Suitcase Packing Tips
Whether you have a three-day out of town trip or a weeklong conference, suitcase is an indispensible task that any business traveller needs to accomplish by herself. As important as it is, it also creates a feeling of anxiety to any traveller.
Here are suitcase packing tips and a short list of things to remember when packing for a business trip.
Pack the more personal stuffs first. Logically, you would be able to know how to pack your own things, specially your personal stuff. A general and specific list would help you in organizing and packing personal effects such as toiletries like soap and toothbrush, accessories like watches, socks and jewelry and small equipments like shaver, curler or dryer. You can download a list from the web or just take time to think of the things you would usually need for a day. Start with the things you use as soon as you wake up in the morning. Take mental notes of the routine that you normally have. Then, see to it that you list every single thing that you need. You can do the short listing later but just make sure you put everything that you usually use for a day. After you’ve listed all these things, short list them by sorting out the stuffs that you can pack with you from the things that you can just get or buy from where you’re going. If you plan to check in on a hotel, you may not need a towel, soap or shampoo anymore. But if you have sensitive skin, it would be safer to bring your own personal effects.
List the types of clothes you need to wear. It would definitely be a nightmare for anyone to find out that he or she brought the wrong type of wardrobe or that the clothes that he or she brought don’t match with any other item. Have an itinerary of the outfit you intent to wear for the each day. This list will be very helpful especially if you’re the type of person who likes to mix and match outfits.
Choose wrinkle-free clothes as much as possible. There are a lot of wrinkle-free business dresses that are ideal for the travelling class. You can pack these types of clothes easier by just rolling them neatly. Most of these are made of wool, cotton or silk. However, most business outfits are made of fabrics that require pressing. For these types of clothes, you would do well if you don’t fold any of them in half. It is advisable, for example to fold your slacks in three parts. The pants should be placed flat on the suitcase, then place a lighter object like a cotton shirt on top of the pants. Then, you can fold the pant toward the knee, followed by the waist on top of the knee.
Packing may indeed be a very time-consuming task. And it would, of course be a lot easier if someone can do it for you. But chances are, you will still have to check if everything you need has really been properly set. At the end, you will still have to make sure that everything is accounted for and in place. So it would still be a lot better and safer to your own suitcase.
Topics: Accessories | No Comments »
Do-It-Yourself Luggage Repair
It is indeed a must for a frequent traveller to have a good, heavy duty and durable set of luggage. It may be a lot more expensive than the average type of luggage but you will surely reap the benefits of having one in the long run. Not only will this investment be worth every penny, it will also give you peace of mind at least for the next 2-3 years of usage.
However, there are some incidents that lead to the wear and tear of valuable items such as your expensive luggage. You may have run it through a pointed object in the streets on your way to the airport or a reckless airport luggage man might have held on to the handle to roughly causing it to break or be torn. Here are some tips and a few do-it yourself luggage repair advice that can help you get by and avoid a luggage emergency.
Before each trip, you should first do a routine check-up of your luggage and see if there are foreseen damages that might need controlling. Check for any torn part, metal dents, zipper hardening, metal rusts and loose screws on wheels. Make sure to check each part thoroughly. If you find some weak point that may need repair or may break loose anytime soon, you need to see to it that all of these spots are taken cared of before you use your luggage.
For any frequent traveller, a luggage repair kit should be a good addition to your luggage set. A do-it-yourself luggage repair kit should include sewing kit with different sorts of thread and should have a spool of thread of similar color and kind as your luggage material. You can sew torn parts of your luggage to prevent the rip from getting bigger. Mending a tiny whole as soon as you see them may actually save your luggage in the long run.
Broken parts are the most typical luggage repair and just usually need replacements to make it good as new. You may also buy some spare handles, locks and clasps to change damage ones. You should also consider replacing rusty metal parts with new ones.
The kit may also contain some wax sticks or candles to grease hard to zip up metal zippers. It also should have a variety of buttons that match your luggage. You’ll never know when these buttons might come in handy.
For loose lining, strong glue shall do the trick in pasting it back to original form. For dented metal parts, you can try to soften the metal using a hot hair dryer. Once the metal is soft enough, reshape it back to the way it should be. You can also use a piece of hard wood to tap it back to its old shape.
These tricks may be useful for a few minor luggages repair that you can do by yourself. But if the damage or damages are too hard or too many to fix by yourself, you may opt to bring it to a professional repairman or you may consider purchasing a new one.
Topics: Accessories | No Comments »
Barcelona: Parc Guell
Parc Guell is just one of the many sites in Barcelona designed by the internationally renowned architect Antonio Gaudi. The 20 hectare park was build between 1900-1914 and sits on a hill to the north of the city. It provides the perfect getaway from the busy city and is full of lush greenery.
When in Parc Guell you’ll be able to enjoy dramatic views over Barcelona below. The terraced garden combine natural beauty with artificial. If you love Gaudi’s unique and creative mosaic work you’ll love parc Guell is it’s full of it. The seating covered in mosaics is stunning.
If it’s a hot day have a rest at the small café at the edge of the park for a refreshing drink. Barcelona can get extremely hot in the summer and the hill leading up to the park is steep and tiring. For visitors needing a little more sustenance, there are several small restaurants to choose from. Note the outstanding dragon-themed fountain as you enter. It’s covered in Gaudi’s trademark multi-colored tiles.
Then stroll down the flower-festooned walkways dotted with many mosaic tiles that show Gaudi’s distinctive influence.
The park it’s self holds many wondrous delights. As a lover of Guadi’s art you’ll want o visit the museum which is dedicated to his art, photos and other interesting info. The museum actually used to be his house and contain furniture he designed himself.
Outside once again, alongside the lush shrubbery reside many worthy sights, including sculpture, columns, restaurants and museums. Everything is considered, including the benches which are works of art in themselves. One spectacular example is the Paseo de Palmas.
Further on are still more examples of wondrous sights. The Hall of the Hundred Columns (Sala de las Cien Columnas) is an array of classical supports. However what is above them is inspired by later styles and is covered in mosaic modern tiles.
A walkway is close by and is supported by twisted rock pillars. They are irregular and organic in design, further demonstrating Gaudi’s genius.
There are two main ways of getting to the park. If you don’t mind a steep climb you can take the metro to the Lesseps stop. However if you want to save your energy, take the metro to Vallcarca which allows you to then take a outdoor escalators to your destination. However you will have to walk back down the hill.
Admission to the park is free and most buildings open at 10 a.m.
Topics: Europe | No Comments »
Cruise Reviews: Carnival Cruise Lines Review
Carnival has an excellent reputation within the cruise line industry. The company has helped turn cruising as a vacation for the well-off to something that everyone can enjoy.
They were one of the first companies to offer shorter cruises as the believed they would be profitable. So now there are many cruises which are shorter and at a reduced price, plus they are also suitable for those who do not have much time for a vacation. Stressed-out city workers can now hop on a cruise liner from Mexico in much the same way as they may have taken a trip to Vegas years ago.
In addition to convenience, Carnival also offer more entertainment options on board. You will also be forgiven for confusing the interiors of their ships with Las Vegas hotels.
Although gambling and music entertainment has long been a feature of many cruises, Carnival have raised the standards to that seen in Vegas. They offer shows which look like they have just come straight from the Strip.
Plus they are ever continuing to expand their shipping fleet and type of voyages on offer. For Europeans, you can enjoy your time on the Carnival Liberty. Discover what Europe has to offer by visiting South of France, the Greek Isles along with many other destinations. Even bigger ships are about to debut. The Carnival Splendor will hold up to 3,000 passengers!
Recently they have started a series of four and five day voyages from San Diego to Cabo and Ensenada in Mexico. These trips aboard the Elation are selling out FAST so be quick if you want on board. Either choose from a week-long vacation or just a long weekend.
If you want something longer then there are 15 day long voyages to the Panama Canal. There you will see one of the most important construction projects in the world and have time to unwind and enjoy the sunshine. As always you’ll have plenty of activities to keep you busy on board. Enjoy the fine restaurants, a gym, large theatre and three swimming pools.
Carnival have also associated themselves with Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Windstar Cruises amongst others. Also, several years ago they purchased the Cunard Line which is famous for owning the Queen Mary. Because of this, no matter what type of cruise vacation you are after you will find something with Carnival. Prices can vary so it doesn’t matter what your budget is.
Have a look at what they have and be ready to see one of their trademark clever animal-shaped towels in your cabin along with a chocolate on your pillow.
Topics: Cruises | No Comments »
Do You Hold These Common Misconceptions about Cruises
It’s funny how so many people have their opinions of what being on a cruise is like, yet they haven’t actually been on one themselves. Those inaccurate views may be stopping them from discovering the enjoyment to be had. Do you have any of these misconceptions?
The biggest misconception people have is that cruises are full of elderly people. This can be true of many cruises however there are also lots of cruises that are popular with people of various ages. Many families with children like them because of all the facilities on offer such as kids clubs.
Teens and 20-somethins are also discovering the benefits of being on a cruise. Many younger people are happy to spend money on vacations (perhaps with a little help from Mom and Dad?) Retired people, of course, generally have more free time than those still at work, they also want to SKI – Spend the Kids’ Inheritance but the no longer are the only people you’ll see aboard a cruise ship.
In years gone by cruises were very strict about eating, recreation and entertainment schedules. Things have loosened up since then. Most meals do have set times but there are also buffets during the day if you wish.
Naturally entertainment such as a musical performance has to start at a particular time. However in saying that there are so many entertainment options the only difficulty will be deciding which one to choose. For instance there’s bowling, computer games and bingo.
Some people think that cruise liners don’t offer enough activities and that they’ll be bored rigid for the entire trip. This couldn’t be further from the truth.
You’ll be spoilt for choice but be careful about overdoing it, remember you’re supposed to be relaxing! There’s dancing, exercise classes but you may want to just chill out and sit in the sun with a good book.
Cruise ships may be seen as floating hotels but in reality they’re more like floating cities! Just about everything you would expect to find in city will be there. What more could you want?
Topics: Cruises | No Comments »