Tips to help you pack light and right!

• Choose dark (black, dark blue, purple, green, dark red) or neutral (all browns and shades of gray) colored clothing, so any dirt or stains acquired along the way won't be too apparent. Try to stick to two or three colors, so that all your clothes mix and match.

• For cooler weather travelers:  layering clothes is more effective than hauling around bulky sweaters or coats.

• A great way to pack clothes and keep them relatively wrinkle free and neatly contained is to use packing cubes and/or an Eagle Creek Pack-It Folder 15" Packing cubes are great for socks and underwear storage. I pack, some might say cram, most of my clothes into my 15" Pack-It Folder, but larger folders are available in 18" and 20" sizes.  Keep in mind that your backpack or suitcase needs to be big enough to fit the Pack-It Folder.

• Roll garments up into tight tubes to save packing space and avoid major wrinkling. Packing cubes can be used to keep your rolled up clothing contained and organized. They allow you to find what you are looking for without taking everything out of your bag and stop all your tightly packed rolls of clothing from coming unrolled and ending up in a pile on the floor.

• When writing out your own packing list remember the traveling light motto:  Gather together everything you think you'll need and get rid of half of it.  Do not bring things just because they might come in handy.

• If you have bought more than one guide book and want to save some space, get the book bindings cut off (any copy shop--like Kinko's--should be able to do this for you for a nominal price) and take out only the pages you think you will need.  Hole-punch these pages and place them in a small three ring notebook or organizer.  I ended up hole-punching the outside edges of my pages because they had more white space available for the holes.  This meant the pages of my books were in reverse order (with last page of book first and first page of book last).

• Put an odor absorber, scented drawer sachet or dryer sheets inside of your luggage to keep your clothes smelling fresh.

• For special packing advice for female travelers go to my Women Travelers page.
   
• For a  list of what is permitted in carry on luggage check the FAQ section here: http://www.tsa.gov

My Favorite Packing Helpers

	PACK-IT® FOLDER 15" I pack, some might say cram, most of my clothes into my 15" Pack-It Folder, but larger folders are available in 18" and 20" sizes. Keep in mind that your backpack or suitcase needs to be big enough to fit the Pack-It Folder.
	PACKING CUBES   keep your clothing contained and organized. They allow you to find what you are looking for without taking everything out of your bag and stop all your tightly packed rolls of clothing from coming unrolled and ending up in a pile on the floor. A 2-Sided Half Cube is also useful to have to keep your dirty clothes separated from your clean clothes.
	TRAVEL TOILETRY ORGANIZER You can buy a toiletry bag, use a PVC mesh bag, or use a couple of sturdy Hefty-Zip Lock bags for a short trip.
	PACK-IT ® SACS These bags are great! You can keep your towel in the largest one and use the other ones to keep you first aid kit, sewing kit, extra toiletries, dirty clothes, swim suit, or anything else that needs containing organized in your backpack or suitcase. They come in several sizes.
	ODOR ABSORBER Let's face it, it is not always easy to to find to time to wash your clothes. These natural scent pouches absorb odors, not just mask them. It uses natural volcanic minerals to absorb and neutralize strong odors like cigarette smoke.  Place inside of your backpack or suitcase to keep your clothes smelling fresh.

Places to Buy Packing Aids
Container Store They carry all sorts of cool travel and packing gadgets, accessories, and travel essentials. From toiletry containers to travel alarm clocks, they have a bit of everything at extremely reasonable prices.

eBags.com Save on backpacks, luggage and travel gear. Free shipping!

eBags Outlet Blow-out prices on bargains and closeouts.  

Irv's Luggage Warehouse Luggage outlet selling discount luggage and travel accessories at guaranteed low prices.

Luggage Online Save on Backpacks and travel accessories. Free shipping on orders over $125. Free returns! Luggage Online will pay the shipping to return any products you are unhappy with.

Luggage Guru  They have over a huge selection to choose from, and you can order online. Free shipping on orders over $100. Low Price Guarantee.

Magellan's has an awesome selection of travel necessities and cool gadgets.  Check out their "Special" section for clearance items. Magellan's UK

REI--Gear up for travel!  Great place to look for backpacks, boots, and other backpacking necessities. Be sure to check out the  REI outlet pages too.