1st shoes are stacked together at what will become the bottom of the suitcase when it's upright. And stuffed w/socks, belts, jewelry.
2nd we divide our clothes in half. He gives me his half and I give him my half. If one suitcase is lost, we atleast have some clothes for both us in one.
3rd clothes are laid flat on bed, stacked one by one on each other. When done, the entire stack is put into the suitcase (top of piece laying flat), then folded back/forth as needed to fit. Any sleeves are tucked down the sides.
4th we buy travel size sundries but do not repack them for the return trip. Just throw them away. Makes the luggage lighter or more room for souvenirs.

Posted By Sharon on May 26, 2010, 2:46 PM

Pack socks in shoes then place in plastic bread bags that have been cleaned. Shoes in bottom of suitcase with underwear around to fill in leaving flat surface. Next folded so you have 2 rows are tshirts and shorts. then pants and jackets on top. this way you have less items that need ironing. If folded in half and placed correctly you can get 2 weeks of clothing in a small suitcase with room for travel size toiletries bag.

Posted By Shelia Rains on May 27, 2010, 1:57 PM

A personal "universal what to pack list" is a must. I have one which I developed over numerous trips. If you don't have a travel pack list, start one. Once you have it you'll never forget essentials and will also start eliminating non-essentials. If possible, buy most of your toiletries on the road. Consider destination weather, customs, what you are going to be doing on the trip, and weight of what you are taking when packing. Always consider how much you will have to carry on your own along with the cost of heavy baggage. This will always determine the kind of clothes to pack. Shorts vs. long trousers. Summer weights vs. wools etc. Golf type short sleeved shirts vs. long sleeved shirts. Will you need a sports coat or a suit? Always wear comfortable shoes. Can you use the comfortable shoes with more formal wear if needed?

Wash and wear or no-iron clothes are always best. Mix and match styles also work to cut down having to take multiple sets of clothing. Consider classic clothes. Avoid trendy clothes and consider buying some clothing items during your trip. It adds to your experience and will also allow you to bring home a practical souvenier of your travel experience. Each trip is unique. Each one of us are unique. Pack accordingly and learn. Your travel will be more enjoyable if you travel lighter and spend less time dragging around excess baggage. Travel like a professional traveler.

Posted By Jack Sulsona on June 10, 2010, 2:40 PM

I found out the hard way that it is best to pack ALL of your clothes in plastic bags. My bag was place on a luggage seat under a light fixture which leaked. There was a rainstsorm and everything in my suitcase not packed in plastic bags was soaked (including my suitcase)! I find that it is much easier to travel if you separate you undies (women's) and put bras in one bag, panaties in another, tee shirts in another. I use the vacuum bags and this saves a lot of space. Put slacks (shirts or blouses) in a large bag, squeexe the air out and they will be be virtually wrinkle-free when you unpack. I have home-made show bags (which I wash frequently), but the bags your newspaper comes in whould make a handy substitute. I always carry an extra one of these in my carry-on or wrap my umbrella in it. Saves having to worry about a wet umbrella. Also, I bought my own "airline" blanket and fold it up tightly and put in one of the newspaper wrappings. I always carry my own washcloth in a zip-lock plastic bag, so an early morning departure doesnt' catch me with a wet cloth.

Before packing, I laya out all the clothes I'm planning to take, mix and match and eliminate about 1/2 of what I had planned to pack. The I type up a list of what goes with what, so I don't have to hunt around for what I had planned to wear.

Posted By Helen Martin on July 3, 2010, 1:18 PM