Get a (traveling) clue

The cat is in the suitcase.
Subtext: “Obviously, you are packing to go somewhere. We are not pleased. We do not like change. We will impede your progress with all our furry might.”
In fact, I do like change and I am going somewhere: a second trip to Venice (last one: two years ago), to eat; see the Biennale (semi-annual modern art show); to visit the Contessa who lives in the palazzino where we stay in Dorsoduro and her little dog, Webby; to eat; to visit Ca’ Rezzonico, a haven for art of the 18th century (much more to my taste than modern art, if truth were known); to eat; to paint and photograph; and to eat.
Last time I went to Venice, I was so busy and clueless that I left all the planning to a Venice-practiced friend and simply packed a suitcase and got on a plane. This led to her feeling overburdened and me being even more clueless.
This time, I’m so prepared that my file of research threatens to put my suitcase over weight limits before I’ve even packed a single item of clothing.
Here, my thoughts for on planning for overseas travel, useful for first-time travelers.

Getting ready for the road:
• Research. Check book-related Web sites for good reads about the area. Input various searches for blogs, tourism web sites, maps, history. It’s important to state searches in a variety of ways so as to find different databases: Venice shopping, Venice history, Venice culture, Venice guidebooks, Venice maps, Venice biennale, Venice transportation, Venice cell phones, Venice weather, etc. etc.
• Get your passport or renew it, well in advance. The process can take weeks.
• By far the most important thing to pack is already on you: that squishy gray matter between your ears. Use your brain to: accept that your own someone else’s turf — cultivate a humble, respectful, pleasant attitude; realize that customs differ and that’s not bad — you’ll be out of your comfort zone, get over it. For example, in Venice wine and coffee bars, you pay more if you sit down, less if you stand up at high counters along the walls; this may seem odd but it’s how Venetians do it. Do as the locals do and do it with a (genuine) smile on your face.

Prepare to be stranded:
Anyone can get bumped and end up sleeping on the airport floor, as I did at JFK on my last trip.
• In your carryon — pack tiny portions of toiletries and needed medications; sturdy munchies and water bottle; something to double as a blanket and pillow; socks, earplugs, eye mask, noise-reduction had phones; wrinkle-free garment that you can sleep in and/or wear out plus a change of underwear; amusements (books, iPod, etc.)
• Activate a phone that works internationally (many ways to do this, consult cell phone provider).
• Use a travel agent and keep the phone number with you. Often, they can effectively intervene on your behalf when something goes wrong mid-travel.
• Consider travel insurance.
• Invest in the best lightweight, wheeled luggage you can afford.
• Try to stay with the same carrier, or at most, one domestic and one overseas carrier, making for smoother connections, more likely to be upgraded. Do NOT accept a layover of less than three or four hours for international travel.
• Preview the layouts online of all the airports you will pass through; you can find these online.

Money:
• Call customer service for any credit card you plan to use and alert them to your travel plans; prevents them locking up the card due to a suspicion of illegal activity.
• The best exchange rates are generally afforded at cash machines within the country in question, though you’ll be charged a fee by your credit card company.
• Have sufficient money in the currency of each country you’ll pass through to buy food and accommodation for one night.
• Do not carry large amounts of cash. Place valuables in a money pouch worn inside your clothing. Don’t take or wear a lot of exensive jewelry.
• Use curbside check-in and tip generously; these folks can often check things through more efficiently than the ticket agents.
• Place your tickets in the order of the destinations through which you are traveling. Make sure each agent pulls the correct ticket. If the incorrect ticket is pulled, you will be in big trouble and probably miss a connection while getting reticketed.
• If you are using e-tickets, or have booked a car or other things on a particular credit card, you must have that credit card with you. Check expiration dates.
• In negotiating with airline personnel, speak in an even tone, don't be nasty and remember that they're dealing with dozens of you a day. If they can't resolve your immediate problem, suggest alternatives: Hotel or food vouchers? A transfer? Standing by? Be pleasant and persistent; they can help you if they want to.
• Airports can be very enjoyable places; there are often museums and, of course, lots of shops and restaurants. You may have to pass through security to get to them, though.
• Accept that you may find yourself emotionally sideswiped by a travel disaster — angry, scared, weepy, off-base. Do what you need to do to release your emotions and get back on an even keel. And know that, at some point, you'll be back home again.

Backup plans:
• Designate a home contact, someone reliable that you can reach in case of an emergency. Leave with them all important phone numbers, house and car key copies, copies of important documents, copy of will, contact information for your doctors, any vital health information, instructions for what to do in case of a home emergency (“if the house floods, call Joe the Plumber, 555-1333”).
• Make multiple copies of all important documents — passport, driver’s license, insurance cards, traveler’s check serial numbers, vouchers, itinerary. One for suitcase or hotel safe, one remains with home contact.
• Check on your health and auto coverage while traveling; get a contact number, preferably a toll-free international one. If you’re roughing it or trekking, consider buying a policy that assures you care and transport in case of illness in the outback.

Avoiding overpacking:
• A week before, assemble everything you’re thinking of taking. Check for needed cleaning, repairs, try on anything that’s iffey. Now cut the amount by half.
• Practice pack: Put everything in the suitcase that you MUST have (medicines, electronics, chargers, paperwork) then tailor the amount of personal items you take to the space left over.
• For a week or two in Europe: three tops or shirts, one skirt and one pant for women or two pants for men, a “nice” outfit for dining out (preferably something that can go from day to night), five sets underwear, shawl and/or pareau and/or scarf and/or hat (required in some churches, useful in weather extremes), two or three pairs shoes (sturdy walking, “nice,” casual slipons for going through security), nightclothes (a long T-shirt can do double duty). Avoid overly bare clothing which might be offensive in some contexts. Lots of Web sites offer packing tips, such as independenttraveler.com
• If you haven’t traveled lately, please, PLEASE go to the TSA Web site and learn the current security rules so you don’t hold others up during check-in. www.tsa.gov/travelers/customer/claims/pack.shtm