How to Match Colors

Whether you’re assembling your wardrobe, decorating a room or matting a painting, it’s helpful to know which colors help each other pop and look most appealing to the eyes. You can start by looking at a color wheel and learning which colors look best grouped together. Experimenting with different color combinations will help you develop a sense of what matches and what clashes.

Steps

Developing an Eye for Color

1. Learn about the color wheel. The color wheel is diagram of colors that provides a useful illustration of what colors match and what colors don't work well together.^[1] The first color wheel was developed by Sir Isaac Newton in 1666, and variations on his design have been used as the basis of traditional color theory since then.^[2] The color wheel is divided into the following parts:
   
   
   
   • Primary colors: red, blue and yellow. These are the colors that can't be mixed using any other colors.
   • Secondary colors: Green, orange and purple. These colors are made by mixing primary colors in different combinations.
   • Secondary and tertiary colors: Yellow-orange, red-orange, red-purple, blue-purple, blue-green and yellow-green. These are created by mixing a primary color with a secondary color.
2. Match primary colors with other primary colors. The concept of matching is also called "color harmony," which is achieved when colors create a pleasing effect. Red, yellow and blue always harmonize. These colors are bold and eye-catching, and they never really go out of style. Whether you're putting together a palette for your wardrobe, a painting or your dining room, you can depend on primary colors to lend your project a cheerful and bright appearance.
   
   
   
   • Bold primary colors are often associated with young children, tropics, and sports teams. However, there is no reason you cannot play with darker or lighter hues.
   • If you want your project to look more sophisticated, you might want to consider using just one or two of the primary colors, rather than all three. A red, blue, and yellow outfit might look a little juvenile, but a yellow and red combination be more sophisticated.
3. Match complementary colors. Look at the color wheel and pick any color, then move your finger to the color just opposite. Colors opposite on the wheel are complementary colors. When you place them next to each other, they help each other stand out and the combination looks appealing.
   
   
   
   • Popular complementary combinations include blue and orange, purple and yellow, and green and pink.
   • When you choose two colors from random spots on the wheel, they may clash instead of matching (although that line is sometimes hard to find). Complementary colors of the same brightness and hue will always match.
4. Match analogous colors. These are the colors that are next to each other on the color wheel, like blue and indigo. Using varying shades of colors in the same family creates a nuanced look that has a beautiful, pleasing effect. For instance, a denim skirt with a light blue T-shirt and indigo scarf will go together well.
   
   
   
   • Pick a favorite color and match it with a color to the right or left. Red goes with pink, yellow with orange, and so on. Any gradations in the same family will match.
   • Limit yourself to one color family; going outside the family will create a rainbow effect.
5. Learn about warm and cool colors. Warm colors like yellow, orange, and red are on one side of the color wheel, and cool colors like blue, green, purple are on the other side. Any color can have an element of warmth or coolness depending on what's mixed in. For example, if you mix basic purple with red, you end up with a warm, vibrant reddish purple. If you mix purple with blue, you end up with a cool, calming violet purple. When it comes to matching colors, temperature matters.^[3]
   
   
   
   • When you're creating a color palette to use in your wardrobe or to decorate a room and you want a coherent effect, pair warm colors with other warm colors, and cool colors with other cool colors. For example, you might choose a rust-colored dress, a creamy mustard yellow scarf and a cognac purse.
   • On the other hand, mixing warm and cool colors in the same palette results in an effect that can be either fun and funky or a little jarring, depending on how you look at it.^[4]
6. Consider earth tones. These are natural, muted colors that match most other colors. They're reminiscent of natural elements like sand, soil and rock. Brown, cream, white, grey, and slate fall into this category. When it comes to fashion and decorating, you'll see these easy-to-match colors referred to as neutrals.^[5]
   
   
   
   • When you're deciding what neutrals match your color palette, you need to take color temperature into account. For example, if your color palette is cool, your neutral could be a bright white or a blue black; warmer neutrals would clash. For a warmer palette, you might choose a brownish grey or cream.

Matching Colors in Your Wardrobe

1. Try a monochrome look. Wearing the same color from head to toe is a striking look. The classic monochrome look is an all-black or all-white outfit, a sophisticated choice that lends an air of dressiness to your outfit. If you want to really turn heads, try a monochrome look in a brighter color, like red or green.
   
   
   
   • The key to making a monochrome look work is finding items in the exact same color. Wearing a bright white top with cream pants is going to clash, but if you find two pieces in the same color, you're golden.
   • To make a monochrome outfit look less extreme, break it up with some neutrals, like beige heels or a brown belt.
2. Wear an accent color. If you’re headed to a formal meeting that requires wearing a navy or black suit, you can still add some personality to your look with an accent color. Just make sure the accent color you choose is similar in temperature to your neutral basics. For example,
   
   
   
   • If you're wearing a black suit, try a red or turquoise camisole or blouse.
   • If you're wearing a navy suit, try a yellow or pink camisole or blouse.
3. Learn to match prints. Once you gain the confidence to match colors effectively, you can start creating really stylish outfits by pairing unlikely items in your closet. You aren't limited to matching solids with solids. Branch out and start matching your stripes, polka dots, florals and animal prints with each other to completely reinvent your wardrobe.
   
   
   
   • If you’re wearing a print, match it to a solid. This is relatively easy to do. If you have a black skirt with a small floral print, pair it with a green top that matches the color of the leaves.
   • Match two prints with the same color. A bit more difficult, but it produces striking results. The key is to find one like color across two prints. For example, if you have an orange-striped blouse, you can match it with a leopard-print skirt that has the same color.
   • Match prints in the same color family. You can match prints that don't have the exact same color by keeping things in the same color family. A pair of ikat shorts with beige and cream tones can go with a brown polka-dotted blouse.
4. Know your neutrals. They're the items in your closet that go with almost everything, so you can never really have too many. Neutrals are easy to incorporate, but you should still put a little effort into making sure they match the other items you're wearing. Here are a few popular neutrals:
   
   
   
   • Denim. Goes with everything, right? Just remember to take the wash into account. A saturated dark wash matches different colors than a light blue faded denim.
   • Camel or brown. Perfect for a muted, earth-toned palette.
   • Navy. Looks beautiful with jewel-toned hues.
   • White and cream. Brightens any outfit, as long as you keep the temperature in mind.
5. Use accessories to play with color. If you're just starting out in your quest to match more colors in your wardrobe, try playing around with accessories. Experiment to find out what looks good and what doesn't by wearing more belts, flats, jewelry, and scarves. Wearing accessories is also a fun way to learn more about mixing prints without splurging on expensive clothes that might not end up matching.
   
   
   

Choosing Colors to Decorate Your House

1. Pick different colors for your paint and fabrics. Don’t match a wall and couch with the exact same color. While these items will technically "match," they won't help each other stand out and look beautiful. Instead, the color of both the wall and the couch will look understated. here are a few ideas you can try instead:^[6]
   
   
   
   • Go with colors in the same family. If you have a blue wall, try a blue-green couch. If your wall is yellow, choose a red and orange color scheme for the furniture. The colors will harmonize instead of canceling each other out.
   • Or choose a contrasting color for a bigger splash. Buy an overstuffed violet armchair to put in your sunny yellow room, or try a bright coral sofa to offset your light turquoise walls.
2. Consider having an accent wall. Many people hesitate to paint an entire room one bold color, and with good reason. Oversaturated colors can overpower a room and have an effect on your emotional state. A bright red room might make you feel nervous, and a dark grey one might give you the blues. That doesn't mean you have to stick exclusively to muted neutrals, though. Having an accent wall gives you the chance to play with color without worrying about your emotional state. Here's how to do it:
   
   
   
   • Pick a smaller wall in the room, like the area around your front door or above the kitchen counter. Paint it a bright color that matches the room's neutral.
   • Or use a contrasting color for the trim. Painting borders in a contrasting color gives a room an eclectic, fun look. You could also create a stenciled trim in a different color.
   • Keep in mind that color temperature can affect a room's mood. A blue room can have a sedative effect, while a bright yellow room can be overstimulating. Using just a splash of intense color can give the room the feel you want without being overwhelming.
3. Experiment with colorful decorations. If you don't want to commit to painting your walls pink or buying a bright yellow couch, you can still add color to your decorating scheme through decorations. Throw pillows, vases, clocks, flowers, bookshelves, and other smaller items can add bursts of color that liven up a room. Just keep these thoughts in mind when you're decorating:
   
   
   
   • Pick colors in the same family. Have a few decorations that match each other so that the room looks pulled together. For example, try a bookcase painted green, a pair of sea-green vases on the mantel and a collection of turquoise and green throw pillows and blankets.
   • Don’t use too many colors in the same room, though. Keep things streamlined or else the room will take on a mismatched appearance.

Video

Tips

• You may want to look at the color wheel the color that touches the tip of your color matches.
• Make a decision that ultimately makes you happy when matching colors. If you think they look good together and you have reviewed them against the color tools provided, go with what you enjoy if the project is something for you like your home, your artwork or your wardrobe.
• Use an online tool to help you find out what matches. Since the color spectrum includes a lot more than what you can see with a basic wheel, try using an online resource to help you figure out what matches.^[7]

Sources and Citations

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source How to of the Day http://ift.tt/1cfAtxz

How to Hold a Guitar

Just like you've got to walk before you run, you've got to learn to hold the guitar properly before you learn to rip through a mixolydian tapping solo in E-flat. Holding the guitar properly helps you to build the fundamental skills necessary to play what you want to play comfortably, quickly, and with the right technique. Good guitar players take the time to build habits that will allow them to become even better. Whether you're playing electric or acoustic, and whether you're sitting or standing, you can learn to hold the guitar properly.

Steps

Holding a Guitar (Seated)

1. Sit in an appropriate chair. When you're first learning to play the guitar, it's important to practice in a seated position. Before you can duck walk across the stage while ripping a solo, you've got to learn to hold the guitar comfortably, without having to struggle to reach the frets and the strings. The best way to do this is to learn to hold the guitar from a seated position in an appropriate chair.
   
   • The best practice chairs and hard-backed chairs with no arm rests of any kind, or stools. Sit far forward on the chair, so your back isn't touching the back-rest, your butt right on the edge of the seat. Keep your back very straight.^[1]
   • Guitar stools are available at most music stores, and they're perfect for practicing. They're also rather expensive. If you want one, go for it, but practicing in your own kitchen chair should be fine. Just avoid the couch, the Lay-Z-Boy, and other soft recliners, which will build bad posture and bad guitar habits.
2. Orient the guitar correctly. Start holding the guitar by orienting it to your body properly. Held correctly, the biggest string on the guitar (the low E string) should be closest to the ceiling, and the skinniest toward the floor. The body of the guitar–the part with the strings and the sound-hole–should be on the side of your dominant hand, which is the hand you write with. The neck, which is the long skinny fretted part of the guitar, should be on your non-dominant side.
   
   • Your dominant hand is your “strumming hand” or your “picking hand." This hand will be used to pluck the strings of guitar and create the sound. While it might seem more comfortable to use that hand for fretting, it's much easier in the long run to learn this way.
   • Your non-dominant hand is your “fretting hand," used to press the strings down onto the fretboard and create the individual notes.
3. Balance the base of the guitar on your thigh. When you pick up the guitar in a seated position, put the leg on your dominant side forward slightly, bending your knee so it forms a right angle, your foot flat on the floor. Your other leg should be back slightly to make it comfortable. Keep your back straight. Balance the tail or base of the guitar–the end opposite the tuning pegs–on the thigh of your dominant side.
   
   • Some dreadnought-style acoustic guitars have a nice cutout that should seat nicely on your other thigh, helping to orient the guitar properly. Take some time to feel out your guitar and seat it comfortably on your lap. You shouldn't have to hold it up with your hands, when it's balanced properly.
4. Angle the neck up. Properly held, the neck of the guitar should be held at a 45 degree angle, not parallel with the floor, laying flat on your lap. Though this is sometimes called “classical style,” it’s the best and most comfortable way to learn, regardless of what style you plan on developing in your playing.
   
   • Some guitar teachers won't emphasize holding the guitar in this manner. Once you get comfortable, you can hold the guitar however you like. For the beginner, though, it's much easier to access the freeboard this way. If your guitar teacher teaches you to play with the neck of the guitar parallel with the ground, try it out the other way.
5. Secure the body with the elbow and forearm of your dominant hand. Keep the guitar in tight to your body, the back of the guitar touching your torso. The fretboard and the strings should be perfectly perpendicular with the ground, not tilted backward so you can see them better. Under the sound-hole, secure the guitar tight into your body with your strumming forearm and elbow, and keep your wrist on the bridge of the guitar.
   
   • To make sure you're not hugging too tightly, practice strumming, letting your hand fall comfortably, about an inch below the sound-hole of an acoustic guitar, or even with the pick-ups on an electric guitar.
   • You should think of this less as “holding” a guitar and more as letting the guitar rest comfortably on your lap while you play. The less you “hold” it, the easier it is to play.
6. Balance the neck between your thumb and forefinger. You shouldn’t have to use your fretting hand to support the guitar. Properly held, a guitar should remain in place by supporting it on the thigh of your dominant side, holding it in tight to your body with the elbow on that side. To keep it steady, form a "V" shape with the thumb and forefinger of your fretting hand, and use that hand to balance the neck of the guitar.
   
   • Some guitar teachers will put a small piece of tape just behind the third fret, on the neck of the guitar as an indication of where you should place your thumb. If you're learning properly, your fretting thumb should always remain on the back of the neck, your other fingers arched over the fretboard. Be careful not to wrap your thumb around.
   • Alternatively, guitar wizards from Hendrix to John Fahey have broken this rule with abandon, incorporating the wrapped-thumb to great effect. If you've got long fingers, you can get away with it. Follow your guitar teacher's instructions, if you're receiving them, or experiment to see what works best for you.
7. Keep your back as straight as possible. The most important part of holding a guitar properly is maintaining a straight back and keeping the guitar perpendicular with the ground. It's easy to slide into a slouch, tilting the guitar back so you can see the fretboard, but this is a fast-train to poor technique and sloppy playing. If you want to hold it properly, keep your back straight.
   

Holding a Guitar (Standing)

1. Buy an adjustable strap. If you're ready to take your guitar skills onto the stage, it's common to support the guitar using a guitar strap. Many different styles and arrangements are available, from wrap-around mariachi-style straps to tight banjo-style straps, but the most common varieties are relatively basic and easy to use. Look for a strap of good quality cloth or leather with an adjustable length to allow you the freedom to find a height that works best for you.
   
   • Make sure your guitar is outfitted with strap pegs before you buy a strap, or consider having them installed at the guitar shop. You'll need at least one strap peg at the base of most guitars to make a strap work. Most guitars will come with them pre-installed.
2. Attach the strap correctly. Attaching the strap will vary, depending on whether or not you've got one or two strap pegs. Many acoustic guitars will only have one peg, while electric guitars commonly have two. Always start by slipping the base peg through the tab on the end of the strap, then installing the peg closer to the neck.
   
   • To strap an acoustic guitar with one peg, you'll sometimes need to insert the skinny end of the strap around the head, under the strings where they attach to the tuning pegs. Some straps won't come with this, but you can use a shoestring inserted through the peg-hole on the skinny end of the strap to make do in a pinch. If your acoustic comes with two pegs already, just attach the strap to both pegs at the top and bottom of the guitar body and you're set.^[2]
   • To strap an electric guitar, insert the pegs through the tabs on each end of the strap and you're should be ready to rock. Some straps will come with a variety of different tabs to allow for a variety of lengths. Start tight and loosen up if necessary.
3. Adjust the guitar strap. Most straps can be adjusted by sliding the buckle up or down the length of the strap to make it longer or shorter. Sling the strap over the shoulder of your fretting hand and feel where the guitar falls. If it feels comfortable, you're all set. If not, remove the guitar and adjust the strap until it feels right. Ideally, you want the bottom of the guitar to be about even with your hip on your dominant side.
   
   • Air on the side of keeping the strap short. You don’t want to have the guitar too low or you’ll struggle to play with your strumming hand. Likewise, if the guitar is too high, it can be tiring to hold your arms up that high to play.
   • The length of the guitar strap will have a lot to do with your playing style. Some players want the guitar as high as possible to allow easy access to the fretboard, while rockers want the guitar as low as possible, because it looks awesome. There's no right way.
4. Reinforce the guitar strap. The best guitar strap assemblies will come with a strap-enforcement peg or clip on the base of the guitar, which will help to hold the strap onto the guitar. There’s nothing worse than a guitar that slips off the strap pegs and falls to the ground in the middle of a performance. These are usually simple plastic clips that will fit over the peg and keep the end of the strap from slipping off.
   
5. Loop your guitar cable through the strap before plugging in. If you're plugging in, a good trick of the trade is to loop your guitar cable through the strap to keep it out of your way. Insert the cable between the base peg and the strap, from the back to the front of the guitar and plug it in.
   
   • This is especially useful if you've got an input jack on the bottom of your guitar and it gets loose over time. You can keep the cable from slipping out and falling all the way to the ground.

Things You'll Need

• A guitar
• A chair or stool
• A guitar strap

Related wikiHows

• How to Play Guitar
• How to Build a Guitar
• How to Tune a Guitar
• How to Change Guitar Strings

Sources and Citations

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source How to of the Day http://ift.tt/1AyMIdX

How to Pack for Air Travel

If you've never or infrequently traveled by air, you may be confused and overwhelmed with what to pack. Guidelines seem to get more and more confusing all the time, and now there are sometimes fees to pay? If it's difficult to make sense of, you're not alone. And after a trip or two, you'll have the below tips and tricks down to an art.

Steps

Packing Your Carry-On

1. If you can’t live without it, pack it in your carry-on. For what you're literally going to take with you on the plane, pack the essentials: undergarments, shoes, a set or two of regular clothes, something to do, medication and, for longer flights, basic toiletries. Some people fly with the belief that they may never see their luggage again – and that’s not exactly crazy. In your carry-on should be the basics of what you need to survive should you lose your luggage.
   
   
   
   • Make sure to bring all your medication and everything you need to be comfortable. Prescription and non-prescription medication is allowed and you’ll speed through security if you have them in their original bottles. And it’s easier to get away with extra liquids if they’re medically needed, like with saline solution.
     
     
     
   • In order to cut down on the amount of clothes to pack, choose items that are interchangeable with other items of clothes. For example, it's easier to pair some smart-looking jeans with a dressy or casual top than it is to find an appropriate top for a hot-pink leather skirt (not that you own one of those!) . Choose accessories to spice up an outfit; for example, scarves are small to pack, and an easy way to brighten up an outfit.
     
     
     
2. Pack all your valuables in your carry-on. Anything valuable should come with you in your carry-on. On the off-chance your luggage gets lost or looted, you’ll then be safe. This goes for everything from jewelry to electronics to anything of sentimental value. If you'd be heartbroken if you lost it, take it in your carry-on.
   • Large electronics will need to taken out at security, so pack those last. This way, you won't need to go digging around when time is of the essence and be that person who holds everyone up.
3. Pack your electronics together.^[1] This is good for two reasons:
   
   
   
   • You’ll probably get bored on your flight, and having your electronics together lets you know where everything is so you can access your iPod, iPad, Kindle, or whatever else you need as quickly and easily as possible.
   • The TSA requires electronics to be screened – when they’re all in the same place and easy for the agents to see, you won’t be the one holding up the line at security.
4. Make sure you have your documents. In order to get on the plane, you'll need some identification, such as a passport or driver’s license. Don't forget your ATM card and credit card; however, it's probably a good idea NOT to take every piece of plastic you own because you run the risk of losing the cards (and your mind).
   
   
   
   • In an easily accessible pocket of your carry-on luggage, store your flight information: the airline, the flight number, your confirmation code, and the flight details. This comes in handy at the self-service check-in kiosks that so many airlines provide now at the airport.
5. Decide whether or not to bring toiletries. Many people have mixed feelings on bringing toiletries with them. The fact is, you can pretty much find toothpaste and deodorant all over the world now. By not packing these items, you only run the risk of not getting the exact brand you want.
   
   
   
   • If you do bring toiletries, the 3-1-1 TSA regulations still applies. You can fill as many 3 oz bottles of toiletries (100 ml) as you want into ‘’one’’ quart-size plastic ziplock bag (limit one per flyer), but you have to take out the bag at security screening.^[2] Go to www.tsa.gov for the full rules and regulations.
6. Have a first aid kit with the basics, especially pain medication. Sometimes flights can be the opposite of fun, so have a pack ready just in case this happens to be that one. A few things you may want to pack:
   
   
   
   • Painkillers
   • Bandages
   • A sedative
   • Anti-nausea medication
   • Chewing gum (for air pressure changes)
   • Tissues

Packing Your Checked Luggage

1. Avoid checking luggage if you can. Checking luggage is becoming more and more a pain in the rear. You have to worry about packing it, dragging it with you, meeting weight requirements, likely paying extra fees that you didn’t know about, and then hoping the airlines don’t lose it. If you’re traveling for less than two weeks, consider it. It’ll be a challenge, but it’s doable.
   
   
   
   • Flight attendants and crew do it all the time. They can go over a week with just a carry on.^[3] If they can do it, so can you. You can then use the extra $50 for whatever please.
2. Pack as light as possible. In addition to meeting the weight requirements, it’s just easier to pack lighter – fewer things may get lost (via flying or when you leave them in your hotel room), it’s a lighter bag to tote around, and you'll have plenty of room for souvenirs and impulse buys. And it'll take less time to repack.
   
   
   
   • Though you should hold off on bringing too many shoes, you have to bring some. And those should be packed in socks to avoid soiling your others goods unless they're brand new.
3. Put copies of your important documents in your checked luggage. Just in case something were to happen to your carry on, you forget to pack your carry-on correctly, or something unfortunate happens on your trip, put copies of important documents in your checked luggage. Scan your passport, visa, and anything else that you may need in the worst of circumstances. If you do it, you won’t need it. But if you don’t, you may.
   
   
   
4. Prepare for bottles to leak. If you’re bringing toiletries with you, it’s more than possible at least something will leak. Each item should be wrapped separately and stored in bags to make sure none of it gets on your clothes. Keep these in a separate area in your bag, too.
   
   
   
   • Here's a tip: take the lid off of each bottle and saran wrap the top; then put the lid back on. This means that even if the lid opens, you should still be fine.^[4]
5. Roll your clothes. If you’re not already rolling your clothes, get on the bandwagon. It prevents awkward square-shaped wrinkles and it saves room, so hop to it. Start with the heavier ones on bottom as lighter ones are generally more moldable to the shape of the top of your bag.
   
   
   
   • The tighter the roll, the more room you save. If you're a little paranoid or an over packer and want as many clothes available as possible, just roll tighter. You'd be surprised that half an inch here and there goes a long way.
6. Bring an extra plastic bag or two. Some airports are courteous enough to provide plastic bags for you, but if yours isn't one of those, bring them yourself. They’re always useful, especially if you’re traveling in a group – someone always forgets. And this way if your first round bags get soiled, you have a backup.
   
   
   
   • The zipper kind – the kind that literally has a zipper on it. The resealable ones are better than the non-sealable kind, but the zipper kind are best – the resealable kind can open when force is applied.
7. Play tetris with your belongings. To get the most out of your bag, you’ve gotta pack it according to shape and size of your items. Start with the biggest, heaviest items on bottom and work your way up to the light items – this will make it easier to close your bag when all is said and done. If something is an odd shape, pack clothes around it – make it a point to never pack air.
   
   
   
   • In general, it's easier to back long, cylindrical items than odd shaped bottles and containers. In the future, to streamline your packing look for items that are of more basic shapes and sizes. They take up less room overall.

Preparing for Your Trip

1. Know the duration of your flight and trip. Your trip destination will determine the kinds of things to pack, and the length will determine how much of each item is to be packed. What days do you have special events planned? How can you use the same pieces over and over?
   
   
   
   • If you can, try to avoid needing a checked bag. More and more airlines are charging for that first checked bag, and a cheap flight can turn into an expensive one in a matter of no time. If flight attendants can live out of a carry-on for over a week at a time, so can you.
2. Check the weather. You’ll only know what you absolutely need to pack if you check the weather beforehand. Sure, you probably have a basic idea, but what will it be like that week? Checking the weather will let you know if you really need to pack that tank top or that umbrella.^[5]
   
   
   
   • If you do notice inclement weather forecasted, take the bare essentials, like an umbrella or one set of mittens. Don't try to stuff 4 winter coats into your bag to match every style.
3. If you’re leaving the country, check what’s available or different. If you’re going to a different country or overseas, odds are certain things will be different. For starters, plug-ins. Will you need an adapter?
   
   
   
   • And then there’s accessibility. Taking a trip to visit your Grandma in Florida is different than taking a trip to visit hyenas in Mali. If you can get it where you land, that’ll be much, much easier.

Tips

• Always put valuables in your carry-on in case your suitcase gets lost.
• If you're packing belts, don't roll them up. A space-saver is snaking the belt around the perimeter of your luggage case.
• Having extra underwear or more than you think you'll need is a good idea. Jeans and t-shirts will last just fine, but a fresh pair of underwear just might save the day.
• If you're a backpacker, going on the grand European tour, put the frequently used items at the top of your pack so you're not shoveling into the deep abyss for lost items at a busy airport.
• Don't bring a bunch of shoes in your carry-on. Again, about the shoes: two pairs are really the maximum, no matter how long the trip is. The problem with shoes is that they take up so much space in your precious luggage real estate, and add considerable weight to the pack. Simply choose one pair for the 'active' shoes, and one pair for the 'sensible dressy/up' shoes. If you wear one pair to the airport, you've already created more real estate.
• Bring headphones to listen to music and an eye mask to help you sleep better.
• Rule of thumb: if you can get 3 or more uses out of the item, pack it. If you're thinking you'll take your snorkel gear "in case we go swimming," that's over packing.
• Use squeeze bottles instead of carrying whole of the liquid.

Warnings

• Certain items cannot be brought onto any plane, according to TSA regulations. Learn what items you must declare, and what items are prohibited.

Things You'll Need

• Soap (bar or liquid)
• Toothpaste, toothbrush
• Underarm deodorant
• Face/body moisturizer
• Contacts, solution & eyeglasses
• Makeup (if necessary)
• Feminine hygiene products (if required)
• Prescription drugs (if required)
• Vitamins
• Short sleeved shirts
• Long sleeved shirts
• Button-down shirts
• Sweatshirt/fleece (if weather requires)
• Sleep shirts
• Jeans
• Pajama bottoms
• Long underwear (if weather requires)
• Walking shoes/boots
• Waterproof jacket
• Toiletry ziploc bag (3 oz bottles in 1 ziploc)
• Camera and film
• First aid kit
• Day pack/tote bag
• Passport, drivers license, student ID
• Money/credit card/traveler's checks
• Credit card theft notification ph.#'s

Sources & Citations

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How to Sleep Comfortably in a Car

If you've ever done a massive road trip, thought hotels were way too expensive, or wanted to save on rent, you've probably had the urge to call your car home. Whether it's a long day or a long year, sleeping in your car comfortably can be a valuable life skill. Once you've scoped out the perfect spot, with a little creativity you can be snoozing the night away.

Steps

Preparing for the Night

1. For cold temperatures, buy a sleeping bag (or two). What you need for a good night's sleep in the car depends on your location and the weather. In subzero temperatures, you'll probably benefit from a couple of sleeping bags (one inside the other), in addition to a blanket and a beanie for your head.
   
   
   
   • A $60 sleeping bag will keep you warm in weather outside. In a car you can get by with a sleeping bag. If it gets colder, then just add an extra layer of clothing to your sleeping attire.
   • Bring a safety pin with you to keep your sleeping bag closed, if it does not draw tightly around your head. If you toss and turn in the middle of the night, it could come undone and you could wind up awake and freezing.
   • A knit hat (knit cap, toque, ski hat, and so on) will keep you much warmer at night. Also, you can pull it over your eyes for additional darkness.
   • A sleep mask can help you sleep more soundly. In a pinch, you can blindfold yourself with a bandanna, tie a scarf around your eyes, use a hat, and so forth. Otherwise you may find yourself up at the crack of dawn, as it is hard to darken a car completely.
2. For hot temperatures, circulate air without letting in bugs. If it is hot, you may need a thin cloth to hang in the windows to keep bugs out and to let air in. The weather is the most important thing to consider when in this situation. Hot weather can actually be worse than cold, as you could wake up in the morning feeling sticky, gross, and covered in mosquito bites. Try opening the windows just an inch or so to find a happy medium.
   
   
   
   • You can also buy mesh to place in your windows (or sun roof) if mosquitoes are a problem or you need air flow to stay cool.
3. Get everything you need for a comfortable night. This likely means a few snacks, a liter of water, a flashlight (to find the bathroom later on), a pillow, and whatever else your situation calls for. Try to think ahead, especially if you plan on spending more than one or two nights in your car.
   
   
   
   • If you are in the car with others or with cargo, you will likely be sleeping sitting up. Sleeping in the car seat is not exactly the best place to sleep, but if you have to, use a travel pillow that supports your head and neck. You'll wake up in the morning much happier.
4. Keep your car clean. All the supplies you really need are some essential tools, like a flashlight, water, a backpack for one set of clothes (unless you are traveling), and a towel. Anything more than that and it's just going to get in your way. A clean car is a pleasure to sleep in – a large space to sleep provides a surprising amount of comforts. If it's dirty and smelly, it'll be much more difficult to fall asleep.
   
   
   
   • A cleaner car also attracts less attention, especially if it's clean on the outside. If your car is presentable, few people will think to ask questions.
5. Consider getting a tarp. Tarps are pretty inexpensive and will keep prying eyes away – it's unlikely that someone would see the tarp and suspect that someone is sleeping in their car, unless the windows are fogged. A tarp is also stiff enough to allow for ample ventilation.
   
   
   
   • This is best used in residential areas for only a night. If a mysterious car shows up that's covered, a resident may call the cops to get it towed. If you go this route, keep on the move.

Choosing the Perfect Spot

1. Find somewhere that you won't get ticketed. Unfortunately, sleeping in your car is illegal in many places. Here are a few ideas where you likely won't get accosted:
   
   
   
   • Stores like Wal-Mart or 24 hour gyms. It is hard to tell who's sleeping in their cars and who's just parked while shopping or working out. The downside is that passersby quite often – though this can be a form of security as well.
   • Churches and other sanctuary-like establishments. Very often these buildings are quiet most of the week. If someone finds you, hopefully they will be kind enough to just continue on their merry way.
   • Back roads and under overpasses. These are incredibly low-volume areas where you may not be found – just make sure the area is as unpopulated as you think it is.
   • Residential areas that allow street parking. In this situation, your car will just blend in on the side of the road. Just don't stay for too long or your vehicle may appear suspicious.
2. Take into account what your spot will look like during the day. Let's say you find an empty parking lot next to a soccer field. It's the middle of the night, no one's around, and it's perfect. Then you wake up in the morning with a thousand screaming 6-year-olds and their mothers peering suspiciously into your car. Not exactly what you had in mind, eh?
   
   
   
   • The same goes for back roads, and, well, just about anywhere. Even if it seems perfect at night, consider what could happen in the morning. Will your back road become the trek for farm vehicles? The church parking lot you're in start service early in the morning?
3. Face your car in the right direction. Consider two things:
   
   
   
   • Face your car in the direction where it would be most difficult for people to spy on you or look in the windows to see you there. Corners are good, too.
   • Face your car in the direction you want for the morning. Face it east if you want to wake with the sun and west if you want to stay snoozing.
4. Pick somewhere with bathrooms. This is just good sense: You're likely going to have to pee at some point, so choose somewhere that has a nearby bathroom. If you are going in the summer, public beaches are a great place to shower.
   
   
   
   • You can always urinate outside if you must, but be sure no one's going to creep up on you, resulting in a public urination fee.
5. Consider camouflaging yourself. If you're worried you'll be found, consider making it so you can't really be seen. You can either do this with a tarp, by putting a whole bunch of goods in your car blocking you from view, or by sleeping underneath a pile of linens.
   
   
   

Getting Comfortable

1. Make sure to visit the bathroom before you turn in. You'll never get a good night's sleep with a full bladder, especially if you're sleeping in a car. Park your car in your spot for the night, and make a visit to the bathroom beforehand. You'll be glad you did.
   
   
   
   • And probably before you head out, too. It's a good idea to keep on the move so you don't attract attention.
2. Consider cracking the windows. Again, this depends on the climate you're in. However, it's going to get stuffy regardless of the temperature (within reason, of course), so consider cracking the window ever so slightly. If you're under a pile of blankets in the cold, it might actually feel good.
   
   
   
   • Don't crack it too much, though, for security purposes. And if there are mosquitoes, crack it even less. A half an inch or less (1.25 cm) is plenty.
3. Take an aspirin. If you have problems sleeping in less than perfect conditions or your body has a tendency to "wake up" achy, pop an aspirin before hitting the sack. It'll be easier to fall asleep, easier to stay asleep, and you'll feel less sore in the morning.
   
   
   
   • That is, in certain vehicles. If you can pop out the backseat and sprawl out to your heart's content, you likely won't have a problem. But if you're curled up in the fetal position, an aspirin is a fine idea.
4. Adjust the seats. As much as possible, that is. If you're in the backseat, move the front seats forward to get the most space possible. Tuck in the seat belt clips so they don't end up jabbing you in the back.
   
   
   
   • If the back seats turn down, do so. You could also pop open the back so you can put your legs (or head) in the trunk area.
5. Get into the appropriate amount of layers, but stay in comfortable clothes. On the off chance someone comes knocking on your door, you want to be wearing clothes, and acceptable clothes at that. So get comfortable, but stay dressed. Workout-esque clothes are best. This way you can also turn your bed into a getaway car at a moment's notice if need be.
   
   
   
   • And account for the weather, too. If it's cold, make sure your head is covered to keep heat from escaping. If necessary, put on several layers. If it's hot, a t-shirt and shorts will do just fine. You could also wet them beforehand to stay cool.

Video

Tips

• Don't forget to lock your doors!
• Don't keep any valuable items out in the open in your car. It may tempt thieves. Store them out of sight.
• If you are somewhere without shower facilities, some moist wipes can help you get that fresh feeling. Look in the travel toiletries section of your favorite big box store; many will sell a resealable pack the size of an envelope for around $1.
• Keep a map so you know where to find these places in whatever town you are in, and try to plan ahead, so you save gas and time.
• Don't lean your neck on the seat belt, because it can cause irritation and red neck lines.
• Bring a black washcloth and spray bottle during the summer. When you wake up, moisten the towel and spread it out on the dashboard. After about an hour of driving, it will heat up. This will also work during the winter if you put the towel on your heating vents.
• Don't keep your car or bluetooth on.
• Can't fall asleep for some reason? Wearing noise reducing ear-muffs will help exponentially and allows you to sleep anywhere, even at an airport or train-station. If they work in those locations, they can definitely work in your car.
• Some possible places to sleep:
  • The parking lot of Wal-Mart. A lot of stuff goes on in Wal-Mart, it's open 24 hours so there will always be cars there, and it's relatively safe. Park near the back, but not in the middle of nowhere, blend in with the employee cars. The tarp should be sufficient for privacy.
  • Any 24 hour shopping center is nice -- Hannaford's, Price Chopper, etc. -- any place that does inventory at night. People who work third shift are pretty cool in general.
  • Stay away from hotels -- cops tend to make rounds there up to twice a night. They might bother you if they see fogged windows. Plus, hotels sometimes take license plates numbers to check their guest list.
  • A library is nice too -- under the rationale that you were reading a book and went out for a nap -- plus, a library is a great place to spend a day. The key is to think of some stories or situations where you wouldn't just be a hobo.
  • Truck stops are usually safe places to sleep - well lit, open all night with restrooms, park in the auto lot to stay out of the way of big rigs. Quite often you will find people in motor homes doing the same thing.

Warnings

• Safety should be your top priority, and this is by far the most important safety measure: always be sure to lock all of your doors.
• A car cover will provide protection against the cold, and it will provide privacy. However, if it is hot outside, do not use one without good ventilation. Also, never run your car while it is covered as you could get carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Avoid purchasing a cold air respirator. These are usually difficult to sleep with and a waste of money. There is no easy way to sleep in sub-zero temperatures, but a source of warm air might cause you to wake up with a sore throat. It might be helpful to compromise (between fresh air and warm air) and make a "tent" out of a heavy blanket near your face. If you have a beanie that is long enough you can just pull it over your face also.

Things You'll Need

• A mid to large-sized vehicle
• A decent sleeping bag
• Alarm clock
• Ear plugs, blindfolds, etc.
• A 6' x 8' tarp
• A pillow or other similar item

Sources & Citations

• http://ift.tt/1znLzKO
• http://ift.tt/1GGgz6r
• http://ift.tt/1znLCpY
• http://ift.tt/1GGgxeF

Related wikiHows

• How to Take a Road Trip
• How to Be Comfortable on a Long Airplane Trip
• How to Sleep Better
• How to Ride the Bus Safely and Enjoy Yourself
• How to Sleep Comfortably

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