How to Pack for a Trip

Packing is not an innate skill. Through trial (more bags than hands) and error (coming home with a suitcase full of never-used items), you'll grow into a good--or at least better--packer.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Use the professional traveler's rule of thumb when choosing luggage: a 22-inch carry-on or backpack for one- to three-day trips; a 24-inch bag for three to seven days; a 26- or 27-inch bag for seven to 14 days; and a 29- or 30-inch case for longer than two weeks. Of course, this will depend on the weather, as wool sweaters take up more room than swim suits and shorts.
2. Devise a color-coordinated wardrobe with pieces that mix and match. Choose two or three color schemes to allow each item in your suitcase to do double duty. Dress in layers so you can adapt to changing temperature. Bring enough underwear for each day of your trip unless you'll be doing laundry.
3. Zip zippers and button buttons. Cushion garments inside and out with plastic coverings from the dry-cleaners or fold them in tissue paper as the retail stores do to minimize wrinkling.
4. Roll or fold clothes to fit the suitcase. Start by folding the garment into a large rectangle, and then tightly roll from the bottom up. Fold less wrinkle-prone clothes (pajamas, jeans) and place on the bottom.
5. Create two sections for garments in the order in which you plan to wear the items. Fill corners and edges with shoes (bagged and stuffed with underwear and socks). Top off with delicate items.
6. Pack travel-size toiletries and first aid supplies, including sunscreen, pain relievers and bandages, in zipper-lock plastic bags for easy identification. Place these in zippered or netted areas inside the luggage top or in an outside compartment or pocket.
7. Stash important papers and documents, including passports, tickets and credit cards, in a single closable file or envelope. Bring a money belt to keep your cash and travelers' checks safe while you and your hands are occupied. Photocopy passports (black-and-white copies only--color copies are illegal) and other ID and write down emergency numbers in case of loss or theft, and carry separately from real ones.

Tips & Warnings

• Unless you are going to be hauling porcelain figurines, soft-sided luggage is the way to go. It's much lighter than hard-sided luggage and absorbs shock better. Get wheels on large duffels. Ross has great deals on luggage.
• Shop sites such as TravelSmith.com for wrinklefree and easy-to-wash clothing and accessories.
• Call the hotel prior to leaving home to inquire about items that come with the room (a blow dryer, an iron). Otherwise, pack travel-sized items. If you're heading to Europe or Australia, get the right plug adapter.
• Pack a carry-on bag with fragile, expensive or irreplaceable items, including prescription medications and the actual written documents; contact info; and eyeglasses, contact lens solution and case.
• Handy extras include a compact umbrella, digital camera, sewing kit, and collapsible bag to fill with treasures collected along the way.