by Maya Michel

Created on: May 24, 2009

I am a traveler from way back. I've stayed in everything from five star island destinations to places with slimy floors and horrendous smells. I've spend nights in lounge chairs by swimming pools, hammocks under palm trees and parked under the Golden Gate Bridge. When I think of it, I've done some pretty dumb things and am here to tell you all about it.

One thing that I do pack. no matter what ~ is a smoke alarm. They are small, can be sent through airport check-in with your bags and work on a number of levels. First and most important, if there is a fire. Yep that sucker will wake anyone within half a kilometer. It makes me feel good. It's the one gift that I give to my kids when they are going on adventures to ports unknown.

The second level is that it can be used if you are in a frightening situation and need help. Calling out for help only makes people go underground but they'll come to watch a fire. So buy one with a test button. Use it. Use it if you think someone's breaking into your room, use it if you think someone's breaking into someone else's room, use it any time you are in imminent danger.

The other thing I tend to do when staying in less-than-comfortable places is find a brick or a hefty rock. I sleep better in a tent if I have a rock by my pillow. In a hotel room I put it about 6 inches inside of the door. That way they make good and loud sounds if they are crashed into by the door. They delay any wrong-doer long enough for you to test your fire alarm. They also come in handy to crack macadamia nuts and to loosen tight lids on the spaghetti sauce. If you get a flat-ish one you can use itnas a cutting board for your crackers and cheese. Brie works particularly well on a rock that has been sun-warmed.

Make sure you have a nice cotton tee shirt with you. It washes out well and dries quickly and I've used mine countless times on pillowcases that are not 100% cotton and made my skin burn. Just remember to undress your pillow before you leave.

The last thing I would bring (and send through airport check-in inside of my suitcase) is a pack of incense and a lighter. This comes in handy to ward off the stenches that come from supposedly non-smoking hotel rooms or staying over an Indian restaurant. Mosquitoes don't like incense so you can burn it if you have an open-air environment. It will also keep a your suitcase smelling a bit more appealing.

Handy tips from a seasoned traveler

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