Be skeptical of free-prize offers.

Check out a company by caling the Better Business Bureau , the state attorney general, and the postal inspection service to see if the firm is under investigation.

Call the direct-mail mail company that sent the letter and ask in what detail what must be done to win prizes.

When paying for a mail order item, use a charge card instead of a check. A credit card company will help you if there is fraud.

Packing tips

before you beigin to pack , write out a list of everything you think you will need.

Don't take too much. Try to stick to one color scheme.

If possible, take fabrics that don't wrinkle. Place clothes flat across. Roll socks, underwear, and sweater.

The suitcase should be full, but not overstuffed, to avoid wrinkles.

Place anything that can spill, spray, on leak into your carry on luggage.

pack heavy items, such as shoes books, on the bottom of the luggae on near hinges. When the suitcase is standing upright , these items wont crush on wrinkle anything.

Never pack valuable documents on jewlry in the luggage instead, put them in your carry on luggae.