Travel Packing Tips

Making the most out of your (limited) luggage space

So, you went out and got the latest and greatest in luggage and planned a trip to a far-flung destination. Only thing is, you're not getting anywhere fast standing perplexed in your bedroom, staring hopelessly at your half-packed suitcase.

This scenario plays itself out all the time. The rules and regulations aside, we still worry about how much to actually pack, how to pack it and why to pack it. If packing is your exercise in frustration, then all you need is a few simple packing tips:

• Pack for where you're going - You don't need long pants to lie on the beach in Barbados, and you probably don't need your formalwear if you're trekking the Grand Canyon. Pack with layers in mind - items that can be added to keep you warm at night and dry during inclement weather.
• Discover ziplock heaven - Put your toiletries in plastic zipper bags so they don't leak everywhere. If you're trying to keep up with the Joneses and need the best, we recommend the Lifestyle Accessories 2.0 Leakproof Pouch Set from Victorinox. Another hint: Buy those miniature bottles of shampoo and hand lotion and travel-sized tubes of toothpaste found in most chain drug stores.
• Plan it out - Spread your stuff out in itemized piles before packing, so you don't miss anything. There's nothing like heading on a ski trip and forgetting your long underwear.
• Slash and burn - Once you have packed your suitcase or suitcases, take out one item from each pile. We guarantee you'll have enough stuff, and the extra room for souvenirs.
• Stash a spare - Buy yourself a cheap duffle bag and stow it in your luggage. When you've loaded up on tiki dolls for the kids, you'll have somewhere to pack them.
• Roll and stuff - It's an old military trick, and it works great on stuff you don't want to see wrinkled. Start with your smallest items of clothing on the inside and your suits on the outside. Anything small that can't be rolled, stuff into your shoes. You'll be amazed at how much room you save.
• Remember: heavy on the bottom - To keep your delicate knits from looking like the road map of Iowa, put them on top of heavy pants and sweaters.
• Use compression sacs - If you just can't do without your favorite pillow, grab a Pack-It Compression Sac kit from Magellan's. You can then watch that pillow shrink down to nearly half its size - or smaller.
• Carry on - Frequent travelers pack at least one set of clothes and toiletries in their carry-on. If your luggage is lost, at least you'll have an outfit to get you through until you can go shopping.
• KISS off - When all else fails, employ the KISS method (Keep It Simple Silly). Nothing will succeed like good common sense if you just can't pack that bag right the first time.
• Follow this packing savior - For the totally packing-challenged, renowned travel and packing expert Anne McAlpin thought up the Packing Board. This straightforward organizer can help even the most clueless traveler pack a suitcase proficiently.

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