| The number-one rule in packing for a trip is to | | | | Travel tips for packing your checked luggage |
| pack lightly because we often forget how | | | | The following tips should help you keep your |
| frequently we'll have to lift or carry our luggage | | | | luggage light and leave enough room so you can |
| during our travels. Consider how, you'll be dragging | | | | pack souvenirs when you return:o Find out if |
| your luggage into the trunk of your car and out | | | | where you are staying offers laundry services or |
| again, through the airport, off of the luggage | | | | has facilities you can use. This is one of the major |
| carousel, through another airport, back into the | | | | secrets of packing lightly.o Coordinate your outfits |
| trunk of your rental car and out again until finally | | | | around a central color so you'll be able to mix and |
| you get to the hotel where hopefully they'll have | | | | match.o Plan your outfits so you can layer instead |
| a porter. | | | | of bringing lots of coats.o Take a solid color |
| On top of having to lug your bags around, your | | | | sweater that will match any outfit to use to keep |
| airline will have strict rules on the size, weight and | | | | you warmo Why pack the rain gear if rain is |
| the number of bags you can travel with--for both | | | | nowhere in the forecast? Check the weather |
| carry-on and checked baggage. Make sure you | | | | online, so you can pack weather-appropriate |
| check your airline's website for current | | | | clothing without wasting space on things you |
| information on restrictions and don't assume that | | | | won't need.o Rolling clothes rather than folding |
| what you took last time will be allowed this | | | | them will help prevent wrinkles and optimize your |
| time--especially if you are travelling on a different | | | | limited space.o Take small sample sizes of |
| airline. Luggage size and weight restrictions can | | | | toiletries that will last just long enough instead of |
| vary by airline or travel destination. | | | | huge bottles.o Don't waste an inch of your |
| *MONEY-SAVING TRAVEL TIP* | | | | luggage space, pack underwear and socks inside |
| Packing lightly for your travels can save you | | | | your shoes. This will also help your shoes keep |
| money. Many airlines are now charging fees for | | | | their shape. Pack your belts around the edge of |
| overweight bags, oversized bags, and for | | | | the luggage. |
| checking more than the allowed number of bags | | | | A final travel tip |
| per passenger. | | | | Although already mentioned as one of the items |
| Other great reasons for packing lightly: shorter | | | | you should keep in your carry-on so it doesn't get |
| waits around the luggage carousel, less need for | | | | lost, emergency medical travel insurance is a |
| porters (and tips!) and easier Customs inspections | | | | must-have for all Canadians. Even Canada's |
| (after all, if you had to force your bags closed, | | | | Consular Affairs don't mince words when they |
| imagine how happy the Customs agents will be!) | | | | say on their website "DO NOT leave Canada |
| Travel tips for packing your carry-on | | | | without supplementary medical insurance." |
| Your carry-on should contain all your most | | | | Even for the smallest of accidents, or the most |
| valuable items and must-have documentation like:o | | | | common illnesses, emergency medical travel |
| Your walleto Your passporto Your ticketso Your | | | | insurance offers you protection by ensuring you |
| traveller's chequeso Your emergency medical | | | | get the attention you need, when you need it |
| travel insuranceo Your medications (be sure to | | | | while not having to worry about how your |
| keep them in their original bottles)o Phone | | | | emergency treatment will get paid. |
| numbers and addresses of where you'll be | | | | Before you leave, get emergency medical travel |
| stayingo A small amount of local currency for | | | | insurance quotes from competing insurers online |
| immediate use when you arriveo The maps you'll | | | | and get the coverage you need. And don't forget |
| need to get where you are staying once you've | | | | to pack it with your other must-have |
| arrivedo If you must bring valuables like jewellery | | | | documentation! |
| with you, your carry-on is your safest bet - but | | | | Compare emergency medical travel insurance |
| leave them at home if you can. | | | | today! |