By Laurie Mueller, Program Coordinator for Community Education at Heartland Community College
Traveling is one of Americans’ favorite pastimes. It doesn’t matter if it’s a day trip, overnight stay, domestic or international, we love it all. And, since summer is our favorite time to travel, now is a good time to start thinking about what is essential and what is not. Here are some tips and tricks that are useful for long or short trips.
- Create a packing list weeks before your trip. That will give you plenty of time to add items, cross off items, and purchase anything else that is needed.
- Roll your clothes — this keeps them wrinkle-free and they take up less room.
- Use a big tote for the plane or car. They hold more than a purse and on a plane you can put them under the seat.
- Pack light. After you have everything packed, go back and take at least three things out. Who hasn’t over-packed?
- Prepare a small bag with things like lip balm, earplugs, any medicines you may need during the trip, little scissors and empty plastic baggies. You will be surprised how often you will use the baggies.
- Always remember the duct tape. It can be used in endless ways, including repairing broken items, or to seal leaking containers. It can also be helpful during medical emergencies, such as bracing a broken toe or sealing a cut until you can seek medical attention. You can even use duct tape to prevent blisters when you have to do a lot of walking on your trip.
- A light scarf is also a travel-must. It can be used as a wrap, a towel, beach blanket, and a bag. It washes easily and dries quickly.
- Take dark clothes with you that can mix and match. Dark clothes don’t show wear and tear as much. Add color to your wardrobe with scarves and accessories.
- Always be sure to have your health insurance card with you. Hopefully you will never need it, but it is better to be safe than sorry.
Most places you will travel to are safe, but following a few safety tips will keep your trip fun and carefree. One of the more frequent issues is pick-pockets.
- Never keep your wallet in your back pocket. Put it inside a jacket or in a bag.
- Keep all expensive jewelry, cameras, and tech devices out of sight if you are not using them. Put your camera and devices in a bag. Leave your expensive jewelry at home and wear fun and whimsical jewelry you buy on your trip.
- Since your expensive equipment is in your bag, never leave your bag unattended. That includes draping it over the back of the chair you are sitting on. Either set it near your feet or wrap the strap around your leg.
- If you are going to a foreign country make sure you have all your vaccines up-to-date. Exotic countries can mean exotic germs! Your travel agent or doctor can tell you what you need. Don’t wait until the last minute to get them since some vaccines require a series of injections over a period of time.
- When packing for a flight don’t forget the 3-1-1 rule for carry-on liquids. Liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less per container. All containers must be in one quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag. Each passenger is limited to one bag.
With a little pre-planning your trip will be full of fun, adventures, and memories.
Community Education at Heartland Community College offers several day trips to points of interest in the Chicago and St. Louis area. Some events coming up this summer include a Cubs vs. Cardinal game in St. Louis. Community Education is also partnering with Collette Travel to bring you an exciting eight-day tour of the Pacific Northwest and California in April 2016. For details about Community Education “EDventures,” visit www.heartland.edu/communityEd/travel.jsp or call 309-268-8160.
Photo credit: Ugurhan Betin/iStock