I just finished packing for an upcoming trip to Japan, and just wanted to share a few tips that I've followed to make my trip easier. Here they go:
Take a carry-on bag:
Air travel is complicated these days so minimize inconveniences, delays and chances of losing your luggage by taking a carry-on bag. There is always the temptation to take more than you need, but limiting your stuff to what can fit in a small bag will force you to be creative and decide what do you really need to take. Take clothes that can be used in different settings: for example, you can wear a nice pair of jeans both to walk during the day and to go to dinner at night. Black t-shirts are also a good all-purpose piece of clothing. Limit yourself to one pair of shoes (the one you're wearing); a good option are those shoes that are a hybrid between sneakers and a regular pair of shoes.
Don't take your wallet:Take only some cash, an ID card, a credit card, and a debit card, and wrap everything around with a rubber band (you don't need one of
these expensive thingies; any plain old rubber band will do). Carry them in your front pocket.
Don't take a laptop:
Save all your important documents in
Google Docs, so that you can access them from any Internet cafe if you need to. If you want, you can take a USB drive too. Don't forget to upload to Google Docs all the information about your trip: addresses, directions, etc.
Take a disposable raincoat:Don't let the rain spoil your trip, but also, don't take a regular raincoat since it takes too much space. Buy one of those
plastic disposable raincoats that fit in a small ziplock bag.
Consolidate all your medicine pills in one bottle:Most pills don't look the same so you can put them all in one bottle to save space (as long as you know which is which).
Take a "man-bag": A
man-bag looks like a purse with a long strap, and it is a great way to carry around essentials while sightseeing. You can carry a camera, a book, maps, etc. The good thing about them is that you can strap them over your shoulder and position them in front of you,so you can always keep an eye on your belongings. I have also used them for one-day trips. Some guys don't like them because they look "feminine" but I really don't give a frog's fat behind what other people think (and neither should you) as long as it makes my trip easier.
Check out seatguru.com:This is very important: every plane has some seats that don't recline, or don't have enough legroom, or are too close to the bathroom, etc.
SeatGuru.com can tell you, by airline and plane type, which seats you need to avoid. Check out if your assigned seats are among those, so you can change them for better ones before your trip.
Get a foam cervical collar:
I know, I know. These things around your neck look ugly, but believe me, they will make your plane ride much more comfortable, especially if it's a long one. This thing really prevents your head from bobbling around when you're dozing off on the plane, and will protect you against sprained muscles and other neck problems. Get one even if you don't have any neck issues; it's worth it.
Others:
Buy small, travel size toiletries. You can get them in any drugstore, or you can buy small containers where you can store shampoo, toothpaste, etc. Take a bottle of water (it doesn't have to be a
$25 Sigg :), any plain old plastic bottle would do (you will save a lot of money just by refilling to keep yourself hydrated, provided that the local water supply is safe to drink). Take a few snacks (peanuts, dry fruit, etc) so you don't have to buy expensive stuff at airports. Take two or three books, since you never know when your plane is going to be delayed. Always carry a pen with you so you can fill out customs forms quickly.
There are many other things that can make your trip easier, but these are some of the most important, in my experience. Travel light and enjoy your trip.