Packing 101

As much as I've traveled for leisure and business over the years, I'd like to think I've mastered the art of packing.  I'm a planner.  So, I make a packing check list to make sure I have everything I need whether it's a weekend getaway or a two-week vacay.  I love traveling so much I pack at least a week in advance to make sure I don't forget anything.  I also travel wearing layers to reduce the amount of things I need to pack in my bag.

 You want to avoid bringing too much, not having all that you need for whatever occasion that presents itself and most importantly, paying checked bag or overweight fees.  I'd rather use that money towards a poolside cocktail or a sight seeing tour!

Here are a few tips I've learned over the years.

• Good hygiene is a key! Keep a toiletry bag with all your essentials packed and ready to go at all times. (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, medicine etc.) Use TSA's  3-1-1 rule so you can place your toiletry bag in your carry-on.
  
• Start with your shoes! A true diva must have her shoe game on point. I follow the CCD principle and limit shoes to 3 pairs (no more than 4 including flip flops), including the ones you travel in.  I always travel in COMFY sneakers or flats that go with several things in my bag. But you'll also need a pair of CASUAL shoes or sandals, and a pair of black or metallic DRESSY shoes or sandals.  Get it? C-C-D: Comfy, Casual, & Dressy.  Every and any article of clothing you consider bringing with you should work with one or more of the shoes you pack.
  
• Pack light. Less is more. Mix and match and reuse basic pieces with colorful tops and layers to create different looks.
  
• Use travel space bags to flatten out your clothes. Space bags also act as a hamper on the return trip, keeping dirty clothes separated from clean ones.
  
• Travel basics are a must. I always pack:

• Driver's license/Passport,  health insurance card, & emergency contact info ( a given, but worth mentioning)
• Undergarments, socks, stockings etc. placed in a travel space bags.
• A nightshirt
• Jeans (stone wash or dark rinse go with just about everything)
• A dressy outfit - Note: Convertible dresses gives you lots of variety in one item ( I find jersey material works best.)
• Jeggings
• A light jacket (blazer or something warmer depending on destination)
• Solid color cardigan that goes with everything
• Long and short sleeved tops/sweaters in a mix of textures (especially tops that don't need much or any ironing)
• Bermuda shorts (depending on the destination)*
• Beachwear: Swimsuit, coverup, & fold-able sun hat (depending on the destination)* 
• Travel chargers for electronic devices 
• A compact umbrella
• Accessories - Hair Clips, hair pins, minimal costume jewelry, black or metallic wristlet 

• Travel-Friendly Snacks! You'd be hard pressed to look in my  carry-on or suitcase and not find some granola bars, crackers, nuts, or some other resealable snack. They come in handy to save money while traveling so I never leave home without them! 
  
• H2O. I always travel with a packable water bottle or an empty water filter bottle to avoid buying tons of water while you travel.  It's a great money saving trick and helps keep you hydrated on the go.
  
• Leave Room! As much as I have packed, I can never get everything back in the bag as I first did when I left.  So, I make a point to leave lots of room for souvenirs and the inevitable "how did I get this in here before??" moment that I often find myself in as my trip winds down.  Leaving room also reduces the potential for overweight charges.

JUST IN CASE MOMENT: Whenever you travel, keep a change of undergarments, a shirt and/or sweater,travel sized essentials i.e. toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant,and  lotion in your carry-on just in case your luggage gets delayed or lost.

Free Packing Tips provides great "how to pack" tips to reduce wrinkling and minimize the number of bags needed for your trip.  Check them out.  I know I learned a few new things.