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Your tickets are purchased, you have finalized your itinerary, and now it’s time to pack. Before you pull out three suitcases large enough that airport security might think you are in the human trafficking business, read these helpful packing tips. You might be able to get by with only one human-size suitcase!

Shop selectively, and if you do not think you will wear something more than three times, leave it at home. Every bit of clothing that you pack should complement every other item or at least have more than one use. For example, there is no need to pack both sandals and slippers since the sandals work easily as slippers.

You only need two or three T-shirts, a couple short-sleeved blouses, and a couple long-sleeved shirts. Better yet, leave the T-shirts at home, and purchase a few when you reach your destination. You probably would anyway, so now you have a handy excuse to shop for shirts! Choose shirts that have a wrinkle-camouflaging pattern or blended fabrics that don’t show wrinkles.

Dark-colored pants and shorts are a good choice because dirt and wrinkles don’t show well with dark fabrics. Pack at least one pair with an elastic waistband for that one night that you know you will splurge on a large meal. Convertible pants, with zip-off legs, save space in your bag. Pack a couple skirts that hide wrinkles, and make sure the waistband is comfortable. Vacation is a time of comfort, not stiff formality. Let your clothing help you relax!

Pack microfiber, silk, or stretch lace underwear since it dries faster than cotton and breathes better than nylon. Bringing two bras is a good idea; if one gets lost in the laundry or is destroyed by your companion’s pet dog, you really want to have a backup. A sports bra also doubles as a hiking or running top. If you decide to sleep in the sports bra, you really only need to bring pajama bottoms. If you need to run down the hall for a can of soda or extra towels, just pull on one of your new T-shirts really quick.

Take along a light jacket, but unless you expect very cold weather at your vacation spot or are going to play some winter sports, there is no need to pack a heavy jacket or coat. Choose a jacket in neutral colors such as black, beige, or navy that coordinates well with all of the outfits you packed. Darker colors can also hide stains, soil, and wrinkles.

Pack some accessories to spice up your outfits. Scarves can add a perfect splash of color to your bland outfits. They are easy to pack, and if you purchase them at your travel destination, they make excellent souvenirs. Shawls are another nice accessory item to focus on.

While packing seems like a chore, it can be fun deciding what to take with you on vacation. Make sure the clothes you pack make you look good, and remember that more is not necessarily better.

Though many people often think of tourist hot spots like New York and Miami when thinking of the United States, there are a number of other interesting places to see throughout the land. Here are some suggestions if you are considering a vacation destination in the United States.

You may want to consider one or more of the National Parks throughout the country. These protected lands are a fantastic place to spend time in nature. Whether you visit one, or many of them, you will be certain to find the local sights relaxing and educational.

If you are looking for something else, consider the endless miles of coastline available to explore. The Pacific Coast offers everything from smooth sandy beaches to rugged rock overhangs. The Atlantic Coast has much of the same and is often close to historical sites that can further your vacation pleasure. Do not forget the Gulf Coast which offers an array of warm weather activities.

If warm weather is what you desire, consider staying in Florida or southern California. Both destinations offer a number of activities, including theme parks. You can search for lesser known attractions to enhance your experience or you may choose to bask in the sun and spend your days lounging on the beach or by the pool.

You may prefer to see the wide open lands of the Plains States. In recent years this area has gained popularity with people hoping to catch video footage of local twisters. If you are a thrill seeker this may be just the vacation for you.

If you are feeling more adventurous there are the Rocky Mountains in the west and the Appalachians in the east to provide a great wilderness trip into the mountains. You may choose to stay at a lodge or camp your way through a path. You will be able to hike, fish and enjoy many of the other local activities.

Another place to look at for vacationing in the US is to visit a number of small towns that are off the regular path of tourists. Spend time visiting small local museums and art shows. Get to know the locals and explore the different activities being offered. There may be a guest lecturer at the local community college, or an annual car show. Check with the Chamber of Commerce for a current list of what activities and events are available.

There are two other great states, Alaska and Hawaii. Not connected to the mainland, and with their own unique customs, both states are fantastic places to visit. Both are rich in culture and history, with their own unique styles of living.

As you can see, there are destinations all over the United States that can be suited to fit most budgets. You can experience one or all of these great alternative destinations. Remember that some advance planning will increase your enjoyment wherever you decide to spend your next vacation. The destinations of the United States await your choice.

Travel is expensive, but there are ways to reduce travel expenses. Use these tips when you plan your next trip to avoid paying too much.

Paying for airline, train, or bus tickets on the day of travel is expensive. By purchasing your tickets ahead of time, you can save quite a bit of money. A flight that costs $1,200 on the day of travel can often be purchased for as little as $300 if you buy it two or three weeks before your travel date.

Flying during off-peak times can also save you a lot. The days right before and after major holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving are typically more expensive. If you plan to arrive and depart four days before and after the holiday, the rates will be much cheaper. During the week, Tuesday and Wednesday are typically the cheapest days to travel. Friday through Sunday are the most expensive.

There are a number of websites that offer airfare, and a few sites just compare rates. Visit the airline’s official website for airfare rates, then check a couple other websites like Orbitz or Priceline to compare rates. Do this each time you travel because the cheapest tickets are not always on the same website.

If you must travel without purchasing your tickets in advance, check with all the airlines offering flights to your destination to see if there are any last minute specials. Sometimes airlines need to fill seats so they will offer a discounted rate within 24 hours of a flight.

Avoid baggage fees by packing only a carry-on bag. Most airlines allow you to carry on a small suitcase, purse or briefcase, and a backpack. Check the airline for current baggage details, and take full advantage of the carry-on bags allowed.

Unless you must arrive in or depart from a specific city, check flights to and from airports in towns nearby. For example, if you are traveling to Omaha, Nebraska, you can check flights in Omaha, Kansas City, Lincoln, and Wichita. You may find a cheaper flight going somewhere close to where you need to be, and you can drive your rental car to your final destination. A couple hours in the car can save you hundreds of dollars or allow you to take a direct flight instead of multiple plane changes.

Most airlines have a loyalty program- take advantage of it! You can earn points that can be redeemed for free air travel, hotel vouchers, or flight upgrades. If you fly more than once a year, this can end up saving you a lot of money on future flights.

Depending on current exchange rates, you may save money by paying for flights with a foreign currency. To figure out if this will actually save you money, look up the price of the flight and then look up the current exchange rates.

These tips can help you save a little or a lot on your vacation. The money you save on travel expenses can be saved for your next vacation!

Taking a vacation with your children can be a very memorable and exciting experience for kids and adults alike. Making it to your destination in one piece with a car full of happy people would be the ideal, but that is not always the case, particularly when you have a rather large family. Follow the tips in the article below if you want to make your trip go as smooth as possible.

One thing that is vital when having a road trip with children is having plenty of games to play while you are in the car. Children get bored very easily, and the fact that they are confined to one space can make them pretty antsy. Bringing along some travel games, reading and/or coloring books and some dolls should be enough to keep them entertained for a while, but that may not last too long.

Before you leave to go on your trip, you should think about going online and finding a site that has some ideas for games that can be played in a car. While you may already be aware of some of them, like Hangman, it would not hurt to find some new ones that the entire family could enjoy. Make sure that the games you find are not too difficult because you do not want the younger children to feel left out.

When you are going to a destination that is very far away, you will have to stop several times in order to sleep and get prepared for another day of driving. Most of the time, people like to find small hotels or motels that are pretty economical in price and en route to where they are going. While there is nothing wrong with that, it would be much more exciting for the children if you spent some of the nights camping out in a tent. This may not be comfortable for you after driving for so long, which is why it is not recommended you camp out every day. Alternate between staying at a hotel and camping out in order to make the trip comfortable and enjoyable for all.

When you are in the car for longer periods of time, having an air conditioner running is not always practical. It can become pretty chilly in the car if left on for a long time, and it decreases your gas mileage. You should open the windows and let the fresh air in. If it is still unbearably hot, you can take a spray bottle of water and mist the water on the children. Younger children would most likely be very amused by this, while older children will be happy to have some type of relief from the heat.

Road trips can be fun for people of all ages, which is why they are great for families. While they can be very stressful, if you plan ahead correctly you will have a very nice time. Use the tips above to prepare yourself for your journey.

International travel is exciting and can also be enlightening. If international travel is new to you, it can also feel a bit overwhelming. There is a lot to pay attention to when traveling, from time changes and foreign customs to passports and currency. To make your journey go smoothly, follow the helpful advice outlined below.

Learn the common language of the place you plan to travel, and spend some time practicing. Before you visit a foreign country, you should be able to say at least a few phrases in the language of the land. Also, if you are taking an iPhone or other electronic device, load a language application. There are translation tools and language dictionaries available, often at a low price. You can also use your computer to find a language buddy to help you practice before leaving on your trip.

Do some research on the local customs and national holidays of the country you are visiting. This can help you avoid embarrassing yourself and also make sure you have a hotel room reserved well in advance if you are traveling during a holiday or event that can cause all the hotels to be full. Also, if you are planning to visit a museum, you want to make sure the place is open during the time you will be there.

Make a copy of all your important papers, such as your passport, national ID card, drivers license, and birth certificate. Scan and email these copies to your email address and to a friend, and also keep a copy in a location separate from the actual documents. If you lose the documents or they are stolen, it will be easier to get things sorted out if you have a copy of them.

If you are traveling internationally with pets, make sure you learn all the regulations that you and your pet will be subject to before leaving. Some countries have a strict quarantine procedure, and others only require quarantine if you do not have certain documents.

Make sure to confer with your hotel to make sure pets are permitted at the time you make the hotel reservation. You will also need to learn about policies regarding whether you can leave your pet in the room when you go out sightseeing, or if your pet cannot stay in the room if you are not there.

You should call ahead and find a veterinarian near your hotel, in case of emergency. Try to find a vet that has a language in common with you, or have a plan for a translator to be present.

Learn what time zones you will be traveling through, and be prepared for an acclimation period. It can take several days to become accustomed to the time difference. If you can go through time zones gradually, do it! Being sick from jet lag is not only unpleasant, it can cause you to postpone some plans.

As you can see, there are many things you can do to prepare for your international vacation or business travel. Don’t let stress ruin your trip, just use the tips outlined above to keep you sane and help your travel flow smoothly.