Looking through the other threads I didn't see any that were dedicated to travel tips. How to pack the most in the least amount of bags? Airport tips? Packing will be one that everyone will need, considering we have to pack about 2 sets of clothes for every day the whole 10 days...Plus I'm horrible about overpacking. Any tips on how to NOT overpack?

I am more able to give tips about airports and planes and that sort of travel.

If you have to get a plane with an overlay then get one with about an hour inbetween. I know that may seem like a lot of time but it will quickly be used up with going to the bathroom getting a drink and food (dont sit down!! grab and go!!) By then you will want to sit down and get your thoughts together!!

The bathrooms in the airport are deffinetly more spacious then the ones on the plane, use those when you can!!

Dont use cells in the plane like they tell you. But it wont kill the plane to us an ipod...even if they tell you not to. But wait a few when taking off and landing to use them.

To kill time on the plane I normally take a book. Its better then sitting there with NOTHING to do for like 3 hours or even 8+ for some!!

I unfortunately would have to travel a lot. What I do is this:

Keep everything in your bag. The only things in my pockets are my phone and ID card. There is absolutely no reason for anything else to be in your pockets, it just slows the entire process down.
If you can stand the cold or are going somewhere quite warm, why not wear flip flops? It'll make the slipping of the shoes off for security to swipe for residue and x-ray much much easier.
Of course it's always nice to go to the airport in dressy casual clothes, it makes the movement through security much more smooth, especially if you're entering D.C. Lately, though, that hasn't really been an issue. I got through D.C. security without even showing my ID to TSA. Sad, eh?
Anyways, remember only 2 carry ons allowed and 2 bags can be checked in. Limit 50lbs per bag you're checking in and the carry ons must fit in those bascket demo thingies you'll see in line.
Chances are, your phone isn't going to have service 100 ft up the air so don't even bother to break the law. I've found that verizon's loses service at 10,000 ft. Don't ask how I know that :P
Also, if you're one to wonder the airport before a flight, set your alarm!
If you're not sure if you should pack something, don't bother. The more you pack, the more annoying.
I do hope they'll be sending a packing list of some sort because everyone is overwhelmed and confused of what's going on.
That's all I can think of for now! ..
Oh, also, I keep my belt in my carry on bag until after security. No loose change in the pockets. Ah, yes, my father once had this issue. If someone asks if there is anything sharp in your bag you say "Not that I am aware of." If you say "No" and they find something they consider sharp, then they'll assume you're lying and take you to the back.
These are all extreme traveling issues. But it's always best to be safe than sorry.
Yeah, good 'ol type A personality, eh?

One big bag or 2 medium bags should do. I had a suit-case and a suitcase. 2 sets of clothes a day is a bit too much. I dont know what city your going to attend, but ususally you have access to a washing machine. so I suggest taking 5 days of professional and 5 days of casual. Worse comes to worse you wash something and wear it twice.

as for airport tips.....if your checking in your luggage, be at your terminal very early because you can never assume how long the line is. If its short, you can get something to eat while you wait. As for on the airplane.....you can always sleep/read/ or watch the inflight movies.

Thanks guys!! Like I've said, I'm a girl so you know I will over pack! lol. You would think that as with as much traveling that I've done I would be able to do better...and believe it or not I am doing a little better. 2 or 3 years ago I would of brought a ton of useless stuff. I will be taking a garmet bag that looks like a suit case and a large suitcase. I will have to bring a little more casual clothing because I will be staying in Chicago a little longer then 10 days...about 25 days in total because of family that I have up there. But I deffinetly plan to do laundry!

Keep the tips coming!!

i think im going to let my mom do my packing.... that way i won't over pack. i'll just make sure the things that i know i'll need are there. does anyone know if we can bring laptops? i think i might go through some major withdrawal symptoms if i cant....

I went to Phoenix last year and I took my laptop, and I had plenty of time to use it everyday. I checked my email, facebook, myspace etc. But if you dont have a air card, (I have wireless Verizon internet) then you wont be able to access the internet on your own laptop. The hotel did have computers you could use for a fee.

i read somewhere in one of the posts that the dorms in DC have wireless internet available, but it's different for every location. they actually discourage you from bringing ur laptop to a few of the places, i dont remember which ones they were, but overall, u can bring it if u want to.

I won't be able to bring my laptop for sure. My parents won't let me and plus, I think I'd like to focus more on the trip. It's more important than checking my e-mails, etc. even though the internet is quite addicting when you have so many things to do. Haha! It'll be one extra thing for me to carry too. I have a habit of overpacking so that I have enough stuff in case of an emergency. I wouldn't know how to hook up the wireless card anyway. I haven't learned that yet.
You have to be careful with the hotels. Some good ones have computers you can you for free, others you have to pay to use even if you're using your own.

Hey,
I'm going to Washington, DC session 1 & staying in the University....will i need to bring bed sheets, pillows etc. or no?? Just wondering cuz I'm flying in & tryign not to over pack!!

a lot of the forum sessions are telling you that you dont have to bring stuff of that sort. I personally am goign to try to pack that (if not, i'm lucky and i can ship it to my grandma before hand and get it from her)...I have a touch of ocd and sleeping on sheets other people have also slept on before just disturb me a little. If you feel like you need it, then pack it. but if you dont have room dont worry to much about it.

Hm, not sure about the sheets/linens thing. Personally, I'm not going to, (I'm doing Philly session 1), but I live 40 minutes from there so it's not a big deal.

I don't think you would have to bring your own stuff in the way of bed sheets, etc. Would they really expect you to bring pillows and blankets, especially when some people are flying?

Also, roll your clothes if you're running out of room. It saves space and keeps them from wrinkling (I go camping too often).