One of the most stressful things about travel is deciding what to bring along on your trip. It’s a natural tendency to want to be prepared for every contingency . As a result we then to cram everything we can think of into our luggage and carry-on bags. Over the years, we’ve learned that “traveling light” is much easier than having to deal with bulky luggage. Here are 7 great tips to master the art of packing.
ONE
Number One Rule: If at all possible Do Not check your bags. By packing smartly, a carry-on can get you through a good 5 to 7 days on the road.
TWO
Pack one basic color. For me, black works well and can be worn casually by day and accessorized for evening.
THREE
Keep your “complimentary” color to one or maybe two.
FOUR
Wear your bulkiest pair of shoes and “outer wear” such as sweater and/or jacket on the plane. I accessorize with a pashmina scarf. (They can also double as pillow/blanket)
FIVE
Zip Lock Bags are a must! I pack every outfit into a gallon size zip lock bag. I then “remove the air” and it literally flattens down to nothing and I can fit twice as much in my carry on luggage. Note: Rick thinks the ziplock is the perfect accessory to bring to the buffet
SIX
In addition as my “second” bag I use a messenger style bag that holds my lap top, noise canceling headphones, ipod, cosmetics and wallet. I’ve got it down to a science….
SEVEN
I also make sure that anything the has to be removed to be put in a bin at security is on top of the bag and easily accessible. The true beauty of the zip lock bags is 1) if TSA rifles through your bag bystanders are not “privy to your skivvies” 2) It takes just a couple minutes to put everything back in it’s place, no fuss no muss!
What are your tips for packing like a pro?
These are ideas. Zip-lock (or Space) bags are also great for keeping sticky fingers off things at baggage handling. (Really, does that happen??) But my question is, how would you pack for 10 weeks and at least 2 climate changes on a pleasure/business trip? 50 years of traveling and I still don’t have it down.
Dee .. That is a tough one. I’d stick to three colors max. Think layers. layers will give your versatility and warmth in cooler climates. Simple accessories that can go with anything. You’ll be surprised how many outfits you can come up with by planning ahead! Hope this helps some. Sandi
Sandi, great advice. For those who think you can’t put lots of clothes inside a carry-on, you should check out this link on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5UlxHsgD58
Amazing.
Thanks Phil!!
How to do you remove the air from the ziplocks? Do you just squish it out or use a small vacuum? I watched the video that Phil posted. The guy packed mostly t-shirts. Going on a cruise when you need formal wear and will crush a fancy dress or a nice suit is trickier.
Carol … I fold and make sure the garment is smooth/wrinkle free. Then I put it in a ziplock closing the bag halfway. Then I press to get all the air out. Zip it the rest of the way to close. I never need to iron. In the event that you have a wrinkle just hand the outfit in the shower. Hope this helps some. Bon Voyage!