Travel light and easy........

Dear Diary,

The last time I went abroad was in 2002 to Thailand due to work + pleasure purposes.  After that, I tried to refrain myself from going out.  Had a few opportunities offered but I turned them down as I hate to leave my children alone.  However, we did go for short vacation together in Malaysia.  Easier and affordable.  

I remember on my trip to Tokyo ages ago.  I practically packed everything and anything.  The trip was for 2 weeks and I have to endure around 3-4 hours journey from Narita Airport to another state.  With two bags in tow, I was so exhausted by the time I reached there.  And by the time I went home, I still have unused clothes and I had to buy a new luggage bag for the new items that I bought.

pic: google

Hence, over the years I have found ways how to pack light and what items are essential or useful.   Here we go:

Packing

• Pack as light as possible (use light backpack).  Ask yourself "Do I want it or really need it? If you are moving between places, backpacks leave your hands free.
• Pack just a few clothes with only a couple complimentary, solid colors (easy to mix and match). Black and brown are a good idea if you need to be able to dress up and be casual.  Pack only high-tech fabrics, that dry quickly.  Wear comfortable casual shoe and bring along sandal.
• Most toileteries can be found easily in your destination country.  Otherwise, downsize it. Pick up travel-size version of your favourite products whenever you see them, not just when you are getting ready to travel.  If you can't find miniatures, buy small plastic bottles and decant from larger products. 
• Bring sarong or pareo as it works as a towel, a skirt, a makeshift bag, a scarf, a sheet.  
• Bring disposable undergarments. Take baby wipes and lots of Ziploc bags.
• Photocopy your credit cards, passport and any valuable documents you have.  Keep the emergency phone number with you all the time.

Planning the trip

   pic: google

• Do some research of the place you intend to go.  Hotels, maps, sightseeing places, where to eat, etc. Also check their guidance and advice.
• Keep your itinerary as fluid as possible.  Leave room for the serendipitous and when plans don't work out, treat it as an opportunity.
• Be early at least 2 hours before flight time for check in.  This reduces the stress of waiting in a long security line.  Besides, a relaxing drinks while waiting at the departure hall is lovely way to start a vacation.
• Take a good nap so you feel fresh for the trip.
• Bring sufficient amount of foreign currency. Split your cash and financial assets up.  Credit card in one pocket/handbag compartment, some cash in another.  Hide some in your shoes, etc.  Don't bring all your cash/credit cards on you when you go out.  Leave some in a safebox at the hotel.
• Get up early.  So you have ample time to wander around at a more leisurely pace.   
• Make friends with locals.  Smile! Because it might be helpful.

Bon voyage! and Enjoice..........................................

Signed off for now

LOLA