I'd consider myself a somewhat seasoned traveller yet I just can't seem to wrap my head around what to and not to bring! It's like an editing issue ;) My luggage is either excessively heavy and overstuffed and/or I've forgotten essentials. I've even left stuff behind items on purpose assuming there would be something to buy at my destination which never works out!
So, if for no other reason than to save my back and overweight charge$ this clothes horse will 'try' to stick to the following tips when packing my luggage. How about you?
What to pack...
- Clothes that make you feel confident and are ideally comfortable ;) Your favorite, must have, go to items must be packed plus the accessories that make them shine, including shoes!
- Keep your colour choice to the neutral family like white, black, brown, khaki, beige etc. and choose items that don't have patterns. Add your own personal sizzle with the accessories!
- New items are okay but if you haven't fallen in love with the item yet it's risky, especially with shoes.
- You need one little black dress and another equally versatile, sexy n' chic number... along with a pair of boring black dress pants, slacks or trousers (I wear pants, I think Ellen wears trousers ;)
- Pack two tops, shirts or blouses for every bottom including a dressy jacket, shrug, sweater or cardigan.
- Bring two swimsuits along with a beach cover up, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a totebag.
- Be sure to pack for the actual weather conditions, not for what you hope them to be! Meaning swimsuits ought to have been turtleneck sweaters.
- Include only three pairs of shoes which includes the pair you are wearing (ya right, I can't see this one happening ;)
To reduce wrinkles...
- Turn clothing items inside out because apparently inverted wrinkles are less visible?
- Put wrinkle proned items towards the top and bulky, heavier items at the bottom.
- Place a layer of tissue paper or dry cleaning bags between items (an impractical luxury ;)
General tips...- Rolled clothing, as opposed to folded clothing, saves on space and reduces wrinkles.
- Avoid your girly bits being strewn across the customs counter by placing them in a mesh bag.
- Keep your shoes in a bag, heel to toe, then line them against the edges of your suitcase. Stiletto heels can easily poke through luggage damaging both of the items and possibly taking out an eye ;)
- Place all toiletries together in a sealed bag. Liquid items need room to expand under pressure and may burst or leak if they are either too full and/or not sealed properly. Liquids, amongst other things, are not allowed on the plane! For carry on luggage liquids containers must be less than 100ml or 3.4oz's (see list) and sealed in a bag.
- Choose the appropriate size luggage for your trip. Excess space causes shuffling which can damage and wrinkle items while overstuffing can stress out zippers and spouses!
- Keep your valuables, travel documents and medications with you at all times, either in your purse or in your carry on luggage. Split traveller's cheques, credit cards and money in case of an unforeseen accident or theft occurs. You could also do this with clothing in case one person's luggage gets lost in the shuffle.
- If you're bringing gifts on your travels don't wrap them until you arrive at your destination.
- If you are flying pick your travel outfit carefully because you will be asked to remove all accessories including your jacket and belt. A cute satin cami held together with safety pins may prove embarrassing. Shoes with metal bling will also have to come off so pack your odor eaters and hope others have too they may be sitting beside you!
...and have fun, regardless of what you've forgotten, wrinkled, ruined, lost, who you're visiting or with if you must, you're on vacation!
An FYI tidbit to mention if someone razz's you about what you spent on your luggage set or what you brought with you...Louis Vuitton has a complete set of luggage that includes an armoire trunk, a wardrobe trunk, a steamer trunk, four matching suitcases, a hat box, a cruiser bag and a jewelry case...how freakin' awesome is that!! and all for only $60 Grandish ;) hmmm, I could probably fit all of my belongings into that luggage set! and it's sure not the hockey bag my spouse suggested I use!
...Part 2 - After the summer vacation of 2010 in July, I've written an updated version of what I learned but didn't necessarily apply ;) Packing your Luggage for Vacation (update)
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