When I travel, I always pack a scrunchable duffle in my bag for the return trip. Even if I fold everything neatly again, I've usually bought too many extras to get into 1 bag.

Remember to distribute heavy items through both bags though so you don't max out the weight restrictions.

~ Pat, Philadelphia

Do you know how to contact the U.S. Embassies and Consulates when you're traveling outside the U.S.?

Protect YourselfBefore you leave home, visit the Bureau of Consular Affairs for information you may need while abroad. They're open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Another source of help in an emergency is the Office of Overseas Citizen Services in the State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs.

You can reach them at 888-407-4747, if calling from the U.S. or Canada, or 202-501-4444, if calling from overseas.

~ GG Staff

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Do you know the difference?

Direct flights aren't the same as non-stops, and if you're not careful you could be cramped in a plane for 3 hours on a tarmac wondering what's going on.

Air TravelersA direct flight takes you directly to your destination airport without a connection or plane change, but layovers are allowed. Non-stops are generally more expensive but there are no connections and no layovers.

As long as you know what's more important - your time or your money - you'll have no problem deciding which is right for you.

~ GG Staff

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You might be tempted to cheap out on your stateroom assignment - you really aren't in your cabin all that long. But a room beside the laundry can be noisy, especially if you're on an extended cruise.

~ Jenny, Chicago

Staying ConnectedNeed to connect with home or the office while you're away? Instead of lugging your laptop, find out where you can make a connection quickly. Most hotels have a business center, but if yours doesn't, go online before you leave home to source out nearby Internet cafés.

• Cybercafe Search Engine
• EasyInternetCafe

If you can't find a café near you, look up the Convention and Visitor's Bureau in the city you'll be visiting. They should have an up-to-date listing of local Wifi hotspots.

And make sure your mail server can be accessed via a web browser. If it can't, use a free service to have your mail forwarded.

• Mail2web
• Gmail
• Hotmail

~ GG Staff

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Cheers to the New YearLittle skittish about ordering wine with dinner? It can be confusing, but with a few tips you'll be exploring and enjoying wine without fear.

Remember that you'll find a selection of blended wines as well as a varietal wine selection.

Varietal wines are made from a specific grape variety bearing the name of that grape (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet, Gewürztraminer, etc). They have distinctive tastes and go best with specific types of food. Bended wines are simply a blending of grapes, which can make for a smoother finish.

When in doubt ask for the chef's favorite pairing with your dinner choice. And remember, you can try a different wine with each course or enjoy a wine flight, which is a sampling of a number of different wines at the same time.

~ GG Staff

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Pack and Travel in StyleIf you're like me and committed to traveling lighter this year, getting the right carry-on bag can mean the difference between a smooth trip and one that's fraught with frustration. If you're in the market for a new carry-on, consider these 3 things:

• Quality: Your carry-on will take a beating, so make sure it's up to the job. The type of zipper (chain is more durable), an internal tie-down and external compression straps, type of material the overall design all affect how useful a bag is and how long it will last.
• Functionality: Because you're actually carrying the bag on with you, it has to be easy to maneuver and not outweigh the contents. Soft-sided bags without wheels are easier to stow under your seat or cram into overhead compartments than heavier wheeled bags.
• Airline limits: Every airline has its own unique idiosyncrasies when it comes to carry-on regulations. A common rule of thumb is length + width + height equals no more than 45 in. Weight restrictions are trickier though. Airline and Airport Links can help get you started.

~ GG Staff

Have a travel tip to share with your Go Girlfriends? Send us your tips, tricks and strategies and we'll publish them here. Email us today!