Avoid Packing Problems

Airlines are feeling the economic pinch and passing costs down to the passengers by way of luggage restrictions. Overseas flights are being limited to 2 pieces of checked baggage. How does one pack these days to make the most of your vacation wardrobe and still allow room in your bags to bring home the bargains you find during your travels?

Luggage Set

Most people pack too much! Pack smart.

Tip #1 - Take 2 suitcases but pack one inside another. Only fill the inside one with things for your trip, and that will allow you the space on the return flight in the second bag for those items you pick up like souvenirs or the clothes you can't resist while shopping.

Tip#2 - Weigh your luggage before you leave. Find soft-sided luggage that is light-weight. You will be surprised how heavy some of those bags are just empty! Avoid the extra charges at the airline scales by knowing that your suitcase is within the limits.

Tip #3 - Pack lightweight items. Think of your clothes in terms of weight. Do you really need to pack a terry robe or do you have a cotton lounger that will double as a cover-up by the pool as well as a robe in the room? When going to tropical countries you should think seersucker, cotton or rayon. They wash out quickly, and often dry on a hanger overnight.

Try to find materials that are soft and "crush resistant", but don't worry, nearly all hotels these days can provide you with an iron!

Tip #4 - Utilize your wardrobe. There are ways to stretch your fashion look, by mixing and matching. Think of colors that work well together so you can mix your pieces as many ways as possible. Also think of ways to get multiple uses out of an item:

Pull a cotton skirt over your bathing suit, tie a soft scarf at the waist, and you are set to shop.

Use a white blouse as a cover-up on the beach, as well as over another top in place of a sweater for cooler days.

Walking shorts are more versatile than "short shorts". They can go to the golf club, the mall or to the night clubs.

A simple sun dress can be worn day or dressed up for evening, and so can a skirt.

Tip #5 - Always pack a simple plastic bag. Use it for any wet garments that need to go in your suitcase, for bringing home your soiled laundry or for holding your dusty shoes

Tip #6 - Speaking of shoes- try to keep it simple. One pair of neutral sandals will take you almost anywhere day or night, and wear your good walking shoes on the plane so that the weight does not go in the suitcase. Your feet will thank you if you have to chase down a taxi, or be on your feet during connecting flights.

Tip #7 - Accessorize! The way to change looks is in the secret of accessorizing. That white blouse that you wore tied at the waist over your bathing suit also looks great paired with linen walking shorts, and a fabulous necklace. The little knit top that you wore yesterday with your shorts, now looks different paired with your skirt and bangles on your wrist.

Tip #8 - As you lay out each clothing piece when you pack, coordinate the jewelry that ties it all together. Think earrings, bracelets, scarf and necklaces that will change each look, or compliment the outfit. Here, too, keep it simple and think minimalism.

Tip #9 - Sample list of a woman's standard wardrobe to pack for 1 week:

2 swimsuits ( one piece and 2 piece)

2 pair walking shorts (neutral colors)

1 light-weight skirt

2 knit tops (1 sleeveless)

1 white or cream-colored blouse

1 pair seersucker or soft knit pants

1 sun dress

PJ's (optional!)

Tip #10 - Concentrate on the experience of your vacation rather than the limitations of your wardrobe. It's all about having fun, and that does not mean stressing over what to wear! The fewer the choices, the easier you will find it to pick an outfit. Besides, there are all those great purchases just waiting in the shops you will visit!

Happy holidays, and bye-bye baggage blues!

Avoid Packing Problems
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