Packing--Packing Tips--How to travel light and right!

Tips to help you pack light and right!
(be sure to scroll down to see some of my favorite packing helpers)

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-ITŽ 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.
	PACKING CASES These waterproof, vinyl cases are great for storing wet items or items that might spill. Much stronger and more durable than a Ziplock bag! Very handy for organizing odds and ends you need in your pack--like your first aid supplies or sewing kit.

Places to Buy Packing Aids
eBags.com Save on backpacks, luggage and travel gear. Free shipping!

eBags Outlet Blow-out prices on bargains and closeouts.

Magellan's Travel Supplies has an awesome selection of travel necessities and cool gadgets. See their Sale/Outlet section for clearance items. International shipping available..

Drugstore.com Save on lots of great health, beauty, and travel sized products to help you minimize packing. Get 5% back on all orders. Ships only to the US

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.

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.