Castello di Monterone, Perugia, Umbria (Italy)

Welcome to... TRIPS WORTH TAKING

Do you roll or fold? Use hangers or packing cubes? Wrap in tissue paper or plastic dry-cleaning bags? The challenge, of course, is to pack everything you might possibly need for a trip and not one thing extra.

I like Bill Hurst's (Asia expert and Abercrombie & Kent tour manager extraordinaire) advice:

"The secret to packing is to pack only for one week, no matter where or how long you intend to travel. The laundry could prove cheaper than overweight baggage charges."

Read on to discover my own tips and tricks for your wallet, carry-on, checked luggage and Smartphone...

Thank you for your continued support and friendship,

Ellen Bainer, CTC

What's In Your Wallet?

Karl Malden used to warn, "Don't leave home without them", but I haven't used traveler's checks in years. Most banks abroad won't even accept them anymore (nor will they exchange plain old cash for tourists). I get my cash en route from ATMs, now the standard way for travelers to get money. It's economical, safe and convenient. Your PIN should be 4 digits (and NOT start with zero). Since there's a per transaction fee, avoid making many small withdrawals. Of course, you can always exchange dollars at the hotel front desk (or on board your cruise ship), but the rate may not be optimal.

Beware of currency exchange outlets at airports or storefronts in busy tourist areas: they charge a hefty commission percentage as well as a flat fee and they're never a good deal. (Note: if you're headed to an exotic destination like Burma or Botswana, I'll give you specialized money advice before you go.)

DO use ATMs to get cash abroad		DON'T use currency exchange storefronts

I always take two credit cards, American Express and Visa (or Mastercard). Most credit card companies and bank-issued cards charge foreign transaction fees that range from 2% to 3%. I recommend American Express Platinum and Capital One cards which do NOT charge this fee.

I carry a slim travel wallet which has 2 pockets for separate currencies. If you take your everyday wallet, remove all unnecessary local credit cards (but bring your driver's license – you never know when you'll have to rent a car!) I always carry some cash, including "small money" for tips and taxis. I usually take 1 or 2 loose personal checks too. Bring a small zippered coin purse for foreign coins.

My Favorite Travel Accessories:

TravelSox: compression socks prevent swollen ankles on long flights		"Vide-poche": keep track of small items on your bedside table in the stylish French way!

Bucky: my favorite travel neck pillow (get the fuzzy eye mask too!)		"GROOM bag": I found this small shoulder bag (made of black nylon microfiber) in a boutique on the Left Bank in Paris. Light as a feather — perfect for day or night.

Bendel's cosmetic case: just the right size; packs flat in your checked luggage.		Digital Luggage Scale: I don't actually own this (yet) but it's a great way to eliminate overweight baggage charges!

My Favorite Travel Apps:

Flight Track Pro: Track your flight accurately—not free, but it's worth it.		Tripit – takes my travel schedule and puts it in the palm of my hand!

Saving Grace – this packing app is a bit too comprehensive (even for me), but it's worth a look.		Signature Travel Network's Pocket Travel Consultant: brand-new technology! Includes hundreds of city guides worldwide, restaurant recommendations, hotels... and you can get it only from me! Click here if you'd like to test-drive this free app!

Lakani's Europe Rediscovered by Luxury Private Jet September 1- 16, 2012 … complimentary business class airfare from any major US city when booked by June 15th:

You can experience the best of Europe - without touching your luggage! Lakani's exclusive private jet (limited to 14 passengers) avoids the crowds and operates only from private airport terminals. You'd never be able to duplicate this journey using commercial air schedules! From the old world luxury of Belgium to pristine natural beauty in Slovenia; from the incomparable Amalfi Coast to the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao – it's Europe at its finest! Click here for the detailed itinerary.

Ellen's extensive travels have taken her to destinations throughout Europe, Russia, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, India, China, Africa, Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific as well as South America, the Caribbean, the USA and Canada. She's visited exotic locales such as Petra, Angkor Wat, Jaipur and Machu Picchu — as well as world capitals like Paris, Beijing, Buenos Aires and Cape Town.

Ellen's travel articles have appeared in Travel Weekly, Travel+Life and ValueRich magazines. She's been quoted in the New York Times. She graduated from Swarthmore College and earned the Certified Travel Consultant (CTC) designation in 1997. Ellen is an avid photographer (her photos appear in this e-zine), a great cook and a lover of all things French!

Trips Worth Taking is an online magazine written by Ellen Bainer and dedicated to enhancing your worldwide travel experiences. We'll introduce you to fascinating people and places; reveal travel tips honed by 30 years of traveling the globe; and recommend unforgettable trips that are "worth the price of admission"! Thanks for tuning in!