- Use the Pack-It Folder from Eagle Creek to simplify packing.
I went to Italy for twelve days last fall and used two of these. They worked very well. I put all tops in one and bottoms in the other. They come with a folding board which helps you fold things the same size. I place the board on the bottom of the stack of clothes before closing the pack. When you arrive, you can just pick up the stack of clothes (they are still folded) and put them in a drawer.
- Pack wrinkle-free clothes.
I packed wrinkle-free clothes (lots of suggestions for good sources on this site) and had no wrinkles.
- Pack neutral colors.
You’ll need a few scarves and some jewelry to add a little interest.
Share your own packing tips below!
More packing and travel tips from Vibrant Nation members:
Great wrinkle-free travel clothing
5 must-have travel clothes and accessories
3 packing secrets for frequent travelers
5 packing tips for your road trip
I use Packing Cubes from EBags. They are cheaper than the Eagle Creek and if you are a AAA member you get a discount. My husband and I both use them. I have 6 medium and 6 small. We use in our day bags also. They really help in your carry ons when the security folks pick your bag to search. They just take the packing cubes out instead of rummaging through your things. When you get to your destination, just put your packing cubes in the dresser and wah lah you are unpacked. Check them out at http://www.ebags.com/ebags/packing_cubes_3pc_set/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=13032
Thanks travelbug-I’ll definitely check these out!
If you are taking an extended trip you won’t have to worry about washing out your undies as often if you take pantyliners with you. On Day 1 wear a pantyliner in your clean panty, then remove it and wear the plain panty on Day 2. So every pair can be worn twice.
If you can make your clothes do double duty it is great to travel light. Haralee.Com pajamas can double as work-out wear.
I was an international flight attendant for ten years, one of the cheapest ways I kept my clothes from wrinkling was to pack them in their dry cleaning bags, and hang them in the bathroom when I took a shower. This still works if you are taking a car trip. Good luggage companies sometimes have wonderful wrinkle free jackets.
What has made my packing and unpacking easy for me is to leave all my hanging clothes on hangers (the skinnier the better). When ready to go, after putting the shoes etc on the bottom of the bag, I lay the hanging clothes flat on the bed and simply roll them into a largish roll starting from the hangers end. Pick up the roll and place it in the bag. When I get to where I’m going, I remove the roll from my bag and simply unroll it and hang it (the clothes already on hangers) in the closet. Somehow I don’t feel as if I spend as much time packing and unpacking, and, the best part is having a hanger for everything.
What has made my packing and unpacking easy for me is to leave all my hanging clothes on hangers (the skinnier the better). When ready to go, after putting the shoes etc on the bottom of the bag, I lay the hanging clothes flat on the bed and simply roll them into a largish roll starting from the hangers end. Pick up the roll and place it in the bag. When I get to where I’m going, I remove the roll from my bag and simply unroll it and hang it (the clothes already on hangers) in the closet. Somehow I don’t feel as if I spend as much time packing and unpacking, and, the best part is having a hanger for everything.
I recently attended a packing seminar at a local luggage store. Best hint was to use the Eagle Creek packing folder for 1 day’s clothing in your carry on bag. Then you have 2 outfits to wear if your check-in bag is lost. (I add panties I bought at the store that wash & dry in minutes to this pack) I also put a pair of walking shoes in this bag. This tip could have saved me when the airline misplaced my bag the last time. I recently bought compression socks after my feet swelled up so much on a flight that I couldn’t get my shoes back on!
I also created an on-board “spruce up” kit to take to the bathroom with me. It’s a slender, opague, zipped bag. It contains: towelettes for a quick clean up for your face (or any where else), a small roll of toilet paper, several seat covers, a toothbrush & toothpaste. This way I can do a quick clean up in the bathroom when people are waiting in line. I also include ear plugs, and an eye mask to have in easy reach. I carry my own pillow & blanket for long trips. I don’t want to pay for them and who knows when they were last cleaned.
Another hint from the packing seminar. Use disinfecting towelettes to clean your tray table and hand rests. I also carry an old “tea towel” for my head rest. (Think of how many heads have rested there before you!)
I have been traveling to Europe at least once a year for the past 10 years & have developed a lot of hints, but I learned a lot from this seminar. If you are in Orange County, CA find Rooten’s Luggage & go to a seminar.
I have been thinking that compression sox are a good idea. Did you buy the sox or the pantyhose? Thanks,
I go back and forth on using things like packing cubes – don’t want to add any extra weight if at all possible given the increasing weight restrictions. I have Victorinox luggage which I love as even the carry on has a place to pack clothes on hangars. I put the main pieces of clothes I need for each day/event on a separate hangar and use the cavity of of the suitcase for my (huge) cosmetic case, shoes, etc. etc.
Having said that, when my son went on a trip with his duffle bag, the use of packing cubes was a great help since there are no compartments/hangars etc. in a duffle.
Imaprettywoman has some Great Tips!! Love the towel and also take a good pair of Comfortable Shoes with my Goodnighties pajamas. Comfortable no matter what the temp. can be washed in a sink dries in 45 min. and can be packed in a ziplock and come out practically wrinkle free. Keep a set in my suitcase at all times.