31 - Sunday, June 7, 1987 - North Shore News Packing tips ease travels I HAVE several very elderly American aunts — since my father was the second youngest of 11 kids, you can ap- preciate the fact that I had more aunts than most people. One had an opportunity for un- limited travel, first as a medical missionary and then as the director of nursing services for the U.S. Army. Sadly, she abhorred travel and considered it just one of the hazards of her line of work. i ee ee travel by Barbara McCreadie ing her ambition and assuring her, “I'l do that, too, when | grow up.” Fortunately, 1 didn’t have to wait that long to start. When I was nine, my Dad took us on a holiday to Montana and | proudly put an X through state number one. So far, I've only managed to visit 19 states, so I'd better get on with ii before I’m like my aunt, chasing her dream at 78. Which brings me to the next topic: packing. I’ve often been asked to print a packing list for readers to clip and save, but unless I'm actualiy doing the job it’s the _last thing on my mind. And, when I’m packing, writing a column is usually the last thing on my mind. Today, both have come together as a result of terminal laziness. First, beware of anyone who tells you to pack every item in tissue paper. That might be just fine for someone who must unpack just once. Can you imagine the scene for someone on a tour — eight hotels in eight days? Couple that with a series of 8 a.m. depar- ‘ SPREE tures and I'll show you enough lef- Another was a travel fanatic. Her goal was to visit every state in - the United States and she gave it her best shot until poor health put an end to racketing all over the country on buses. Buses? You bet. As an officer in “the Salvation Army, her funds were obviously limited, as was her annual leave. When she retired she had even less money but more time. ‘Can you believe the courage of a "frail 78-year-old ‘lady riding’ a_bus | all the way: to Alaska from her" home in Boston? ‘You see, the United States really pulled a trick on her when they added Alaska and Hawaii. ’T was just a little kid when my travelling aunt came to visit and confided her goal. She hauled out my school atlas and described every state she’d seen and how she planned to get to the rest of them. She knew Greyhound routes better than a dispatcher. Perhaps that’s what started my travel urge..I can remember admir- Careers in Travel We can open the door to the -@ # exciting world of travel.for YOU f tover tissue paper to make the maids quit. Pack heavy objects such as shoes and hair dryers along the hinge side of the suitcase. Pack clothing in order of need — nightwear on top. Keep similar garments such as stockings and underwear together and always in the same spot. Lay clothing as flat as possible except knits, which roll very well. Use spray starch on cottons. Ifa garment is badly creased, hang it . in the, bathroom while you take a “shower. . “Try to- organize your wardrobe so that the colors mix and match. A skirt or pair of slacks that match only one top is useless. Study the weather at your desti- nation. If there’s a chance of cold, wind or rain, pack a windbreaker even if it’s the ugliest garment you own (mine is). If you'll be doing a lot of walking, allow extra socks and bring your best walking shoes, preferably low-heeled and rubber- soled. laundry and never pass by a laun- dromat if you can help it. Now, here’s the checklist I use. Naturally the destination plays a big role in wardrobe planning. | fill in the number of garments in the bracket and list by color on the following line. On most trips | limit myself to one suitcase, and a small one at that. The only other bag I take is a satchel when plann- ing (a) a purchase of duty-free or (b) a very long flight where I pack a kaftan to travel in or (c) if I in- tend to make short trips, leaving my main bag in the “eft luggage."’ Purse: Money Travellers’ cheques Tickets Passport Credit card(s) Sunglasses Medications (any prescriptions plus aspirin) Disposable tooth brush(es) Makeup kit Hairbrush Notebook and pens Address book (if I intend writing postcards) Packaged towelettes Peppermints Suitcase: Hair dryer (dual voltage) Cosmetic case (including small- sized containers of items such as shampoo and toothpaste) Small mending kit including tiny scissors Travel alarm clock Adaptor plugs (if going overseas) Nail clippers Photocopy of documents and travellers’ cheque numbers. Clothing: Blouses (_ )——-——__——-——— Stacks ( ) Skirts ( ) PRIME TRAVEL of West Vancouver Invites you to New — im DAY.AND EVENING COURSES : i. | conducted by Industry professionals’ In TRAVEL COUNSELLING | S . SALES & MARKETING B RESERVEC COMPUTERS with on-site instailations : TRAVEL TRAINING CENTRE & St. 2-1583 Pemberton Ave. North Vancouver’ 986-2221 fA Deparis November 4/87 — $4895.00 cdn. per person. Based on double occupancy and a _ minimum of 15 passengers. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CALL When you subscribe to the North Shore News You'll also be eligible to win an Alaskan Cruise, six months free housecleaning services and many other great prizes. Subscription deadline — June 15 Call now — Mark Warner, Local 157 PRIME TRAVEL 1681 MARINE DRIVE, WEST VAN 925-1212 | Dresses ( Sweaters ( T-shirts ( ( Steepwear ( ) Underwear Accessories Coats and Jackets(_ )—--——— It’s a jungle out there. The Amazon! Capture it for Christmas in the luxury of the Stella Solaris. H TATON ii RIVER CRUISE ABOARD THE STELLA SOLARIS. Christmas/New Year Dec. 19, 1987 to Jan. 3, 1988 15 Day Air/Sea Cruise Fear stn ae theres ae uy Sun Line Cruises Anything clse is a compromise. This Christmas, Sun Line invites you to explore the very heart of the exotic zone, on a journey that takes you 1000 miles up the Amazon River on the elegant . Stelia Solaris. This cruise brings you the riches of the. Amazon and touches 7 friendly islands of the Caribbean.’ John Gilbert, National *Escorted by ‘lalk Show host on CKO's Radio Network. FOR RESERVATIONS AND . INFORMATION CONTACT: ALL PORTS THAVEL 943-0323 YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER SINCE 1969 s@ THE VOICE OF ORTH AND WEST VANCOUVER