Avoid packing pitfalls by only bringing items that have an 80% minimum chance of being used—but be sure to plan before you pack. Lay out everything that you think you want to pack on your bed and take a good hard look. That way you can avoid packing, say, three floral tops when you only need one.
Choosing thin clothing that packs flat over thicker, more bulky items makes a huge difference in how much you can fit in your suitcase. Instead of packing a heavy sweater and jeans, try more travel-friendly options, such as Patagonia's Inter-Continental Pants and micro fleece pullover.
Can’t bear to part with that lucky ski sweater or full-length overcoat during the trip? When traveling with bulky clothing items is unavoidable, make it a rule to wear the most room-eating garments on the plane. After all, who can’t use a little extra protection from the blasting on-flight air conditioning?
The secret to looking great once you disembark has as much to do with the type of clothing you pack as with how much shut-eye you get on the plane. Your best bet? Choose wrinkle-resistant fabrics that dry quickly, such as washable silk, nylon and micro-fibers. Cotton is generally less forgiving, as it wrinkles easily and takes longer to dry—especially denim.
The key to packing light is selecting versatile and interchangeable pieces.Chooses your clothes by focusing on one basic color, such as black, white, brown or khaki, then adds variety with additional tops and accessories that have more color and personality. This approach allows you to pare down the number of garments you need while making it easy to change up your look with creative mixing and matching.
Increase your packing options with expandable or convertible luggage. In the event that your added gifts and souvenirs leave you facing hefty overweight charges (Think $30 and up) at the check-in counter, you can simply unzip the gear bag from the bin and check in two separate bags.
Spice up a basic outfit with compact accessories, such as belts, jewelry and scarves. These suitcase space-savers add instant color and can easily take an outfit from day to night.
One easy way to gain more luggage space? Reduce the number of shoes you bring along. Pack only one pair of flats and one pair of heels for every trip. When packing, place shoes toe-to-heel in the bottom of your luggage along the edge, and make the most of the empty spaces inside your footwear by filling them with fragile items wrapped in socks.
For ease of travel, choose sturdy, lightweight luggage that’s easy to maneuver and has built-in compartments and collapsible shelves for easy packing.
Space-saving compression bags let you pack up to double the amount of gear—no jumping, sitting or lying on suitcase required! These oversize plastic bags are equipped with one-way pressure valves along one edge that release excess air and keep it out. Compression bags work best for bulky items, such as sweaters, coats, down jackets, pillows, beach towels and even wet garments.
Choosing lightweight suitcases not only makes it easier for you to get about, it also often gives you more space to pack. If you’re planning on doing lots of shopping during your trip, pack an extra travel tote or daypack that folds flat in your luggage—it can even double as a place to carry essentials on day outings and bring back your travel treasures on the flight back.