Your heading out for that vacation you've been waiting sooo long for. You've got your tickets, passports current. Don't sacrifice comfort for fashion as you jet off to paradise - you can truly have both! What to take? It's really quite easy. Don't just squeeze whatever you can into that suitcase, then hope you've got everything to travel in style. We're going to help you pack the perfect "fashion statement" suitcase for your trip to paradise!

Trip to the Airport - For your trip to the airport dress comfortably but don't overdo it. Don't be a "show off" at the airport, you'll draw as much negative attention as the "scruffy person". Remember you've got security to clear so keep the jewelry simple to avoid setting off alarms and creating long lineups of backlog as they take you apart one piece at a time.

Carry a travel wallet with slots for your id, passport and boarding pass - it will keep things moving smoothly. Have a pocket in your carry on where you can place your jewelry and coins in prior to clearing security. Remember your jacket, poncho, or overgarmet may be removed so make sure what your wearing underneath is appropriate for others to view.

Basics to Pack - Pack a lightweight coat, white or light colored shirt that goes with many of your other wardrobe pieces, neutral pants, and a tote bag. Be sure to include a cardigan for the cooler evenings. Pack a versatile dress than you can dress up or down depending on what your plans are. Pack both flat sandles and sandles with a slight heel - wedges are perfect.

Wardrobe For Sightseeing - As glamourous as you may want to look while out exploring the sites and shopping at your destination, stilettos are out of the question! Comfortable shoes are a must for the mileage your going to put on your feet. As well you must bring jeans or similar type casual pant, day or night jacket, a versatile skirt and a dress is great.

Your Trip To The Beach - Don't overpack for a week in the tropics. Just bring the minimum, you'll not be wearing much more than that in your "hot" tropical location. Make certain you have a pair of strappy flat or near flat sandles that you find comfortable for walking in and don't mind if they get covered in sand or water. Don't forget your bathing suit or bikini - most important.

Sunglasses and a tote are also needed. Add a light sundress, cotton blend shirt, hat, denim or similar type causal short skirt, shorts, and a light sweater. Make yourself a checklist. Remember - pack for your destination, pack simple but pack fashionable. Add accessories and jewelry and you'll have fashionable fun in paradise!

Flying is a routine activity for millions of Americans, and raises no health considerations for the great majority of them. However, there are certain things you can do to ensure that your flight is as comfortable as possible. Changes in pressure can temporarily block the Eustachian tube, causing your ears to 'pop' or to experience a sensation of fullness. To equalize the pressure, swallow frequently; chewing gum sometimes helps. Yawning is also effective. Avoid sleeping during descent; you may not swallow often enough to keep ahead of the pressure change. If yawning or swallowing doesn't help, use the 'valsalva maneuver':

* Pinch your nostrils shut, then breathe in a mouthful of air.
* Using only your cheek and throat muscles, force air into the back of your nose as if you were trying to blow your thumb and finger off your nostrils.
* Be very gentle and blow in short successive attempts. When you hear or feel a pop in your ears, you have succeeded.

Never force air from your lungs or abdomen (diaphragm); this can create pressures that are too intense.
Babies are especially troubled by these pressure changes during descent. Having them feed from a bottle or suck on a pacifier will often provide relief. Avoid flying if you have recently had abdominal, eye or oral surgery, including a root canal. The pressure changes that occur during climb and descent can result in discomfort.

If you have an upper respiratory or sinus infection, you may also experience discomfort resulting from pressure changes. Postpone your trip if possible. (Check to see if your fare has cancellation or change penalties.) A final tip on pressure changes: they cause your feet to swell. Try not to wear new or tight shoes while flying.

Alcohol and coffee both have a drying effect on the body. Airliner cabin air is relatively dry to begin with, and the combination can increase your chances of contracting a respiratory infection. If you wear contact lenses, the low cabin humidity and/or consumption of alcohol or coffee can reduce your tear volume, leading to discomfort if you don't blink often enough. Lens wearers should clean their lenses thoroughly before the flight, use lubricating eye drops during the flight, read in intervals, and take the lenses out if they nap. (This may not apply to extended wear lenses; consult your practitioner.)

If you take prescription medications, bring enough to last through your trip. Take along a copy of the prescription, or your doctor's name and telephone number, in case the medication is lost or stolen. The medicine should be in the original prescription bottle in order to avoid questions at security or Customs inspections. Carry it in a pocket or a carry-on bag; don't pack it in a checked bag, in case the bag is lost.

You can minimize the effects of jet lag in several ways:

* Get several good nights' sleep before your trip.
* Try to take a flight that arrives at night, so you can go straight to bed.
* Sleep on the plane (although not during descent).
* During the flight do isometric exercises, eat lightly, and drink little or no alcohol.

Try to use a rest room in the airport terminal before departure. On some flights the cabin crew begins beverage service shortly after the "Fasten Seat Belts" sign is turned off, and the serving cart may block access to the lavatories.