Tourism advice and light packing tips for future trip planning.

Packing is a very important strategy when traveling. Remember, no one knows you, so they have know idea that you have worn the same outfit twice.First make a packing list, so you don't forget important essentials. Pack one pair of good sneakers or walking shoes. Flip flops are for the beach or come in handy if you are staying in a budget accomodation and are sharing a bathroom. They are not good for waking around on century old streets and are absolutely wrong for dining.Pack in a lightweight pair of slip on shoes such as ballet flats for dinner. If you pack a couple of pair of shorts and t- shirts a pair of black slacks and a simple black knit dress, with the addition of a swimming suit, you should not need much else.The same goes for gentlemen. A pair of black slacks with a black pull over knit shirt looks sophisticated and does not need pressing as some dress shirts do. Most places have laundry facilities or there is access to cleaners who can have you wardrobe strait in a day while you are out sightseeing.

Accessories are to expensive to worry about, I would suggest a watch and a simple pair of hoop earrings.Scarves are your secret weapon, they pack easily and can be used in multiple ways. They look great in the evening tied around the neck and add color to a black dress. They also can be tied around your hair if a bad hair day arises and they may be necessary to cover your head if you are visting a shrine or a mosque. They can also be used as a wrap if the romantic al fresco dining gets a little chilly.

When preparing for a trip make sure you have all of your travel documents in a safe and secure place. Whether you are male or female, a messenger style bag is the perfect travel companion. They have crossbody straps that leave your hands free and they have become much more fashionable over the years. They also keep your valuables close to your body making it hard for thieves to access your items or grab your bag and make a quick get away.

Items you may want to carry in your bag would be your itinerary, airline ticket, your passport and other identification, the name and address of your hotel, credit cards and debit card. I would recommend that if you insist on purchasing travelers checks purchase them in the style of a debit card. I personally only use my debit card as I get the exact exchange rate at the time of purchase and you can use them at atms world wide to access cash in the denomination of your local. Only bring one credit card as a backup in case of theft so that you don't have to worry about cancelling a million different cards. There is no reason to be carrying your Home Depot card in Thailand unless you are planning on remodeling while you are there.

I have purchased those  electric travel converters for my hairdryers before and they really are scary. My first trip to Europe I bought a travel sized hairdryer and have used it ever since. It was about 10.00 at the time and well worth the investment. Most places have hair dryers in their rooms now so I wouldn't bother packing one. I would, however, get a good low maintenance haircut before I left. Since a certain amount of fluids are limited I only pack a minimal amount of make up before I go and when I reach my destination I go to a pharmacy and pick up inexpensive shampoo, conditioner and body lotion on arrival. That way it doesn't take up too much room in my bag and I can discard it when I leave without worrying about leakage all over my souvenirs.

Most accommodations, even hostels have computer access. Unless you are working, leave your computer at home. That goes for mp3 players and other electronic devices. There really is no need. Unless you have an international cell phone I would leave that in a safe place as well. You can pick up calling cards cheap and it is practical and affordable to carry one on you. I have an ATT credit card and it gives me calling minutes. It is just fine for my needs.

Electronics are valuable items and easily stolen or damaged. Besides, if you disconnect, you may be surprised at home many new experiences you will open yourself up to.

Travel insurance is cheap and worth the investment, it may be purchased at most travel agencies. Disasters at home and abroad can ruin pre- paid travel plans. A light weight water proof jacket that folds up into a pocket. A portable umbrella. A waterproof makeup bag.A nylon bag for dirty or wet clothes. A nice fold up shopper is great for this purpose. It folds up neatly in your suitcase and can be used for damp or dirty clothes when you go to the laundry and then can double as a carry on for souvenirs when you return. A collapsible brush. A water proof passport holder. A crossbody shoulder bag. A small digital camera.The one electronic device I would recommend would be a Kindle. You can download your favorite travel guides and a novel for reading on the plain and keep it in your bag without the added weight that physical books would have.