How to Pack Light for Vacation

Going on vacation is supposed to be fun but lugging around all your stuff can prove to be a lot of work. Here are some tips on packing light without sacrificing anything you may need.

Clothing: Choose outfits that can pull double duty. For example, pack one pair of pants that will go with a couple shirts. Remember that most hotels have a guest laundry room, ironing board and iron, and dry-cleaning services.

Shoes & Accessories: Take a pair of shoes for casual outings, one for more dressy affairs, and a pair of sandals for the pool. If you need jewelry, try to choose items you can wear the whole time with all your outfits. If you don't take extras and wear your jewelry the whole time, you won't have to worry about losing anything.

Toiletries & Cosmetics: Hit the travel section of your local department store. You'll find miniatures of many of your favorite brands from shaving cream to hair gel. For cosmetics, take only your daily essentials.

Electronics: Take only what you need and leave the most expensive stuff at home. Even the camera can be left at home if your cell phone's camera has a decent resolution.

Things to Do: Take a few things to keep you entertained between outings. Just keep it simple. A book, a deck of cards, and some crossword puzzles can keep you entertained for quite a while.

Here are a few essentials you don't want to leave behind:
- Money
- ID
- Directions
- Emergency Numbers
- AAA Card
- Medication

One final tip - as you pack, write down everything you're putting in your bag. Take the list with you and check it off when you pack to come home. It's an easy way to make sure you don't leave anything behind.