Summer is all about travel: packing priorities & Travel Tips by Krista Carlson

Summer is all about travel: going to weddings, visiting family, taking a romantic getaway. Whether your trip involves a cozy bed and breakfast, a bustling metropolis or a drive up the coast, you’re going to need to pack up. It’s annoyingly easy for men: two pairs of pants, a couple shirts, underwear, one pair of shoes, and they’re done. Not so for women – at least, for those of us who want to look and smell nice after a few days living out of the same bag. So how do ya pack smart? I’m going to give you some expert advice on how to maximize your suitcase space while still looking fashionable.

The number one mistake people make when they pack is bringing too much stuff! The Cure for this…bring half of what you think you’d pack!

The average 22-inch suitcase, the largest size you can carry on, typically only fits two pair of pants, three sweaters, two dresses, five shirts, two pair of shoes, various accessories (belts, jewelry, socks), and beauty products.

Krista’s top 10 essential carry-on items…

You may also consider packing a spare pair of undies in case you get to your destination on time, but your bags don’t. While it’s easy to pick up a spare sweatshirt or shorts, panties can be a little harder to come by.

The dry air that’s re-circulated throughout the plane’s cabin can leave your eyes itchy, red and irritated.

Cell Phone Charger
We count on our phones to check reservations, tell loved ones our flight is late, and make backup plans.

iPod or laptop to keep you entertained. What's even better? Rent a movie on your ipod, or listen to new tunes on your cell phone in airplane mode.

Sanity Savers noise reduction headphones, eye mask, comfy socks pashmina for your own blanket and evening wrap, a great book,

If you wear contacts, you may want to pack an extra pair (along with saline) in case your checked luggage goes missing.

Bath & Body Works’ Anti-Bacterial Moisturizing Lotion will also keep germs from those thousands of other travelers at bay.

Photocopy your driver’s license, vacation itinerary and a phone list of emergency contacts. Tuck a copy of each in both your purse and carry-on bag, in case either gets lost or stolen. As an extra precaution, write down the contact information for your bank and credit card companies. After all, if all your cards are missing you can’t look on the back of them for the Web site or phone number.

Cosmetics Case: Have your facial essentials – powder, shadow, lipstick – with you.

Luggage Tag
Sure, you take your carry-on with you, but that doesn’t mean it can’t get lost.

The last thing you want to deal with if your bags go missing is scrambling to get essential prescription medications refilled at your destination. The 7-Day AM/PM Pill Organizer

Lay everything you want to take out on your bed – and then pack half of that.”

Outfits to Pack By
The very first thing to do before packing? Confirm your destination’s forecast. “Check the local weather conditions, including the humidity level, before you even touch your clothes

A pair of jeans. Opt for a darker wash; they can be dressed up or down.

One pair of black sandals, one pair of walking shoes. For more shoe options, consider flip-flops (if comfortable) – they’re cute and take up little space.

Mix-and-match," choosing clothes in the same color family. Bring things that can easily move from day to night — dark jeans are a must.

1. First, pack all the heavy items along the bottom of the suitcase. Place belts along the perimeter of the case and heavy items, like a hairdryer or cosmetics case, in the center.

2. Wrap individual shoes in plastic bags to protect your other items from the dirty soles. If you’re taking high heels, stuff each one in a sock or shower cap after wrapping them. Place shoes near the bottom hinges of the suitcase.

3. Small, soft items that won’t wrinkle, like socks and underwear, go in the corners.
Fold your slacks along their natural creases and place the waistband against one edge of your suitcase with the bottom of the pant extending over the opposite edge of the suitcase. Place the second pair of slacks in the same method in the opposite direction. Continue doing this along the length of the suitcase with your blouses and dresses as well.

4. Fold your knits separately, and then roll each one into a bundle. The tighter you roll you them, the less they’ll wrinkle. Place them on top of the layered clothing.

5. Now bring the ends of the layered clothing up and over the rolled items inside the case, alternating sides as you go.

Instead of bulky pajamas, carry a light nightgown. Wear your favorite pair of jeans in the car or on the plane, and pack a second pair of pants or a skirt or dress.

Pack one pair of comfortable, versatile shoes, such as flat sandals, that will work for day and night. If you have a more formal evening event planned, pack one pair of dress shoes. Place shoes in a plastic bag, so they don’t get your clothes dirty.

Finally, bring a couple of pieces of jewelry and a scarf or other accessory that will dress up your outfits for evening.

Zipping your clothes into compressing bags reduces their volume by 80 percent. That's a lot of saved space

Transportation Security Administration Laws

3-ounce or smaller containers of liquids or gels
1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag to hold your containers
1 quart-sized bag per passenger

For more details, visit TSA.gov.

The Container Store’s clear zippered envelope, which is waterproof to control spills. They come in a variety of sizes; the “J” product is quart-sized ($2.99). And Target sells 3-ounce plastic bottles, as do beauty supply stores.

Your beauty products will be easiest to use if you group similar products together. Fill one bag with hair products, one with skin-related products, and one with cosmetics.

Avoid bringing bottles that are filled all the way to the top, because the pressure on the plane may cause them to overflow. Instead, fill those only three-quarters of the way.

Finally, your hairbrush can catch on clothes and snag them. Cover the head with a sock before stashing it in your suitcase.

Extra Clothes
A lightweight sweater…you decide what extra is needed! Have fun packing!!!