Anticipation of your upcoming journey can be half the fun. In addition to reading the suggested reading list which accompanies many tour programs and checking out your itinerary, follow Shebby Lee’s travel tips on what to pack, how to protect your valuables, and how to maximize your travel experience.
WHAT TO PACK:
Don’t over pack. Leave room for souvenirs that you plan to take back home. You might want to include an affordable carry-on bag.
Bring a camera, film, and batteries. Be sure to bring enough photography supplies for your entire trip. If you have a video camera, bring along an extra battery, plus proper recharging equipment.
Bring a notebook or trip diary and pen.
Remember sunglasses, tissues, aspirin, toiletries, cosmetics.
Bring a travel alarm clock, a sewing kit, travel iron and a hair dryer. (Most hotels have ironing facilities and hair dryers in the room.)
Remember any medications you may need (enough for entire trip and a few additional days) and an extra prescription in original containers. Pack items that may leak in plastic bags. Never pack medications in “checked” baggage.
Place your business card or extra luggage tag with identification inside your checked bag in case your luggage tag is torn off.
MONEY:
Traveler’s Checks have seen their day and many business and even banks no longer accept them. Bring a debit or credit card plus cash. ATM machines can be found in even the most remote areas these days.
Advise your friends and family of your itinerary. Take a list of phone numbers from home that you may need to contact in case of an emergency.
Make copies of your passport or ID, travel itinerary and plane tickets and leave them with a friend or relative back home.
Trip interruption and cancellation insurance is highly recommended and will protect your investment. Be sure that pre-existing conditions are not excluded.
ON THE TRAIL:
Travel in comfortable clothing and shoes. Dressing in layers and having walking shoes is always good planning. Drink plenty of water and juice on the long-haul segments of your trip. Shebby Lee Tours provides refreshments onboard as a part of our service.
Pack your meds, glasses, umbrella, sweater or jacket – the things you will need during the day – in your carry-on. You will not have access to your large bag between hotels.
It is safe to leave valuables on the bus during rest stops, venues or attractions. The coach is either locked during such times, or the driver is present to insure security. However, don’t forget your wallet or purse if there is a chance that you may wish to purchase a memento.
Do not place valuables, including jewelry, cameras, car keys, medicines, etc., in any suitcase or bag that will not be kept with you at your seat.
Listen carefully to all tour director’s instructions. They may contain information that could be important to enjoying your trip. Write or jot down any information given to you by the tour director about where and when you are going to be picked up.
Now, where do you want to go? Check out these tour destinations offered by Shebby Lee Tours.
Shebby Lee is a historian, writer and tour operator specializing in the historic and cultural heritage of the Great American West. Her early training was in the theatre and she served a tour of duty as an entertainer with the USO. She is also an Admiral in the Nebraska Navy.