Pack Like A Pro

Keep It Close

Pack valuables, medication, gifts, journals, and items that cannot be replaced easily in the carry-on bag and keep it close at all times. Checked luggage is not theft-proof, and occasionally items in checked luggage are lost at airports. It is very important that everything of value is labeled with your name and delegate ID#.

Luggage Identification

All delegates receive luggage tags. Make sure to place them on each piece of luggage where they are easy to see. (I believe you will receive (2) and my advice is to put one on your checked baggage and one on your carry-on. You can then move it to the other checked bag on your return.)

It is a good idea to tape a friendship card, found on the OnBoard website, inside your suitcase in case the outside tag is lost. Make sure it has your name, address, and travel group number on it.

Tiny Bottles

Leave the BIG containers at home and transfer facial cleansers, shampoos, and other liquids into small, inexpensive, plastic twist-top bottles from the drug-store. Seal each small bottle inside a zip-top baggie to avoid leaks.

Leave Home Without It

To avoid losing anything precious, please leave items of extreme value at home.

Other Thoughts:

• Consider luggage with wheels
• Airlines will enforce carry-on size and weight restrictions, and may require you to check your carry-on as an extra piece of luggage if you do not comply with the guidelines. Excess luggage fees may apply. (In reality, we have had some delegates and some leaders that have had to move items around, but never have had to pay extra fees, where there is a will there is a way, particularly with 40 delegates and 4 leaders. Room can be found somewhere. :)
• Place your zip-top bag containing your liquid items in a side pocket or other easily-accessible place in your carry-on. Don't pack it on the bottom.
• Make sure your carry-on is big enough for at least one complete change of clothing in case your checked baggage is lost or delayed.
• Roll your clothes to reduce wrinkling and to make more space in your luggage, or pack them in reusable vacuum bags to reduce bulk. Such bags do not require a vacuum cleaner to remove the air, and can be found in most department store travel sections. (We will bring one along to the February meeting for demonstration.)
• Bring plastic bags for wet clothing
• Leave space for souvenirs and gifts
• Put items that may leak in zip-lock bags.