When traveling, the last thing you want to do is find out you can not afford the fees to take your luggage with you or take the risk of having your luggage lost. These are just two of the benefits of packing light. Choosing to bring only a carryon will save you money and make your trip more enjoyable, as you will not have the worry of lost luggage or trying to carry around a heavy suitcase. If you have a tendency to pack too much, use the following 5 practical tips for packing light:

1. The first thing you can do to lighten up your travel load is to choose the right suitcase. This, of course, does not mean choosing a larger bag to hold everything you want to bring with you. Choosing a small sized piece of luggage is the only way to guarantee that you will not bring too much with you. Think of how easy you can carry it and consider what the carryon limits are, as the only way to guarantee your luggage will not be lost is to keep your luggage with you.

2. Never pack ‘just in case’ clothes for your trip. The only clothes you need to pack for your trip are one shirt for every day you plan on being there, one pair of pants can last two days, one pair of underwear for every day, and a sweater or jacket. If you plan on being gone for more than a week, you still do not need to pack any more than seven shirts or four pair of pants, as you should plan on doing a load of laundry while you are there.

3. Do not take up valuable space in your luggage by packing items you may not need. By calling the hotel you are going to be staying at, you can verify that certain items may be available to you. Most hotels have irons, blow dryers, robes, and many other items you can use during your stay.

4. Instead of packing all of the toiletries you use every day, lighten them up by only choosing the necessities. Not only that, you can downsize your normal sizes to travel sizes. Most department stores carry travel size toiletries or you can buy the empty travel cases and fill them yourself.

5. Last, when you are actually packing your suitcase, do not take one item at a time and place it in the luggage. Laying everything you are taking with you on your bed before you put it in the suitcase will give you a clear idea of exactly how much you are taking with you. As you start to pack the items, ask yourself whether the item is needed. Many times you will find yourself deciding you can live without it.

This post was written by David from FrequentFlyerCreditCards.com.au where you can learn more about the leading airline loyalty programs Down Under.

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Start planning your road trip adventure.

www.travel-australia-planning-guide.com/road-trip-planner.html

So if you start with several layers in the morning, then peel off a layer or two for the afternoon, you will most likely be putting a layer back on for night time.

These clothing tips will give you a few ideas for different weather conditions.

• Hats are for warmth and sun protection, when its cold wear a woollen hat like a beanie. In the warmer weather wear a peaked cap or a wide brimmed hat to prevent sunburn.
• In extreme cold & snow conditions long thermal leggings & long sleeve tops, gloves & socks etc are excellent for keeping you warmer.
• Many types of warm clothing incorporate fleece to help trap your body’s warmth.
• Gloves can be useful to protect from the cold and frostbite, using a leather glove when tending to the campfire or removing the camp oven is very useful as it will stop the radiant heat burning your hand or arm.
• Wind and water resistant jackets and pants are available that are quite thin and comfortable to wear when doing activities and yet they are very warm.
• Always be prepared for rain even when its warm, showers of rain are possible.
• When hiking or going for a long walk wear two layers of socks, a thin polyester pair and then thick woollen socks. This will be more comfortable and help prevent blisters. Change your socks if they get wet as soon as possible.
• Your shoes need to be of good quality and comfortable and worn in, not new, to prevent blisters from occurring.
• Good quality sun glasses are necessary to protect your eyes from the sun’s glare especially good when driving.
• When at the beach or swimming pool there’s nothing better than the shorts, t-shirt, bathers, thongs and remember the sun hat, sun glasses and sunscreen.

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Australia has a holiday experience for everyone

http://www.travel-australia-planning-guide.com

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• Camping Equipment – Always test your camping equipment before you leave home. Test all equipment especially tents, campers, caravans and any other RVs. Make sure you know how to setup and pack up, if you have a trailer or RV that may need backing make sure you can. You don’t want to have the entire campground giving you instructions.
• Finding a Campsite – Camp  where it suits your type of camping, bush camping with none or limited amenities or in a Holiday Park with all the amenities. Don’t camp in low areas where water may flow if it rains and don’t camp under trees with low hanging branches. Keep away from high traffic areas if you have young children as it can be noisier and a traffic hazard.
• Weather – Check the weather prior to leaving, if the weather report is not favourable for the area, postpone to another time if possiable or camp in a different direction where better weather is forecast. Just in case always be prepared with some wet weather jackets and a tarp for overhead protection. Also you could have a back up plan to stay in a cabin in a  Holiday Park.
• Camp Cooking – Never be tempted to cook inside your tent, always cook outside with everyones safety in mind especially when using gas burners and the campfire.
• Campfires – Have a campfire in a prepared area or clear an area about 3 metres around the fire area. Never leave it unattended and take care when children are around the fire.
• Packing Up – Pack up all your belongings, put the rubbish in bins provided or take it with you and dispose of it properly. If your tents & equipment is wet dry it off as best you can. When you get home make sure everything is dry especially tents.

Prepare and enjoy your camping trip in the great outdoors, use these camping common sense tips to help you enjoy your camping.

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What I love about having holidays in Australia is the unique destinations and experiences that are everywhere you travel.

http://www.travel-australia-planning-guide.com/holidays-in-australia.html

• As you are packing up your camp do your best to wipe or brush off the mud and dry equipent.
• Anything  wet that can’t be dried will have to be aired at home.
• Make sure tents and swags get dry, especiallycanvas ones as they can become mouldy.
• When you get home unpack and keep separate anything that needs washing or drying.
• Pack away what you can straight away, then tend to the muddy and wet things.
• If you are trying to get the equipment dry and it’s raining or too cold, place them in an area like a shed or garage.
• Tents don’t have to be setup but drape them over a trailer or chairs etc to allow the air to dry the tent quicker.
• Sleeping bags are best stored hanging or loosely folded on a shelf.
• Do any repairs, replace equipment, remove batteries if necessary, or at least make a list of things that must be done before next time.
• Clean out the esky, portable fridge and food containers or boxes to prevent mould and nasty smells happening.
• There is nothing like finding some stinky suprises next time you are getting ready for your next camping trip.
• Add to your checklist if you think of new things to take next time.

Geeting home after camping is usually not much fun, but if you make the effort to pack up your equipment properly as soon as possible, your next trip will be so much easier. Then you can enjoy the Great Outdoors again!

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There’s nothing like driving along and seeing absolutely stunning scenery that really takes your breath away on a great road trip anywhere in Australia.

www.travel-australia-planning-guide.com

• If you’re planning on taking a portable fridge on your camping trip, turn it on and run it for a day or two before leaving – this will help it be nice and cold when you arrive
• When setting up your tent ensure that you are not camped in an area where water will be directed in heavy rain like a natural waterway
• Check the camp ground rules in advance so you know what is allowed, when you can check in and out and whether pets are allowed etc.
• Check if ice is available nearby if you don’t have a portable fridge
• Check the expected weather conditions and day and night temperatures so you know what clothing to pack. This is especially important if you have young children
• Plan your meals in advance and choose meals which are easy to prepare and don’t require lots of cooking time or utensils. Use ingredients that can be easily stored and used.
• If you are on medication ensure you have enough for your trip or that there is a suitable place to buy more should it be required
• Insulated cups with lids are very useful.  Make sure you have one for everyone in your group. They keep your drink  hot or cold and insects out
• A road map is a great way to mark out your journey. However if you’d rather not get into an argument over directions, you may want to spend a little extra and use a GPS navigator also
• To keep the bugs out of your tent at night do not use a light while entering or exiting your tent and keep it closed unless you are getting in or out of it.
• For a good night’s sleep on a hot night unzip a window in your tent slightly. This will help remove unwanted moisture
• Keep some healthy snacks and water handy for the drive home if it is a long trip

Can you add any more camping tips?

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Travellers of all ages are packing up and heading off to see the amazing sights and experiences Australia offers.

www.travel-australia-planning-guide.com

There iare many ways to obtain information, about your holiday destination or destinations if you are travelling to several or many places. Online using the internet is very convenient, there is also many travel shows on TV that have great information with the bonus of being able to see it. Also there is many books, travel guides, magazines, brochures displaying ideas, photos, descriptions, maps, prices etc. Tourist Information Centres are also an excellent source of information.

Find Information Using The Internet – Using the internet you will find many travel, holiday, accommodation websites which can be confusing at times. It may be best to do a ‘search’ for the destination you are planning to go to rather than scan many general sites.

So for example if you plan to stay at Alice Springs and you would like to know more about Alice Springs and the area – do a Google search for ‘Alice Springs Tourist Information’ this will usually give you the official tourism site which will usually appear in the top 5 on the list.

This website http://www.centralaustraliantourism.com/  shows a lot of information Alice Springs and Central Austraia. You also have the option of searching for accommodation etc. yourself, you can do this by searching with Google.

To find a Caravan or Holiday Park – do a Google search for ‘alice springs caravan parks’ or ‘alice springs holiday parks’ or any other type of accommodation you choose.

You can also do the same search for alice springs attractions, things to do, tours, dining, activities etc.

You can repeat the above search for any destinations, if you are not sure where you would like to travel to.  Start with the official website for Australia and then the States and Territories to get some ideas and inspriration.

When you have gathered together all your holiday information you can plan and prepare for your great camping and travelling adventure at one destination or many destinations. Either way have a great holiday!

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Planning a road trip journey is the best way to really experience the scenic views, to enjoy spontaneous road trip adventures and find exciting experiences.

www.travel-australia-planning-guide.com

Following the phenomenal success of Long Way Round, Race to Dakar and Long Way Down, adventurer extraordinary Charley Boorman is back with a brand new voyage. Charley is faced with the utmost challenge To get himself from Wicklow County in Ireland to Sydney, Australia By Any Means of transportation available. Very Entertaining and excellent present. Click on image for more Info.

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There’s nothing like driving along and seeing absolutely stunning scenery that really takes your breath away on a great road trip anywhere in Australia.

http://www.travel-australia-planning-guide.com/australia-travel-tips.html

• Start by keeping a reasonable distance from other campers.
• Look for higher ground rather than low ground, don’t camp in dry creek beds or areas that could flow with water if it rains.
• Try to choose flat ground, rather than sloping, if you have to have slightly sloping ground, set your beds up so that your head is up hill, and so you won’t be rolling out of bed all night, very uncomfortable otherwise.
• When choosing a place to pitch your tent or park your RV, look up and look for any trees that have branches that are leaning over and maybe a hazard if they fell.
• Some shade is always good, if you don’t have any trees to create some shade make your own with a large tarp attached to trees or your vehicle etc.
• Set up your cooking equipment a short distance from your tents, you may be able to use the tent as wind protection if necessary.
• Check for a nearby water source, hopefully there is a tap, if there isn’t look for running water. Always your own water supply unless you are certain water will be available.
• If you can have a campfire, clear the area at least 2 metres around the fire pit and never leave it unattended.
• Never be tempted to cook in your tent with a gas burner or use candles, it won’t be the only thing burning.
• When you are washing yourself, the dishes or clothes etc use only biodegradable detergent and tip out water well away from any water source.
• Pick up your garbage and put it in appropriate bins if supplied, if they are not supplied take your rubbish with you and find a bin on your way home or going to your next destination.

For all your camping equipment supplies checkout CampStuff your online camping store.

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Australia has a holiday experience for everyone, from a relaxing holiday to the extreme sport experience. Stunning beaches, the awesome Outback, breathtaking rainforests, outstanding self drive tours, Top End adventures and so much more.

http://www.travel-australia-planning-guide.com/adventure-trips-in-australia.html

Check the details – location, dates available, price

Press the ‘BOOK’ button. If you are happy to go ahead with the booking complete the form and pay with your credit card. You will then receive a instant confirmation message by email.

Making your reservation is easy and every effort is made to make your details safe and secure. Find the accommodation you need or would like to book, select a room, holiday house cottage or other. Then press the book now button. Then the reservation form appears and you have to confirm your booking. You will then receive an instant confirmation message by email.

Print all booking information including confirmation letter, receipt etc. Contact booking website or if it is accommodation you will usually be able to contact them direct if you have any questions prior to leaving for your holiday.

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What I love about having holidays in Australia is the unique destinations and experiences that are everywhere you travel.

http://www.travel-australia-planning-guide.com/holidays-in-australia.html

• Plan your holiday so you  go to a destination, an attraction or do an activty that you will really enjoy, that maybe relaxing or it could be something adventurous.
• Keep to your budget that you set when you left home so you don’t have a massive credit card bill when you get home.
• Do some pre checking on your destination and accommodation before you leave home so it is what you expected
• When you are booking your flight or accommodation etc online make sure you have a printed copy of receipts & ticket info.
• Consider getting travel insurance in case you have to cancel your travel plans or to cover other problems like lost luggage etc
• Check out reviews of your tour or accommodation, destination by searching online travel websites or forums

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