Packing Made Simple

As fun as trips can be, it's easy to dread the packing. Deciding what to bring is always a challenge, but it does get better with practice. Here's some tips from a frequent flier to help make your trip easier from the start.

Decide what you really need
Before you start packing, briefly write down what you will be doing each day. Then mark each day with "casual," "business," "dress," etc. Add up how many outfits you need for each category. On a short trip, pick an appropriate outfit for each day based on the type you need. For longer trips, bring one outfit for every three by combining pieces: wear the casual skirt with the fancy blouse one evening; the dress pants with the tee shirt one day, making more outfits with fewer clothes to pack.

Don't Forget the Shawl
A shawl is one of the most versatile items you can pack for a trip and it should be the first thing you put in your carryon. Consider the options: a blanket for the plane; a wrap around skirt for the beach; a strapless dress if it's a wide shawl, top if it's narrow one; and a wrap for cool nights. Many airports have concessions that sell shawls for as little as $10 a piece, so pick up a few colors and you've got quite a wardrobe! (Men: you can still use the blanket, or have a great last minute gift for your significant other.)

Bring some snacks
We often bring snacks for the plane, but we don't think of packing them for our entire trip. This is an especially good idea If you are traveling internationally. Yyour accommodations may take a long time to get to, there may not be a restaurant nearby, or you might not like the food. Nutritional bars, trail mix and packets of drink mixes (like protein water or Carnation Instant Breakfast) won't take up much room in your suitcase and will keep you nourished until you find a place for you next meal. Just avoid chocolate as it can melt easily in warm climates.

Bring the power strip
Hotel rooms and cruise cabins have gotten a bit larger over the years, but it's still rare to find enough outlets in one. Instead of arguing over who gets to go first in blow drying their hair or using the computer, bring along a power strip or extension cord (a power strip is better for electronics that might be damaged from power surges- like a computer). With everyone plugging in at the same time and doing what they need to, you will have more free time to enjoy your vacation!

The "always" bag
There are some items that you want to make sure you have with you everywhere you go. Get a packing bag , or just use a large Ziploc. Put in the items you know you can't live without if they weren't available. Some examples are a disposable razor, an ethernet cable, an extra cell phone charger or batteries for your camera. Place the bag in or on top of your suitcase so it's always the first thing packed.