Don't Forget The Essentials

Concerned about appearances and wrinkled clothing? Save on laundry costs with ingenuity and innovative solutions. Think practical and be creative. A frequent traveler suggests that if you travel with a small spray bottle, you can fill it with water, lightly spray the clothing, and let it hang for period. This usually helps the wrinkles fall out.

Another suggestion is hanging them in the bathroom while you take a hot shower or soak in the tub while the steam 'irons' out some of the creases. Hand-washing underwear, nylons etc. and hanging them up overnight is another sure saver and old frequent traveler favorite that has often been passed on by word of mouth!

The importance of water or H20!! Just like taking care of fueling the human engine with food, we also need lubrication. By that, we mean lots of fluid and specifically water. Staying hydrated, irrespective of the climate is just common sense. Invest in a good travel water bottle with a secure cap.

Travel-custom accessories like a collapsible cup are worth a lot. For those times and every moment when you need some water from a fountain, faucet or hose to re-hydrate! This is an inexpensive item to invest in that will not break the budget one bit and save you money in the process and is light to pack. This is a must-have for any would-be traveler especially those traveling with young kids.

Always drink bottled water preferably even when brushing your teeth or ordering your cocktails without ice or water if you are concerned about diseases etc. Drinking lots of water regularly will help prevent dehydration. You will also however have to plan for frequent pit stops for washrooms and remember in some countries you have to pay to use them! In air, on flight, just remember that alcohol can be extremely dehydrating and may increase jet lag on a long flight! So that's another good reason to drink lots of water.

Instant Polaroid cameras and disposables are getting smaller and smaller. Invest in a couple for those off-the-beaten track moments or people who want a snapshot of themselves. Share moments and memories inexpensively while making good friends along the way! Nothing can be better (and cheaper) than that.

Insurance coverage is essential. Not only travel, medical and cancellation insurance, but for valuables that will be accompanying you on the trip. These will be specified and additional coverage. It is still worth the small expense if weighed against loss or replacement cost without it should they get misplaced, forgotten or stolen. Insure your precious belongings and valuables before you leave home if you absolutely have to take them with you.

A great tip offered online at a travel website is to take along only what you are willing to lose. The rule of thumb and general agreement is still that it is much better to leave valuables at home.

Minor emergency tools and practical items in a handy spot in your luggage can prove to be a life and money-saver. A quick stop into the dollar store or local retailer before you leave home for a do-it-yourself kit that contains various small items like rubber bands, small tube of instant glue, paper clips, masking tape, Velcro, tissue-paper, sewing kit et al. could save you embarrassment, time and money! It is wise to toss something like this into your luggage. They take up limited space (will even fit in a shoe, as mentioned earlier), and can come in handy in solving minor emergencies.

Another word to the wise when packing your luggage: All things fluid and liquids in plastic bottles or containers should be placed in sealable plastic bags that will not leak. It is always wise to place the bottle into a well-sealed plastic bag as well. Wrapping a bottle in a towel or clothing will not protect it or keep it from leaking and staining your clothes. The damage could be permanent and lead to unnecessary cost for laundry services and or replacement for clothes you really did not need or want.

Multi-media and technology are travel essentials these days. Recordings before, during and after can all be captured and enjoyed over and over. An added benefit is that they weight less and take up no additional room.

It helps you assemble memories, so buying and budgeting for extra rechargeable batteries, charger-kits, adapter plugs, cables, carry-bags, memory cards and/or recordable media might very well be the best investment you make on and for your trip. For the return on investment is HUGE! Upon your return, it is always exciting to re-live key and precious, shared moments.

You could hear and view a tour guide, entertainers, or musicians enjoyed during your journey. Avoid buying and taking heavy travel guides with you (make copies of pages of interest). At your destination, there will always also be myriads of local sources at your disposal that offers a unique perspective, current pricing and information that might be outdated in even the most recent travel guides or magazines.