Vacation Prep

[she_is_my_addiction]

I'm getting ready to take a trip back home to visit friends and family. This, dear Litsters, is the first official trip I've taken since moving out on my own. My family's spread out across the U.S., and I'm the last in the immediate family to have flown the coop. Unexpectedly, I flew all the way to the East Coast, and now I've got to get back, at least for a few days. It's been over a year since I saw my kin last, and while I know it's not going to be all fun and games, it won't be a complete disaster, either.

Problem is, I have no idea what the hell I'm doing. All the trips I really remember taking were with family and fashioned by my mother, where everything from what to pack to the inevitable picnic lunch menu was decided by my mother. I'm doing this on my own now, and I need some travel advice.

Tips, quotes, knowledge gained over the years, definite DO's and DON'Ts, most commonly forgotten, VERY IMPORTANT...that sort of thing.

I look forward to whatever follows in this thread!

 

[damppanties]

Ummm. When you don't know what to do, look around for the sexiest-looking male (female if you prefer) and ask for directions.

Failing that, anyone in uniform.

That's all I can think of and it works almost always.

 

[she_is_my_addiction]

Ummm. When you don't know what to do, look around for the sexiest-looking male (female if you prefer) and ask for directions.

Failing that, anyone in uniform.

That's all I can think of and it works almost always.

*snicker* Females are good. *lost in thought*

But what I really mean is...safety tips (inherant bus and train traveller)/must haves regarding packing lite/etc.

Oh yeah, that's another thing...I HAVE to pack lite, as I'm returning with the rest of my stuff from my parents' house. What are some fail proof things to take with me in my duffel?

Will a trunk fit the travelling restrictions on Amtrak?

 

[RogueLurker]

Hmmm, for public transportation, I strongly recommend bringing some sort of portable music player ... not so that you'll have something to listen to on the long ride home, but so that you can put on the headphones and odd people will not try to start up or continue conversations with you.

Other things that I've learned over the years:

Put your toiletries in seperate plastic ziploc bag ... makes it easier to pull it out when you need it and you do *not* want to end up with toothpaste all over the insides of your bag if the cap isn't on tight.

Dress in layers ... that way you can adjust easily if its too hot or too cold on the bus/train.

Bring several reading options .. there's nothing worse than being on a 7 hour ride with a book that sucks. Of course, if you're on public transportation, there's always the option of watching your fellow passengers and making up backstories for them. (but don't let them catch you staring and giggling ...unless you want to ensure that no one is going to sit next to you)

If it's a long ride, try to get up and walk a bit during the trip ... otherwise you'll end up getting sore and cramped.

I would love to offer advice on how to pack light... but I've never been able to grasp that particular concept myself. But if you are bringing back stuff from your folks place ... I wouldn't pack much more than you need to get there in the first place. Unless of course you' don't actually have any clothes that you'll be bringing back east with you. There's nothing more irratating than dragging a big ass bag all over the bus/train station while you find a washroom or grab something to eat ... especially while you are waiting a few hours between transfers.

For food ... bring a big bottle of water ... and one that is frozen (in a ziploc) Recycled air is always dry ... so you will need a fair bit of water. Bringing a bottle that is frozen means that after you finish the first bottle, the second one will be melted and you'll have cold water further in on the trip. If I were you, I'd pack at least one "lunch" and non-perishable snacks like (shudder if you want, but they are great for a trip) the cracker and cheese/cracker and peanut butter packs. Of course carrot sticks and fruit are good too. Try not to bring anything too stinky ... your fellow passengers won't appreciate the gorganzola and red onion sandwich as much as you.

For safety ... just use common sense. If you are at a transfer point, stay in a well lit area with the other passengers. Keep your money/id on you ... not in your bag. Don't go wandering around unknown neighbourhoods around the bus/train station. If your feeling uncomforable sitting next to/across from someone - don't be polite: move.

How long of a trip is it to get across country on the bus or train? I'm guessing a few days at least.

Have a great trip ...

RL

 

[R. Richard]

In general most of the things you will need have been covered. However, there is one thing you need that hasn't been covered. You need an emergency sewing kit! Thus last has saved me more than once.

 

[Weird Harold]

But what I really mean is...safety tips (inherant bus and train traveller)/must haves regarding packing lite/etc.

To expand on Rogue Lurkers' money advice: Do NOT keep all of your money in one place. Divide your cash and travelers checks in thirds and put the thirds in different places. Put a third of your funds in your luggage, a third in your shoe and then spread the remaining third over several pockets. That's just a rough example, but the point is to keep the funds vulnerable to a pickpocket or other loss to a minimum.

If you have more than one credit card, split them up too.

Protecting your ID is a bit harder because you have to keep it accessible, but try to think of some way to keep it close that can't be dropped or stolen -- something like a jogger's ankle wallet or a small fanny pack, for example.

Will a trunk fit the travelling restrictions on Amtrak?

You'll have to ask Amtrac about that. I haven't traveled by train for about 40 years and things have changed just a bit since then. I don't think there is a restriction on luggage, but keep in mind that you're going to have to drag it around before and after you get on the train/bus. Airline standards of two checked bags and one carry-on bag seem like a reasonable standard to follow for any mode of transport, just because of the problem of moving it to/from baggage check.

Oh yeah, that's another thing...I HAVE to pack lite, as I'm returning with the rest of my stuff from my parents' house. What are some fail proof things to take with me in my duffel?

Packing lite is no real problem Just keep in mind how long you expect to be without access to laundry/bathing facilities and pack accordingly.

In general, pack three changes of clothes and six changes of underwear/socks for general wear plus whatever you'll need for special occasion wear (something to wear to a nice restaurant for dinner with the family, for example.) Pack one change of everyday shoes (and one pair of dress shoes if applicable.)

Pack at least one change of underwear and socks in your carry-on.

Plan on wearing a medium-heavy coat or jacket rather than packing it and pack a couple of small "bungee cords" in your carry-on to secure your coat to the outside of your carry-on if it's too hot to wear it.

Also wear comfortable shoes as if you were going to walk the whole distance -- by the time you're through standing around in waiting rooms and baggage check areas, you'll think you have walked the whole distance.

Buy small bottles of shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash, etc for your toiletries bag -- not necessarily "Travel Size" but smaller than what you normally buy. They take up less room and fit into ziplock bags better. Make sure you allow for expansion from changing air pressures as you go over mountain passes -- press the excess air out of the ziplock bags and squeeze some of the air out of any flexible bottles before sealing and packing them so they don't swell up like balloons and leak.

If your luggage doesn't have shoulder straps and/or wheels, get some luggage that does or get a folding luggage carrier! If your baggage is on shoulder straps or wheels, it's much less of a hassle to keep it with you and you'll be less tempted to leave it unguarded.

 

[3113]

Remember that you are traveling through a civilized country...well, kinda.

This means that anything you forget you can buy. I mean really. I once flew to Rhode Island, never, ever been there. When I got there, I realized I'd left my fave pair of pants at home. Lucky me, they were from the Gap. I went to the local mall, found a Gap and bought myself the exact same pair of pants. Obviously, you don't want to spend money if you don't need to, but the point is you can pack light and buy/borrow anything you forget/find you need. This is your family, afterall, I'm sure they can loan you a sweater or umbrella should the need arise.

As for getting stuff back home...there's this wonderful thing call Fed Ex...if you have stuff you don't want to pack that has to go home, you can ship it!

Go to the drug store before you leave and pick up travel sized editions of toothpaste, underarm deo., a plastic container to hold your toothbrush, shampoos, a comb and anything else you might need. Drug stores always have these little travel sizes, they're cheap and fit into the zip-lock bag and small pocket of your bag.

Pack one pair of underwear for every day you'll be gone if it's a short trip (5 days), for every two days if it's a longish trip (14 days). Remember...this is civilization and you can wash your clothes if you need to. Pack socks, an extra pair of shoes, at least three pairs of pants and four to six shirts--make sure they'll do well given the weather (tees for indoors, sweaters for outdoors). Pack something nice to wear out to dinner or to a special occassion. You really need almost nothing more and all that should fit into one small suitcase.

Check out this site on how to pack:
http://www.ehow.com/how_3403_pack-suitcase.html

I'm not sure if trains and buses are like the Airport, but just in case, be prepared for a security check. Wear shoes you can slip off and on because sometimes they ask you to remove your shoes. If you take a laptop, you'll have to remove that from it's bag. So make sure you can get slip it out and back in quickly.

Enjoy your trip--and if you can, leave a message here while you're on the trip and let us know how the travel went--and how your trip is going. We'd love to hear from you.

 

[dr_mabeuse]

Remember that you are traveling through a civilized country...well, kinda.

This means that anything you forget you can buy.

Really, that's about it. In my experience, all you really have to take with you when you travel is money, and the more, the better. Unless you're going to Uttar Pradesh you can buy whatever you forget, and carrying money is easier than schlepping around six pieces of luggage.

I used to get Traveller's Checks, now I don't bother. Again, it's not like you're going to the far side of the moon. You're visiting family, and if you get ripped off (which isn't really as common as they'd like you to think anyhow), I'm sure they'll give you some dough.

Most people pack way more stuff than they need. When I'm going to visit friends and have access to a washer and drier, three sets of everything is fine. You take more and then you're faced with what to do with all that dirty laundry.

In my opinion, you shouldn't have more than 2 pieces of luggage, one of which you carry on your back and always keep with you. That's the important one.

Of course, if you're flying, you have to get rid of anything that even remotely resembles a weapon or they won't let you board. No ball-points, nail trimmers, sewing kits, scissors. Put all that stuff in your regular luggage, not your carry on. Really, screening's become such a nuisance that I don't even take carry-on any more. Just a book, and a dull book at that.

Never ever ever joke about bombs or terrorists or anything like that on any sort of public transportation. Don't try to joke with those security people or wise-off because they will quite literally throw you in jail. They have zero sense of humor.

Take your cell and keep their phone numbers in your pocket.

Again, with friends, I find myself living in shorts and a tee shirt most of the time. Sleep in them too. The things I usually need more of when I travel are shorts. And money.

 

[she_is_my_addiction]

Thank you everyone for all the help!!

3113...I definitely will do that. I plan to take my laptop with me, so I will check in here from time to time.

However, just in case anyone's wondering (and I know some are...), here are my basic itinerary:

Leaving in the evening on the 8th (3 days!) by Greyhound bus, and going home to snow and freezing rain (according to the Weather Channel). It's something like a 14 hour bus ride, so I'll reach my destination at a completely inappropriate time on the 9th, and from the 9th to the 14th, I have a million plans, from meeting my new baby niece, to sorting through my belongings and doing some sightseeing, etc. Family gatherings, parties, dinners, and day trips to commence as well, I'm sure.

Either on the 13th or 14th (depending on how fast my family pisses me off) I'll be leaving on an Amtrak train back to my house. I'll get there one day later.

If I'm not back by the 15th, start to worry.

No, really, I should be back by the 15th.

I'll keep everyone updated and be sure to bring back pictures and great stories.


SIMA

 

[dr_mabeuse]

A 14-hour bus ride is rough. Take a bulky jacket or sweater you can use as a pillow and throw some of those moist towelettes in your bag. Bring water.

 

[kendo1]

Water is better than any other drink.
Pack a folding bag in your luggage! It's easier than carrying plastic bags.

If you are carrying money, put it down the front of your trousers! ( preferably in your underwear) It is the only safe place and you can feel pick pockets! Trust me, I know.

 

[damppanties]

Unless you're going to Uttar Pradesh you can buy whatever you forget, and carrying money is easier than schlepping around six pieces of luggage.

I really love your India referrences.

 

[3113]

It's something like a 14 hour bus ride

Ah. that brings back memories. I went to a convention by bus (don't think it was 14 hours but 10 or so....). Went with friend. We took along orange juice and the most delicious submarine sandwiches. Really all we needed.

Quite an adventure.

 

[she_is_my_addiction]

D-Day!! Three hours and forty five minutes till I leave for the bus station.

I'll write when I get there.

 

[hugo_sam]

D-Day!! Three hours and forty five minutes till I leave for the bus station.

I'll write when I get there.

Have a good trip SIMA
Travel safe and be gentle
*Grizzly Bear Hugs*

Hugo

 

[MissBri]

 

[she_is_my_addiction]

I'm here...two hours in to my little trip, my mother started in on me again and I lost it, so I called a friend and had her pick me up...

I'll see my niece and nephew tomorrow, as well as my brother and sister in law. I promised my dad I'd see him this week...he sounded really sad when I told him mom and I had had a small falling out already.

Jesus...

 

[damppanties]

I'm here...two hours in to my little trip, my mother started in on me again and I lost it, so I called a friend and had her pick me up...

I'll see my niece and nephew tomorrow, as well as my brother and sister in law. I promised my dad I'd see him this week...he sounded really sad when I told him mom and I had had a small falling out already.

Jesus...

O.U.C.H!

 

[MissBri]

 

[she_is_my_addiction]

HOME!!!!!