How to Pack for a Trip

Whether you're headed to Tulsa or Trinidad, you can never underestimate the importance of proper packing. How you pack can set the tone for your trip. If you've ever arrived at your destination only to find your suitcase splattered with the remains of a shaving cream explosion, you know this to be true.

Here's how to pack like an expert:

1. Make a checklist of every item you plan to take on your trip: clothing, shoes, toiletries, maps, guidebooks, reading material, and hotel information. Include even items you do not intend to pack. Murphy's Law dictates that if you forget something, it will likely be an important item such as your plane ticket or housekeys.
   
   
2. Review your checklist to determine whether there are any items you can remove to lighten your load. Will you really need three pairs of shoes? And two coats? Consider the weather and what kinds of activities you will be doing.
   
   
3. Buy travel-size containers for your toiletries, regardless of the length of your trip. Unless you will be in a remote location for weeks, you can always drop into a local shop to restock your supply of soap and toothpaste.
   
   
4. Begin packing your luggage, checking off each item on your list as you go.
   
   
5. Pack clothing using the time-honored "roll" technique. Lay two or three items on top of one another, smooth to flatten, and roll them up like you would a sleeping bag to save space and prevent wrinkles. For added wrinkle insurance, place a sheet of heavy tissue or packing paper between items of clothing before rolling.
   
   
6. Pack sweaters and underwear in reusable compression bags, which can create up to 75% more space in your luggage. (They lock in odors, so they also work for storing dirty laundry, but make sure they are dry.)
   
   
7. Enclose toiletry containers in airtight plastic bags to prevent contents from spilling into your suitcase in the event of a leak. Wrap socks or pajamas around breakable items to cushion them.
8. Don't forget to pack a talking clock or some accessible way to wake yourself. Don't depend on the hotel's radio to wake you.

Stretch your travel wardrobe by color-matching. If you simply make sure every piece of clothing you pack works with every other piece, you can create a host of mix-and-match possibilities and no one will be the wiser. Travelsmith.com has clothing that is reversible and can be washed out in the bathroom sink and will dry overnight.

Going abroad? Make a photocopy of your passport and store it separately from the original. If you lose your real passport, having a copy will speed the replacement process.

Keep in mind that the FAA's airport security measures disallow many carry-on items including straight razors, scissors, and "strike-anywhere" matches.

Be sure not to pack medications and other important items in your check-in baggage. If your luggage gets misrouted, you will be without them.

Don't Forget Your Toothbrush

I'm a notorious list maker and when I go on a trip away from home, it seems like I'm making countless lists and checking them twice. Now, I can really plan ahead with Don't Forget Your Toothbrush, a Website devoted to making sure you have the travel checklists you need! Best of all, this site is completely free! You can even print out your checklists so that you have them on hand while you're packing.

To get started, you need to click on the Get Started link, or the big orange Go button if you have some sight. That will walk you through the simple registration, it will allow you to choose what kind of trip you're planning and it will generate a checklist for you.

It will start with In Advance. That section lists things like making sure your passport is up to date, arranging care for your pets and getting a house sitter.

Next, scroll down into 2 Weeks Before, 1 Week Before, 1 Day Before, Night Before and As You Leave. Each is a planning guide for that time period. I found the Night Before and 1 Day Before to be particularly handy.

You'll notice that some of the items have Notes next to their checkbox. If you mouse over those, it will give you a tip as to why it's important or a link to something related to it. You'll also notice some of them have Handy Links next to their checkbox. Those will take you to links pertaining to that item.

Check the items you would like to print out. Anything with a check will be added to the printed page.

Next is the Packing list! It works very much the same way as the Planning Ahead section, but it also has lists of what you need to pack. The sections are: Documents, Electrical, Literature/Amusement, Cosmetics/Medication, For Baby, Pet Stuff, Clothing Female, Clothing Male and Other Items. Again, check the boxes for things you want to add to the Print List section.

Now, head on over to the Extras List. Here you will find an area where you can type in things that weren't on the pre-made lists. Also, make sure your email address is correct so that your reminders will come to the right place.

You have now gone through the whole registration and setup process! You should receive a link on the next page to go to the Print List in the Members Area. It's that easy!

Click this link to visit http://www.dontforgetyourtoothbrush.com.