Press Releases
Catch Pack Your Bags! on YouTube
Have you seen this clip on YouTube? In Part 1 of the interview, Marlys explains why she wrote Pack Your Bags! and what kinds of packing and travel tips are included.

Part 2 (shown here) features a demonstration of tips and tools for packing a suitcase. Marlys shares tips for maximizing space, getting through airport security without hassles (including the TSA's 3-1-1- Rule), and more.

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Tips for Savvy, Stress-free Holiday Travel
Kansas City, MO - November 9, 2006 -- With the holidays right around the corner, Americans are preparing to head over the river, through the woods ... and into the airport. With all the new airport restrictions, travelers may be especially nervous about what to expect this year. Marlys Arnold, frequent traveler and author of Pack Your Bags!, an interactive book on CD-ROM, offers the following tips to make travel planning (and the journey itself) go smoother.

- Don't be a chronic overpacker. It really is possible to pack for a week in a carry-on! The keys are to make a packing list and plan a mix-and-match wardrobe.

- Never wait until the last minute to pack. That's a sure sign that you'll be missing items you really need.

- If your travel involves a child, take their needs into consideration. Don't plan your days too full. And be sure to take along toys and activities to keep them entertained while in the car or on the plane.

If you're flying:

- Be smart at the airport. Leave plenty of time to make it through the screening process. You may even want to check the airport's Web site to see how early they recommend you arrive. And prepare for long lines and delays – bring a book or a fully-charged MP3 player to help pass the time.

- Don't attempt to take items that will cause you or your fellow travelers grief at the security gates. All liquids you carry on must be in quantities of three ounces or less, and all bottles must fit inside one quart-size clear zip bag. (Check the TSA Web site for a list of what is and is not permitted on board.) If you're pulled aside for further search or for wanding, don't try to argue with the security officer.

- Avoid peak travel days (like the day before Thanksgiving). If your schedule is flexible, consider traveling early in the day on the holiday itself. Not only will flights be less crowded, you might just get a better deal.

- Leave all gifts unwrapped – take some gift bags and tissue to package items after you arrive. And if you plan to give any liquid gifts, such as cologne, it might be best to ship them, rather than placing in checked luggage.

If you're driving:

- Get a routine maintenance check of your car and top off all fluids, especially anti-freeze and windshield washer fluid.

- Always check road conditions before starting out. If you'll be crossing multiple states, call each one's road condition hotline to get the latest information.

- Pack a winter survival and emergency kit with blankets, jumper cables, flashlights (with fresh batteries), and non-perishable food.

- Never drink and drive.

With proper planning and a bit of caution, holiday travel doesn't have to be stressful.


(These tips are adapted from Pack Your Bags!, by Marlys K. Arnold (2006). Used with permission.)

About Pack Your Bags!: This interactive book on CD-ROM is filled with tips and real-world examples to help travelers prepare, no matter the destination or occasion. It includes articles, along with audio and video tips, on various aspects of travel: planning a travel wardrobe, creating a packing checklist, (with video demos of a master packing method), selecting quality and practical luggage, staying safe and healthy on the road, traveling with kids, and more. To view the Table of Contents, or take a tour of the CD-ROM online, visit: http://www.imagespecialist.com/packyourbags

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Six Steps to Becoming a Savvy, Stress-free Traveler
Kansas City, MO - June 29, 2006 -- Summer travel season is in full swing and for many Americans it may be the only time of year they ever hit the road. So whether you're planning a vacation in a high-energy city or on a relaxing beach, here are some tips to make travel planning (and the journey itself) go smoother.

1. Don't be a chronic overpacker. It really is possible to pack for a week in a carry-on! The keys are to make a packing list and plan a mix-and-match wardrobe.

2. Never wait until the last minute to pack. That's a sure sign that you'll be missing items you really need.

3. Be smart at the airport. Leave plenty of time to make it through the screening process, and don't attempt to take items that will cause you or your fellow travelers grief at the security gates. (Check the TSA Web site for a list of what is and is not permitted on board.) If you're pulled aside for further search or for wanding, don't try to argue with the security officer.

4. Make sure you've got someone back home lined up to look after your house and any pets. Leave them a copy of your itinerary so they can reach you in an emergency.

5. Take care of yourself on the road. Eat healthy, get extra rest (if possible) because travel takes a lot out of you, and take precautions to stay safe while in transit or at the hotel.

6. If your travel involves a child, take their needs into consideration. Don't plan your days too full. Let them have some say in the travel activities (sites to see, places to eat, etc.). And be sure to take along toys and activities to keep them entertained while in the car or on the plane.

Travel is a wonderful adventure! With proper planning and a bit of caution, it doesn't have to be stressful.


(These tips are adapted from Pack Your Bags!, an interactive book on CD-ROM, by Marlys K. Arnold (2006). Used with permission.)

About Pack Your Bags!: This interactive book on CD-ROM is filled with tips and real-world examples to help travelers prepare, no matter the destination or occasion. It includes articles, along with audio and video tips, on various aspects of travel: planning a travel wardrobe, creating a packing checklist, (with video demos of a master packing method), selecting quality and practical luggage, staying safe and healthy on the road, traveling with kids, and more. To view the Table of Contents, or take a tour of the CD-ROM online, visit: http://www.imagespecialist.com/packyourbags

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