Traveling

Especially for those of you who have not done much traveling in the past...

- Be sure to get really good and sturdy suitcases. I had a companion whose suitcase broke the first time she was transferred. Don't let that happen to you! The ideal would be light and sturdy. I think it would be worth paying a little extra for better suitcases. You may be using them a lot. Oh, and make sure they hook together. It makes dragging three suitcases around airports (and buses and trains, if applicable) by yourself A LOT easier if you can hook two of them together. And wheels are a MUST. No way you can get them around airports/buses/trains by yourself without wheels. Yes, you'll be with a companion and/or other missionaries, but they will often have suitcases of their own to tote around. 0
- Try not to use the extensions on the suitcases at first. You'll need the extra room later.
- Don't put all your books in your carry-on. It's tempting since they don't usually weigh the carry-on, but you won't be very happy carrying around a 50 pound carry-on. Trust me. I would recommend putting most of them in the middle-sized suitcase. The big suitcase reaches the 50 pound limit very quickly, even with just clothes. 
- It's always a good idea to put a change of clothes and some toiletries in your carry-on/backpack, especially if you're traveling internationally, in case your luggage gets lost/delayed. Also, if you do travel internationally, it's nice to be able to "freshen up" before getting off the plane.
- You are allowed to bring one personal item on the plane as well as a carry-on suitcase. An average sized backpack works well. It just has to be able to fit under the seat in front of you. You can put anything you'll want access to during the flight in this bag. It's a pain to access your carry-on mid-flight. Also, there are times when the airplane runs out of room and some people's carry-on suitcases have to go with the checked baggage. Then it'll really be difficult to access it mid-flight.
- Be sure to know the rules for bringing liquid (and toothpaste) in your carry-on/backpack. I usually just avoid putting any liquids in my carry-on except maybe a small thing of contact solution and a small thing of toothpaste. You can bring an empty water bottle and then fill it up at a drinking fountain after security, if you want.
- Be sure not to leave any other forbidden items in your carry-on/backpack. I lost a pair of scissors that way. And if you're traveling internationally, don't bring food with you. I got stopped by a drug dog in England because I had snacks in my backpack. Apparently that's a no-no. However, if you're not traveling internationally, I would recommend bringing snacks. They don't give you much food on the airplanes these days and airport food is way expensive.