While killing time at the library with my son — after school and before piano lesson — I came across some interesting travel tips in Conde Nast Traveler magazine. They had sponsored a Dream Trip photo contest, and asked each contestant to submit 3 travel tips along with their photo.

Here are some of my favorites — at least, the ones which apply to Big City Fun for Women Travelers (I left out those trekking-thru-the-desert tips!):

1. Plan your trip like a sumptuous buffet. When planning a trip, build a full list of options—a buffet of exciting things to do, see and experience—instead of a set menu-like itinerary. It will allow you to adjust your program to your mood or that of your companions, and leave time for improvisation. From Claude Carrier, Toronto, Canada.

2. When traveling abroad, always carry a pair of passport-sized photos along with your passport number. If you ever lose or misplace your passport, this will greatly expedite your consulate’s ability to issue new travel documentation! Kim Moline, Venice, Florida

3. Make copies of all your important documents such as your passport, driver’s license and credit cards and keep them in the hotel or another safe location. If you lose these items or are victim to theft, the copies make the subsequent steps less of a hassle. Kim Collins, Nashville, Tennessee

4. Make sure you pack a few good maps of the places you will be visiting and investigate your destination before you go. Locate items of interest on the maps, highlighting them with a bright marker. Becoming familiar with your destination prior to departure is one of the best ways to get the most out of your travel experience. Kim Moline, Venice, Florida

5. When traveling with your spouse, don’t pack his and her suitcases. Instead, pack some of your clothing in each piece of luggage. If one of them gets lost, you’ll both still have something to wear. Ray Grasso, Wethersfield, CT

6. After packing your suitcase at home, take a picture of it with your digital camera before closing it. When you claim your luggage at your destination, open the suitcase and compare what you see with your picture. If you wait until you get to your hotel to discover that something is missing, it might be too late to do anything about it. Ray Grasso, Wethersfield, CT

7. Forget the electronics—no laptop! Take a paper journal and each day record the sights, tastes and experiences that you encountered. The journal is easier to manage and creates a user-friendly tool for when you’re back at home. Chris Fry, Lexington, Kentucky

And I was excited to see the following three tips (and gorgeous photo!) from Paul Krynicki of Kirkland, Washington. Paul and his wife Jean became two of our favorite “ranch friends” years ago, during several stays at Triangle X Ranch in Moose, WY:

8. For countries with challenging writing systems (China, Japan, Thailand, Russia, etc.) carry a small spiral notebook. Copy the name in the local script of the sights and restaurants you wish to see, one item to a page with the English included. Copy the names from guidebooks or have the concierge write it. Show the page to a cabby and you’re on your way. Remember to have your hotel name in your notebook for the return trip.

9. Pack light into a big suitcase or duffel. Fill the extra space with bubble wrap plus an extra duffel to protect and wrap everything you’re going to buy. The extra duffel should be able to fit in the overhead compartment of an airplane, especially for an overseas trip. When the extra duffel is full see (the next tip).

10. If you’re an inveterate shopper, find out the local addresses in overseas countries for FedEx, UPS and DHL before you leave home. These shippers will gladly send your stuff to your home so you now have room to reload your duffel/suitcase for more shopping. With address in hand, your guide can easily get you to the shipping office.

For the full Conde Nast article, including the breathtaking photos, stories, and tips from the contest winners and finalists, click on this link: Conde Nast Traveler 2007 Dream Trip Photo Contest

Filed under: Overseas Travel, Travel Tips

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