"P" Help #8: Getting the Most Out of Your Trip

Here's a few random thoughts I've had since I got home from the Big Trip to Israel & Italy.

1.  You'll probably want to take lots of photos.  Know your camera very well, before you leave home, especially if it's a new camera.  It may help to take an extra digital card.  I wish I had!  After a week, every night I had to delete some photos so I could take more the next day.  Sure, I could have bought a new card but I'm cheap: I have two more at home I should have brought!  Also, if you have an I-phone, it's fun to let everyone at home know where you are.
    Bring your chargers for every device - phone, camera, I-pad, computer, etc. - in your carry-on luggage.  Also, bring electrical outlet adapters specific to every country you're visiting.  A few hotels may have one AC plug and many others will let you borrow an adapter.  But you'll probably have to re-charge every device, every night, overnight.

2.  There are so many things you'll want to remember, buy a pictorial book, a small one, at each site.

3.  Pack as little as possible!  This cannot be over-emphasized!  I know of a couple that packs into a backpack each.  I'm not quite that austere, but it can be done.  This trip, I only brought the shoes I was wearing.  Shoes are heavy!

4.  Even though you'll have an idea of weather conditions where you'll be going, pack enough warm clothes for super-cold air conditioned places or if the weather turns colder than what you expect.

5.  Bring a small alarm clock.  Not all hotels offer wake-up service.  You don't want to be late for important stuff!

6.  Unless you can sleep in any and all light and noise habitats, bring an eye mask and ear plugs.  It really helps on planes on those long over-night trips. A neck roll also helps.  I have the blow-up kind that doesn't take up hardly any room in your luggage.

7.  Fridge magnets make great gifts for all those at home you want to remember - they're cheap, usually don't break, and are small.  Don't forget to get one for yourself!

8.  Bring business cards with your contact information, including your e-mail.  This beats writing it out for every new person you want to contact in the future.  And get e-mail addresses from your new acquaintances.  Lovely friendships have begun on trips!

9.  You'll want to observe your religious services when you're traveling.  The hotel always knows where to find the church/synagogue/temple of your choice.  Or you can google it before you leave.

FYI: "P" help stands for "Prior Preparation Prevents Poor Performance."  See prior blog lists for #1 through #7.