Along the same lines, for some reason men buy new underwear but never throw out the old. I realized that my underwear draw was overflowing, mostly with old worn out underwear. I was going to Italy, so I decided to pack all the old underwear and throw a set out each day. This accomplished several things.

No need to do laundry.

Opened space in my suitcase to pack purchases.

Got rid of my old underwear.

Of course, I violated my mother’s orders of never wearing torn or worn underwear for fear of an accident where the doctor’s and nurses would see them.

When I told someone on the tour what I was doing with my underwear, she mentioned that she packs whole outfits that she was planning to give to charity.
She then leaves them on the hotel bed telling the maids they can keep them or donate them. I guess for the cost of dry cleaning people can get new outfits.

Frank

Jeans from Travelsmith look great, and dry in 1/2 the time.

You are so right on with your tips. Its the first time I have seen such wisdom in print. A few I would add:
1. Pack in threes: one on, one clean and one dirty.

2. A person can live for a month in a carry-on. Any one should be able to lift their suit case over their head and walk around a block or up stairs without using the wheels.

3. Wash your clothes while in the shower. A little foot stomping does wonders.

4.In addition to no fanny packs, no vests with multiple pockets and no around-the-neck passport holders. (You can get pulled down with them and they are easy to snip. Same with back packs with loops ) Wear a waist money belt inside your clothing. Carry your sweater and water in a local plastic bag you buy or get at a local market. I sometimes carry an envelope with cash small amounts to use in markets or on the buses.

5.Don’t answer a hotel room door for a “policeman” plumber, etc. Call the desk to see if they sent someone.

6. Always carry a business card from a hotel to show a taxi driver.

7.Don’t carry your passport around. Make a colored copy of the info page. Get it notarized. Show that when asked for ID by a non-offical or a local cop. (You can tell real cops from fake. The fakers might be able to afford a uniform, but they can’t afford black shoes so they ‘ll wear tennis shoes.)

8. Keep all of your valuables including meds and glasses in a bag by your bed so you can grab it in case of fire or other emergencies.

9.If you are traveling with someone, exchange copies of passports so you have something to show the police if your friend goes missing.

10. Watch where you drink. Bars are good places to get rolled, cheated, or taken for a ride. Find out which taxis are safe.

11.Remind people that if they get into trouble in a country where they are a visitor, they are subject to the laws of the country and their Embassy can do little but to give them a list of local lawyers. (and bring them magazines to read while in jail. )

12.If you are going to drive, check the laws. Zero alcohol is the rule in most countries. If you are in an accident, the drinker is held responsible and his car is confisgated. In some countries, both parties involved in the accident are jailed until blame is established.

13. Carry two different credit cards. Use one for hotels and car rentals and the other for incidentals. Keep the credit limit on the hotels/car low. Hotels and rental agencies can put a 45 day hold on a card to be certain you pay for any extra charges that may come up. Let the card company know where you are traveling. They might put a stop on your card assuming it is stolen if you suddenly start making purchases in a country where you don’t usually make purchases.

14. Be certain your Mobal Sim card works before you go and be certain that Mobal used your credit card for your account. I activiated the account, but failed to test it while in the U. S. I was without a cell phone during a recent trip to Mexico. Mobal e-mailed me that they tested the number and it worked. My cell only gave the message that the sim card was not activated.

Sally Williams
I use to write guides for Ex-Pats when we were posted in Central Europe and Central Asia.