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overseas? Leave Your Electrical Appliances At Home! Don't know how?
Follow my suggestions:

Hair dryer: Visit your hair stylist or barber a week or two before your
trip. Tell your stylist that you would like a style that is easy to
style without a hair dryer. It might mean a light body perm, or a simple
wash-and-go cut. This should work for most people. If you MUST take a
hair dryer with you, consider getting the smallest model you can find.
That for me was a Sharper Image/Brookstone hair dryer that fit on the
palm of my hand.

Curling Iron: As with the hair dryer, try to get your hair styled so
that you don't have to have it curled. There are some new models that
are very tiny and are easy to pack, such as the butane-fueled models
from Braun. However, butane is an inflammable fuel that should not be
taken onto the flight. You could take an empty curling iron with you and
purchase a butane cell at your destination, although I would simply
advise not taking one at all.

Irons: This gets to be pretty tricky for most people, who can't seem to
get away from ironing their clothes. Those who must take clothes with
them that wrinkle, they should take canisters of things like "Wrinkle
Away" that help soften the wrinkles in your clothing. The best thing to
do is to purchase clothing labeled "hard to wrinkle." Many have a
polyester blend--and are easy to find in the TravelSmith catalog.

If you DO take clothing with you that wrinkles, hang it in your bathroom
and give it a full steaming by drawing a hot shower for five minutes.
This should relax the wrinkles.

Steamers: Travel-sized steamers still take up too much space for the
traveliter. Again, best to try to steam out your clothes in the
bathroom.

Remember that by avoiding taking any appliances with you, you don't have
to worry about adapters. You also have less chance for being held up at
security gate for having electric gadgets in your carry-on.

If you must take electrical appliances with you on an overseas trip, you
will need to pick up some electrical adapters. Most travel stores carry
them. Want a diagram of the different types, and which countries use
which adapters? Get a free catalog from Magellan's, as they list them in
there (they sell the adapters too, if you want).

Personal Stereo: I have received email from people who swear by their
Walkmans (Walkmen? Walkpeople?). Whether to avoid having to listen to
local music, avoid boredom, or avoid being bothered, personal headphones
are a wonderful way to isolate and insulate yourself from your
surroundings. Is that good? You decide (my preference would be to take a
short-wave radio with me. There are quite a few models by Sony, Grundig
and others, that are both affordable, and small).

Techno Geeks Like Me! So you can forego most modern conveniences except
your computer and 'net access?! ("Please sir, anything but my
PowerBook!") Go visit Patrick Jennings' "Outfitting the Multimedia
Guerrilla" web site to start. He has a comprehensive packing list he
used for his own travels. It's one thing to wanna take your laptop with
you--it's another to worry about adapters and cables and all that stuff.
If you have the foresight to shop for a laptop with travel in mind, I
would recommend that you get something small and lightweight. So what if
you can't get an SVGA screen?

Instead of carrying a separate computer case, I recommend the neoprene
"WetSuit" from Silicon Graphics (available from MacZone at 800-555-1212,
APS Technologies at 800-874-3197, or Mac Wholesale at 800-531-4622).
They come in various colors and run about $40 each. Unlike standard
carrying cases, Wetsuits "hug" your computer even when it's open. It
serves to provide padding for your notebook, and can be stuffed into
your carry-on bag.

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Converters or Adapter Plugs?

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[The following from Charles Drummond.]
 There are electrical converters and then there are adapter plugs. The
plugs don't weigh much or take up much space. The key is to buy
appliances that automatically switch to the correct voltage and need
only the adapter plug. Braun, for example, makes a very nice electric
razor that converts automatically. Many tiny travel hair dryers do the
same. So, for those of us who *must* use electric appliances, the key is
automatic convertibility.

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Clothing

Clothing is probably the toughest for anyone who wants to learn how to
travelite. The two biggest tips to packing the right clothings, is to
color coordinate, and to layer for a versatile look.

Coordinating Colors: Remember the old "Garanimals" children's clothing
where you matched tags to match your outfits? Make sure every single
item you take matches with each other. This means you'll probably have
to stick with neutrals--tans, greys, blacks, with some white or accent
colors thrown in.

Layering: You can change your look with just a tie, a scarf or vest.
Chico's, a chain of US women's clothing stores, says you have a month's
wardrobe with nine items of clothing, which they do with the following
combination:

-Blazer
-Vest
-Short-sleeve shirt
-Long-sleeve shirt
-Tank top
-Long pants
-Broomstick or full skirt
-Shorts
-Long-sleeve buttoned overshirt

They actually have a hand-out showing the 30 layering schemes you can
get with the above (if you have a Chico's in your area, ask them for
this handout). When I travel this way, I wear a the short-sleeve t-shirt
under the overshirt, and a pair of long pants. I add the vest and blazer
to it, then all I have to do is pack the long-sleeve jersey shirt, tank
top, skirt and shorts in my bag. That's four items of clothing.

For men, it's even easier. Two pairs of pants, one pair of shorts (that
work as swim trunks), two t-shirts, two long-sleeve overshirts, and one
blazer should be enough for most trips. If you are traveling to warmer
climates, you may want to take t-shirts made from quick-drying fabric,
such as Coolmax. Wear these under your overshirts, and they act as
undershirts so you don't have to wash your clothing as often. If you are
attending a conference and you want to wear take more than one blazer,
make sure your second blazer that you pack is wrinkle-resistant, such as
the one sold through TravelSmith. You can also get a very versatile look
by packing one pair of nice blue jeans, since your jeans will go with
anything (hint: Have your jeans dry cleaned and pressed before your
trip. They will last a long time between washings this way, since jeans
take up a lot of room and are tough to dry).

 Undergarments: Most people suggest that you pack four days' worth of
undergarments with you. I usually also try to include one jog bra in the
bunch, although those planning on going to the beach may want to count a
bikini bathing suit as one set of underwear. Socks tend to be tough to
dry--again, visit your neighborhood athletic shoe store and purchase
socks made of Coolmax. These are more expensive, but drip dry very
quickly. Many of them are double-layered, to discourage blisters as
well.

"Disposable" Clothing: Save your holey socks and dingy underwear for
your trip, and throw them away as you go! You'll have less washing to
do. Same goes for old T-shirts, and even SHOES! If you are a regular
jogger, save your older running shoes (which are still good for
walking). You can throw them away at your trip and not have to carry
them home (donate them at the city's Goodwill or church if your
conscience bothers you). Also, if you're going on a shopping trip and
you're planning on stocking up your wardrobe, take only those old
clothes you plan to throw away. As you buy new clothing, you can wear
them and have less to pack.

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Tips for selecting the right travel clothes

------

For your flight: Synthetics such as polyester resist wrinkles well, but
are terrible for air travel because they melt to your skin in a fire.
For your actual flights, stick to natural fabrics (cotton, wool). Never,
*EVER* wear pantyhose or tights on a flight. These will melt right into
your skin!!!!! Wear covered lace-up shoes, long pants and sleeves on
your flight. While we're at it, tie your long hair in a ponytail (at
least during take-off and landing), and do not wear hairspray in your
hair unless you want "flaming-red hair," even if you are a brunette.

For a hot day: It's actually better to wear a lightweight, light-colored
long-sleeve shirt on a hot and sunny day, than something like a t-shirt.
The shirt protects your skin from the sun but allows your skin to
breathe. It absorbs perspiration, and dries quickly. You can always roll
up the sleeves--and if it's a little cooler, wear it as an overshirt. If
it calls for a slightly nicer attire, button up your shirt and put on a
tie or scarf!

Glasses: If you take your glasses with you, don't forget to get an
eyeglass prescription from your optometrist, in case you lose or break
your glasses. If you don't mind paying extra, consider buying glasses
that darken in the sun. This will save you from taking a second pair (of
sunglasses). Spend a few extra dollars buying your eyeglasses a "leash."
These are pretty common now--although the old stereotype had them used
only by bitty old librarians (I can say that because I myself am a
librarian! So there!). If you plan on doing any strenuous activities
while wearing your glasses (hiking, sailing, etc.), I would suggest a
pair of "Croakies." These are leashes made of wetsuit neoprene material.
They fit all the way on your ear portions of your glasses. Don't forget
to take a hard-shelled eyeglass case so you don't accidentally squish
it!

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How to pack your clothes

------

One of the reasons I didn't have this section in the past, is that it's
very difficult to explain how to pack without any sample illustrations.
What I will do is tell you about two methods I recommend.

-The Bundle Method: This is the method recommended by Judith Gilford,
author of The Packing Book (listed in the beginning of this FAQ). VERY
basically, this method involves layering your clothing in your bag, and
letting each garment hug the item over it. In the end, you have a piece
of clothing that looks like it's hugging a big bundle of stuff. If you
want a good example, go look at Gilford's book. Doug Dyment is also
explains this method in his web site.

-The Eagle Creek Pack-It System: A new-fangled line of products from
Eagle Creek, these items are basically Cordura nylon envelopes. The way
it works, you fold your clothes using a plastic sheet the provide, which
is measured to fit your pack-it envelope. When you are done packing in
this orderly, measured manner, you velcro the sides of the "envelope"
like you're diapering a baby. A good way to keep your clothes together
if your travelpack doesn't come with its own cinch straps.

------

More Helpful Tips

The following are a list of hodge podge items I have found useful in my
travels. Those with an * by it are ideas I came up with, that you might
not read anywhere else. They might be a little unusual or odd, but I
encourage you to give them a try. Let me know what you think!

 Accessories: One of the keys to traveling lightly is to give the
illusion that you have a large wardrobe (although if you are regularly
on the move, you could wear the same outfit and nobody would notice!).
For men, this means taking an extra tie or scarf with you. For women, it
means taking a silk scarf, a simple brooch and some cheap jewelry with
you. Scarfs are incredibly versatile (for thinner folks, it can even be
tied to be worn as a halter top!) and give totally different looks,
depending on how they are worn. Make sure your scarf coordinates with
the color scheme of your outfits.

Camcorders: It bothers me a great deal when people spend all their
vacation time with their eyes glued to the eyepiece of a camcorder,
enjoying their vacation only vicariously through the video they
shoot...which they watch when they get home. If you're going to just
watch TV, why don't you stay at home and watch the Discovery Channel? I
make exceptions for some things, like your baby's first trip to
grandma--but I personally don't think it's worth the added weight and
hassles. [However, please don't get angry at me if you leave your
camcorder home after reading this FAQ, and miss the chance opportunity
to record breaking news.]

Over the past year, I have somewhat changed my mind about camcorders. I
now believe it is possible to experience a vacation even with a
camcorder in hand. Some formats are very small and take little more than
an SLR 35mm camera. In addition, these "freelance photo-reporters" have
caught some of the most incredible and newsworthy footage shown on the
news today, because they were there.

 Cameras: I used to be a serious photographer, which meant I carried one
(if not two) camera bodies, and three lenses with me. Add a tripod and a
big flash to that, and I had a separate carry-on. I have long since
discovered that unless I am on a photography safari, there is little
reason to lug that much camera gear with me. Instead, I have opted for
the smaller point-and-shoot cameras. Many of them are surprisingly good,
and my current recommendation is for the Yashica T4. Also recommended by
traveler Phil Greenspun, the T4 is a well-built tiny camera that
produces surprisingly nice results. The major benefit of these tiny
things is that they take up barely any room in your bag. The major
disadvantage of the T4 is that is not a zoom camera. If you want
close-ups, YOU have to get up close. Visit Phil's travel photography web
site for tips on choosing a camera.

For some people, "travel" equates "photo opportunity." If you fall in
this category, you might want to take a camera bag as one of your
carry-ons. Travel with an SLR (or medium format) camera, zoom lens,
separate flash, and a tripod (or a monopod). Photography is especially a
great activity for those traveling alone, who have the flexibility to
maintain strange hours (up at dawn, napping at noon, etc.) and solitude.

 If you don't want to get caught up in photography, take a little sketch
pad with you! Not an accomplished artist? So what? Doodle some general
impressions anyway. Your other alternative is to keep a travel journal;
techno-minded folks can use a micro-cassette player to record their
thoughts.

Check Register*: Those little lined check registers you record the usage
of your personal checks in, make the best little notebooks! They fit in
your belt pouch/fanny pack/wallet, and you can use it to keep track of
traveller's checks, rolls of film, travel budget, and still leave you
with room to write down the addresses of newfound friends! Best of all,
they're free from your bank! What more could you want?

Checkbook cover/check register combo: I carry my check register in a
plastic checkbook cover (again, free from your bank). I found a little
note pad the size of checks that I have slipped into the cover as well.
I now use this to store everything important (except airline tickets,
which don't fit). I keep postcard stamps, pre-addressed self-adhesive
labels for my friends (to send postcards), used airline boarding passes,
business cards, etc. It still takes up minimal space, and the checkbook
cover keeps things like your postage stamps from getting wet!

 Coffee Can Lids: Plan to do some of your own picnicking? In addition to
taking your Swiss Army knife, don't forget to toss in a flexible plastic
lid from a three-pound can of coffee! These things take up almost no
room, but come in as a handy plate for those impromptu picnics. The lip
at the edge catches any liquids or morsels from spilling. This tip is
from Rick Steves.

Day Packs: Even the lightest traveler will usually want to carry an
everyday bag. Depending on the size of your carry-on, you can empty out
your stuff and use your carry-on bag. Some travelpacks have daypacks
that zip off the front. I use an expandable backpack from Lewis & Clark:
Made of parachute nylon, it packs into the size of a small coffee mug.
It carries my umbrella, camera, paperback book, and whatever else I want
to carry during the day. I usually leave it pretty empty, since it often
gets used for carrying souvenirs. Unfortunately, there aren't too many
companies currently making expandable day packs--I have an old one from
LL Bean (it's been off their catalog for a few years). Eagle Creek has
one, but it collapses into a stiff fanny pack that I don't really like.

Campmor catalog lists "Camp Trails Packables," a day pack and a duffel
bag--both made of 2.1oz nylon and packable in its own little pouch. Both
of these are priced at $9.99 each. A steal! The product number for the
day pack is 99860-N and unfortunately, it is not yet listed at their web
site.

Dental floss: Don't forget to stick a small roll of waxed dental floss
in your toiletry kit or sewing kit. They not only keep your teeth clean;
they work real well as sewing thread. Embarrassed to use white floss for
sewing? Use a mint green one!

Ditty bag: In addition to my clothes, undergarments and toiletry kit, I
usually have a separate little sack where I keep small miscellaneous
items such as ear plugs, playing cards and a little sewing kit. My ditty
bag also contains an odd collection of things that I have discovered
very handy on my trips, including:

-Coffee can lid, which I use for little picnics as a plate
-A tiny bottle of Ivory dishwashing soap, which I use for cleaning
anything, including washing clothes.
-A flexible twisted rubber line for hanging my clothes to dry.

Fanny Packs/Bum Bags/Belt Pouches: If you would like to carry something
smaller than a day pack, a fanny pack/bum bag is one of the most
convenient ways to go. I use my Eagle Creek Spare Pocket as my everyday
purse--it has a strap that you can wear long as a shoulder bag, or
tighten up to wear around your waist. The Spare Pocket isn't very large,
though (it won't fit a thick paperback book), but there are other bags
that are slightly larger, that will also wear around your waist. They're
available again from places such as LL Bean and Eagle Creek. Note: Do
not refer to them as "fanny packs" in the UK, where the word refers to a
woman's private parts!

Eagle Creek has modified their Spare Pocket and it's now a little
roomier! It should easily fit a checkbook and a paperback book. The seam
on the front pocket now has two darts (gathers--it's a sewing term) that
allow you to put more things in it. The zipper on the front flap is no
longer diagonal, and goes straight across. Everything else is the same.
How to find the right version: Look at the zipper on the front flap. If
it's diagonal, it's the old model. Check the bar code inventory number
on the back as well. The new model is the B4606C. The old one is B4605C.

First Aid kit: My "first aid kit" contains the bare essentials, and is
housed in a little bag the same size as my toiletry kit. It contains
small ziploc bags of things like bandages, antibiotic cream,
antihistamine, anti-diarrheal, aspirin, tweezers, and alcohol wipes. I
also have a tiny Swiss Army knife (knife, file, scissors) that's
attached to a small pair of nail clippers, and a flash light the size of
a lighter.

Flat-rate envelopes*: Instead of using a manila envelope like many
travel books suggest, take a few US Postal Service Priority Mail
Flat-Rate envelopes with you. These stiff envelopes work great to hold
your travel papers, have their own adhesive for mailing, and are
flat-rated, which means no matter how many maps you stuff in one, it
will only cost you the two-pound rate (which as of 1996 is $3.00).
Although you now have to take it in person to the post office if your
envelope weighs more than 16 ounces (one pound), you can buy your $3.00
stamps in advance, and just hand the envelope over to the postal clerk
without digging for change. Best of all, these envelopes are free at the
US post office!

Handkerchiefs: Most packing lists will recommend handkerchiefs or
bandanas. Bandanas serve double-duty as a casual scarf, but the one
light hand-towel I use is a "Handi Wipe." These are reusable disposable
cloths marketed for various uses such as cleaning kitchen counters. The
reason I swear by these is that they take up practically zero space in
your luggage, dry in an instant, and are disposable so I can easily toss
them if they get old and worn.

Inflatable Neck Pillows/Back Pillows: If you are planning on spending
long hours on planes or trains, the traditional C-shaped inflatable neck
pillow is indispensable in preventing sore necks. I have also discovered
however, that a pillow against your lower back helps keep your back from
feeling too sore, either.

 Mailing Labels: Instead of lugging your entire address book (and risk
losing it), print out a set (or two, if you write a lot) of mailing
labels of your friends for sending postcards.

Money Belts/Security Pouches: So you have a day bag and a fanny pack.
You didn't even dare think you could leave your wallet in them though,
did you? The bulk of your money, passport, credit card and other
valuables should all be kept next to your skin under your clothes. You
can wear a security pouch in various forms--you can wear them around
your waist, your calf, your chest or under your armpit. Regardless of
which model you use, they should lie flat against you, and be worn next
to your skin. If you wish to keep money in your pocket, wear pockets
with zippers (or stitch your own velcro patches on them). Never ever
wear your wallet in your back pocket, the first place a pickpocket aims
at. Wear your wallet in your front pocket, under your jacket or shirt if
at all possible. Your wallet should only contain the day's spending
money, and some loose change. For more information on travel security
and scams, Marc Brosius has put together a document about it.

Rubber Sink Stopper/Jar Opener*: Most people like Rick Steves will
recommend that you take a rubber sink stopper with you, because you are
never guaranteed that the ones in your sink will work. The stoppers they
recommend are round flexible disks, about the size of your outstretched
hand. I have an additional suggestion for you. Instead of a sink
stoppers, go to the kitchen section of the store and buy a rubber jar
opener. They are about the same size, but have a better grip, and are
thinner than the sink stoppers. These will serve dual duty as sink
stopper and jar opener. Try buying a jar of olives for your picnic and
struggle to open it! I know, because I experienced it myself.

 Shipping Stuff Home: Whether it be old maps of places you already
visited, or souvenirs you don't want to carry. Make it a habit to ship
some of the stuff home so you don't have to lug them everywhere. You can
take some pre-addressed manila envelopes with you so you can ship things
home easily.

Shoes: More than anything, Wear Comfortable Shoes for your trip! Nothing
ruins a vacation more than blisters and sore feet. Fortunately, it is
getting easier to find stylish shoes that are also very good for
walking. Most men will find that the black leather walking shoes, made
by New Balance, Rockport, etc. are good looking, and comfortable. I
don't know if it's a vestige of the clunky ugly nurse's shoes, but
women's walking shoes in the US are unfortunately often bleach-white.
Overseas, these mark you as an ignorant American tourist--a terrible
fate that attracts pickpockets and behind-the-back sniggers. Avoid white
shoes, bright-colored running shoes and loud high-tech athletic shoes
altogether if you wish to blend in. You can either look around for a
neutral beige or black pair (they do make them), or wear low-heeled
comfortable covered shoes such as the ones from Easy Spirit or Rockport.
The added benefit is that these shoes are often attractive enough to
wear to a nice dinner. Make sure your shoes are broken-in prior to your
trip.

If you want to take a second pair (i.e. open-toe sandals), consider a
pair of comfortable Birkenstocks or Tevas. They are cushioned so you can
still walk in them all day. If you want more stylish shoes, take a pair
of EasySpirit or Rockport flat-heeled pumps with you. They are
rubber-soled, but look very nice. I bought a pair of "shoe clips" (they
look like clip-on earrings) that I snap on my pumps when I'm going
fancy. Shoe clips will change any ordinary pair of pumps to a pair of
fairly nice evening shoes. Find them in your shoe department.

Travel Alarm: If you are a light sleeper, you can try depending on your
digital watch. There are a couple of excellent travel alarm clocks I
would recommend. Timex produces one that looks like a wrist watch
without a band. One word: TEENY! Timex also makes Indiglo versions that
fit on your palm. Panasonic produces a travel radio alarm clock smaller
than a Walkman, if you like listening to the radio. In transit and want
to nap for a short while without worrying about changing the time on the
clock? My friend Audrey suggests a digital egg timer, which you can
easily set for certain amount of time (e.g. a two-hour nap).

Wine Box Liners: Some travel places sell inflatable back
cushions--however my little secret is the mylar liner from wine boxes.
They can be used as a portable water carrier as well as an inflatable
pillow. They are practically indestructible, and weigh next to nothing.
(Unfortunately, I can't take credit for this idea--it was originally
thought up by Audrey Sutherland, famous woman kayaker and author of
_Paddling My Own Canoe_).

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Resource List of reviewed and rated travelite-related web sites

Because this is web-browser dependent, please visit my page at
http://welcome.to/travelite for the reviews.

------

Whew! You're still here! Thanks for reading (or at least skimming) my
FAQ. Feel free to send me any comments or suggestions; you might get
quoted in this FAQ! Thanks again, and happy light travels!!

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-- 
-=*=-=*=--=*=-=*=--=*=-=*=--=*=-=*=--=*=-=*=--=*=-=*=--=*=-=*=--=*=-=*=-=*=-
Rev. Mama Lani (ULC), lani@lava.net   \O/  Learn how to travel with just one
URL:        |D  carry-on - Visit my Travelite FAQ
Co-moderator, soc.culture.hawaii      /<   at !

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