your shoes.  To protect your shoes, wrap them in t-shirts if you don't have shoe bags.   Roll sweatshirts and undergarments to fill space.  A full bag helps keep the contents from sliding and wrinkling. Leave expensive jewelry at home.  It is just an invitation to steal and you probably won't  need it on your trip.  In fact, don't  take anything with you that you would mind losing. Coordinate your wardrobe around one or two basic colors.  This will automatically eliminate may items of clothing.  Separates are best because they can be mixed and matched. Layering makes the best sense no matter where you're traveling.   It may be warmer or cooler than normal and you may be traveling though different climates and altitudes.  Dressing in layers that can be quickly removed or replaced as the temperature and your level of activity vary is the best strategy. Use lightweight bags if possible.  Canvas or nylon bags are more practical than leather. Minimize wrinkling by packing shirts buttoned.  If possible only fold clothes at the waist and seams.  You can also put rolled tissue paper in the folds or pack items in plastic bags dry cleaners provide. Pack some of your traveling companion's clothes in your bag and vice versa. As you pack, make a list of  the contents of your suitcase.   Bring this list with you in case your luggage is lost and you need to make a claim.   Don't pack your list in your suitcase though! A comfortable, well-broken-in pair of walking shoes is a must. Carry fragile, valuable or perishable items with you.  Money, cameras, jewelry, toiletries and prescription drugs should also be carried with you.  Make sure you pack sample sizes of toiletry articles. Store all toiletries in unbreakable bottles, preferably with screw tops rather than pull/snap top openings.  Make sure you only fill them three-quarters full.  In-flight air pressure expands liquids.  It's a good idea to place containers in plastic bags just in case. If you take cameras or other items that were made outside the U.S. and Canada and imported, be sure to register these at customs before you leave.  It only takes a few minutes and eliminates a potential argument with customs when you return.   You may register articles at any customs office, including those at airports, at no charge.  Or have a copy of the receipt of purchase on you.  It's also a good idea to do the same for jewelry.  Be sure your luggage is clearly labeled inside and out.  Remove old airline tags. Test the weight of your bag.  Walk around with your bags for a few minutes.  Do they feel too heavy?  Unless you're on a tour, where luggage handling is provided, it can be difficult to find porters in airports and hotels.   Pack what you can carry!  Consider a bag on wheels. Unpack as soon as possible after you arrive at your hotel.  This helps eliminate wrinkling.  Call the hotel ahead to see if they provide irons & hairdryers.  That way you don't need to pack them! Remember to leave room for souvenirs.  Pack an empty nylon or canvas bag for your purchases.  Or, consider mailing them home. TRAVELING TO DEVELOPING COUNTRIES Plan to dress conservatively.  Traditional societies often have different standards of dress, particularly for women.  Inappropriate clothing may not only offend your hosts, but cause you embarrassment as well.  We can advise you about dress customs for your particular destination.  In general, men should wear shirts and long pants or Bermuda shorts.  For women, it's best to avoid shorts, tight-fitting, revealing dresses, sleeveless blouses and tank tops. If your day's itinerary includes a temple visit, don't wear shorts or short sleeve shirts.  A pair of sandals that you can slip in and out of easily and a pair of socks is a must.  Floors of temples may be of stone or marble and can be hot, so once you slip off your shoes, it is uncomfortable to walk in bear feet.  Socks with non-slip soles are a good idea.  Some temples provide "shoe socks" to slip on your shoes at a small cost. Most experienced women travelers to developing countries and remote areas adhere to the local style of women's dress.  This also helps bring out the friendly feelings that local women have for foreign visitors.  A mid-calf, loose comfortable skirt is the best way to identify yourself as a woman.  In hot weather, a skirt is cooler than pants; in cold weather, you can wear long underwear underneath and stay just as warm.  Also you may be far from toilet facilities.  If there are no bushes or rocks nearby, it's easier to make a discreetly modest "pit stop" with the tentlike cover of a long skirt. PACKING CHECKLIST Passport, travel documents & personal medication - not packed in checked bags. Shoes.  A comfortable pair of walking shoes with non-skid soles is a must. Bottle opener, corkscrew, paring knife (or a good Swiss Army knife) for room snacks or picnics.  Pack in checked bags not carry-on. Washcloth, soap in case they're not supplied.  You may also want to bring toilet tissue for some developing countries and areas. Currency of the country you'll be visiting - enough for initial expenses, until you have a chance to change more money. $20 in $1 bills for tipping.