Traveling Ideas

Walk with confidence. If you're feeling nervous, seek out a fellow traveler as a temporary companion or stay close to another pedestrian so that you don't appear to be alone. Check with the Transportation Security Administration for an up-to-date list of items allowed in checked and carry-on luggage. Decide how many changes of clothes are needed per day based on the nature of your trip. For most trips, you will need two changes of clothes each day, especially if you are planning to put on fresh or more formal clothes for an evening meal.

Traveling alone can open you up to unique personal experiences in new places. Take full advantage of these opportunities while maintaining your safety. Consider learning basic self-defense. For instance, by striking the eyes, nose, throat, groin or knees, you can disable an assailant. Research your destination so you'll know what to expect in terms of attitudes toward foreigners and, if you're female, women. Request a room that isn't on the ground floor, which can offer easy access through a window.

Avoid opening your door to people who are unknown to you or who do not identify themselves. Become familiar with the people at your hotel's reception desk, and inform them of your comings and goings. Give them emergency numbers of family or friends. Get to know the area where you'll be staying, and trust your intuition; avoid places that look risky.

Find out how many pieces of luggage you are permitted to bring. It is easier to travel with one large rolling bag and one carry-on. Try to pick a carry-on bag that can be strapped to the large bag. This will free your hands to fetch documents and money. For children, pillows come with an array of characters and animals, with built-in speakers and little pockets. For the allergy-prone, there are hypoallergenic pillows. Inflatable pillows help when you're packing light, and for those who want luxury, cashmere-covered pillows should do the trick. A massaging pillow can make those aches and pains disappear. Temperpedic pillows are very popular, as well as the U-shaped micro bead varieties.