Plan Ahead
Have you ever gone on a trip and realized at your destination that you left out a few key things in your packing? No doubt you moved into scavenger-hunt mode, adding to the stress of travel. Good travel planning begins with a list. Frequent travelers make a list and keep it,(tape it to the inside of the medicine chest or closet door) refining it with each trip they take. Constant travelers often keep a bag of duplicate essential items packed and ready to go at a moment's notice.
 Click here for examples of packing lists for men, women and kids.
Once you've made your list, lay out all the things you plan to take. Then, SIMPLIFY.
Build your travel wardrobe around a few key colors (usually dark).
Think in terms of outfits made of interchangeable pieces, so you can swap components around for a fresh look for each event on your travel calendar without carrying whole outfits for each.
Accessories (ties, vests, scarves, jewelry) can change the look of something dramatically, and they're usually small and easy to pack.
If you're traveling on business, forego taking unnecessary things like shampoo, hair dryer, and other items that hotels supply on a standard basis. If you're traveling to more remote areas, bring along travel sizes of your toiletries instead of full-sized bottles/containers.
It's In the Bag
Remember the goal is not to see how much you can bring, but how little you really need! Can you move down to a smaller suitcase? Even get it all into something that can be carried on?
Click here for an excellent site on being a totally carry-on traveler.
Technique Is Vital
If you pack like you're loading a dresser drawer, you're going to end up with wrinkled clothes. Wrinkles occur whenever a fabric is creased into a hard edge -- so the goal is to fold clothes as softly as possible.
Roll clothes instead of folding them.
Open your suitcase all the way out, and lay your clothes in it, starting with those that will wrinkle worst. Put each layer of clothes perpendicular to the layer below it, with all the clothes just DRAPED across the suitcase. Make a bundle of the non-clothes items you're taking and place it in the middle of the clothes you have laid across the bag. Then begin to wrap the layers around the bundle one layer at a time. When you are done, you'll have a bundle that can be tied down in your suitcase and should resist wrinkling to some extent.
Carry along extra light-weight plastic hangers, since often there aren't enough (or any!) at your destination.
Include different sizes of zip-top plastic bags in your luggage for containing items that might spill, or damp clothes that have to be packed before drying. Also, for shoes to keep soil from your clothes.
Practical Tips for Today's World
Security checks are much more stringent these days than they were a year ago. Be prepared to comply with these rules:
You WILL be limited to two carry-ons -- a bag, and a purse or laptop bag/briefcase.
Wear slip-on shoes (you may be required to remove them for security checks frequently.)
Be ready to turn on all electronic devices if asked.
Expect delays and build time into your itinerary to accommodate it. They won't hold planes or rush you aboard if you are late. You'll be put on the next available flight.
Check your airline's website for further security tips.
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