A few weeks ago I took an airline trip to visit family. My goal from
the outset was to get everything I needed for six days in a carry-on suitcase. I chose a
coordinating color scheme (browns and beiges) so I could wear slacks and shorts more than once
with a different top for each day. I wore my walking shoes and packed a second smaller pair
of shoes in the suitcase.
I purchased travel size toiletries and placed all liquids and gels
in a quart size ziplock bag and made sure I could quickly access this bag when I went through
security. I rolled all my clothes instead of folding, carried my jacket and forewarned my
sister that I was not packing any "just in case" items so I might have to borrow something.
And except for the raincoat she loaned me when she made me take a walk in the rain, I didn't
borrow anything and I used everything I brought.
Pack women's shoes inside men's shoes
Place small items inside shoes (socks, travel clocks, shaver, etc.)
Use zip lock bag for liquids/creams to keep leaking items from damaging other belongings Tip: Any liquids, gels or creams brought onboard the aircraft must meet TSA requirements including the size of each container and the size of the storage zip lock bag
Use zip lock bags for beach or sports shoes to keep other belongings clean
Limit shoes to one you wear and one in your suitcase (it sounds harder than it actually is)
Use color coded cubes or zip lock bags with names for family member personal items
Ship items to your destination or back home if less expensive than airline charges
Choose one or a coordinated color for your wardrobe to reduce the number of shoes, slacks and accessories needed
Roll clothes (2 or 3 together) instead of fold; more will fit in your suitcase and as a bonus clothes have less wrinkles
Pack heavy items so they will be at the bottom of the suitcase when it is stood upright
Use travel size toiletries to save space
Use carry-on bag for items you can't live without if your suitcase is delayed (prescriptions, one change of clothes, non-liquid toiletries)
Wear heaviest clothes and shoes on the plane; hand carry a coat
Place clothes in recycled dry cleaning bags or plastic bags to reduce wrinkles and keep clothing clean (can then be used as the "dirty clothes bag")
Call the place you're staying and ask what products are supplied (hair dryer, shampoos, bathrobe, etc.); don't bring these items
If the place you're staying has washing facilities, pack less and wash a load of clothes
Make a list and think lean (coordinate several shirts with one pair of pants); avoid just-in-case items
Check the weather for your location and bring appropriate clothes only
Use zip lock bags to store liquids and creams
Pack a light-weight, collapsible bag to bring home purchases from your trip
Consider placing clothing in a space saver or compressor bag, especially for bulky items
