Tips for Travelers

Reduce the size and amount of luggage you take with you.

• Pack light! Keep your luggage as compact as possible and make sure it is easy for you to transport all of it through airports, train stations, etc. by yourself. Consider using a travel backpack or a rolling suitcase with a smaller backpack to use as a carryon.
• Pack clothing items that are quick-drying and relatively wrinkle-free so that they can be laundered in a hotel sink and hung to drip dry. This can reduce the number of clothing items you will need to pack.
• Choose clothing items that can serve multiple purposes like zip-off pants that can double as shorts or a simple dress that can be used for business or evening wear with just a change in accessories.
• To save space in your suitcase, wear your bulkier items while traveling or pack those bulky items in compression sacks to reduce their size.
• Use packing systems like the Eagle Creek Pack-It folders, cubes, and sacs to keep clothing organized and wrinkle-free as well as helping to reduce the amount of space it takes up in your suitcase.

Prior planning will help you move through security checks faster and with less hassle.

• Remove all items that are prohibited by the Transportation Security Administration from your carryon and checked luggage. A list of permitted and prohibited items can be found on the TSA website.
• Wear sandals, flip-flops, or shoes that can be slipped on and off easily to speed up security screenings.
• Carry your boarding passes/tickets and photo I.D. in a convenient and readily accessible holder. You may be asked to show these items several times as you move through an airport.
• Remove all jewelry, keys, money, watches, and other metal items and place them in a clear, zip-close plastic bag that can be quickly and easily placed into a basket or tray while going through a metal detector.
• Cameras, camcorders, laptops, and other electronic equipment should be carried with you, not in your checked baggage. Expect that security screeners may need to examine these items more closely. You will very likely have to boot up your laptop.

Take steps to protect your luggage from damage and theft.

• Identify all pieces of luggage, including your carryon, with luggage I.D. tags. Include just your name on the I.D. tags, or use a business address if the airline carrier requires an address. Include additional identification inside your luggage in case the outside tag is lost or removed.
• Tape a business card inside the lid of your laptop or label it in some other way.
• Don't pack any cash, important documents, or other valuables in your checked luggage.
• Use TSA-recognized locks to lock your checked baggage. The Travel Security Administration has the tools to open these TSA locks if needed. If you use any other kind of lock, your lock or luggage may be damaged if screeners need to do a bag search of your luggage.

Take steps to make yourself comfortable as you travel.

• On long flights, think about carrying comfort items like pillow, eye-shades, ear plugs, snacks, and a water bottle. Many airlines are trying to save money by cutting back on these kinds of complimentary amenities, so you will need to provide your own.
• Wear loose fitting clothing and shoes while traveling by air. The pressure changes and confined seating can lead to swelling in the legs and feet especially. Try to get up and move around occasionally during the flight to reduce these problems.

A healthy traveler is a happy traveler.

• * Pack all prescription medications in your carryon bag along with copies of your prescriptions in case you should need to get a refill during your trip.
• * Carry a compact first aid kit to handle everyday emergencies like cuts, blisters, headaches, upset stomach, etc.
• * When traveling to other countries, consult the Centers for Disease Control for answers to questions about necessary vaccinations and travelers health alerts.

Protect yourself from crime.

• Use a money belt or neck pouch to carry extra cash, travelers cheques, passport, and other important travel documents.
• Make copies of your passport, visas, photo I.D., and any other important travel documents. Leave them with a reliable person whom you can contact in the event that these items are lost or stolen.