Right now, in the wake of the liquid-bomb scare in Britain, everyone is telling you what not to pack. But the truth is, many restrictions will change in the coming weeks. The real change is to be prepared for anything - especially suddenly surrendering your carry-on luggage.
- If you are allowed a carry-on bag at the time you leave for the airport, stuff a few empty plastic bags in it. You'll be prepared if you have to surrender it unexpectedly. Personal tip: overstuffed zipper-style plastic baggies often tear at the top. You may be better off with a pinch-style bag. And choose freezer bags - the plastic is heavier.
- Layer your clothing. Got a camisole that can also double as a blouse? Hey, wouldn't a big scarf be a stylish addition (and possibly serve some of the functions of a sarong if needed?) Feel like wearing a short-sleeved shirt under a sweater, and then donning a jacket? Might not be a bad idea to have some extra clothes on your bod if you and your now checked luggage part company along the way. The downside of this strategy - pulling some of it off for the security check and/or being too warm while standing around.
- Consider buying a small, clear, colorless heavy-plastic "dry bag" used by boaters and kayakers. If you do have to dump some of your possessions into a plastic bag, it won't be as likely to pop open. However, this may or may not be allowed in some circumstances.
- Have collapsible bags with you. I especially like the newer "keychain backpacks" - light backpacks, duffle bags, and shoulder bags that zip up into themselves. If you have to do a massive reorganization of your carry-on luggage to check it, put clothing into these light backpacks to check through and let your more fragile items have a seat in the suitcase.
- Put important information, such as phone numbers and prescription details, on index cards in your wallet. These won't flutter around the way slips of paper will if you drop your baggie and it pops open, spewing your credit cards and personal information all over the floor.
- Have essential files on a keychain-style flash drive. You may be able to keep this with you even if your laptop has to be checked. But if not, try to pack it in a different bag than your laptop.
- Email yourself. If you have an email account you can access from any computer or internet cafe, mail yourself your prescription information, phone list, itinerary, and so on. That way you'll have a copy you can access at your destination.
