Travel Packing Safety Comfort ~ Things to take along

And things better left @ home for safety, too!

Here are a few things to consider taking along when travel packing for safety, and comfort, such as flashlights. About traveling with electronics, here's an anecdote from a traveler from Canada who took her laptop to the UK. One day, she sat down at a computer station where someone else's power cord was already plugged into the power source, with the computer end sitting on the table. Without thinking -- just sheer force of habit -- she plugged the UK computer power cord into her Canadian bought HP laptop, and went online. When she realized that she was using the UK laptop owner's cord, not her own, she had some anxious moments, but her laptop was fine. I guess it may stand to reason that computers are made for world markets, and it's the country power supply and wiring that differs. Now before you blow your electonics on foreign cords, be aware that this is an anecdote only. But it may be worth checking out for frequent travellers. Any techies out there, please post a comment at the bottom. Cheers!
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Electronics ~ Phones, handhelds, iPods, hair dryers, etc

There's such a wide array of electronics, from iPods to cellphones, laptops and digital cameras, I won't even attempt to cover them. You know best what adaptors and travel items are needed for yur specific electronic equipment. If you don't, and you are taking them on your travels, then find out *exactly* what's needed before you go. (Here are some adaptors at Amazon - you can see the variety available!).

And here's a tip I learned from a techie traveler when we were touring Sri Lanka. We were on a private minibus when he wanted to download some digital photos to his laptop. Though the driver assured him that the bus outlet was compatible with his equipment, before plugging into the power supply, he tried it first on his (expendable) electric razor. Sure enough, the razor was fried, but his laptop was spared. This is the opposite of the laptop cord above. His cord was for Canadian power supply not Sri Lankan.

If you travel to the same country a lot, and the power supply is different (for example, North America and Britain), consider buying items like hair dryers in that country. Hotels usually provide things like kettles and blow dryers, so use theirs and leave yours at home. 

When the Lights go out ~ Flashlights !!

Sometime, somewhere, when you least expect it, the lights will go out, so be prepared and carry a flashlight. My current flashlight (the smaller one, photo) is only 3 inches long, and weighs nothing at all, yet has a powerful LED light. It can be attached to a key ring, and fits easily inside a purse or pocket. It's also very useful if you're exploring caves! (I was glad I had it in my pocket in the Borneo caves!) Here are some on Amazon -- small LED flashlights -- even a tiny keychain one is better than no flashlight at all

My mini flashlight replaces my trusty 6-inch mini Maglite that saved many a day, and now is somewhere in Ethiopia. See Mag lites here. I paid about $20 for mine. I also have a full size flashlight that doesn't need batteries (the larger shown here). Simply shake it for a minute or two and turn it on. These types of lights that don't need batteries are good for home, and for travel to countries like Haiti, where the power supply is unreliable.

What NOT To Pack

There are some items that are simply better off left at home. Take a hard look at your 'good' jewellery and the like, and imagine how you would feel if it were gone forever. Consider, too, that flashy, good quality items act as a magnet for thieves. One Canadian pro hockey player was on holidays with his wife and another couple when they were mugged outside an airport (I won't name the city, as this can happen anywhere). The hockey player, in a statement to a reporter, said that while he had left his good watch at home, his wife and the other couple had not, and that is what the muggers were after.

Leave good jewellery at home You can do without those expensive accessories for a few weeks; think how long you'd be without them if they were lost or stolen. You can also save the time needed to file a police report and make an insurance claim, and pay any insurance deductable. I wear a $10 wristwatch and inexpensive 'gold' earrings, and, when I am traveling on my own, I wear a wide gold band as a 'wedding' ring to give the impression there's a hulking husband lurking nearby.

Don't carry expensive cameras in brand name camera bags Clearly labeled brand name camera bags, too, are a beacon to thieves. Unless you will have an armed escort, carry your camera inside a protective camera bag in your backpack.

Don't bring your key chain loaded with keys Slip your house key (so you can get back in when you return from your trip) and/or car key off the key ring, and keep them in the travel wallet coin pouch or money belt. Leave the rest safe at home. Leave unneeded credit cards at home, too.

Avoid drawing attention In general (cruise ship dinners etc are excepted), avoid bright orange, hot pink and colors that draw attention on the street. As well, it's wise to avoid wearing military styled clothing. Depending on your destination, tone down your makeup, ladies. Wear sunglasses (be aware that designer brands are well-known around the world), not only to protect your eyes, but also to avoid unintended eye contact with the opposite sex. The traveler's goal should be to blend in, not to stand out.

Pay Phone safety TIP I got from daughter Jen ~ When talking on a pay phone in a public area, stand with your back to the phone so you can watch your luggage. When you are facing the phone, and engrossed in conversation, anyone can make off with your possessions, and you'd never notice until it's too late.