6.Keep documentation papers.

On my last cruise a couple’s luggage got really torn up. I listened to them argue it out with purser. The cruise line claimed it says in their papers they aren’t responsible; it’s baggage handlers on dock … or maybe airline. At any rate, at some time couple is going to have to prove what luggage cost. Photographs are also helpful.

7.Which brings up a practical point: your luggage and common sense.

The above-mentioned couple was claiming, She – that she’d paid $300 for her fabric-type roll-on luggage. He - that his “custom-made all leather carryon” was not replaceable. Use your own judgment, but seems to me best practical measure these days is to buy sturdiest least expensive luggage you can find. I think it unrealistic to imagine your luggage won’t be at least nicked, scratched or slightly torn, and you can save yourself some emotional turmoil by preparing for that fact, i.e., don’t give a toddler a crystal goblet and then be “surprised” it gets broken.

8.Hot tubs and bathing suits.

Some hot tubs contain enough bromine (via health regulations) to not only bleach out your bathing suit, but loosen elastic, leaving you with a bleached bag. This information is posted near hot tub, but won’t help you if you don’t know beforehand. Be practical. Bring an old suit, or bring an inexpensive one and treat it like a Bic pen: disposable.

9.If you’re traveling abroad, alert your credit card company ahead of time.

10. Take your Emotional Intelligence with you.

Traveling is a microcosm of life because it’s full of new things, and often no learning curve. EQ competencies such as quick reality testing, and interpersonal relationship skills are extremely helpful. Brush up!

Also observe others in ever-occurring stressful situations and you’ll see what works and what doesn’t.

Stop waiting until you finish school, until you go back to school, until you lose ten pounds, until you gain ten pounds, until you start work, until you retire, until you get married, until you get divorced, until Friday night, until Sunday morning, until you get a new home, until your home is paid off, until spring, until summer, until fall, until winter, until you get approved for disability, until you are off welfare, until first or fifteenth, until your song comes on, until you have had a drink, until you have sobered up, until you die, until you get to heaven to decide to be happy.

Happiness is a journey, not a destination.

© by Joyce C. Lock

http://my.homewithgod.com/blessingsandlessons/

This writing may be used in its entirety, with credits in tact, for non-profit ministering purposes.