News and Info for the Carnival / Mardi Gras Fan

Tips for Carnival Tourists

Tips for Packing your suitcase

     Even If you don't  travel frequently for pleasure or business, carefully evaluating the way you pack verses the types and sizes of luggage you have can save you a lot of time and headaches. I can assure you that some of you will definitely over pack your bags coming or going. Since that's a near certainty, then take this advice: Invest in some luggage with wheels. It's the only way to travel. The vertical rollers now come in all sizes and types, from small stackables to garment bags. Regardless of how frequently you travel and for what length of time, you should be able to find roller luggage to fit your needs. Besides, Your Luggage Should Match Your Travel Needs. If you don't over pack, this will lower the odds that your luggage will be damaged when you travel, match your travel needs with the assortment of bags you pack. If you travel frequently, buy a better quality of luggage that can withstand repeated abuses. Hard shell cases are one possibility, but don't overlook other types. Better brands of soft luggage are made from nylon fabric, which is virtually indestructible. Remember -- you get what you pay for! A cheap bag that costs $50 may need replacing far more often than its $100 nylon counterpart. DON'T BUY CHEAP LUGGAGE
If you really are a frequent business traveler, take this valuable advice! Luggage takes a beating on any journey, and taking frequent trips increases the risk of your luggage being damaged. Buying good suitcases may cost you a little bit right now, but it will save you lots of frustration and money in the future.

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ORGANIZE YOUR PACKING
Packing light can be a little tricky. Organization is the key. Plan carefully what you'll take, choosing a mix-and-match wardrobe. Then use various-sized pouches to carefully organize your things. Organizer pouches are flat, rectangular, nylon bags with zipper closures and many compartments. Use the pouches for such things as accessories, toiletries, laundry, etc. Pack shoes in shoe bags--lightweight, inexpensive, drawstring bags that will keep other things from being soiled by any street residue. Now I'm going to give you the secret to successful trip packing, and here it is!  DON'T WAIT TIL THE LAST MINUTE TO PACK!

Your PACKING PLAN
Now it doesn't matter how much we warn you, I can safely bet that most of you will wait to the last minute, anyway. We call these folks, seat-of-the-pants packers. You  know where you're going and assume you know what to take without doing any research. Unfortunately, I've seen the results to often, which is you get to our destination without the clothing necessary to accommodate either weather or events. Plan ahead to pack more appropriately.

Before you pack, call ahead to a few hotels and ask what amenities they provide (hairdryers, etc.). If you're traveling with a companion, ask what he/she intends to take. You may be able to split a list of commonly used items. Visit  our weather section on the site or call weather stations to prepare for extreme conditions and temperatures. A little planning ahead can make your life in New Orleans, or your intended Carnival city a lot easier.

PRACTICE PACKING
I can hear you now - "Practice packing? What a waste of time!" Skeptics aside, there are reasons to practice packing your bags before your next trip. Since most of us leave packing to the last minute, a dress rehearsal ahead of time will alert us to any problems with luggage or other gear that may need repair. Also, carrying a bag around the house after you've packed in advance will help you determine whether it's light enough for you to handle, or if you need to eliminate a few things. Ending up with a lighter-weight bag may require you to do some shopping to coordinate your travel wardrobe; however, you'll be able to reuse your new items the next time you take a trip.

Security Alert! .......Pack With Security Inspections In Mind

During a recent trip to and from Australia, I saw first-hand the new realities of flying. Like most others, I was thankful to see increased security procedures. Enforcing all the new rules and guidelines meant to ensure our safety is a weighty job for security and military personnel. Travelers can and should help as much as possible. One of the ways we can help is by packing with security in mind. Think about how you place items in bags so that, when inspected, they can be jostled and returned to their place easily. Don't over pack and cram things into bags. You'll waste your time and others if the inspector can't get into and out of your things easily.

Avoiding Suitcase Spills
Besides making your ears pop, flying at high altitudes can have other unwanted effects. For instance, changes in air pressure can cause containers of various sorts to open. So, whenever possible, don't bring full containers of liquid toiletries. Try packing necessities such as shampoos, hair gels and deodorants in small plastic bottles and seal them in plastic bags. Taking these easy precautions will confine your problems to a small space, and protect your business clothes from spills.

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A Place For Your Important Stuff
If you're coming to Carnival with all kinds of new technologies keep you organized, it's easy to become overwhelmed and more unable to find things than ever before. Carnival travelers face a particular challenge, with some organizational tools back in the office and some in their backpacks. What to do? First, evaluate your use of items like laptops, email, voicemail, electronic organizers and traditional rnotes. Which do you predominantly rely on? Then, create a sensible system that may mean consolidating information and making new rules for yourself. For instance:

-- If you rely most on paper notes, put copies of printed emails and documented voicemails into a file. Take the file with you on your  trips.
-- If you rely more on electronic tools such as your PDA or laptop, then scan important papers.

--If you don't have too, though, please keep it light, remember you've got to carry all that stuff!

Security Alert! ........ New Packing Guidelines
Airport security is tighter than ever. Items you've packed that passed screening before may not do so now. After laying out everything you want to take, carefully consider whether an item could cause concern at the screening station. Pay particular attention to your toiletries and recreational items. For instance, small scissors or files may not be allowed and pens and pencils have been confiscated. No knives of any size will be accepted, including the small ones carried on key rings.

Don't Overstuff Your Luggage
Damage to suitcases is almost expected when you travel frequently. But you can prevent some damage from happening. For example, don't try to pack an entire closet in your bag. Overstuffing a suitcase of any kind "explodes" it from the inside, stressing zippers and seams. Solve the problem by packing in a combination of bags, each best suited to its purpose. To get the best assortment for your travel needs, go to a luggage store and describe the type of travel you do to a salesperson.

Check Your Dirty Clothes
We all have dirty laundry -- here's a way to keep it private! Pack an extra collapsible bag in your luggage and use it to pack all your dirty clothes. When you get to the airport, check that bag through to your home destination. When you get home, your dirty laundry will already be in one place and ready to sort or dump directly into the washer.

Pack a Suit or a Ball Gown
Usually when I give packing tips, I advise you to pack as light as possible, taking about half of what you initially laid out for yourself. While that's still true, now I'm going to give a bit of advice that's exactly opposite. When traveling to Carnival, consider taking  a pair of business suits or  clothes--an outfit or two will do. There are two reasons for this 1) You never know when clothes will become soiled or otherwise damaged. 2) You never know when someone could have extra tickets to a ball or Krewe party. If you make it a Tux, so much the better.

Manly Packing -- But Women Wear Them Too!
Packing tips always come in handy, and here's a simple one for ties. Roll them backwards and very tightly around two of your fingers, starting from the narrow end and finishing with the wide. Then secure separately by rolling a sock over each one. Use this method to keep ties from getting creased.

Packing In Plastic
Plastic bags may not be the trendiest containers but, where packing is concerned, they are certainly handy. Leftover plastic grocery bags are the best. Here are some suggestions for packing with plastic:

-Bring one or two to hold dirty clothes.
-Separate smaller items like ties, underwear, socks, etc. in separate bags.
-Put containers that may spill in them and knot.
-Put shoes in them.

Luggage-Free Travel
Wouldn't it be nice to travel without luggage? Well, you can, and here's how!

-Ship suitcases and other equipment directly to your destination using carriers like UPS, Federal Express, or Virtual Bellhop, a service of Travelite (877-235-5467).

-Costs vary, but expect to pay as much as the price of an additional airline ticket. Call each carrier and ask about rates, insurance coverage, and delivery schedules.

-Be sure to check with your destination hotel, to make sure they can store your luggage until you arrive.

Luggage Weight
To keep yourself from over-packing, use a bathroom scale to check the weight of your luggage. Call the airport to ask about weight limits or go to the airport or airline's web site. If your bag is too heavy, prioritize items and remove less important things. When you get to your destination, please don't rent a cart! Use your own. Don't have one, click here.....Remin Kart-A-Bag

A Way To Cope With Lost Luggage
It's really Too bad -- with all that technology, the airport's sometimes still can't deliver you and your checked luggage to your destination at the same time. One way to cope with lost luggage is to be proactive. Most hotels have personal supplies available for guests in emergency situations, but you can't count on them to have everything you'll want or need, especially during Carnival time. Avoid this problem by always carrying toiletries and an overnight bag onboard with you. Include two complete change of clothing. this includes socks, underwear, and any accessories you wear. Most lost luggage finds its owner within 24-48 hours, but that may be too late if you are traveling at night and have an early-morning parade you want to catch.

When packing for travel for business or otherwise, the yardstick for weight goes something like this -- if you can't carry your bags comfortably for one block, then they are too heavy. One way to lighten your load and give yourself a little special treatment is to use the laundry services at your accommodations. Check to see if your company will cover the expense. Even if they won't, using the hotel services will be a nice treat and, at least for this trip, will save you the hassle of lugging too heavy bags. Your muscles will be appreciative.

Security Alert! ........    Pack Gifts Unwrapped
You'll spend most of your time on trip searching long and hard for just the right gifts, beads, and coconuts  for your souvenir of the trip. Before you close your suitcase, you carefully place the beautiful parcel inside and then head to the airport, excited and proud of your attention to detail. Once you arrive and unpack, your excitement turns to disappointment when you see that the present's been opened and the wrap destroyed. A word to the wise - don't wrap presents before you get to your destination. Airport authorities will hand search both carry-on and checked luggage if the X-ray leaves a question regarding contents. It's a safe bet that those new coconuts they'll be handing out this season will be searched.  Since wraps will conceal what's inside, and they're want to know, don't wrap it, but If you must wrap beforehand, try a simple tissue paper.

Label It
Address labels are an easy way to identify your possessions. Before your next business trip, take time to print a sheet of address labels with the name, address, and phone of your destination, pertinent details of your itinerary, as well as your own name and e-mail address. Using the airline counter luggage tags, put a label on each suitcase, including carry-on and other valuables such as a camera and briefcase. Take extra labels -- they can be handy in a variety of ways once you reach your destination.

TRAVEL WITH ONE BAG?
You keep hearing me say Pack light! Pack Light! Well seasoned Mardi Gras travelers - business or personal - know that for peace of mind and convenience, nothing beats traveling and living out of one carry-on piece of luggage. If you're not convinced, the following reasons might change your mind:

- Not checking luggage automatically diminishes the chances of bags being misrouted, lost, or stolen.
- You can get to the airport later and won't have to worry about misplaced luggage if your flight arrangements get changed.
- Finally, you'll be among the first on your flight to leave the airport, meaning you'll be first in line for taxis or other ground transportation.

- Hey remember those beads on the return trip are heavy enough! Remember, the lighter your load, the more pleasant your journey!

FINALLY, ANOTHER USE FOR DRY CLEANING BAGS
To prevent wrinkling of fabrics such as soft cottons, silks, fine woolens, or other delicates, recycle your dry cleaning bags. Place articles of clothing on hangers and then arrange one or two in each dry cleaning bag. Pack the bag inside your luggage. The dry cleaning plastic will prevent wrinkles, and when you arrive at your hotel, your clothes are ready to hang.

WHICH IS MY LUGGAGE?
I don't know about you, but I have to admit it. On the carousel, your luggage can really look like everyone else's! You know why? They brought theirs at the same chain store you did! To avoid this problem, do something to make your bag easily visible. Try tying brightly colored ribbons around a handle, using unique luggage tags, or slapping an unusual sticker on the bag that will make it stand out to you, don't forget both sides. These simple solutions will save you time and frustration when claiming your bags. Buy good luggage as well, all cheap luggage looks the same.

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CAUGHT WITHOUT ENOUGH UNDERWEAR
Have you ever found yourself on any trip with an open suitcase and the realization that you forgot to pack extra underwear? Simple rule here. for every day you're going to be away, pack 1 1/2 pair of under wear. for example: you going to stay for five days, you pack eight pair of underwear. If you don't have time to buy some extra pairs, believe it or not, underwear washed in the bathroom basin really will dry by morning if stuck to the mirror! Just be ready with an explanation if your carnival colleagues have to go in your room!