Pack smart, Travel happy 

You’ve met with us at our office, finalized your itinerary, verified all your documents, reserved your dog at the kennel, confirmed that your neighbor will water your flowers. You’re all set for vacation, except for the one chore everybody dreads:

Packing.

Maybe it’s a short trip and you might get by with a carryon. Or a carryon and one checked bag will do. That’s usually the case, but not always; on our recent family cruise of the Mediterranean, my sister-in-law brought along two checked bags and one carryon that was almost as large as she was. (She’s a petite lady.) Regardless of where we’re going, packing is always a challenge. Travel writer Hayley Spencer of The Guardian recently wrote about 12 travel packing “hacks” that can save us space and money.

· Ziplock bags. Cheap and flexible, Ziplock bags have different sizes so you can find one (or more) that’ll do the job. They’ll adapt to whatever space you have available: they can be rolled, squished and used inside one another to save space.

· Waterproof tote. For the beach or the pool, one of these is indispensable. It’ll keep everything dry and sand-free, but they’re also handy if you’re going someplace where liquids could get spilled, such as a coffee shop. On a flight, it’s a nifty carryon that can be stored under the seat.

· Packable yoga mat. If you like to practice yoga, you’ll want to do it on your trip, but you’re not quite sure about the mats in the studio at the resort or on the ship. Yoga Design Lab has a game-changing packable yoga mat. Made from recycled plastic bottles, it can be folded like a towel for easier packing.

· Thin layers. If it’s cold where you’re going, technical coats and jackets do the job without taking up much space. Some are made from down, which flattens and is very lightweight. You can wear it on the plane comfortably, allowing extra space in your bag or carryon.

· Roll your clothes and use a backpack. A backpack can be very convenient if you’re visiting an urban area where you will be hopping on and off public transit. Rolling and separating clothing into fabric tote bags can save a lot of space in your suitcase.

· Color code your clothes. Pack colors and tones that pair well together, so you can mix and match while sometimes wearing the same pair of jeans or shorts on multiple occasions. Also, buy toiletries at your destination.

· Wear sports gear on the plane. Heading somewhere for a ski weekend? It’s possible to pack what you’ll need within your cabin allowance. Wear your ski jacket and beanie, along with waterproof shoes with good grip. Rent your skis and boots at the site rather than packing them. Clip your helmet to your carryon.

· Travel-sized beauty. Buying toiletries at your destination saves packing space at the front end, although it might not for your return. If you do bring your toiletries, streamline them. Use products that double up and skip some products like blush and concealer. If you’re traveling to a hot destination, you’ll use less makeup anyway. Decant as much of your skincare liquids as you can into reusable 100ml bottles that you can bring onboard in your carryon.

· Minimize the tech. If you’re traveling with the family these days, it means everybody wants to bring their own devices, sometimes two or even three apiece (phone, tablet, laptop). Try to limit everyone to one device and share charging cables. Yes, cables don’t take up a lot of room, but they can get in the way.

· Clothes that look good crinkled. Two words: linen separates. A shirt and trousers in the same color are lightweight, pack well and can be styled in multiple ways. Pair them with classic foundational pieces, like a tee, white shirt, jeans, Birkenstock clogs and a cardigan, and you’re set for the trip.

· The wear-everywhere shoe. Footwear can be a real challenge, both because they take up a lot of room in the suitcase and we want to take more than we really need. (And yes, this includes men!) A single comfortable, neutral pair should do the job and will definitely save a lot of space. Okay, if you need casual shoes and also something for formal wear, that’s two pair. Three, if you insist.

· Travel-friendly formal wear. Attending a wedding, a black-tie dinner, or a visit to a luxury restaurant? Men should pay special attention here. Pack items that can fit the bill for your event but can easily pack, such as foldable sunglasses, travel-friendly shirts (stretch- and wrinkle-resistant), and pack them with wire hangers to keep their shape. Avoid using garment bags for your suits, even if it’s a tuxedo. And if you need a tux, why not rent one at the destination?

Packing can be an annoying necessity, but why not make it a challenge? And remember, the more space you have on the outbound flight, the more space you’ll have for things to bring home! Give us a call, and we’ll send you packing!

Sue Tindell