How to Pack for Your Vacation

Before I put anything in my suitcase, I lay everything out on my bed. I count the days I will be away from home and I lay out my clothes. One full outfit per day and an extra set of underclothes. Then I cut back.

This is the most important phase of packing light. Cutting back on the outfits drastically reduces the weight and bulk of your luggage.

I examine the outfits closely. For a 7 day trip, I normally take 2 pairs of jeans and 1 pair of black slacks. My plan is to alternate them and wear each pair at least twice. Unless you spill something on your clothes, no one else will be the wiser. If someone should inquire, simply say "Oh, these are so comfortable, I bought several pairs while I could still get them."

Then I look at the blouses. I want them to be light weight. I rarely, if ever, take a sweater if I am taking a coat.

A few years back, when we were going to London, I purchased a Northface coat with a zip out light weight jacket. Perfect for changing weather, even rain.

I take one dress, one extra pair of shoes and one set of pajamas. Because I tend to get cold easily, I also carry thin thermal underwear.

The one area where I do not cut back is on my underclothes, including socks. I require a clean, fresh pair per day, so move over blouses, the undies rule!

Obviously, I am not "requiring" you to pack the same clothes that I would for a long trip, but I have told you what I take so you can use it as a guide. You may prefer skirts, all dress slacks or all jeans. The important thing is to take clothes that can be worn multiple times in a week without showing wear.

The Women's Kira Triclimate Jacket by The North Face. Streamlined and functional. A versatile three-in-one design with a waterproof, breathable exterior and a removable, button-out insulated liner.

Chest zip pocket
Handwarmer zip pockets
Adjustable EZD-tach hood
Zip-in compatible
Triclimate
Hook-and-loop adjustable cuffs
Internal media security pocket

With all of the new TSA requirements, most manufacturers are doing their part to help you out and line their pockets at the same time. Lets face it, Secret doesn't want to lose a customer because you had to take the trial size antiperspirant that came in the mail and you liked it.

Even before TSA, I was using the small refillable travel bottles for my shampoo and conditioner. I would still recommend saving all of your little bottles and refilling them. Sometimes the small travel size is almost as expensive as the regular size.

I also plan ahead. When Crest offers a free small tube of toothpaste with a regular size tube, I grab it. Occasionally, Secret will offer a small size free with the purchase of a regular size and I grab two of those. Same thing with Scope.

An Extremely Important Tip: Buy a new toothbrush and do not open it until you reach your destination. We had a very thorough TSA inspector check our toothbrush by running his thumb across the bristles of the brush! Yuck!

TSA 3-1-1 for Carry Ons

Tooth Paste

Mouthwash

Antiperspirant

Contact Lens Supplies

Medicine

Shampoo

Any Liquid Make up, etc.

When I travel, I do not carry seven shades of eyeshadow and ten tubes of lipstick. I carry two shades of eyeshadow and 1 lipstick.

I fill a travel size bottle with eye makeup remover and a travel size bottle with face cleanser.

I also carry a travel size bottle of hair spritz.

I purchased travel hair rollers and a small fold down hair dryer.


L'Oreal Wear Infinite Duos Eye Shadow

I only wear my wedding ring when I travel. Diamonds may be a girls best friend, but they are also a thief's first target.

I do carry a nice Rhinestone necklace and earring set for the evenings. We enjoy taking the dinner cruises and I like to wear a little more jewelry then, but whatever I take on a trip, I recognize that it may not make it home, so I choose something expendable.

Keep in mind, even through you may not meet the thief face to face, they still may have access to your luggage at just about every point of your travel. DO NOT leave valuables in the hotel room.

It really is best to just leave your valuables at home.

Image Shown: Elegant Moments Rhinestone drop necklace

Purses are a huge target for thieves, are easily lost or left behind and are simply a extra weight to lug around everywhere you go.

Again, reduction is key, Use your pants pockets, coat pockets, socks, or even a fanny pack, but take as little as possible. I have noticed a lot of tourist carry back packs when they travel with children. I suspect that is a wonderful alternative to the diaper bag or mother's purse.

If you are traveling to another country, Change your Currency before you leave. The last thing you want to do is to arrive in another country without any of their currency.

Keep Copies of Passports separate from the bag containing your passports, like your pants or coat pocket.

Passport

Airline Tickets

A Book to Read

Cell Phone

Drivers License

Credit Cards

Advil/Medicines

Small Travel Pack of Kleenex

Glasses

Sunglasses

Gloves

Camera

Camera Cards & Batteries

Make Up

Hair Brush

Umbrella (Small pocket size)

Band aids

Shout Wipes

Unopened Toothbrush

Bag of Toiletries

Emergency Change of "undies" in case you arrive at your destination without your luggage.

Emergency Phone Numbers (These are probably already stored in your cell phone, but I take a hard copy in case my cell phone dies)

Since you never know what you will encounter when traveling, I always carry my Advil, a few band aids and shout wipes, so those nasty stains don't set in.

Swimsuit

Slacks/Shorts

Shirts/Blouses - Short & Long Sleeves

One Dress

Pajamas

Jacket/Coat

Extra pair of Shoes

Underwear

Socks

Make-up remover & Cleansers

Travel Hair Curlers

Hair Spray

Disposable Razors & Shaving gel

Scrunches/Barrettes

Compact Blow Dryer

Outlet Converters

Shampoo

Conditioner

Small Shoulder Bag

Band aids

Small Bottle of Peroxide (I use a refillable Travel Bottle with a screw on cap and label it with a Permanent Marker)

Moderated by Sylvestermouse
Updated: 3/3/12