• Give some thought to the specific needs of your vacation location: a beach vacation has a different set of requirements than a getaway in the mountains. The web is full of ideas for what to take to different places (like our check list for Hawaii). We also recommend that you check out the weather in advance so your clothing choices will be appropriate.
  
• Plan your outfits for each day of the trip and keep the bottom half of your wardrobe (pants, shorts, skirts) very basic. You can mix in different tops to create new outfits. Stick with a just a few coordinating colors so that you won't need to pack extra shoes or accessories.
  
• Keep in mind that many hotels offer a variety of amenities (like shampoo/conditioner/body lotion, hairdryers, robes and beach towels) that you won't need to bring from home. Check with your hotel before you leave to see what items they offer in each room and what can be provided upon request.
  
• Consider wearing your bulkiest pair of shoes and sweater or other outerwear onto the airplane to save space in your suitcase.
  
• Add an extra bag (something light and easy to roll up in your existing bag) if you like to shop - no need to have the extra baggage both ways.

How to Pack

• Lay everything you intend to take with you out on your bed to make sure that you have everything you need (and nothing you don't need) before you start to fill your suitcase.
  
• Use every possible inch of space by stuffing shoes with socks, undergarments, and other small items. Use shoe bags to keep the rest of your clothes neat and clean. Pack your shoes at the bottom of your bag so their weight won't damage the rest of your belongings.
  
• According to TSA guidelines, liquids, gels and aerosols that you want to carry on the plane must be in three-ounce or smaller containers and in a one-quart, zip-top bag.
  
• Use a clothing compression system to make the most of the space in your suitcase. You'll also find that clothes in these special bags arrive with fewer wrinkles since there is less of the friction between items that is the cause of wrinkling.
  
• Don't wrap the gifts you are bringing to friends and family before your trip since TSA agents may unwrap them at the security checkpoint. Instead, wrap presents after you arrive or pack them in a gift bag.
  
• Use bright luggage or luggage tags to help you identify your bags easily, especially if you'll be checking luggage.

Special Packing Tips for Kids

• If you are traveling with children, the usual advice about packing as little as possible doesn't apply: you'll need plenty of activities for travel time. Take along an assortment of toys, crayons, books, snacks and a bottle of water for each child. It can be helpful to bring new toys – the novelty may keep your youngsters entertained for longer periods of times. Remember to be consider of you fellow travellers and pack only quiet toys if you're traveling by airplane.
  
• Pack more food, diapers, etc. than you think you'll possibly need, in case you encounter long delays.
  
• Prepare a small first aid kit with the basics (bandages, pain reliever, stomach medicine, first aid ointment, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, stain removal pen) and a travel-sized sewing kit. You'll be glad you did. Keep it with you on the plane.
  
• If your children are old enough to walk, let each child be responsible for a backpack filled with on-board activities and a rolling carry-on (sized appropriately) with clothes and other items.