Tips for packing and travel E’LOUISE ONDASH Hit the Road I start fretting about packing my suitcase at least two weeks before we leave. Chief consideration: What do I really, really need? I once cursed my tooweighty suitcase dragging it through the streets of Paris during a transportation workers strike. And my husband once pulled the handle off his suitcase in Venice because it was just too darn heavy. Every time I pack, I swear that there has to be a better way, so in the spirit of that pursuit, I’ve asked veteran travelers for their secrets, not only for packing but for anything that makes travel easier, more efficient and affordable. Here’s what they told me: From Patricia Schultz, author of the recently published second edition of “1,000 Places To See Before You Die” (Workman Publishing), who has visited 80 percent of the listed destinations: • Sign up for airline newsletters that notify you about special rates. • Let airline bargains dictate your destinations. • Research hotel rates, then call them directly and ask if they can match or better the price. • Bring Ziploc bags of various sizes. They always come in handy. • Scan passport, credit cards and other valuable documents. E-mail them to yourself and family in case of theft. • Eat at outdoor markets; prices are good and you’ll enjoy local food and people. • Carry duplicates of basic makeup. (“I lost mine once and was traumatized for the rest of the trip.”) From Encinitas resident Brad Grant (aka Dr. Adventure), extreme traveler: • Get oriented immediately by going to the highest point in the area with a map. • Use the visitors’ information booth and free pamphlets. • Don’t forget those magazines, books, Kindles etc. for the long flights, layovers and delayed connections. From Jenny Lucier of Tempe, Ariz., my sister and world traveler: • Packing cubes are immensely helpful for organizing, especially when the trip has multiple stops. Must be see-through on at least one side. • Bring earplugs and eye shade; you never know when you must sleep in bright or noisy places. • To travel light, swallow your vanity and respect comfort; travel with only one pair of shoes. From Encinitas resident John Case, veteran European traveler:
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THE COAST NEWS
NOV. 2, 2012
Sassy Santa Christmas Boutique starts Nov. 2 RANCHO SANTA FE — The Sassy Santa Christmas Boutique Holiday Extravaganza 2012 runs Nov. 2 through Nov. 3 at the Rancho Santa Fe community center. Nov. 2 is a “Ladies Night Out.” Bring all your ladies for wine, appetizers and shop-
Parent forum focuses on teen trouble Jenny Lucier (center) reaches the top of Gerlach Peak, the highest in Slovakia’s High Tatras mountain range. The Tempe, Ariz., resident, who made the climb in July 2007, says using packing cubes and taking a single pair of shoes (wear them!) make travel easier. Lucier has been a world-wide traveler since her college days in the 1980s. Courtesy photo
• Prior to your trip, “walk” the streets on Google Maps Street View. • Indispensable: a GPS. From miscellaneous sources: If you leave your car in long-term parking, take a cell phone picture of the location sign in case you forget where you parked. • Always get quotes from different rental car companies. Charges can vary widely. And use that cell phone again to take photos of any dings on the car prior to your use. • Run your phone charger cord through your
car key ring.You won’t forget either. • If you have multiple meds, put each day’s batch in a tiny Ziploc bag (available at craft stores), then toss each one at the end of the day. • There are apps, apps and more apps out there for just about any destination or activity. Most are free; check them out.
E’Louise Ondash is a freelance writer living in North County. Tell her about your travels at eondash@coastnewsgroup.com.
CARMEL VALLEY — Parents only are invited to a special Parent Forum, “Adolescent Subcultures And Trends – What Parents Need To Know,” being held from 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 8 at Torrey Pines High School Lecture Hall, 3710 Del Mar Heights Road. The “Adolescent Subcultures and Current Drug Trends” presentation covers the most up-to-date trends involving teens and comes with a “road show” that contains drugs, paraphernalia, weapons, storage containers and other miscellaneous items that have been confiscated from students at local high schools. San Diego Police Department juvenile officers will be available for regional support, resources, questions and answers.The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Tiffany Findell at (760) 4366136, ext. 6424 or e-mail tiffany.findell@sduhsd.net.
ping from 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $20 at the door and includes two glasses of wine and appetizers. Nov. 3 is the “Shop ‘til you drop,” event with doors opening at 10 a.m.; admittance is free. There will be over 20 different vendors with dazzling jewelry, gourmet
food items, high fashion and more! Please RSVP for Ladies night at EleanoreClark@msn.com.
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