Okay... so your pal the Samurai is going to be gone for two weeks. I'll be in Yakima, Washington for work tomorrow through Friday, and I'll be in Oregon the following week.

I'm learning to pack smart... here's a few more tips.

1. Meals on the road:

I'm packing a small bowl and a set of chop-sticks. If you're planning to eat out on your first day out there, snag a plastic fork or spoon if you need 'em. When the chips are down, and you're in a small town and every freakin' food place is closed, and your only option is a grocery store, or a gas station with the only really edible thing is a pack of ramen, it's nice to have both something to eat it in, and something to eat it with!

2. Electronics are your friend:

We all know this. I just forked out some cash for a GPS unit as the last two trips I've taken, I've had to mess with an immediate need to know an area. Most hotels don't have a stereo, so either a way to plug into the TV or a set of travel speakers will give you a little more entertainment than the stupid TV with 13 channels with crap on 'em all. I haven't watched TV much in years, and the last show I liked with real people in it was "Profit"...

Also, as I know I'll be driving through Washington, with the dreaded Washington highway patrol, I'm packing my radar detctor.

My travel kit of electronics at this point would include: An MP3 player, a digital camera, two cell phones (work and personal), GPS unit, Laptop, Fuzz buster, and my next purchase of electronics is going to be a pocket-sized hard-drive for an additional amount of space. Electronics take a business trip and turn it into something a little less stressful and add a little bit of the comforts of home. My first several trips with this company involved TV and a lot of reading. This tends to leave a person a little bored after awhile. It's nice to be able to play a little Unreal Tournament at the end of the night.

3. Pack a little more than what you need:

If you're going to be gone for five days, bring six pairs of socks. Bring a couple extra pairs of underwear. Nobody wants to admit to being clumsy (or sick) on a trip, but not having a couple extra items can result in a lot of time lost to doing laundry on the road.

4. Don't be a luggage chump:

Don't buy a brand new suitcase if you can help it. Spending a lot of money on a flashy luggage set may seem like a good idea. My Mom bought a new set... her first trip from Colorado to Virgina resulted in sort of oil stain on her suitcase. The next trip resulted in a big tear. Luggage monkeys do NOT give a rat's ass about your bag, in fact, one of the passengers in the seat next to me showed me a picture he took on his cell phone of a luggage guy hucking a bag almost five feet in the air into a pile of other luggage. I paid five bucks for my suitcase at Goodwill... It's been battered, but it's holding up well, and I can always identify it when it comes off the line. I don't think the company that made this particular bag is still in existance...

Also, if it's fragile and it's in your luggage, wrap it in something!

5. Carry-ons are not exactly your friends:

Big carry-ons are a pain in the butt to find space for on the flight. Overhead bins fill up quick. Try to make sure your carry-on is small enough to shove under a seat if you have to. I've had some stewardesses be pretty snotty about making sure my bag is COMPLETELY under the seat.

I usually try to be nice to them as I would hate to have their job... But some are nicer than others.

6. Since my last time on the plane... I have to take off my beloved Converse shoes now.

Yeah, it doesn't matter than I don't have the metal strip running down my shoe anymore. Since the latest security changes, you gotta strip 'em off. My next trip, I'm wearing shorts and sandals.

7. Dressing up to travel is for suckers:

Go for comfort if you can! Dressing up for travel just makes you even more uncomfortable after being wedged into a tiny seat. Also, I tend to notice people leave me the hell alone when I look like a psychotic biker-hippy-thing than when my hair is neatly tied back and I'm dressed for work.

8. Try to have an idea of where you're going:

Check the weather and the local paper. It can make a difference in what you pack!

9. Livin' it up on the road:

If your company is paying for your food, make sure to try a few places. I learned how to make a kick-ass dish by reverse-engineering the flavors and it's now something I serve to friends. I usually get compliments on it, and it's pretty easy. I'm really glad I tried something new when I was in that area... by trying something new, I don't mean hit a sports bar you haven't been too before, consider it an opportunity to try something new.

10. Smoking ain't easy:

I brought a single, clove cigarette with me, and they confiscated my lighter and the kid seem to take a lot of satisfaction in breaking my one damn cigarette by handling my coat pretty roughly. I would have been better off bringing the pack, but I only wanted one. I don't smoke but maybe once or twice in a year. I figured it would be kind of nice to relax with as I was going to be on that flight for a long time. Live and learn...