Laptop Travel Tips

"With the holidays right around the corner, many of us will be packing our bags and bon voyaging to visit friends and family. If you are planning on packing your laptop, there are some precautions you should take to make sure your laptop is in tip top shape when it arrives at your destination.

Be sure to carry your laptop in a bag designed for laptop computers. If you accidentally drop your laptop while it is in a good carrying case, you have a good chance that it will not be damaged. Most laptop bags have extra padding for added protection.

Sometimes hotel rooms have devices like alarm clocks, hair driers and televisions containing magnets that can damage your data. Do not store memory sticks or zip disks near these devices for extended periods.

For more tips, just

Keep those holiday cocktails away from your laptop and try to avoid using small base glasses as they can easily tip over. Spilling liquid into a laptop can ruin it.

Avoid checking your laptop as luggage on an airline, bus, etc. Always carry-on your laptop to avoid damage and theft. Keep your laptop in hand at all times when in public areas. Be extra careful in busy locations like airports, where many laptop computers are stolen.

X-ray machines at the airports will not damage your computer or your media and files. However, many people have had their computers stolen as it comes out of the conveyer belt. Be sure not to leave your computer unattended.

Make sure you know the power type and the plug type requirements for the country you are traveling to. You will need to get the necessary adapters if you are going to be using your computer while plugged into a power source (other than battery power). "

This article found here.

-:¦:- Stephe -:¦:-
http://www.giorgiadanette.blogspot.com

New Item Banned on Airplanes

Ok, this was on AOL news today! The latest item banned on flights is SnowGlobes!! Yes, you read correctly! No snow globes on planes! LOL

Power Monkey

Never be caught without your Power Monkey!
The ingenious, pocket-sized Power Monkey charges all your portable electronics, including mobile phone, iPod, digital camera, MP3 player, PDA, Bluetooth headset and Blackberry® It has a huge power reserve (40 hours for iPods, 96 hours of standby time for mobile phones, 1600 pictures for digital cameras) and holds its charge for up to a year.(While the included iPod tip fits the iPhone, the Power Monkey does not deliver the correct charge.) Includes four adaptor plugs, a 110-240v. adaptor for recharging in 150 countries, connectors for most mobile phones, and a black travel pouch. (4 x 1½ x 1½")

You can find it here.

Quick Reference

I ended up being the Secret Pal to one of my friends, Donna, and I thought for one of their gifts I would make them a copy of my quick reference book. I came up with this idea 1) because I'm just plain nuts 2) I thought it would be a great way to stuff lots of info in one spot that would be easy to access. I bought one of those business card holder and began filling it with lots of cool stuff I thought I would need. I LOVE mine and I think Donna loved hers too.

Since I don't have a photo of mine, I grabbed Donna's post from her blog to show you!

From Waiting for Lauren Elizabeth ...

Even with all these things, my VERY favorite item is this quick reference book chock full of all kinds of information we'll need in China.

When I first opened this I saw our address info, photo and an adorable little card that says "On our Way to Lauren Elizabeth." At that moment, it hit me...we ARE actually going to China and I got teary eyed. Sometimes I have those moments were it feels more real than other times and it just hits me. I think all you waiting mommas totally understand this and have your own "moments."

Inside this book, there is tons of information that we might need while in China like our pet-sitter, passport and agency info; symptoms and treatments for all sorts of conditions that we could encounter; medicine info, info on how to get medical treatment while there; info about the food, water, and making phone calls to the U.S., info on American friendly restaurants and shopping in Guangzhou, and more!

This reference book is SO thoughtful and SO very appreciated. It's just the right size to slip into our backback while in China so we have everything we need with us while we're on the go.

Go ahead and use this same idea and fill your book with lots of cool stuff that you think you might need!

-:¦:- Stephe -:¦:-
http://www.giorgiadanette.blogspot.com

Carry-On Caddy

"Minimus.biz has some exciting news! The Carry-On Caddy™ was recently launched on our website! The Caddy was designed by Minimus Co-Founder Paul Shrater while he was going through an airport security checkpoint after the 3-1-1 rules for carry-on liquids and gels were put in place. He saw a need for a new product that would hold fliers' TSA-required quart-sized zippered bags.

The Carry-On Caddy™ is perfectly sized to fit one quart-sized zippered bag, secured by a velcroed tab, and clips to other carry-on luggage for easy access. Just slip the zippered bag in and out of the Caddy to breeze through airport security.

On a recent trip to San Francisco, I tried out the Caddy myself. The black bag conveniently clipped onto my other carry-on bag and easily held my practically-overflowing quart-sized zippered bag of my shampoo, makeup, and other liquids and gels.

I arrived at the airport in a frantic rush to get to the gate before the plane left. When I got to the security checkpoint, I was able to get in and out quickly as I didn't have to dig for my bag of liquids and gels (TSA requires that bags of liquids and gels be screened separately). I simply pulled the plastic bag out of the velcroed pouch and slipped it back in once it was cleared.

I give the Carry-On Caddy™ two thumbs up for practicality, ease, and I was still flying in style. Get your own Caddy for just $4.99 or order yours pre-packed with products for men, women, and organic lovers (in citrus and lavender options). "

Check them out at Minimus.

Challenge #3 - Stephe

Finally, I've almost got my challenge posted. I was going to wait on the luggage but couldn't hold out and went shopping this weekend!Geez...Luggage is EXPENSIVE. I've always traveled with a 21" Carry on and a HUGE duffel on wheels. They were cheap and have lasted forever. So, what's with the whole "expensive" luggage? Sturdier? I guess if you traveled every week I would understand. For me, I just need the luggage to last for the China trip and don't want to invest that much money in it. I found the two pieces above at Walmart. The small 21" is a Protege, which I think is a Walmart brand. I liked it, so I got it. I already have a really old 21" but this one had more front pockets that made it easier for me to organize. I found an American Tourister at Walmart as well. It's a 25" one. It was $56.97. The 25" American Tourister at Kohls was $159.99. They looked almost EXACTLY the same. I know, I know, the one, same maker and size at kohls is probably a somewhat better quality and will last a lifetime but the one I got looks sturdy enough for my lifetime! lol. Only time will tell! My question to all of you...can I use a 25"??? For some reason I had thought that size was too big????

On to my fun travel stuff. I created a "FLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT BAG". I limited it to one medium bag and that's it. No more. I've packed it full and it will be in my backpack for the flight to China. I feel I won't need it for the flight home, I will have my hands full and I will replace it with...Giorgia's Flight Entertainment Bag!

(click on photos to enlarge)

I was planning on taking a fanny pack but I HATE the way they look! I was looking into some messenger bags but they were a little large. Hmmm...look what I found. Walmart again, in the travel section, a travel bag for $7.97. It can be a fanny pack or you can rework the straps and wear it like a messenger bag! It's perfect size for what I need to use it for and my camera fits in it too!

Walmart had this Travel Wallet on clearance for $3. You can actually wear it like a backpack but I have a feeling that is why it was clearance. Why would you want that important stuff on your back??? Anyway, rework the strings and again, it can be worn in messenger bag style. This will be great for my flight stuff: plane tickets, passport & ID.

I haven't made the photos below "pretty" yet. Anyway, here are 3 out of the four carriers that I am bringing. I stumbled upon 2 baby B'airs ($5 each) one is a toddler size and one is an infant size. I've heard that these are great for the plane ride home. I also got a Hip Hammock for $6. It's obvioiusly never been used. I like because you carry your little one on your hip with support and it's much easier on your back. It's great for some kids. The only carrier that I will purchase new is the "ultimate baby wrap". This is the one I really, really want. This I will purchase new because it's basically on fabric. Who knows how the stretch of the fabric will change over time...so, I want to be the first to use it!!! I look forward to see how well it works.

I have some other misc. stuff below.

Luggage and Travel items

Air Freshener (smoky rooms)
Alarm Watch (Alarm clock) Looking for clip on alarm!!!
Baby B'air(both infant & toddler size)
Baby Carrier (Hip Hammock)
Baby Carrier (intend to get ultimate wrap)
Bob Crawford's cards still have to get!
Book (of games for plane)
Bungee cords still have to get!
Calculator(clipon on backpack)
Candy necklaces/bracelets
Clothes pins, plastic
Conversion chart - U.S. to RMB
Drink Mixes / bottle water
Duct Tape (unique color)
Ear Plugs
Eye Cover
Flash light
Garbage Bags
Hand Fan
Heavy-duty poster tube for artwork
Luggage - Extra Bag (or buy there)
Luggage Keys (bring extra) still have to get!
Luggage Locks still have to get!
Luggage Straps
Mini Voice Recorder get a better one!
Money Belt/Holder
Nasal spray like Ocean
Neck Pillow - inflatable not sure about this?
Rubber Drain Plug
Sunglasses
Surgical Masks or Scarfs
Tissues
Toilet paper Xtra rolls of
Voltage Adaptor still have to get!
Woolite (to hand wash clothes)
Ziploc bags

ADDITIONAL ITEMS OR NOTES:
Clorox wipes
Phone
Phone charger
Night light (to test adapter and good to have)

I'm sure this list will be revised and I forgot a bunch of stuff!!!

-:¦:- Stephe -:¦:-
http://www.giorgiadanette.blogspot.com/

Challenge 3 - Wendy H.

This is my packing from the first time I went to China. I dont have pics of what I have done this time but I can tell you that it will be very similar, with one exception. instead of two small carry-on suitcases, I will be taking one next-size up luggage in the same set. I have successfully packed everything Ineed for me and the 3 kids in there and it doesn't weigh much at all. So far, so good. Here are pics of my first trip to give you an idea.

Challenge 3 - Melissa

I used this challenge to organize my carry on and I tried to buy a few things on the list. Overall I made some good progress. I took everything out of my diaper bag backpack from challenge # 1 and put in all into a "double cube". My thinking is when I get to China I will take everything out of the cube and fill up my diaper bag. The cube will be packed in one of the suitcases.

Melissa Backpack:

neck pillow, blanket, ear plugs, eye mask, toilet paper, tissue, hand sanitizer wipes, contact sol., contact case, eye glasses, lip balm, deodorant, moisturizer, compression socks, nasal spray, hairbrush, hair elastics and clip, toothbrush, toothpaste, tampons, water, drink mix, snacks, first aid kit (Tylenol, band aids), flashlight, calculator, pen, notebook, travel journal, book, Ipod, change of clothes.

Patrick Backpack: sunglasses, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, laptop, video camera, camera, laptop, neck pillow, blanket, documents, DVD's, IPOD, books, conversion chart, dictionary, batteries, phone, phone charger, duct tape, change of clothes.

Packed in Suitcases: alarm clock, voltage adaptor, laundry detergent, dish detergent, drain plugs, dryer sheets, duct tape, poster tube, luggage straps, Ziploc bags, bungee cords.

Patrick will have a money belt on and we will both have document pouches around our neck while we are boarding with our ID, tickets and passports.

So now I will go and read everyone's post and add and delete things from this list!

Rizzo List for Challange #3

Sorry it has taken me so long to post this I hope it is not to late. I still have a few things to buy on this list but for the most part I have everything. Still waiting for the diaper bag and the baby carrier. I need to get to Office Depot for the poster tube. I have noticed that a lot of my stuff should be on other challenges but oh well.. I did not include the stuff I plan on putting in our carry on bags but I have made up ziplock bags for each of us that include everything to make the flight a little easier. Toothpaste, tooth brush, mouth was, gum, tissues, hand cream, nose spray, visine, deodorant, anti bacterial gel, ear plugs. I don't have the bags in front of me so I know I am forgetting something, but basically everything each of us would like to have on a long flight is in one ziplock bag for a qick trip to the bathroom to refresh. We will each have our own bag that we will carry in the backpack that we are responsible for (Riz computer backpack with electronics)(Sue diaper bag backpack with all paperwork, change of clothes for each of us and snacks)this way we don't have to figure out which bag the toiletries are in.... I labeled them with our name on them


The Diaper bag here is not the Diaper bag we will be taking to China but I added it to the picture just to show that we will be taking 4 bags total with us

All clothes are going in the 29" case.... Mine, His and Baby..( I hope I don't regret that LOL)
Rolling duffel will hold everything else...

Suitcases
29 inch suitcase
25 inch rolling duffel
Diaper bag Backpack
Computer Backpack
Luggage - Extra Bag (or buy there)
Luggage Keys
Luggage Locks

Money belt
Comfort Items
Luggage Straps
Neck Pillow
Eye Cover
Ear Plugs

Kitchen items
Tablecloth
Travel Coffee Press
Drink Mixes , coffee, sweetener
Rubber Gripper
Bottle Brush
Rubber Drain Plug
Plastic Fork/Knife/Spoon Combo thing
Thermos
Scotch Bright dry dish washing
Ziploc bags
Garbage Bags

Electronics
Phone
Phone charger
Voltage Adaptor
Alarm clock

I-Pod

Travel Speakers and Charger
Calculator with conversion cart taped to the back

Laptop computer and Cords

Digital Camera, extra SD cards, Charger, Card reader

Camcorder and charger

DVD's

Personal items
Sunglasses

Small Flash Light

Rain Ponchos
Book

Pen
Journal
Toilet paper
Antibacterial gel

Tissues

Hand Fan

Laundry items
Tide sink packs
Tide To go Stick
Wet ones/ Clorox wipes
Febrezze (smoky rooms)

Miscellaneous items
Uno Cards
Language Cards
First Aide Kit
Heavy-duty poster tube for artwork
Baby Carrier

Jen W finally gets to Challenge 3

Hello everyone
Sorry that I am so late with my posting for the October Challenge, but I had another crazy month (and I procrastinated a bit). We decided to just use our some of our current luggage for the trip (so far anyway) I feel like at any moment I might just change my mind completely and go buy something that weighs less. The picture shows the bags…Currently the plan is: one 26” samsonite red suitcase, one 21” black with red Chaps bag and one little 18” carryon suitcase to carryon with us if needed. Plus I will have a backpack (that I will use once we get to China as the diaper-backpack) and Rich will have his favorite Olio computer laptop backpack with all of the electronic stuff in it. It helps me to think about what will go where on the trip over so that is the way I organized myself… Here is what I came up with ( It helps me know what I need to buy and what we have already too) Thanks Ladies! One big question… Which Baby Carrier to take? I have four (yes 4 ) different carriers…. Yes, I said 4. I had discipline to not buy too many clothes, but carriers, I couldn’t stop. An ergo ( got from Craigslist ( gently used), a Baby Bjorn, a mei tai ( handmade by some Mom’s here locally), and a hip sling-thing (also handmade and passed down from an FCC Mom) --- argh! I just don’t know which one(s) to bring… anyone have any suggestions on that?
Here's my sad little list:

Luggage Challenge
inflatable neck pillow
luggage straps
luggage locks
ear plugs
duct tape
gorilla pod ( I have had that on my wishlist for awhile now, hopefully Santa helps)
baby carrier (oh, lord... which one?)
packmates
compression bags
neck wallet
Rich's computer backpack (carryon)
laptop
extra laptop battery
camera
extra camer batteries
sunglasses
voice recorder
book
ipod
dvds
Jen's backpack carryon
tissues
toothbrush
toothpaste
face and hand moisturizer
burts bees lip stuff
lavendar spray
deodorant
mini makeup bag
antibacterial wipes
antibacterial gel
document binder
ipod
saline spray
gum
mints
travel journal
mini wallet
book
inflatable neck pillow
hat
hair bands & comb
LLBean Travel Slippers
actual small carryon luggage (17 inches suitcase not checked)
change of clothes for us
toiletry bags (minus razor and scissors)
battery charger
voltage adapter
not sure what else yet....

Thanks for giving me the courage to tackle this each month!

Challenge 3 - Jennifer K

Here's my list (so far!):

Electronics
alarm clock
calculator (on office supply list)
flashlight
nightlight
voltage adaptor
spare batteries
Laundry
plastic hangers
woolite
rubber drain plug (on baby list)
Flight Comfort
ear plugs
eye mask
inflatable neck pillow (undecided, not sure we need this)
nasal spray (Ocean)
motion sickness bands
ginger gum
ginger candies
Dramamine
Airborne
Beverages
drink mixes for bottled water
coffee bags
Aveda tea (also a comfort item for me)
Entertainment
book
iPod
Stationery
Chinese language reference (bought from our agency, need to make cards)
currency conversion chart
time conversion chart
travel journal
Packing
bungee cords
cable ties
clear duct tape
garbage bags
heavy duty poster tube
luggage
extra bag
luggage locks
luggage straps
luggage tags
ziploc bags
packing cubes (still need to buy)
Baby
baby b'air
ergo baby carrier
Personal Care (carry on)
sunglasses
contact lens case
contact solution
glasses
eye drops
tissues
toothbrushes
toothpaste
moisturizer
lip balm
Evian spray
anti-bacterial wipes
alcohol swabs
travel deodorant (in case we get stuck overnight en route)
Personal care (checked)
dish soap (on baby list)
anti-bacterial hand soap
Comfort items
travel aromatherapy diffuser
light bulb diffuser
lavender essential oil

Travel Tips to Beijing

I stumbled across this article while surfing by Arun Gupta. Read the entire article here , there are photos.

"Shopping is a LOT of fun in Beijing. There is a great variety of clothes, toys, gadgets, etc. at local shops. And no shopping is complete without bargaining and that too HARD bargaining. For example when shopping at touristy places, such as street-side shops near Great Wall, bargain HARD. The rule that I followed was to quote the price to 10% of the original. Here are some examples:

Tee-shirts quoted 1 for 130, paid RMB 3 for 50 RMB
Cashmere Scarf (can't be original ;) quoted 1 for 160 RMB, paid 5 for 80 RMB
Great Wall Memento quoted 350 RMB, paid 20 RMB
Refrigerator Magnet quoted 20 RMB, paid 5 RMB

Generally the shopkeepers will give a counter offer but be straight-faced and maintain your price. To keep it easy, just stick to your price and pretend walk away. In all the cases, I was approached with my quoted price :) "