Point It: Traveller's Language Kit

Point It: Traveller's Language Kit by Dieter Graf enables you to travel anywhere in the world and communicate what you need and want without misunderstandings. With 1200photos generated from the author's own travels, this picture dictionary allows you to simply point to what you're after instead of trying to cross-reference the word and pronounce it. It's compact, light-weight, and full color.

Point It: Traveler's Language Kit from Useful Things.

How-to Pack Toiletries for Airline Travel

The rule for toiletries packed in carry-on luggage is easy to remember: 3-1-1. This amounts to 3 ounce bottles or less, packed in 1 quart-sized, clear plastic, zip-lock bag, and 1 bag per passenger.

Before arriving at the screening area, remove the toiletry zip-lock bag from your carry-on. It will need to be sent through security separately.

If you need to pack toiletries larger than 3 oz. they must go in checked baggage. However, medications, baby formula, and breast milk are allowed in carry-on in larger than 3 oz. containers in reasonable quantities. Declare them when you arrive at the checkpoint.

Where to Find Deals on Airfare

There are plenty of online sites that offer deals on flights. Here are three good ones to try your luck with. One hint before you dive in—research shows that even if you're traveling in a group, booking your flights separately (but on the same flight, of course) can save you money.

Travelocity
(http://travelocity.com/)
Check Travelocity's Deals, Last Minute Packages, and Flexible Dates to find the best rates on airfare. If you're not that flexible, or flying to a remote area, their web deals can offer some pocketbook relief.

Expedia
(http://www.expedia.com/)
Expedia claims to give you the best price on every trip, guaranteed. You can get their best deals delivered, or visit their site, where you can check their 24 hour sales or discover Expedia exclusives.

Airfare Watchdog
(http://www.airfarewatchdog.com/)
Sign up for the cheap airfare alert, or visit their site and check current deals. Check their Discount Airfare, Top 50 Fares, and Fare of the Day pages, as well.

Point It Book

The Point it Book by Dieter Graf enables you to travel anywhere in the world and communicate what you need and want without misunderstandings. With 1200 photos generated from the author's own travels, this picture dictionary allows you to simply point to what you're after instead of trying to cross-reference the word and pronounce it. It's compact, light-weight, and full color.

Point It Book from Useful Things.

Road Trip Tips

Watch the weather, and try to plan traveling days around storms.

Don't forget to pack the maps, and have a back-up route in case the roads you're traveling have construction or are shut down.

Allow extra time for delays, break-downs, and pit stops.

Before you leave, take your vehicle in for a tune-up. Make sure you or your mechanic checks tire pressure, tire tread, lug nuts, brakes, windshield wiper fluid, and antifreeze levels.

Stock your car with must-have emergency items, such as a flashlight, jumper cables, first aid kit, tow rope, spare tire, and extra food and water.

Make frequent stops and stay hydrated, so when you do arrive at your destination, you're not too tired to enjoy yourself.

Travel Sewing Kit

This ultra small sewing kit is only 3/8" thick and includes 6 colors of thread, 3 needles, a needle threader, 3 buttons, and 2 button fasteners. It slips easily into any carry-on, purse, or briefcase, making it perfect for travelers. The Travel Sewing Kit is only $8.95 and comes in two colors--green and orange.

Travel Sewing Kit from Useful Things

Airport Security Line Triggers

The following items can set off the metal detectors at airport security checkpoints. Before you arrive at the checkpoint, make sure you have removed the following items. If the item is not removable, inform the security guard.

• Jewelry, including heavy necklaces, bracelets, barrettes, rings, watches, earrings, tie pins, cuff links, and body piercings.

• Keys and loose change.

• Personal portable devices, such as cell phones and pagers.

• Jackets with metal snaps and buttons.

• Belt with belt buckles.

• Under-wire bras.

In addition, you will be asked to remove your shoes. You are, however, permitted to wear head coverings or other religious garments, though you may have to be moved to a special screening area.

Organize Your Travel Information and Itinerary

Traveling can be stressful, which is why it's crucial that you're organized with your itinerary and traveling information. TripIt is an online personal travel assistant that can help you stay organized and stress-free. Simply e-mail your flight, rental car, hotel and other information to TripIt, and it will prepare a master itinerary complete with maps, nearby restaurants, the forecast, and more. You will be able to access your itinerary via email, mobile device, or by printing it out. You can also share the itinerary with others in your traveling party.

Trip it is compatible with more than 250 websites, including airlines, hotels, rental car agencies, travel agencies, and cruise lines.