Now it's time to pack!

Now that so many of you have booked your spring break and summer vacations, here are some great tips for getting everything to fit!

Travel Packing Solutions

With most airlines charging for luggage, many travelers are struggling for ways to get creative in their packing. If your plans are a weekend get-away, a carry-on is great. But if you are planning a 1 week, 2 week or even more extensive vacation, you must pay the price. When you are looking at the cost of an airline ticket, know the “cheap-o” online price may come with $100+ in baggage fees. Make sure you check all those details before you purchase. In this article, I hope to give you even a few tips in packing that may be new to you so that the next time you travel, you will know you have done the best you can to lesson those extra costs.

For the Men:

When it comes to a wardrobe, men are lucky----they can get away with a basic “uniform”, built around a few button-down shirts, jeans or khakis, and a sweater or blazer. It’s important to pack neutral colors that can mix and match. Here are some packing suggestions:

1. Wrinkle-free fabrics-many companies offer these.
2. Blazer-a sports jacket in a dark color works in nearly every situation.
3. Pullover Sweater-pair it with a collared shirt and tie at night and a t-shirt by day.
4. 2-3 pair of pants-jeans, khakis’ and black slacks-launder as you go.
5. Shoes: look for comfortable walking shoes that are sharp enough to wear at night.

For the Ladies:

For most women, traveling light is a challenge. (Seriously ladies, just how many pair of shoes can you wear in one week?) A general rule to follow: every piece must be able to multitask. Limit your color palette, opting for solids or simple prints, and choose items that can be layered and look for wrinkle-free fabrics. Hoping these tips will never have you checking a 2^nd bag again:

1. The Basic Dress: 1 solid colored dress that can transition from day to night and coordinate with others items in your wardrobe is the key.
2. 2-3 pair of pants: jeans to dress up or down and black pants are a must. Maybe 1 skirt.
3. T-shirts: bring a few. They are great basics which can be accessorized to wear alone or layered under almost anything. 1 white, 1 black and get creative with others.
4. Tops: a nice blouse or 2 will look chic alone or under a cardigan.
5. Shoes: limit yourself to 3 pairs: flats, sensible heels and athletic shoes.

How to Pack in 5 Easy Steps:

1. Distribute weight intelligently: put heavier items on the bottom on the suitcase. This includes shoes (in plastic bags), rolled jeans and blazers/sweaters/jackets.
2. Use bags to organize: Ziplocs are great for small accessories and toiletries. Placing undergarments in a lingerie bag will protect them from damages.
3. Roll your casual clothes: the will minimize creasing and maximize space. Works best for light-weight pieces-shirts, khakis, cottons, etc. Use them to fill in spaces.
4. Fold sweaters/bulky items: these can be folded and placed in compression sacks, which can be purchased at most discount stores. Takes out all of the air for compact packing.
5. Delicate Items: Use tissue paper or dry cleaner bags to separate them.

Remember, just about anywhere you are, you can do laundry, and the cost is far less than an extra $100+ per bag round-trip. Bring a laundry sack, or an extra-large Ziploc bag and stuff it with a few dryer sheets to keep everything smelling fresh. Lastly, if you decide you have forgotten something, do not fret. You are on vacation-buy yourself a little something special.

Debby Stevens