- Reading is a great way to pass unscheduled time, but books are bulky. Buy used paperbacks and leave them behind when you're done. You'll have more room in your bags, and feel good knowing you shared a free read with a stranger.
- If you travel with eyeglasses or contacts, bring a backup pair just in case. If you don't have an extra pair, bring a copy of your prescription so you can go to a one-hour eye center for a replacement. Nothing's worse than showing up at your reunion and not being able to see faces, let alone read nametags.
- Shoes can get your garments dirty. Cover them with old plastic shower caps or socks before you put them into your suitcase.
- Pack empty duffle bags. They come in handy for any souvenirs you pick up and help you avoid shipping items home.
- Don't put your home address on your luggage. Not only is it much safer but it won't help since you'll be out of town. Instead, put your cell phone number on the tag so you can be contacted immediately, and leave the address blank or use your business address.
- Most hotel rooms have a plastic bag in the closet for dry cleaning. This is ideal for storing dirty laundry, damp clothes, or miscellaneous items.
- Full-size toiletries take up a lot of room. Buy the smaller travel size items, purchase small plastic containers and fill them yourself, or use film canisters as an inexpensive alternative. Be sure to check with your airline about current regulations regarding liquids, gels and/or aerosols in carry-on luggage.
- Avoid packing too much. Pick a color scheme for your wardrobe and stick to it. This limits the number of shoes and accessories you need, which not only leaves more room in your bags, but makes them lighter too.
Whether your reunion takes you across the country or just a few exits down the highway, a few quick travel trips can make the journey even easier.
If you're traveling with children, here are two other helpful hints. First, pack a complete outfit for each child in a big plastic bag. That way you can easily get your children dressed in the hotel room without going through the entire suitcase. Second, be sure not to travel with your child's one and only special blankie or stuffed animal. Airport gift shops offer a fun selection of stuffed animals. Give your child a real treat and let him or her pick out and name a new "travel buddy" before you depart.
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