I’m not sure if I’ve mentioned it before but on Oct 5 I will be leaving my home in the capable hands of my son and jetting off to Lima, Peru for a 10 day trip. We fly in to Lima, then go to Cuzco and visit The Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu and then take a train to Lake Titicaca and then back to Lima.
Last time I went out of the country I was 19 and put everything in a backpack. This time will be different but what is they same is my level of ‘I have no idea what to do’. I’m just like a bug eyed teenager leaving home for the first time. I do have my Lonely Planet book of Peru but that only helps with the ‘what to see’, not so much with with ‘what to pack’. Just to make my travel preparations a little more difficult I will be away from home all of next week at a training event. Great.
So – I need your best international travel tips and ‘must haves’. The following will amuse me but not be of much help:
1). Take me with you (I’d love to but I can’t really afford to take me. I’m doing it anyhow).
2). Don’t miss your plane
Seriously, folks. If you can help me streamline my preparations and help me not discover that which I should have known before I left I would so appreciate it. Do I need a particular type of currency converter (the electrical kind, that is); a certain type of passport protector; water purifying tablets; why type of luggage? How much? What else??
If you have been to Peru I’ll take any specific advice on where to go and where not to go, also. We are on a tour so most of that is taken care of but there are some free days.
Lay it on me!
Thanks
21st-century-mom.com 
Can’t help you with Peru, but on really long flights I’m always happy for a blow-up neck pillow and a sleep mask. Even if you don’t actually sleep, an hour or so of downtime really helps with the travel fatigue. Good luck and take lots of photos for us back at home!!
Having been to Uruguay this year I have some knowledge of South American countries. I doubt you will need water purifying tablets unless you are traveling well off the beaten path. Restaurants and convenience stores have lots of bottled water that is safe to drink. Depending on what you will be bringing for electronics, it is a good idea to get an outlet converter. The common ones can be found at Target or a good travel store will have the uncommon ones. A sales clerk at a travel store will also be able to tell you which one you need! Any type of passport holder will work as long as you are comfortable carrying it. The ones that you wear between your body and your shirt are the safest when walking in the city. Luggage is a tough one. I always pack more than I need to but then have to lug it around. Consider whether you will be carrying your luggage yourself or if you’ll be taking tours and have a driver or bellboy to carry it most of the time. Extra luggage also means more room for souvenirs. If you are not fluent in Spanish, you should bring a book with common phrases so you can communicate somewhat. It is especially helpful with restaurant menus.Have a great trip! I am sure you will love Peru.
Get your SHOTS updated at a travel clinic, if you have not already. (Yes I did say that!) I had to do that when I went to the Dominican Republic over 7 years ago. I have my Hep A & B now up to date along with MMR and Tetnus (which I HATE to get!) The travel clinic are really good about getting information about traveling to South America and the Caribbean.Have fun!
Get your SHOTS updated at a travel clinic, if you have not already. (Yes I did say that!) I had to do that when I went to the Dominican Republic over 7 years ago. I have my Hep A & B now up to date along with MMR and Tetnus (which I HATE to get!) The travel clinic are really good about getting information about traveling to South America and the Caribbean.Have fun!
Sorry, I am really no use to you on this topic. I never go anywhere except to marathons. Have fun.
This is why they invented google, woman!fast facts;and this is a great site for packing tips. and there’s always the Peruvian embassy.That’s all I got!
ok, here’s the REAL LINK to packing tips, a site called One Bag. Sounds good, doesn’t it? Not so easy! especially after you pack those heavy running shoes!
Keep your passport with you at all times. Get one of the passport holders you wear under your clothing. Pack comfortable shoes, rain gear, clothes you can layer and remove, backpack is the easiest way to go. Pack light so you aren’t lugging around a 75lb pack. Have fun.