Weigh Your Carry-On and Luggage Options Carefully
By Stephanie Steward
Expect the best from MD&M West, but prepare for the worst when traveling
A day at a trade show may not be a day at the beach, but Anaheim’s weather will have you walking on sunshine during the week of MD&M West. This news should make packing for your trip a little easier, or at least make your bags a little lighter (no heavy coats necessary like at MD&M Minneapolis).
Packing lists help some people but one thing to keep in mind early on is what you want in your carry-on bag and what you want in your suitcase. Keeping copies of your itinerary, reservations, schedules, and important documents in your carry-on, as well as back-up copies in your checked luggage, can come in handy if your access to the Internet is limited or if your bags are lost.
Use TSA’s 3-1-1 rule when packing your carry-on bag to avoid hassles at airport security. Remember: TSA officials are required to dispose of any containers (toiletries, beverages, etc.) that are over 3 oz. The rule is 3-oz-size containers should be packed in a 1-qt clear plastic zip-top bag, limited to one bag per passenger. As passengers move through security, the plastic bag must be removed from the carry-on bag and placed in a separate screening bin, like you would with your shoes, for example. You can find travel-size containers for your toiletries at most drug stores, or you could pack your toiletries (of any size) in your checked luggage instead. For more information on TSA Regulations, visit
www.tsa.gov/travelersYou may also want to pick up some safety pins, stain remover (which, especially in pen form, is very handy and easy to pack) and antistatic spray (there’s nothing worse than a clingy pant leg; travel-size cans are available). Before you walk out the door, triple check your outlets at home and your luggage to make sure you have all your devices (phone, PDA, mp3 player, laptop, camera) and their charging components. And remember to pack comfortable shoes for walking and working the trade show. Don't forget Band-Aids in case you get blisters.
If you plan to drive to Anaheim or get transportation to and from one of the airports, checking traffic updates online before you leave can help you anticipate congestion and allow for extra time to get to your destination. One site that provides regularly updated information on Southern California’s freeways is
www.sigalert.com
