Each year Journeywoman reaches out to her female travel writing colleagues around the world and asks them to share one of their best travel secrets with our JW Network.
Invariably these annual submissions become one of the most popular posts at our website. I believe that 2012 will be no exception. The advice that has been submitted this year is fantastic and we know you'll have great fun going through them and saving the ones you love. Enjoy, everybody!
P.S. Spread the word. Is a female traveller you know having a birthday? Why not forward these tips on to her. I'll bet she'll love them.
3. Casa plus maid service in San Miguel, Mexico -- In the Unesco town of San Miguel de Allende, Mexcio, one thing to keep in mind is that you can rent an entire casa complete with maid and gardener for about the same per night cost as a hotel room. San Miguel is also a very safe town and is ideal for women travelling solo. Here's a good starting point to check out rental opportunities. Click here.
5. Organize your first aid-kit into categories -- Since I'm a scientist by training, I've devised an unusual way to organize my first-aid kit. I carry five zip-lock baggies and each one is packed with items to treat a set of symptoms or body part. Packet 1: Tummy Troubles -- probiotics, antacids and Imodium. Packet 2: Pain + Itching -- topical cortisone cream, antihistamine pills and ibuprofen. Packet 3: Mouth + Eyes -- DenTek Temparin Max to temporarily repair dental fillings, sterile saline solution for your eyes and Gly-Oxide for gum irritation. Packet 4: Bandaids + Blisters -- includes mole skin, blister bandages and triple antibiotic ointment. Packet 5: Women Only -- prescription/OTC vaginal cream, and prescription Diflucan, which treats vaginitis with just one dose.
6. Open two bank accounts before travelling -- Open two checking accounts, operating and master, and set up online banking so that you can transfer funds between accounts. Keep the bulk of your money in the master and just a small balance in the operating account. Get two debit cards with different numbers for the operating account ONLY and make sure both work. Carry one debit card with you, storing the second in a safe place in the event your first card is lost or stolen. Use your debit card in overseas ATM's to get local currency, replenishing the operating account online when needed. In this way, the bulk of your funds are never at risk.
8. Jello, condoms and water purification tablets--to the rescue! -- None of these take much space but they can save your life. For example, if you get stuck, get cold, get lost, get dehydrated or exhausted these items can come in pretty handy. Use the condom to put water in (and pills to purify the water if needed.) Jello is the perfect food for hypothermia or exhaustion. Stay well, ladies!
9. Is it a bra, or a wallet?-- When buying a bra, look for one with double padding. I know, they're not always attractive, but for travellers they can be very functional. When you get home, make a 2-3" slit on the inside, and darn the edges with some thread. Now you have a pocket. This is where I hide money and my room keycard. You can also do this without cutting a bra by placing the items inside the cup.
10. Only two pairs of shoes -- Never carry more than two pairs of shoes with you. Wear the bulkier ones on your flight and the lighter ones get packed in your bag, stuffed with your underwear and other small items so as to maximize space. Many companies manufacture shoes (Olukai comes to mind) that are both comfortable to wear all day while still being fashionable so you don't have to forgo one for the other.