Packing Essentials for your vacation!

Last week we had a little primer on packing and luggage for your vacation.  This week, taking some information from an article in TravelSense, and from my own personal experience, I thought a good follow-up to last weeks information would be to suggest some essential items to take with you on vacation. 

• One item that I never considered until I cruised in an inside room on the ship, and that is a nightlight.  When you close the door and turn out the lights in an inside room it is black as pitch, so a nightlight is necessary if you have to go to the bathroom. Most mobile devices come with light apps now and they can really come in handy.
   
• Another item that got my attention and started our practice was when several years ago a ship lost power for a while during the night.  That got me to thinking that a small flashlight would be helpful in those circumstances.  It also helps when you’re looking under the bed or chest for something you have dropped.
   
• In this day and time when something needs charged, it is a good idea to bring with you an electric power strip with multiple plugs, or a plug with multiple outlets.  Most hotel rooms have plenty of outlets, but most ships will have only one outlet with only two plugs, so when the phone needs charged at the same time the hair dryer and curler need to be operating, it is nice to have some options.
   
• A handy item in any suitcase is a zip-lock bag.  Of course you have to have one with your 3 oz. or less liquids in going through security at the airports, but they are also handy to store your hotel and ship amenities in, they can hold small items that you have purchased as souvenirs, or a larger one can hold your dirty underwear. 
   
• Some folks like to travel with their special ear plugs to use when sleeping.  Beside a dark room, a quiet room helps with their sleeping habit.
   
• A small first aid kit with band aids, Neosporin, asprin, Dramamine, Imodium for those who might have an upset stomach, Benadryl itch relief,  is always good to have along with you.  A tube of superglue is also handy; you just never know.
   
• An extra charger cord for your phone or laptop is essential, primarily because without a charge, you are not “in contact”. And someone is always losing or leaving the cord you discovered you need.

One of the hazards of taking all of the above is that you sometimes inadvertently leave them plugged in when you depart.  Just ask me how I know!!

The experienced travel agents at The Travel Factory would love to help you with your travel plans, so give us a call at 698-1421 or toll-free 800-0760-4040, or drop in for a face-to-face visit at 4150 Southwest Drive, between Rosa’s and Chick-fil-A.