Travel Packing Tip - Packing Guide

Packing can be a challenge for many people so we surveyed our travel experts here in the office and compiled our very own list of unique packing tips. We hope these suggestions help you and your clients travel lighter on future trips.

1. Make a list and lay out your suitcase - This is a sure fire way to not forget anything. If you start your list the week before travel, you have time to add things as they come to mind. Laying out your suitcase several days before you start packing allows you to drop items into the suitcase as you see them around the house. Doing an audit before you begin packing is crucial to ensure that you don't end up bringing non-essential items.

2. Plan your outfits - If you're not hiking a mountain, you don't need hiking boots. Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, you will often have an idea of what activities you need to prepare for. Go through each day and plan your ensemble based on your schedule; clothes can always be shuffled around or supplemented if plans change. This is an easy way to make sure that you don't return home with clothes that you never wore.

3. Prepare with layers - Traveling to several destinations, or during times when weather patterns are fluctuating, can be tricky. By planning multiple layers you can adapt your clothing throughout the day or as weather changes.

4. Limit your shoes, and don't bring new ones - Shoes take up a lot of space. Try to pick just a couple pairs of shoes that can take you through multiple outfits, and stay away from anything too flashy. It is less likely that someone will notice that you are repeating footwear if you're not wearing ruby slippers. Also, don't bring new shoes on vacation. Most likely you will only get to wear them once before they start hurting your feet and then they are only taking up valuable real estate in your suitcase.

5. Use carry on size toiletries - Packing only the essential cosmetics and toiletries can significantly cut down on luggage. Full size shampoos and conditioners can be bulky or messy, and you don't need a six month supply of moisturizer or shaving cream. Try bringing sample sizes or invest in bottles that fit the carry on requirements. These can be found at most drug stores and are inexpensive and reusable.

6. When in doubt, leave it at home - If there is only a chance you will need it, don't bring it. This sounds basic, but it's a mistake many make. Remember, the worst case scenario is you end up needing an item you didn't bring - don't forget that there are stores in almost any destination you will be traveling to. This is also a fantastic way to shed those last few items that won't fit in your suitcase. More often than not, you won't miss them!

Hotel Regent, Berlin

Property Review by Yvonne Malka (yvonne@nonstoptravel.net)

January 2014

I just stayed at the REGENT Berlin and it left me speechless. Everything, really everything was great to a T. The location is superb. Its right by the Gendarmenmarkt and in my opinion the best location in Berlin. 

The Regent is right around the corner from an U Bahn station and within walking distance to many of the amazing sights. 

When you enter the hotel, everyone greets you with a smile. Everyone is ueber nice and it doesn't feel fake. The lobby is a dream and you feel the history and richness in every step through the hotel. They serve breakfast, lunch, offer a tea time and a very exclusive dinner at their restaurant Fischer's Fritz. This was the first 2 star restaurant in Berlin and they kept that for 7 straight years. A great tip is their lunch, even for non hotel guests, because the evening dinner is somewhat formal. They have one of the only 5 Lobster Press in the world at Fischers Fritz. The other one is in a museum in France and 2 in Belgium (forgot where the 5th one is). They press only the female lobster table side and the juice is supposed to be to die for. The restaurant also caters to food allergies, just let them know 24 hrs before arrival and the kitchen will be well aware of it. (This was probably the best gluten free breakfast I had in ages).

The rooms are very nice and the superior and deluxe rooms come in either a creme color or light orange color. The bathrooms are amazing, marble floors, beautiful mirror doors and nice amenities from l'occitane. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the Regent also caters nicely to kids/families. My son enjoyed his kids size bathrobe, toothbrush/toothpaste for kids, along with Weleda kids products, sponges, organic soaps for the kids. They also put a teddy bear in the room to take home. The rooms have everything a business traveler needs as well, including free WiFi. Our clients can also rent free DVDs at the front desk. Some of the rooms do have a step out balcony, some don't. Just request them if you know your client would appreciate that. 

Their executive suites are a nice size and sometimes with our Signature upgrades from the deluxe rooms, well worth looking into. 

Their presidential suites have AMAZING views and are just beautiful. I left ueber happy and can recommend this beautiful hotel without a doubt in my mind.

Hotel Regent Berlin

Charlottenstraße 49, 10117 Berlin, Germany

Rates from Euro 340/night

Special Amenities through Nonstop Travel:

· Full Breakfast for 2 daily

· One Food & Beverage Credit of Euro 50 per room/stay

· Welcome Gift

The following amenities are subject to availability at time of reservation:

· Upgrade at Time of Reservation

· Early check-in

· Late check-out

More Info about this Property