What to Pack When Traveling, Pt. I

Personal EffectsWith today's heightened security ingoing abroad. Always remember the possibility that
airports, it is perfectly natural to want to have yourforeign ATMs might not accept American bank cards,
luggage with you when you travel. You want to besame with certain stores and restaurants. A short
certain everything you packed for your business trip orsupply of paper currency (no more than a hundred
vacation arrives intact, and vigilance can guaranteedollars) is good to have also for immediate money
that. For extended trips, however, travelers are likely toexchange once you reach your destination.It always
pack more, ultimately forcing them to check in some ofhelps, too, to have a few dollar bills handy for tipping.
their luggage.It is important, therefore, to know what toKeep a few dollars in your pocket to pass over to a
keep with you at all times when you travel, and how toclerk or valet when needed. This prevents you from
pack a case that must be loaded into a plane's cargohaving to dig in your purse or wallet in a crowd.Itinerary:
until you arrive at your destination. In the event yourKnow where you need to go quickly. Have a small
luggage should be lost, it is necessary to keep themap, itinerary, or direction sheet with you to expedite
most important items with you at all times.Identification:the arrival at your hotel. Whether traveling domestically
Your passport, your driver's license, any and all pictureor overseas, you want to appear confident and
ID cards should remain on your person. When youinconspicuous so as not to catch the eye of any
pass through airport security you will be required topossible scam artists who prey upon out-of-towners. If
have identification ready for inspection, and it isyou are unsure of where you need to be, seek
important that is stays with you and is not packedassistance at the first information booth
away in a case that won't be readily at your disposal.immediately.Keeping the most important of information
If you are traveling abroad and are using a passport,with you at all times can make your trip easier in
be sure to make copies of the identification page in theemergencies. Physical items like clothes and sundries
event your passport is lost or stolen. Keep one copycan be replaced, but if your identity is taken it will lead
with a relative or friend at home, and keep extrato greater problems in the long run. Be vigilant, and be
copies with you in different places so you will havesafe.Look for Part Two of this article, Packing for A
one ready if needed.Insurance cards are alsoTripKathryn Lively is a freelance writer who writes for
necessary to have on you, in the event of a medicalnumerous travel related websites, including Park
emergency or accident (especially if you are renting aAtlanta ( long term airport parking for Atlanta Hartsfield
car for your trip).Money: This includes paper, traveler'sairport, and the Grand Summit Hotel of New Jersey (
checks, and credit cards. In this age of electronica luxury hotel catering to weddings and business
transfer, you might not think it necessary to carrymeetings.
traveler's checks, but they are good to have if you are