My Random Travel Tips

1. Be sure to call your credit cards and banks to let them know when and where you will be traveling so that they do not automatically suspect fraud and block your account. Trust me this is a serious PAIN!
2. Take a Cell phone with a SIM card so that you can buy a SIM in new countries. It is good to have a way for people to contact you and for emergencies.
3. Make a contact list of people you would like to send post cards etc to. Either email the doc to yourself or build it on Google docs so that you can look up addresses wherever you want in the world.
4. Pack old socks and underwear, items that are on their last leg and you are about to throw out. After you use them throw them out, this way you gain room in your bag and also clean out your sock drawer. (Yes I know it sounds gross but it works great!)
   
5. If you are traveling extensively, set up a second checking account and have the ATM and copies of important papers in an envelope addressed to you. Leave it with a family member or someone you trust so that they can send it, or at least reference, to you in case your belongings are stolen. (If your ATM is stolen you will want to close the account, it is nice to have a backup already set up. Make sure your accounts are not Linked.)
6. Take Combination locks with you for lockers etc. email or text the combination to yourself in case you get forgetful
7. Check out my packing list, there are a few items on there that will let you get all McGuiver on the road like elastic….
8. Update friends or family members with your travel plans and progress, so that some one other than you knows if something goes wrong. Sometimes a simple Facebook or Twitter update is appreciated.
9. If you are traveling alone, let people know that someone is expecting to meet you at your destination. It sounds sleazy but it is better safe than sorry in most situations.
10. Finances; ensure accounts are set up online before leaving home so that you can access them if you have to pay bills etc. Minimizing the personal information you type into an internet café computer is always a good idea.
11. Never expect to get any pictures unless they are taken on your camera. I can’t tell you how many time someone has a camera and you say, oh we will just exchange pictures later. Later never happens, you only have access to pictures in your possession.
12. Use a mass storage device instead of storing info on a laptop. A mass storage device is easier to keep safe and secure than a laptop.

Silk Thermal - Product Review-ish

Hey people, so I just thought I would pay a little extra homage to one of, if not my favorite, travel accessory. The Silk Thermal! I love this item because it can compress into a small bag (even purse) and still provides some good warmth. It is especially handy when you are not expecting to need a jacket but it becomes surprisingly chilly; in planes, restaurants or awkward dating situations (tehehe). So pack it if you got it, it will come in handy! :)

I usually pick up the REI brand at, you guessed it, REI.

Whats in My Bag-What to Pack

We all know I am a huge fan of travel, but what is in my bag you ask? Below you will find an extensive list as to my favorite items to take with me while traveling. Some of my personal Favorites are in Bold. Please feel free to comment and add your favorites!

• Backpack
• Prescription and OTC (Over the Counter medications)
• Tank Top(s)
  
• Underwear
• Socks
• Shirts w/sleeves
• Shorts
• Capri’s w/lots of pockets and zippers
• Long pair of yoga pants
• Silk Thermals (X2 shirts & leggings)
• Scarf
• Dress
• Towel
• Sarong
• Swimsuit
• Sunglasses (Splurge for the polarized! Can get cheaper at discount stores)
• Gum
• Toothbrush/toothpaste/floss
• Mini deodorant
• Travel Sunscreen
• Travel Aloe
• Tampons (For the ladies I hope. Brands and availability vary from country to country, it is best to take items like this with you.)
  
• QTips
• Small makeup bag
• Brush/comb
• Tissues
• Tiger balm
• Band-Aid/ Neosporin
• Mini First aid kit
• Headlamp
• Clorox wipes
• Facial wipes-Kleenex etc
• Wet ones
• Ziplock Bags
• Garbage Bag
• Space Blanket (optional)
• Small notebook-pens
• Deck of cards
• Travel book- ripped pages or downloaded only what I need
• Ear plugs
• String of elastic for impromptu cloth drying rack or McGiver tricks
• Eye cover (usually can get on international flights for free)
• Little Sleeping bag/sheet
• A Book
  
• Mosquito Repellent
• Hat
• Travel alarm Clock (I use a cell phone these days)
  
• Combination Lock
• Pictures of basic things in case language breakdown
• Packing Cube
• Electronics
• International adapters/ converters
• Camera
• Converters
• Electronic Chargers
• Mini Mass Storage device
• Cell/Mobile Phone (with interchangeable SIM card)
• IPOD or music device
  

YaY! Welcome Travel Obsessed and Friends!

Welcome to Travel Obsessed. I’m hoping this will be my own little opportunity to share my favorite places and maybe even a few travel tips. Enjoy!