HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR HELOISE: I enjoy your travel suggestions, but I have one more thing to add to your carry-on bag: Food. Years ago, we took a trip to a small island in the Caribbean, but with all the switching of planes, delays and lost luggage, we didn’t get to our hotel until 2 a.m., and everything was closed. After 22 hours of travel, we had one breadstick to share. Now we travel with some packaged food in our carry-on bags. — Marie M., via email DEAR READER: I know what it’s like to arrive at your destination late and hungry, which is why I always have a healthy snack in my carry-on.

DEAR HELOISE: For many years, on travels around the world I have purchased bookmarks for my collection. They are wonderful souvenirs, and they cost very little. On the back of each bookmark I write the date and location where I got it. I keep my collection in the nightstand next to my bed. When I read at night, I always pair up the book with a bookmark that relates to the story I’m reading. They usually bring back wonderful memories of travels I’ve taken.

— Michele D., via email DEAR READER: Michele, what a clever way to keep those happy memories with you whenever you read and relax.

DEAR HELOISE: I have a manila envelope in my computer desk that is packed with all the information needed to fulfill my last requests upon my death. It has my prepaid cremation contact and the location of my urn. My memorial service is planned out, which I reviewed with my pastor, along with pictures and music. I also have the names and numbers of credit card companies, bank accounts, IRAs and my will. I have the phone numbers of people to be called and my obituary written out. I’ve informed three people where the packet is and to open it immediately upon my death. My kids will have to make only a few phone calls.

— Bill S., via email DEAR READER: Bill, I believe in being prepared for many things, and planning for our exit is one of them. It’s a very considerate thing to do, because in moments of grief, survivors often forget things, are talked into spending more than they should, or they’re unable to find information they might need. Gathering information, as you’ve done, is a loving, kind gesture for those you leave behind.

— Stan G., via e-mail